Get the Look: 30 Perfect Pairs of Party Shoes

Is your New Year’s Eve outfit all squared away. I did the hard part for you, narrowing down your party dress choices from everything on the Interwebs to 75 perfect party dresses. If you missed it, click back because I know you will definitely find one (at least one!) you like.

What? You need shoes too? Must I do everything for you? No, that’s fine; that’s why I’m here. Here are 30 perfect pairs of party shoes from StyleCarrot partners. I went heavy on the glitter, but seriously, when else do you get to pretend your’e a princess? There are a few sexy blood red heels too, as well as cobalt blue, and the prettiest shades of pink pumps.

Dancing, dancing, dancing. I’m a dancing machine. (That’s sung. If you don’t know the tune, you are not a child of the ’70s.) Have fun!

P.S. The purse and jewelry are on you.

Holiday Party Shoes Dressy Heels

1 Hoss Burgundy Velvet Heels, $326 at Anthropologie

2 Jeffrey Campbell Gold Peep Toe Heels at Bloomingdale’s

3 Paola d’Arcano Cobalto Pumps, $398 at Anthropologie

4 Badgley Mischka Nude Peep Toe Pump, $245 at Zappos

5 Kenneth Cole Metallic Cage Pumps, $150 at Bloomingdale’s

6 Burgundy Glitter Pumps, $348 at Anthropologie

7 DVF Black Suede T-Strap Pumps, $262.50 at Saks.

Holiday Party Shoes Dressy Heels

8 Tracy Reese Glitter Heel Pumps, $278 at Anthropologie

9 Ted Baker Sequin Ballet Flats, $100 at Nordstrom

10 Topshop Dark Red Cutaway Bootie, $90 at Nordstrom.

11 Gunmetal and Gold Ankle Tie Pumps, $288 at J.Crew.

12 Paola d’Arcano Gold Pumps, $398 at Anthropologie.  

13 Studded Velvet Chunky Sandal, $450 at Tory Burch

14 Loeffler Randall Wavy Mirror Sandals, $295 at Saks

15 Turquoise Suede & Patent Pump, $248  at M. Gemi

Holiday Party Shoes Dressy Heels

16 Anaconda Printed Lace Up, $425 at Loeffler Randall

17 Dark Red Fringe Pump, $175 at Loeffler Randall

18 Cutout Peep Toe Metallic Heels, $298 at M. Gemi

19 Blush Slingback With Glitter Heel, $994.95 at Zappos.  

20 Pink Suede Pumps, $238 at J.Crew.

21 SJP Pink Satin Bow Pump, $395 at Neiman Marcus

22 Red Ankle Bow Strap Pumps, $328 at Kate Spade.

23 Silver Glitter Kitten Heel Pumps, $138 at Ann Taylor.

24 Via Spiga Platform Glitter Heels $275 at Bloomingdale’s

Holiday Party Shoes Dressy Heels

25 Nicholas Kirkwood Pearl Platform Pumps, $629 at Barneys.

26 Glitter D’Orsay Flats, $158 at J.Crew. 

27 Green Sequin Pumps, $328 at J.Crew.

28 Lauren Lorraine Rhinestone Bootie, $ 149 at Zappos

29 Jimmy Choo Floral Pump, $1,495 at Neiman Marcus

30 Giuseppe Zanotti Blue Mule, $450 at Neiman Marcus

Get the Look: 75 Holiday Party Dresses

Many of you are probably still in the crush of the holiday rush. But since I celebrate Hanukkah, my present giving season is complete. My husband and I celebrate our anniversary on Christmas Eve -a spur of the moment elopement – so there’s opportunity for one more give and get, but the real buying, and by that I mean the buying for the kids, is complete.

That means it’s time to move on to planning the perfect New Year’s Eve outfit. Or you might have some holiday parties to attend. I’ll likely cozy up at home. But if I were planning a rocking New Year’s Eve, I’d start trying on dresses right now. There’s nothing worse than buying a party ensemble under pressure. After all this research I may just make a buy so I have a pretty party dress on hand.

