HOT 5 - 4/30/23
Dear Hot Friends,
Happy almost Mother's Day! I can say unequivocally that being a mom has been my life's single most fulfilling achievement. My husband and I feel so lucky to be physically and emotionally close to our son. He remains at the center of our universe, now more than ever with his wife and young children in the picture too. Mother's Day means a lot to me and it's just 2 weeks away so of course I'm going to dedicate this week's HOT 5 to helping you come up with the best gifts ever for all the moms in your life! You'll also have plenty of time to order and receive your choices. So whether you're looking for something for your mom, a new mom, or the seasoned grandma of many, we've got you.
This week's Hot 5:
1. What's New On HOT For Mom
2. Vintage Is Always a Great Gift!
3. Unique Gifts For Moms
4. The Hot Pick - New Spring Fragrances
5. Tiffany's is Back In The Landmark!
1. What's New On HOT For Mom
Right in time, we have lots of brand-new merchandise on the site that will make perfect Mother's Day gifts! We've just added some fabulous bright new earrings for moms who love color, some super soft gorgeous scarves that allow you to give back while you're gifting, some pretty astrology pendant necklaces, and much more. Take a look.
New Lalela Scarves - What mom wouldn't love these large gorgeous scarves in a super soft mix of silk and cotton? Remember your purchase gives back by providing arts education for kids in South Africa!
To commemorate Youth Day, the Lalela Leadership Learners conceptualized a mural that celebrates and validates all South African languages. They photographed themselves representing the beautifully diverse South African youth and created silhouettes of their heads which were juxtaposed with uniquely South African words and phrases that they use in their everyday lives.
65% Cotton, 35% Silk, 39 in. x 78 in.
This artwork was inspired by a curriculum where Lalela learners studied artist, Yayoi Kusama. Through learning color theory as well as studying shape and form, Shaun, Elton, Joan and Ethel from the townships of Hout Bay, created this magnificent piece of art.
65% Cotton, 35% Silk, 39 in. x 78 in.
This artwork was created in the first few years of the Lalela programs by Syolisi, who was then a young student. He went on to study graphic design and returned to run the program at Masiphumele for numerous years. Today, Syolisi is teaching at Zeitz Mocca. He is a talented artist and photographer in his own right.
65% Cotton, 35% Silk, 39 in. x 78 in.
Super Wearable And Colorful Earrings - Have you noticed how colorful jewelry especially in bright stones and enamel seems to be really having a moment? These pieces new to HOT will make a truly delightful gift.
What's Her Sign? Ok everyone knows I'm a complete sucker for astrology-themed products but I'm willing to bet plenty of moms out there are too. Won't she love one of these delicate pretty zodiac pendants in her sign?
This beautiful hammered gold necklace displays an image of the bull for the zodiac sign Taurus (those born from Apr. 20 to May 20). The 14K gold-plated brass zodiac token has inlaid cubic zirconia stones. The coin diameter is 18 mm and is a little smaller than a dime. The Hamilton gold-plated cable chain with lobster clasp is 8 1'/2” long.
This beautiful hammered gold necklace displays an image of the twins for the zodiac sign Gemini (those born from May 21 to June 21). The 14K gold-plated brass zodiac token has inlaid cubic zirconia stones. The coin diameter is 18 mm and is a little smaller than a dime. The Hamilton gold-plated cable chain with lobster clasp is 8 1/2” long.
This beautiful hammered gold necklace displays an image of the crab for the zodiac sign Cancer (those born from June 22 to July 22). The 14K gold-plated brass zodiac token has inlaid cubic zirconia stones. The coin diameter is 18 mm and is a little smaller than a dime. The Hamilton gold-plated cable chain with lobster clasp is 8 1/2” long.
Handy Well-designed Clutches
You can never have too many of these immensely practical little bags. Used for holding makeup, trip packing, or as a dressed-up clutch for the evening, they're the workhorses of the bag category.
This chic and very Gucci-esque wallet is a hard worker. It has multiple credit card compartments, a zippered section for change and it can even fit your iphone!
Dimensions are 7 1/2” x 4” x 1” deep.
