HOT 5 - 3/20/23
Dear Hot Friends,
The vernal equinox (spring!) happens today at 5:24 PM and for me, it's not a moment too soon! And like the woman in the cartoon above, I too could keep cleaning until next winter! I'm not sure about you but every year around this time I start feeling like my apartment is closing in on me. Everywhere I look I see a major project just waiting to be tackled. This year I'm particularly challenged by my overstuffed closet full of clothes I didn't wear even though I promised myself I would. It's time for me to adopt that "only 5 new clothing Items a year" plan! See below for more about that. This week's Hot 5:
1. Do We Have Enough Clothes - Part 2
2. Hot Pick - Denim Skirts
3. Hot Shops COS
4. New Spring Beauty Obsessions
5. A Riot of Rhinestones!
Terry’s cluttered closet!
1. Do We Have Enough Clothes - Part 2
In the last Hot 5, I talked about a recent study from researchers at Berlin’s Hot Or Cool Institute who found that we should purchase only five new garments a year (!) in order to comply with the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming. After realizing just how few items I actually wore this winter, I think I should really try and adopt this strategy both for my closet and the planet :) To make it a bit more palatable and realistic, however, I'm going to go with 5 new items per season instead of per year. And to further address sustainability, at least 3 of the 5 items will be either vintage or resale. I'm also going to make good use of this list and donate many of the unworn things cluttering up my closet! Here are my 5 choices for this spring:
1. A Classic Raincoat - it's time for a new trench, it's a must-have piece that gets you through all but the coldest and hottest days. This one from Banana Republic is well-priced and has great classic lines.
2. A Perfect Totebag - No matter whether the current It bag is teeny tiny or massive, my favorite and most used handbag is a tote exactly the size of this one from Balenciaga. It's from the fantastic pre-owned bag resource Rebag. I can even trade in one of my designer bags and just pay the difference!
3. Comfortable Flats - I love that these Gucci flats are a cross between a sneaker and a loafer! And who can resist the sweet floral pattern? They're from The Real Real, one of the best resale resources around.
4. A Really Good Belt - This fabulous Judith Leiber vintage belt is also from the Real Real and is just the thing to update all of my jeans and trousers. Love the embellished buckle!
5. A Wear Everywhere, All the Time Dress - I have a couple of dresses from the English brand Antoni & Alison and they are hands down the most complimented dresses that I own! I've always wanted another of these trend-resistant, comfortable dresses which have the coolest photo prints!
2. Hot Pick - Denim Skirts
This spring the long denim skirt is a huge trend. I'm really liking the look and it's a piece I think will work hard in your wardrobe no matter your style type. (Don’t know your style type? Take our quiz). It's as comfortable as a pair of jeans, maybe even more so. It can look a bit more dressed up and paired with a simple top it really looks like you made an effort! Also, this long and lean silhouette is one we're all going to see a lot more of in the coming months. Here are my picks for you:
3. Hot Shops COS
COS is a brand that if you don't know it, you really should. Part of the H&M group, COS is the big sister to & Other Stories. I first encountered the brand in Paris in 2008 and was immediately drawn to its reinvented classics which looked much more expensive than they were. I think this will be a really strong year for the brand given the return to chic minimalism that we saw for Fall 2023 on every catwalk. The brand prides itself on creating collections that last beyond the current season and who doesn't want that these days?
4. New Spring Beauty Obsessions
The much-anticipated arrival of spring makes me want new beauty products almost as much as I want new clothes! It's certainly hard to choose which ones to go with from the hundreds that get launched every quarter. I'm always on the lookout for products that combine skincare with makeup or ones that do an old job in a new way or of course ones that deliver a juicy new color.
Here are a few I have actually bought recently and am really loving:
Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum - This weightless serum that's full of healthy ingredients absorbs instantly giving you skin that's plumped, hydrated, and dewy, what's not to love!
Gucci Melinda Green Nail Polish - This is an interesting shade of nail polish for spring! I love green and Vogue says it's the number one shade for your fingers and toes this spring.
Ilia Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream - To be frank I'm a little obsessed with the dark circles and puffiness around my eyes so I've been using this new product from award-winning beauty company Ilia and now I'm a convert!
YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara - Isn't it great when you discover a new mascara that really works for you? This newest one from YSL Beauty combines intense pigment with a brush that's engineered to get every tiny last lash!
5. A Riot Of Rhinestones!
There's something just so cool about the combination of glitzy rhinestones with casual daywear. Pair evening wear with a big old honking rhinestone necklace and it's a snooze but put that same necklace on a plain white T-shirt with a pair of carpenter jeans and now we're noticing! The sparkle of rhinestones whether in the guise of a pair of big hoops or on a tennis necklace tucked into the collar of a classic white button-down adds just the touch of glamour you need this spring. Here are 6 special rhinestone pieces you can get on Hot now:
Happy Spring!
Terry xoxo