I may have gone overboard—there are 75 party dress picks here from StyleCarrot partners and other sources. Lots of lace happening this season. There’s a turquoise lace dress by DVF; a cobalt lace dress from J.Crew, and a one-shouldered navy lace number fromReiss. (Princess Kate should totally dare to wear that.) Of course there are plenty of metallics. Metallic gold and gunmetal dresses, as well as jacquard (big trend right now, especially at Tory Burch), and a sprinkling of sequins. Plus capes. Channel Gwyneth and try a dress with a cape. The white one from Pixie Market is darling. 01

What would I wear? If I were a tiny bit younger and going dancing, I think #3 is really cute, though I’d probably opt for #33, the pleated midi by Rebecca Taylor or #47, the gold wrap dress. The stripey sequin Marc dress, #16 is adorable, especially paired with those studded clogs. The green knotted Lanvin silk shift (#25) is more my style these days, if I could afford it, along with #38, the modern minimalist black gabardine from Ssense. (Everything from Ssense is fierce. For a more festive feel but still considering comfort, I like #49, a black embellished chiffon shift by Velvet.

I like to order a whole bunch and then decide.

Holiday Party Dresses New Year's Eve Dresses 2015

1 White Cape Dress, $98 at Pixie Market.  

2 DVF Sky Blue Lace Dress, $501 at MyTheresa

3 Sequin Cage Dress, $150 at Bloomingdale’s

4 Aster Flower Dress, $495 at Rebecca Taylor

5 Silence + Noise Lattice Back Dress, $69 at Urban Outfitters

6 Keepsake Lace Bodycon Dress, $170 at Urban Outfitters

Holiday Party Dresses New Year's Eve Dresses 2015

7 Embellished Mini Dress, $898 at Alice + Olivia

8 Double V-Neck Fit & Flare Chambray Dress, $79.95 at Gap.  

9 Jacquard Sleeveless Dress $595 at Tory Burch.  

10 d.RA Blue Hi Lo Dress, $149 at Urban Outfitters

11 Hot Pink Flutter-Sleeve Dress, $128 at Banana Republic

12 Floral Print Silk Dress, $198.50 at Club Monaco

Holiday Party Dresses New Year's Eve Dresses 2015

13 Gold One Shoulder Dress, $300 at Whistles.

14 Lovers + Friends Magenta Cape Dress, $178 at Revolve

15 Bailey 44 Gunmetal Cut-Out Dress, $202 at Revolve

16 Marc by Marc Jacobs Striped Lamé Shift, $498 at Saks.  

17 DKNY Allover Sequin Dress $495 at Shopbop

18 Blush Sequin Dress, $198 at J.Crew.

Holiday Party Dresses New Year's Eve Dresses 2015

19 Red Scalloped Shift Dress, $48.99 at Ruche

20 Lanvin Silk Dress With Tassel Tie, $1,690 at MyTheresa

21 Maison Scotch Tulle Skirt Dress, $329 at Revolve

22 Silver Metallic Sleeveless Dress, $169.99 at ModCloth

23 DVF L Printed Silk Dress, $468 at Saks.

24 Green Floral Drop-Waist Dress, $138 at Banana Republic.

Holiday Party Dresses New Year's Eve Dresses 2015

25 Lanvin Gathered-Front Shift Dress, $1,690 at Barneys

26 Gray Organza Dress, $470 at Whistles

27 Electric Blue Lace Dress, $178 at J.Crew

28 Gray Lace Shift Dress, $148 at Madewell

29 Metallic Brocade Dress, $398 at J.Crew

30 MLV Forest Green Embellished Dress, $350 at Cusp

Holiday Party Dresses New Year's Eve Dresses 2015

31 Halston Heritage Blue Cutout Dress, $267 at Bloomingdale’s

32 Karen Keen Ombre Sequin Dress, $158 at Bloomingdale’s

33 Lurex Pleated Cami Dress, $479  at Rebecca Taylor

34 A.L.C. Montana Dress, $495 at Saks

35 Merlot Velvet Dress, $89.99 at ModCloth

36 Alexis Starlight Print High-Low Dress , $798 at Cusp.  

Holiday Party Dresses New Year's Eve Dresses 2015

37 Asymmetric Lace Dress, $360 at Reiss

38 Enfold Black Wool Gabardine Dress, $865 at Ssense

39 Topshop Unique Crushed Velvet Dress, $435 at Net-a-Porter

