Sale Alert: 42 Summer Shoes from the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale

It’s that time again. The (StyleCarrot partner) Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale during which thousands of items, including over 3,500 pairs of shoes, are discounted up to 40 percent through Sunday, June 4, 2017. That means you have 10 shopping days left, but don’t wait til the last minute because sizes sell out fast.

To make it easier for you, and well, because I like to shop for shoes, I sifted through most of the 3,500 plus sale shoes and distilled the many amazing choices down to just 42 goodies. I tried to include a mix of colors and styles, focusing on  neutrals, though I did through in a few brights. Most are casual daytime looks, but a few heels can play dress up.

While most of my Nordstrom sale shoe picks are summer styles—open toe sandals and plenty of espadrilles, plus a slip on sneaker or two—I also included a smattering of boots, including #7 and #22 Hunter rain boots (because it’s raining today and I desperately need some) and two winter staples—#13 Rachel Comey Mars bootie and #31 Rag & Bone Ashby bootie. Take your pick, but buy one. You will thank me come fall.

I need to make a few other shout-outs. I’m seriously considering the Joie studded bootie for a some fall/winter whimsy. I already own the Dolce Vita Loki Slide, which I actually didn’t include below, but is on sale. It runs seriously wide (go a half size down), but it works fine enough and is super comfortable.

Last year on a press trip to the Vineyard I bought #8 Toms Majorca Perforated Mule which has a chunky, not too high heel. I thought the under $100 price was a bargain, but now at under $55 it’s a no brainer.

I ordered #14 Opening Ceremony Elena Sandal yesterday as a stylish every day sandal when I’m not wearing my incredibly comfortable (but kinda middle aged lady) Skechers slip on sneakers. I also ordered #30 Vince Thalia Sandal thinking it will elevate pretty much any outfit I throw on. I got a pair of distressed marine blue Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Shoreline Low Tops too.

I was a bit indulgent yesterday. But when you see these and start browsing I think you may just have a hard time restraining yourself too. Let me know what you picked!

Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale Summer Shoes & Boots

Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale Summer Shoes & Boots

Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale Summer Shoes & Boots

Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale Summer Shoes & Boots

Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale Summer Shoes & Boots Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale Summer Shoes & Boots
Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale Summer Shoes & Boots

S H O P P I N G

1 Kork-Ease Pearl Sandal, $94.90 

2 Tory Burch Shaw Fringe Espadrille, $117.25  

3 Joie Lacole Studded Bootie, $226.80 

4 Loeffler Randall Mara Espadrille Flat, $134.98  

5 Alexander Wang Devon Espadrille Flat, $243.75 

6 Bill Blass Calf Hair Niki Mule, $134.9840 

7 Hunter Original Refined Rain Boot, $110.55 

8 Toms Majorca Perforated Mule, $58.77 

9 Tory Burch Sonoma Embroidered Ghillie Flat, $177.55 6

10 Ugg Adley Slip-On Sneaker, $71.96 

11 Botkier Pilar Ankle Strap Sandal, $77 

12 Marc Fisher Vally Lace-Up Platform Espadrille, $89.90 

13 Rachel Comey Mars Bootie, $255.60 

14 Opening Ceremony Elena Sandal, $116.98 

15 Kork-Ease Amboy Slide Sandal, $99.90 

16 Rebecca Minkoff Erika Pompom Tassel Sandal, $65.96 

17 Tory Burch Patos Sandal, $130.65 

18 Splendid Julie Platform Sandal, $89.60 

19 Sam Edelman Patti Ankle Strap Sandal, $69.96 

20 Dolce Vita Casta Sandal, $59.96 

21 Kate Spade Daisy Wedge Sandal, $118.80 

22 Hunter Original Short Adjustable Rain Boot, $110.55 

23 Sam Edelman Lynda Espadrille Slide Sandal, $69.96 

24 Steve Madden Getdown Sandal, $40.16 

25 Loeffler Randall Suze Wraparound Sandal, $176.98 

26 Jack Rogers Whipstitched Thong Sandal, $79.95 

27 Birkenstock Arizona Shearling Lined Sandal, $115.96 

28 Frye Chrissy Sandal, $208.50 

29 Tod’s Platform Derby, $374.98 

30 Vince Thalia Sandal, $176.98  

31 Rag & Bone Ashby Bootie, $314.98 

32 Sam Edelman Verona Espadrille, $31.46 

33 Vince Blake Sandal, $194.98  

34 Steve Madden Fara-S Sandal, $77.96 

35 Sam Edelman Patsy Wraparound Wedge, $79.90 

36 Botkier Anna Sandal, $71 

37 Aquatalia Zaira Oxford, $296.98

38 Charles David Birch Block Heel, $202.46 

39 Rebecca Minkoff Susie Studded Slide, $74.96 

40 Adidas Stan Smith Sneaker, $60  

41 Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Shoreline Low Top, $35.98 

42 Soludos Banana Espadrille Slip-On, $52.99 

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: 30 Cute Cosmetic Cases

Last week I pulled together a collection of cute cosmetic cases, “Kiss & Make Up” in the Boston Globe. I generally like to do a travel-related roundup in the summer, and I had already done weekend bags last year.

Mostly, though, I was inspired by a particularly cute cosmetic case by Deux Luxe, that the publicist had sent me back in the winter—the Anguilla cosmetic case in jade green emblazoned with exotic birds. I love the look. Unfortunately it didn’t make it into the Globe, but I’ve included it here (#17), along with 29 other cute cosmetic case finds.

