HOT 5 - 6/28/24
Dear Hot Friends,
Nelly had it right when he sang...."It's getting HOT in here, (so hot) so take off all your clothes!" Or if that doesn't do it for you, perhaps this is more to your liking. I'm writing this on the first full day of summer and we're already 3 days into our first heatwave of 2024! As some of you know, I lived in Singapore for many years during the 90s and feel I know something about dressing for HOT weather. Singapore is on the equator and has an average daily temperature of 88 degrees with a mind-numbing humidity of around 85%. After living in that extreme heat I've always thought of myself as impervious to high temps but lately, even I feel challenged by our new weather reality. This week's Hot 5 will provide you with some ideas for dressing with style for the stifling temperatures we will face this summer.
This week's Hot 5:
1. Summer Fashion Fun!
2. How To Look Cool When It's Hot!
3. HOT Shops Ray Griffiths Fine Jewelry
4. Hot Pick - Shirtdresses
5. Giants: Art From The Dean Collection Of Swizz Beatz And Alicia Keys
1. Summer Fashion Fun!
Summer is here! It's that time of the year when even if you're usually a classic or minimal style type, (go here if you don't know your style type!) you're more apt to go with a bit more color, pattern, and personality than usual. Summer dressing should have an element of lightheartedness and fun. It's the perfect season to add a little something different to your look. A combination of lighter materials, versatile options, minimal layering, comfort, fun accessories, and a lively social calendar makes summer dressing effortless, enjoyable, and a true expression of personal style. The summer season brings interest in traditional themes we've loved for decades ie; nautical fashion, whimsical fun jewelry, pieces inspired by far-flung tropical locales, and of course ways to beat the heat.
Check out what we have on Hot from these categories:
She sells seashells by the seashore -- shells and other flora and fauna from the sea always make sense for summer.
Two cute summer necklaces for the price of one! Cowrie shells, tiny white beads, and gold accents make up these 2 necklaces meant to be layered for a sweet summery look! 12” and 7” long.
This iconic necklace from Giles and Brother, known for stunning artisanal, handcrafted metalwork, is pre-owned and was barely worn. Made of sterling silver with 3 different style anchors, it’s a forever piece you’ll never want to take off! 11” drop.
Beautiful seaside coral resin earrings by renown Italian jewelry designer Angela Caputi. Purchased at her beautiful shop in Florence, these are a stand out for any summer event. 3 1/2” long.
From well-known, charming and whimsical jewelry maker Lunch at the Ritz and just in time for summer, these enamel fish earrings in pretty ocean colors come with colorful crystals dangling from the bottom.
2" long.
Africa Your Time Is Now! Expressive summer dressing calls for African prints, patterns, and jewelry inspired by traditional African fabrics and yes, everyone can rock them!
Brand new to the site is this mini version of Juditha’s brilliant zippered pouches! Each handmade bag in 100% cotton has 2 compartments, is strong and sturdy, and is lined with waterproof camouflage material. Use them as makeup bags, evening clutches, or for a stylish packing assist, the sky’s the limit! 9.5” x 6” x 2”.
This stunning tote, handmade in Cape Town, S.A., is all you need this summer at the beach or anywhere you plan on carrying a lot stylishly! Created with 100% cotton African print fabric, each piece is made with zero waste in mind and measures 17 ½ x 16 × 7 inches.
These stunning rope necklaces are made from quality braided yachting rope and embellished with brightly colored waxed cotton binding. They are inspired by the artwork of the Ndebele, a South African tribe known for painting the walls of their homes with bold and geometric designs. 8.5” in diameter. Pull on over the head.
Just in -- our new collection from African Baroque Textile Jewelry!
When I discovered founder Colleen Brand's stunning creations made with African textiles like shweshwe and wax print mixed with exquisite African beads on Instagram in 2018, I knew I had to offer them to my lovely customers. How lucky I was to actually meet Colleen while on a trip to South Africa soon after that discovery. We spent a wonderful afternoon together in her atelier and I learned all about her unique handmade wearable artwork and her commitment to employing local women enabling them to supplement their income while working from home. This is our 3rd collection and we're so excited to make it available to you!
This beautiful African Moon necklace fits like a choker and fastens with a pretty fabric clasp at the back of the neck. Handcrafted in Cape Town, inspired by Africa, and loved worldwide. Each piece is totally unique and made from African fabrics and beads.
Summer is the time to get playful with jewelry and accessories. Pull out any whimsical piece that makes you smile!
This fun necklace puts an instant smile on your face! Bright beads in every color of the rainbow hold 8 cute charms from flower faces to smiley faces. 8” long.
Stamped inside 1989, these whimsical shoulder dusters from fantasy jewelers Lunch at the Ritz will get you noticed and make you smile!
Summerize Your Wardrobe Basics -- Get creative with clothing. Turn your scarf into a pareo, your bathing suit into a top, and wear your prettiest lingerie out!
