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.

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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.

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.  

Covet: Melissa Joy Manning Pyrite Earrings

Pyrite & Gold Earrings By Melissa Joy Manning At Net A Porter

Melissa Joy Manning Pyrite Earrings
$125 at Net-a-Porter

California-based jewelry designer Melissa Joy Manning is one of my favorite jewelry designers. Not only do I love her jewelry, I love that they are affordable enough for me to buy. I often find her pieces at Good in Beacon Hill, though tonight I stumbled across these gold and pyrite earrings online. These Melissa Joy Manning earrings are handmade from recycled 14-karat gold and  10.00-carats of raw faceted pyrite. I have a thing for pyrite too.

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.

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Monogram pendants make perfect presents >