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.

•            •            •

Just In: All the Best Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sales

Brown Shopping Bag With Black Handles Black Friday Deals

It’s time to get serious about shopping, whether you want (need!) new boots, sweaters, and jewelry for yourself, basics for the kids, presents for your husband, or a new sofa for the house. Shop the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales by clicking the links below. It’s all laid out for you right here.

F A S H I O N

Amazon
30% off select clothing & accessories on Black Friday
Code: 30BLACKFRI

Ann Taylor
50% off everything on Black Friday
Code: CELEBRATE

Anthropologie
25% off everything on Black Friday
Code: SHOPTOIT
25% off sale prices + free shipping on Cyber Monday

Athleta
20% off entire purchase (restrictions apply)
Code: WORKIT

Banana Republic
Half off sweaters + 40% off the rest (restrictions apply)
Code: BRFRIDAY

Bloomingdale’s
Up to 50% off select items + $25 for ever $200 + more

Bluefly
Up to 80% off on Black Friday

Boden
30% off everything + free delivery & returns

Cole Haan
30% off + free shipping on Black Friday
40% off sitewide + free shipping on Cyber Monday

DVF
25% off sitewide on Cyber Monday
Code: CYBER25

FarFetch
Up to 50% off plus extra 10% off sale prices
Code: bf15

GAP
50-35% off everything on Cyber Monday  (restrictions apply)

GAP Factory
50-70% off everything on Black Friday  (restrictions apply)

Gymboree
50% off entire site + free shipping

J.Crew
30% off everything + 40% off select items
Code: HOLIDAY
50% off + additional discount + free shipping on Cyber Monday
Code: TODAYONLY

Joie
25% off + free shipping & returns
Code: THANKS

La Garçonne
Up to 70% off sale items on Black Friday
15% off non-sale items (exclusions apply) on Cyber Monday

Land’s End
50% off all outerwear, boots, winter accessories + 40% off everything else on Black Friday

LOFT
40% off everything except Lou & Grey new arrivals on Black Friday
Code: BF40

Luisaviaroma
Extra 20% off sale items + free shipping & returns
Code: BFRS20

Lulu Frost
25% off on Black Friday & Cyber Monday
Code: SHOPLULU25

Madewell
25% off entire purchase
Code: Calmdown

Matches Fashion
Up to 50% off items from luxury labels

ModCloth
Up to 40% off select items on Black Friday
25% off everything on Cyber Monday.

Neiman Marcus
20% off sale items for up to 50% off on Black Friday
$50 off regular price items for $200+ on Black Friday
Code: THANKFUL

Nike
Extra 25% off clearance items
Code: GETOUTTHERE

Nordstrom
Up to 50% off select items + free shipping & returns on Black Friday
Up to 50% off top brands + free shipping & returns on Cyber Monday

Old Navy
40 – 60% off everything on Black Friday

Petit Bateau
50% off sale items

Rag & Bone
25% off sitewide + 2-day shipping on Black Friday
Extra 25% off sale times on Cyber Monday
Code: CYBER!

Rebecca Minkoff
25% off all orders + free shipping + 70% off selected  styles on Black Friday
25% off all orders + Essie nail polish + free shipping on Cyber Monday

Revolve
Up to 80% off + 20% off sale items on cyber Monday
Code: BLACKFRIDAY20
50% off final sale items on Dec 1.
Code: CYBER50

Saks Fifth Avenue
Up to 60% off select styles on Black Friday

Scoop NYC
25% off stewed + free shipping on Black Friday

Shopbop
Spend $250+ save 15 / Spend $500 save 20% / Spend $1,000+ save 25%
Code: GOBIG15

Tobi
50% off sitewide
Up to 80% off favorite designers on Cyber Monday

Victoria’s Secret
Buy 1 bra get 1 at 50% off
Code: DOUBLEUP

Vince
25% off on Cyber Monday
Code: WRAPUP25

Yoox
Extra 20% off + free shipping on Cyber Monday

H O M E

AHA Life
15% off sitewide

Anthropologie
25% off everything on Black Friday
Code: SHOPTOIT
25% off sale prices + free shipping on Cyber Monday

Framebridge
20% off black frames
Code: BLACK20

Furbish
20% off everything
Code: CYBER

Jonathan Adler
20% off everything through Monday
Code: TGIBF

Land of Nod
20% off + free shipping

Lumens
Up to 70% off on lighting, furniture & gifts from 90+ brands.