Bostonians, pay attention to #1, #9, and #18 by ultra preppy, Brookline-based design label Ame & Lulu. I’m kind of attached to #2 from Catseye London. Adorable, though maybe channels too much of a crazy cat lady vibe? There’s a doggie one as well (#21). And if you’re more of a boho girl, Target has a couple of great Coachella-worthy makeup bags (#5 and #8).

Browse through for a new one; you know yours is smeared with gunk. Me? I still use the iconic brown & white striped cosmetic bags and toiletry case from Henri Bendel, a long-ago gift from an ex boyfriend’s mom. And yeah, it’s a bit worn.

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Shop cute cosmetic cases from StyleCarrot partners and other favorite brands.

S H O P P I N G

1 Mercer Floppy Cosmetic Bag, $38 at Ame & Lulu.

2 Catseye London “Kitten” Cosmetics Case, $25 at Nordstrom.

3 Trina These Are the Days Clutch, $24 at Ulta.

4 LeSportsac Striped Cosmetic Case, $42 at Macy’s.

5 Geometric Print Toiletry Bag, $9.95 at Target.

6 Renny Drive Annabella Cosmetic Case, $68 at Kate Spade.

7 Rebecca Minkoff Floral Izzie, $85 at Bloomingdale’s.

8 Striped Coral Toiletry Bag $9.99 at Target.

9 Cosmetic Bag with Mesh, $56 at Ame & Lulu.

10 Adidas by Stella McCartney Transparent Case at Farfetch.

11 Catseye London Lips Cosmetic Case, $44.56 on eBay.

12 Trina Soak of the Rays Clutch, $24 at Ulta.

13 Rip Curl Aloha Spirit Clutch, $29.50 at Nordstrom.

14 Ted Baker Floral Cosmetic Case, $50 at Bloomingdale’s.

15 Lee Coren Ciclo Flat Clutch, $54 at Pod.

16 Steph & Co. Tahiti Viveca, $22.50 at Nordstrom.

17 Deux Lux Anguilla Cosmetic Case, $38  at Nordstrom.

18 Ranger Floppy Cosmetic Bag, $38 at Ame & Lulu.

19 Tropicana Cosmetic Case, $9.99 at Nine West.

20 Let’s Makeup Lil Zip Bag by Dogeared, $24 at Zappos.  

21 Jack Russel by Catseye London Cosmetic Case, $15 at Nordstrom.  

22 Hudson+Bleecker Marrakech Avion Cosmetic Case, $66 at Bluefly.

23 Fendi Roma print make-up bag, $250 at Farfetch.

 24 Rockstar Cosmetic Case, $28 at Saks

25 Izzie Snake Cosmetic Case, $85 at Rebecca Minkoff

26 Chanel Preowned Cosmetic Case, $399 at Luxe Designer Handbag.

27 Marc Jacobs Smiley Face Cosmetic Case, $98 at Shopbop.

28 LeSportsac Tuileries Cosmetic Case, $31.50 at 6pm

29 Charlotte Tilbury Canvas Cosmetics Case, $20 at Net-a-Porter. 

30 Vera Bradley Luggage Lighten Up Travel Cosmetic Case, $34 at Zappos.

Gift Guide: 25 Last Minute Gifts You Can Get At the Mall

It’s two days before Christmas. Are you panicking over last minute holiday gifts? We celebrate Chanukah in our home, so not only am I finished buying, we’re just about through with our eight nights of giving. If you do the whole Christmas celebration thing, you’re probably required to come up with a whole slew of presents for friends and family. It’s now officially too late to order online unless you’re willing to pay exorbitant overnight shipping costs, and even then, it’s risky. So, off to the mall it is. Here are 25 last minute holiday gifts you can pick up at the mall and/or the free-standing chain stores in town.

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S H O P P I N G
1 Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth Speaker, $129.99 at Target.
2 Brass Love Object Paperweight, $29 at West Elm.
3 Back-Zip Pullover Sweater, $69.50 at Madewell.
4 Pagoda Salt & Pepper Shakers, $34.99 at Jonathan Adler.
5 Downing Embossed Leather Clutch, $88 at J.Crew.
6 Nate Berkus Faux Fur Stripe Pillow, $29.99 at Target.
7 Magical Thinking T-Bar Jewelry Stand, $34 at Urban Outfitters.
8 Gilded-Edge Agate Coasters,$98/set at Anthropologie.
9 Buttery Leather Satchel Crossbody Bag, $100. at Gap.
10 Oh Joy! Acacia Serving Board, $19.99 at Target.
11 Pascale Monvoisin Georgia Ring, $125 at Club Monaco.
12 Pop Art Dry Erase Calendar, $19.99 each at The Container Store.
13 Tom Dixon Eclectic Mini Candle Gift Set, $120 at Anthropologie.
14 Ribbed Cashmere Hat, $78 at J.Crew.
15 Fuse Sweatshirt, $71.99 at Athleta.
16 Space Age Floral Crystal Studs, $58 at Kate Spade. 
17 Printed Tablet Case, $33.99 at Gap.
18 Glass Bud Vases, $14 each at West Elm.
19 Marc Jacobs Beauty Lust For Lacquer Lip Vinyl , $28 at Sephora.
20 Fujifilm INSTAX Instant Smartphone Printer, $199 at Urban Outfitters.
21 Ray-Ban Sunglasses, $104.95 at Sunglass Hut.
22 Selvedge Japanese Chambray Utility Shirt, $98 at J.Crew.
23 Chemex Classic Drip Coffee Maker, $34.95 at Sur La Table.
24 Dipped Leather Bill Holder, $128 at Jack Spade.
25 Mauviel Copper Butter Warmer, $90 at Williams-Sonoma