This artwork was created by Lenon, a Lalela learner in his final year of school at Silikamva High in Hout Bay. Lenon is an incredibly had working student who has thoroughly enjoyed his time in the Lalela creative community. Not only was he part of the Lalela Leadership Program, but he also played the lead role of Romeo in the Lalela production of Romeo and Juliette. 65% Cotton, 35% Silk, 39 in. x 78 in.
This scarf’s artwork was created by Syamthanda, a 16 year old from the Zeitz MOCAA program which he joined in 8th grade. He dreams of becoming a professional artist and is on his way! 65% Cotton, 35% Silk, 39 in. x 78 in.
2. How To Look Cool When It's Hot!
I usually don't share this advice so early in the season, it's typically a piece needed in what we used to call the dog days of summer, around mid-July. (For example, last year I shared this info at the end of July!) But with global warming at the root of unusual weather patterns, we have to be ready for heatwaves sooner than ever. This article explains what extreme temps do to our brains, yikes! See below for some tried and true tips for beating the heat and dressing with style and for more check this helpful link.
Stick with natural fabrics. Wear cotton, chambray, and lightweight linen and silk. Give a pass to synthetics that don't breathe.
Wear airy fabrics. Get some natural air-conditioning by wearing lace, mesh, eyelet, embroidery, and crochet. These are easy to find too as they're all extremely trendy this summer.
Stay away from clothing that clings. This is the time for billowy shapes that skim the body. Don't tuck anything in -- that extra fabric at your waist is too much when it feels like 100 degrees out!
Wear more skirts and dresses. They allow for air circulation making you cooler than pants or shorts will. Say no to jeans, but if you must wear them consider a pair made of chambray which looks like denim but is much lighter.
Choose light colors like white and pastels. You know that black fibers absorb more heat than lighter shades but If you do choose black, make sure it's sheer and practically weightless.
Wear your most minimal bras and panties. This is the time for your sheerest, laciest undergarments, those made from mesh are best. You decide how much skin to expose.
Keep your hair off your face. Now is the perfect time to experiment with headbands, scarves, headwraps, and turbans, all great options for keeping your hair back, neat and cool.
Lighten up your accessories. Earrings are the best way to add some style to your outfits, especially if you're wearing your hair off your face for extra coolness. Here are some covetable ones to consider.
Give up your shoulder bag. Trade your large bag for a small lightweight bag that fits just the essentials. Use a small backpack, a crossbody, or a fanny pack in a lightweight fabrication like nylon.
It's time for your barest of sandals! You'll feel cooler with shoes that are open like slides, strappy sandals, Birkenstocks, and Tevas.
3. HOT Shops Ray Griffiths Jewelry
Have you heard of Ray Griffiths Jewelry? If not, let me introduce you! Anyone in the market for gorgeous fine jewelry to wear for a lifetime needs to know about Ray. He's one of my dearest friends who I met in 1997 when the setting of my engagement ring broke and a colleague from Elle Singapore introduced us. He had just moved to the US from his home in Australia to open a fine jewelry business in New York City. I discovered that not only was Ray a superb goldsmith and jewelry designer, he was lovely, warm, and personable and I knew the fellow Leo would become a cherished friend. Renowned for his meticulous metal work, profound technical skills, and use of exquisite gemstones, each piece is special and bound to be treasured for years to come. Many of my friends and family are sporting his gorgeous pieces and loving them!
Studio 189 Shirtdress, Bergdorf Goodman
4. Hot Pick - Shirtdresses
A good friend of mine recently shared that she was on the hunt for a great shirtdress to wear all summer long which prompted me to dedicate this week's Hot Pick to that useful wardrobe workhorse. The shirtwaist dress originated in the early 20th century and started as a menswear style shirt for women that was eventually elongated and combined with a skirt. Functional and easy to wear, it was usually made in a crisp fabric with a full skirt and a defined waist. We've seen many variations on the shirtwaist since it became a wardrobe staple. Here are some chic new examples I've chosen for you:
5. Giants: Art From The Dean Collection Of Swizz Beatz And Alicia Keys
I recently had the great pleasure of seeing Giants: The Art From The Dean Collection Of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys at the Brooklyn Museum. I was looking forward to seeing it since it opened in February but reader I wasn't prepared for how mind-blowing it was! The exhibit consisted of 98 world-class works by 37 Black diasporic artists that the Deans have been collecting for more than 20 years. Giants is certainly an apt name for the show, The artists are giants in their field, Alicia and hubby Swizz Beatz (Kasseem Dean) have amassed a giant collection and many of the works are giant in size.
Best of all, the couple champions a philosophy of “artists supporting artists.” See the gallery below for some shots of the collection. The exhibit ends on July 9th. Try and see it if you can!
Terry xoxo
Happy Pride everyone!