Minted
20% off $150+ holiday cards & gifts (15% off no minimum) on Black Friday
Code: BF205

Waiting on Martha
20% of everything except fine art
Code: SHOPSMALL

West Elm
10% off with $100+ / 15% off with $250+ / 20% off with $500+ / 25% off with $1000+ on Black Friday
Code: MOREISMORE

YLighting 
Up to 20% off 20 modern lighting brands

YLiving
Up to 20% off modern nursery furnishings

Zhush
20% of everything
Code: SAVE20

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.

•          •         •

black-skinny-pants-2

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.

•          •         •

black-skinny-pants-3

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.

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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last-minute-gifting-2

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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

Get the Look: Modern Geometric Jewelry

With all the attention paid to crystal encrusted statement necklaces and sparkly earrings in the last few years, it’s refreshing to see jewelry with a minimalist aesthetic make an appearance. Triangles in particular have been popular.

In early November I put together “All the Angles,” a roundup of geometric jewelry for the Boston Globe. Here’s a followup on that, with many more modern geometric jewelry picks, from triangle necklaces in marble or copper to rose gold pyramid studs to diamond encrusted geometric rings, from StyleCarrot partners and other sites I love.

 

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S H O P P I N G

1 Tri-Color Triangles Necklace, $78 at Samantha Faye.

2 Brass Necklace #3 by Iacoli & McAllister, $70 at Room68.

3 Black Marble & Brass Necklace #1, $120 at RillRill.

4  Temple Ray Studs by Bing Bang, $150 at Club Monaco.

5 Zen Square Ring with Crystals by Campbell, $98.50 at Club Monaco.

6 Tyler Triangle Diamond Studs by Jennifer Zeuner, $165 at Dress Boston.

7 Isosceles Cuff Bracelet, $24 at Madewell

8 Gold Pavé Crystal Pyramid Studs by Eddie Borgo, $95 at Charm & Chain.

9 Gilded Frame Necklace, $32 at Madewell.

10 Arrowstack Necklace, $55 at Madewell.

11 Rose Gold Coin Earring by Campbell, $110 at Club Monaco.

12 Black Diamond Geometric Triangle Studs by Kacey K, $800 at Charm & Chain.

13 Mini Vertical Diamond Stick Pendant Necklace by Jennifer Meyer, $750 at Barneys.

14 Lapis & Gold Triangular Studs by Jennifer Meyer $395 at Barneys.

15 Two-Tone 14K Gold Triangle Earrings, $323.99 at Kay Jewelers.

16 Rose Gold Pyramid Triangles Earrings by Ylang, $280 at Ylang 23.

17 Opal Inlay Triangle Ring with Diamonds by Jennifer Meyer, $725 at Ylang 23.

18 Personalized Rectangle Bangle by Jemma Wynne, $3,360 at Ylang 23.

19 Arrowhead Drop Earring+Stud by Loren Stewart, $425 at Barneys.

20 Triangles Necklace by Arme De L’Amour, $255 at Net-a-Porter.

21 Small Drop Earrings by Malin Henningsson, $210 at Aha Life.

22 Axis No 1 Ring by Yield, $395 at Aha Life.

23 Gold Blondie Ring by Adornia, $425 at Aha Life.

24 Rose Gold V Necklace by Gabriela Artigas, $210 at A+R.

•           •           •

Monogram pendants make perfect presents >