HOT 5 - 9/26/25
Dear HOT Friends,
Your responses to last month’s Hot survey gave me so much to think about. I loved reading your ideas and learning what resonates most with you. One message came through loud and clear: you find real value in the Hot 5 emails—and you’d like them more often. That’s why, beginning with this issue, the Hot 5 will arrive every two weeks. Scouts honor!
If you took the survey, you also received a 30% discount code in your thank-you note. And don’t forget to read to the bottom of this email to see who won the HOT $50 gift card—it just might be you!
What I learned from YOU, dear readers:
Most of you feel that age brings more opportunities when it comes to personal style. A few of you have specific concerns regarding fit and age appropriateness. Several of you don't think about age at all when getting dressed. All of you, however, want relevance without clichés around aging. I can deliver that!
What I plan to provide in the future:
What I heard is that you want more practical, confidence-boosting style tips. You want to know which trends are worth adopting, and how to make them ageless. And most of all, you want to know how to shop your closet better and freshen what you already own. All of you are very interested in seeing examples of full outfits and just how to wear items, too. I'll try to provide all of that! Here we go.
This week's Hot 5:
1. Hot Hack: Update These 5 Items In Your Closet
2. What's Hot: 5 New Things You Need This Fall
3. Obsession Confession: The Pendant Necklace
4. Shopportunuties: Quince
5. One More Thing! Bottomless Closet
1. Hot Hack: Update These Five Items In Your Closet
Most of us already own several versions of these 5 items. In the spirit of "shop your closet," here are 5 ways to zhush up these pieces easily and with lots of style for Fall 2025 and beyond.
A button-down shirt — Why not layer one great button-down shirt over another for a cool take on a classic?
That oversized blazer — Update your oversized blazer or even your fitted one by adding a chic, of-the-moment belt.
The slip-dress — I bet you have a slipdress in your closet that you're considering ditching. Don't! Just toughen it up with a long-sleeved T, a leather jacket, and a pair of booties!
Your silk carré — I know you have one of these workhorses! Why not wrap it around your waist for a trendy yet very wearable way to spice up last year's trousers?
That old sweatshirt — Think that tired sweatshirt is ready for the giveaway pile? Give it new life by popping it over a crisp button-down! Pop the collar and roll the sleeves to add a shot of chic.
2. What's Hot: Five New Things You Need This Fall
Yes, our goal is to always shop our closets first and foremost. But with that said, there can be some much-needed delight in shopping elsewhere for a little something new at the beginning of the season. Here are five new items for this fall that are easy to incorporate into your current wardrobe. Let's look at them through the lens of "Splurge or Steal".
1. A pair of "back-to-school" style loafers
2. A maxi skirt to bring a fresh look to all of your 'fits.
3. A bold cuff bracelet with main character energy
4. A pair of can't-miss 'em socks to spice up your jeans or trousers
5. A charming bag charm to personalize your everyday bag of choice
3. Obsession Confession: The Pendant Necklace
I've always loved pendant necklaces. I remember the first one I wore in Junior High school. I "borrowed" it from my mom. It was a small silver heart locket on a long, thin silver chain, and I paired it with a tiny black poor boy sweater and black and camel plaid mini skirt. You couldn't tell me a thing! This year, pendants of all shapes and lengths are having a moment, and I couldn't be happier. Here are some great vintage ones we have up on the site:
4. Shopportunities: Quince
I've been Quince curious for a few years now. Not a day goes by without seeing glowing words about fashion and housewares from this online retailer known for quality at amazing prices. This might just be the season I crack and order a couple of cool pieces from this tempting retailer, although I have read some concerns about Quince's sustainability claims and transparency that give me pause. Check out some of their stellar pieces for fall '25 pictured above.
5. One More Thing! Bottomless Closet
This last section of the Hot 5 has, up to now, been dedicated to all things cultural. From now on, I'd like to share something a little offbeat or meaningful, something completely random that's on my mind at the time-- anything from a recent book I've read and can't stop thinking about, to an amazing flower arrangement I saw in a friend's apartment. This week, it’s Bottomless Closet — a phenomenal nonprofit where I volunteer, which has been empowering women for 25 years. They provide interview prep and professional clothing to help women feel confident, ace the interview, and land the job. It’s one of the most rewarding things I do! Learn more here — and if you can, consider donating your gently used workwear to support their mission.
Terry xoxo
P.S. The winner of the Hot gift card for completing our September survey is, drum roll, Sherri Payne! Sherri, you can use the gift card at any time. Thanks for your participation.