40 Self Portrait Maroon Dress, $560 at Shopbop

41 Velvet Studio Dress, $99.90 at Zara.

42 Embellished Blush Shift Dress, $369 at Ted Baker

Holiday Party Dresses New Year's Eve Dresses 2015

43 Ronny Kobo Camo Dress, $336 at Pink Mascara

44 Black & Gold Fitted dSequin Dress, $595 at L.K.Bennett

45 Alice + Olivia Sleeveless Floral Jacquard Dress, $398 at Saks

46 Isabel Marant Chiffon Keyhole Dress, $710 at Net-a-Porter

47 Bec & Bridge Gold Wrap Dress $320 at Urban Outfitters

48 Michael Michael Kors Sequined Tank Dress, $325 at Saks

Holiday Party Dresses New Year's Eve Dresses 2015

49 Velvet Embellished Chiffon Dress, $472 at MyTheresa.  

50 Maje Stripe Fit & Flare Dress, $376 at Bloomingdale’s

51 Geometric Jacquard Dress, $375 at Milly

52 Rag & Bone Silk Shift Dress, $425 at Nordstrom

53 Cheap Monday Illusion Dress, $90 at Need Supply Co. 

54 Bec & Bridge Silver Metallic Dress, $180 at Shopbop

Holiday Party Dresses New Year's Eve Dresses 2015

55 French Connection Black & Blue Lace Dress, $248 at Cusp

56 Black Fringe Dress, $389 at Club Monaco

57 Adeline Rae Fit & Flare Dress, $94 at Nordstrom.  

58 Metallic Dot Dress, $188 at J.Crew

59 Keepsake Black Mini Dress, $199 at Pixie Market

60 Black Graphic Floral Dress, $198.50 at Club Monaco

Holiday Party Dresses New Year's Eve Dresses 2015

61 Floral Print Silk Crepe Dress, $895 at Burberry

62 Elizabeth & James  Red Dress, $365 at Intermix

63 Rachel Zoe Fringe Cocktail Dress, $495 at Neiman Marcus

64 Lela Rose Half-Sleeve Fit-&-Flare Dress, $1,095 at Neiman Marcus.

65 White Sequined Fringe Dress, $34.90 at Forever 21.

66 Pink Dot Pleated Dress, $378 at Kate Spade

67 Sleeveless Sequin Stripe Dress, $598 at Kate Spade

Holiday Party Dresses New Year's Eve Dresses 2015

68 Elizabeth & James Sequin Dress, $465 at Intermix

69 Open Back Fit & Flare Dress, $548 at Kate Spade.  

70 Turquoise Satin Dress, $100 at Topshop

71 Maje Midnight Sequined Crepe Dress, $229.50 at The Outnet

72 Silver Lamé Slip Dress by Boutique. $240 at Topshop

73 Marchesa Notte Strapless Lace Dress, $402.75 at The Outnet.  

74 Red Pleated Strapless Dress, $159.99 at Ann Taylor

75 Black Dolman Sleeve Dress, $775 at 3.1 Phillip Lim.

•            •            •

Get the Look: The Pineapple Fashion Trend

Not to go bananas—I mean pineapples—on you, but playing off my roundup  “Put a Fruit On It” in Sunday’s Boston Globe), followed up by the pineapple centerpiece, I’m offering up 40 examples of pineapple fabulousness from StyleCarrot partners and others that illustrate this season’s pineapple fashion trend.

Inspired by Tory Burch’s pineapple obsession for spring (I’m not sure what’s up with that . . . I couldn’t find any quotes from her about it online), I found so many cute examples of on-trend pineapple-printed pieces, from pineapple handbags and jewelry to pineapple swimsuits and sweaters, I wanted to put them all out there for you. And with its preppy aesthetic, its perfect for New England summers.

I think my favorite pineapple styles from the selection here (many of which are from my partner brands), are the Tory Burch pineapple beach shirt, the Chinti & Parker pineapple intarsia sweater, and the pineapple-embellished espadrille slip-ons by Soludos.  And if I had a daughter I would be very tempted by that glittery pineapple purse from J.Crew.

While the best pineapple may well be served up in tropical cocktails, these pineapple fashions are pretty darn cute. If anyone’s interested in a pineapple decor roundup (minus the gold pineapple finials), I’m happy to oblige.