2. Vintage Is Always a Great Gift!
I'm sure a lot of moms out there would appreciate a gift that ticks the 'sustainable, good for the planet' box! Something from the vintage category does just that and more. For me, the best part about shopping vintage is getting something unique! It's a little more special when it's vintage and doesn't the special mom in your life deserve that? Check out some of the great vintage pieces we have on the site:
Created for the Alexander Korda production of the 1942 movie The Jungle Book this charming silver elephant head has turquoise glass beads held on a ring by the elephant’s trunk. A rare piece in great condition! 3” long.
This gorgeous bracelet in neutral tones of cream, amber, and green is a knockout. Large sterling silver links are all different and feature flowers, filigree and painted glass. the clasp is made of sweet silver flowers. This is very special and really pretty! Fits a small to medium wrist. 7 1/2” long.
There’s something so cool about these hoops from the 70s! Lightweight dark wood hoops are held by a chic little bead of pavé rhinestones. Très chic!
This spectacular vintage belt buckle was created by prolific clothing designer Mary McFadden. It’s a carved circular brass buckle that’s been enameled in bright green. It’s been designed for a narrow belt less than 1” wide. Unfortunately it’s not signed but it’s a beauty! 4” in diameter.
A striking and chic resin ring in modern gray, black and white stripes from jewelry designer to the stars Alexis Bittar. In great condition, size 7.
3. Unique Gifts For Moms
I spent a little time going through tons of Mother's Day gift emails to find some really unique gifts that will stand out from the usual flowers, candles, and chocolate lineup.
Jones Road Miracle Balm by Bobbi Brown $38
Planter's Choice Window Herb Garden Amazon $27.99
Santa Maria Novella Melograno in Scented Terracotta $75
Silk Hair turban from Slip at Nordstrom $85
A Master Class Membership from $15 per mo.
Hugget Stress relieving knot pillow $79
4. The Hot Pick - New Spring Fragrances
Here are 5 interesting new fragrances that have caught my eye (and nose!) this spring. Any of these would make a really special gift for the moms whose fragrance tastes you understand. If you nail it, she'll appreciate how cutting-edge and in-the-know you are!
Hermès Un Jardin A Cythere - I'm a huge fan of Hermés fragrances because they're beautiful AND they have a great price point. This one is described as bringing the sun and has notes of grass and olivewood. $113
Kayali Yum Pistachio Gelato 33 - Pistachio is the scent du jour and in addition, this also includes notes of rum, cardamom, and tonka bean. Sounds like a true gourmand delight! $138
Steamed Rainbow by D.S. & Durga - Interestingly the brand wanted to make something that smelled like a rainbow :) The result is this soft, fresh, and weightless fragrance with notes of red mandarin, indigo grass, and violet. $190
Ourside Dusk Perfume - This scent is crafted in small batches in the Bronx by the Black-owned brand Ourside and has notes of juicy berries, fig, musk, amber, and frankincense. Sounds delicious! $196
Ellis Brooklyn Florist - Clean fragrance house Ellis Brooklyn has created this fresh floral with notes of tuberose petals, golden gardenia, and honeysuckle. $108
5. Tiffany's is Back In The Landmark!
Yesterday the newly renovated Tiffany's Landmark re-opened after more than 3 years in a temporary space and of course, I had to see it. I'd read so much about the renovation and the person in charge of it - the young scion of the world's richest man Henri Arnault of LVMH. Just 30 years old, Alexandre Arnault worked with the CEO Anthony Ledru and the world-famous architect Peter Marino to infuse the renovation with lightheartedness, surprise, and delight. There are over 40 major artworks throughout the store which I found amazing to see, including that incredible Tiffany turquoise blue Basquiat used in the Jay Z and Beyonce advertisements. Monsieur Arnault stated that everyone has a Tiffany story and that's certainly true for me too. In 1988 I stuffed a Vogue advertisement for the new Tiffany Tesoro watch into my husband's briefcase which he was taking on a quick business trip from Paris to New York. And reader guess what? He returned to Paris with the watch in that magical blue box and I haven't taken it off in 35 years! In that time I've acquired a few more pieces from Tiffany's that I love and believe me I saw many on opening day that I'm still dreaming about. The new Tiffany's Landmark is definitely worth a trip
Terry xoxo