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S H O P P I N

1 Pineapple Picker Vinyl Tote by Kestrel, $144 at Nordstrom.

2 Ananas Pineapple Studs by Moon and Lola, $38 at Tuckernuck

3 Emma Pineapple Sequined Sweater, $555 at Net-A-Porter

4 Cork Convertible Clutch by Lenore by LaRegale, $43.40 at Kohl’s

5 Pineapple Party Silk Scarf by Echo, $68 at Nordstrom

6 Metallic Pineapple iPhone 5 Case, $15 at Topshop.

7 Lula Pineapple Wedges by Sophia Webster, $410 at Net-A-Porter.

8 Pineapple Clasp Belt, $14/set at Target

9 Pineapple Slide, $195 at Tory Burch.

10 Vivia Woven Clutch by Koku, $175 at Net-A-Porter.  

11 Pina Ring by Vera Xane, $98 at Nasty Gal

12 Pineapple Scarf by Joy Susan, $24 at Casa

13 Pineapple Sweater by Chinti & Parker, $505 at Net-A-Porter

14 Vivian Satchel by Brahmin, $375 at Nordstrom

15 Tashi Pineapple Espadrille, $59 at Lucky Brand

16 Pineapple Stud Earrings by Lee Renee, $98 at Wolf & Badger.

17 Pineapple Print Tunic Shirt by MSGM , $398 at Intermix

18 Printed Pineapple Cotton Skirt, $415 at Net-A-Porter

19 Pineapple Straw Tote, $50 at Topshop.

20 Vivian Jacquard Clutch by Koku Vivia, $175 at Shopbop

21 Pineapple Stud Earrings by BCBGeneration, $14 at Macy’s

22 Global Bazaar Pineapple Dress, $86 at Sperry Top Sider

23 Pineapple Tote by SO, $9.99 at Kohl’s.

24 Pineapple Charm Bangle,  $28 at Alex and Ani.

25 Girls Glitter Pineapple Purse, $49.99 at J.Crew.

26 Pineapple Hearts Graphic Tee, $12.99 at Target

27 Pineapple Stripe Tassel Scarf, $195 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

28 Foil Print Pineapple Swimsuit, $168 at Topshop.

29 Adele Pineapple Sneaker by Sophia Webster, $195 at Nordstrom.

30 Sailcloth Pineapple Clutch, $45 at Sperry Top Sider

31 Mira Pineapple Beach Shirt, $250 at Tory Burch

32 Knotted Pineapple Tote, $350 at Tory Burch

33 Pineapple Box Bag by Skinnydip London, $48 at Nasty Gal

34 Pineapple Crop Top, $29 at Pixie Market

35 Pineapple Boyleg Maillot by Seafolly, $158 at Anthropologie

36 Pineapple Key Fob, $60 at Tory Burch

37 Pineapple Bikini Bottom, $95 top, $95 at Tory Burch

38  Pineapple Bikini Top, $95 at Tory Burch

39 Pineapple Espadrille by Soludos, $65 at Bloomingdale’s

40 Bahamas Pineapple Espadrilles by KAANAS, $99 at Shopbop.  

Just In: Jessica Biales Jewelry Collection Inspired by Matisse Cut-Outs

This isn’t the first time I’ve written about Jessica Biales and it won’t be the last. (Check out Jessica Biales’ signet rings and slice rings, which have been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and the Wall Street Journal and were for a time sold at J.Crew). Jessica is a close friend of mine from college, where she was the most refined, urban girl I had ever met. So many years later and her style hasn’t waned.

Jessica’s latest collection is called “Scissors” and was inspired by the Matisse cut-outs in the exhibit at MoMA that ended earlier this month,  Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs. You can see examples of Matisse’s cut-outs that influenced her new jewelry collection below. As for Matisse, here is a description paraphrased from the MoMA site about the advent of the cut-outs:

Starting in the late 1940s, Henri Matisse turned to paper cut with scissors as his primary medium, which resulted in a new form of art that came to be called a cut-out. Matisse would cut painted sheets into forms of varying shapes and sizes—from the vegetal to the abstract—which he then arranged into lively compositions. 

The Jessica Biales Scissors Collection, inspired by Matisse cut-outs, includes bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces in sterling silver and 18-karat gold.

New York Jewelry Designer Jessica Biales Debuts Matisse Inspired Scissor Collection

 

Get the Look: The Perfect Black Skinny Pants

We’re on our second snow day in a row here today, making this a four-day weekend. Two and a half more days until Florida. In the meantime though, I’m here. Since I don’t work in an office (unless my sofa counts), I don’t actually have to dress particularly professionally that often. When I do, it’s really just about stepping up my casual look, which often consists of the perfect black skinny pants or in more casual situations, a pull-on legging. (Not the workout variety, mind you.)

This fall and winter I’ve been wearing a larger variety of non-perfect and perfect black skinny pants than usual, as a few companies  sent me pieces to try out. Here are my perfect black skinny pants findings (some links lead to StyleCarrot partners).

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1 Pull-On Moto Pant, $99 at A Ruby.
2 The Skinny Black-on-Black Denim, $165 at AYR.
3 Elettra Leggings, $250 at Rag & Bone.

A Ruby is a local Boston area startup led by Avra Myers who believes that less is more and that a wardrobe revolves around five essential basics: a knit pant that works anywhere, a white shirt that can be casual or dressy, a tank that can be layered or worn solo, a fun and flattering graphic tee, and a comfortable, feminine V-neck sweater. Sizing goes from 1-5 and fits sizes 0-18. No muss no fuss. Myers sent me a pair of A Ruby Pull-On Moto Pants, which I’ve been wearing a lot. They’re made from a mid-weight synthetic (but soft) fabric that doesn’t stretch out, sag at the crotch, or bump out at the knee. The waist band is wide, which I like, and twists a little bit, as they tend to do, but not too much. The proportions and fit are excellent. I really like them.

The folks behind the men’s brand Bonobos has recently launched AYR, a line of sleek essentials for women. The company invited me to the Bonobos Guide Shop in Boston for an AYR pop-up shop and a fitting for the perfect pair of skinny jeans. The publicists were so lovely and the clothing is amazing. Very well cut from gorgeous fabrics. In addition to my complimentary skinny jeans, which are made from a great stretchy fabric (denim is their specialty; the founder worked in denim at Madewell), I ordered an amazing jacket I wore all fall. I will be shopping here again.

Several years ago I purchased a pair of Rag & Bone cargo leggings that I loved so much I ordered another pair. I wear them incessantly. They’re lined wool so they’re quite warm and not itchy (an issue for me). Rag & Bone don’t make this style anymore, of course, but their Elettra leggings are probably worth trying out (and they’re on sale). I love Rag & Bone, and there’s a boutique in Boston that I assiduously avoid for just this reason.

•          •         •

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4 Minnie Stretch Twill Pant, $89.50 at J.Crew.
5 Ponte Leggings, $49.50 at Lou & Grey.
6 Essential Modern Skinny Pant, $69 at SlimSation.

J.Crew is of course a standby, though I don’t normally do well with their tailored pants or jeans, I think it’s the rise that is never quite right for me. I do sometimes have luck with tighter fitting legging-like styles. (As for the Dreamy Cotton Pant,  I live in them. Like seriously all day every day.). The Minnie Stretch Twill Pant look to be similar to a style I purchased last year that work well with blazers and booties.

If you read StyleCarrot regularly you might remember when I partnered with Lou & Grey to profile the new Lou & Grey store in the Natick Mall this past October. Owned by the same parent company as Ann Taylor, Lou & Grey is a cross between Madewell and Eileen Fisher — loungey with a touch of edginess. The stores are gorgeous , the looks well styled and comfortable, and the prices excellent. On my visit, I purchased a pair of leggings that I’ve worn quite a bit, made from a tech-like fabric and accented with slanted zippers. They’re no longer available but the current Ponte Leggings are surely worth a try.

As I said, autumn brought a windfall of offers to try what each company touted as the perfect black skinny pants. When a publicist for SlimSation, a womenswear brand launched in 2012 offered to send me a pair of perfect black skinny pants to try, I sent her my address. The line, which focuses on basics pant styles that is supposed to be a kind of relaxed fit shapewear, almost, and includes extended sizing. The contoured waistband is meant to help present a slimmer silhouette, smoothing the lower tummy and shaping the hips. I’ve worn the SlimSation skinny pant a few times, and while I like the stretchy fabric, I feel like the cut is more of a casual, almost activewear piece. It may be because I ordered a size too large. I enjoy them on my brisk exercise walks around the Charles River.

•          •         •

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7 High Riser Skinny Skinny Sateen Jean, $128 at Madewell.
8 Women’s Scuba Pant, $27.99 at Target.
9 Satin Side Strapping Ponte Legging, $275 at Vince.

I live for Madewell denim. When I purchase jeans, I always buy Madewell, and have for several years. The fabric, the cut, the color, the style are all perfect. My current rotation includes lightweight dark rinse jeans, thicker hi-rise gray denim, and new this fall, black denim with holes and an unfinished hem. I have not tried the sateen style I recommend here, but I’m confident they’re excellent, as I am a devotee of Madewell High Riser Skinny Skinny styles.

At the risk of losing my fashion cred, I am going to admit I own very many pairs of perfect black skinny pants from Target. Yes, it’s true, under the Mossimo label there are stretchy nylon/spandex leggings cut in a five-pocket jean style that come in black and heathered charcoal, and I unabashedly adore them. They shrink like nobody’s business, and the consistently comes loose and pops off, unable to be repaired, but I keep buying them and wearing them. They’re inexpensive, fit perfectly, and look good (until you wash and dry them one too many times).

Finally, Vince. I think of Vince as the big name brand that does a stellar job with the whole wardrobe essentials concept. Admittedly, I have not yet tried a legging by Vince, but I love the look of the Vince Satin Side Strapping Ponte Legging and imagine that it could indeed be a pair of perfect black skinny pants, with its high waist and sexy satin tuxedo stripe panel.