Latest news with #BiancaAlvarez
Forbes
21-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale Is Live—Here's What Our Deals Writer Recommends Buying
Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale is finally here. Now until June 1, you can save on thousands of items across Nordstrom, such as designer favorites, summer essentials and footwear. The event, which is essentially Nordstrom's Memorial Day sale, also includes deals like 25% off Hoka sneakers and 20% off Dyson hair tools. Save on designer items, activewear, closet essentials and more from now until June 1 at Nordstrom's ... More Half-Yearly Sale. While Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale is typically a smaller affair than the summer Anniversary Sale, it still offers plenty of discounts across all its shopping categories. Now is the perfect opportunity to do your summer shopping and get last year's winter styles at even lower prices. To help you determine the best deals during the Half-Yearly Sale, we compiled a list of editor-approved and top-rated items that are all at least 20% off. For more ways to save at the department store, check out our list of Nordstrom promo codes. Nordstrom 'Frame makes some of my favorite jeans, not only because they're incredibly flattering, but because they feel like sweatpants,' says deals and coupons writer Bianca Alvarez. 'Unlike other alternatives, these lightweight pants feel soft and stretchy from the first wear and only get softer over time.' Nordstrom You'll reach for these pants for various occasions year-round, from work meetings in the winter to outdoor summer dinners with friends. Made of microfiber fabric, these trousers remain creaseless and wrinkle-free. They also help you stay dry and smelling fresh, thanks to quick-drying, anti-odor technology. Nordstrom If you want zhuzh up your wardrobe essentials, Open Edit has many great basic tops on sale, including this t-shirt. Reviewers appreciate that it blurs the line between casual and dressy since it has a cotton collar finish but a satin body. Nordstrom Take up to 55% off this sun-protected top that comes in 12 colorways—including a handful of neutral options. The style features a stretchy, moisture-wicking and antimicrobial fabric so you can easily move around while staying dry. Nordstrom Linen pants are a summer staple because the breezy material helps keep you stay cool even in hot temperatures. These high-waisted pull-on pants come in four colors and have an elastic waistband and pockets large enough to fit your phone. Nordstrom recommends sizing down though, since these tend to run large. Nordstrom Alvarez loves wearing these breathable APL sneakers for a variety of workouts. 'They have the right balance between being so cushioned that I can walk and run for miles without my feet aching, but also feel stable enough to do strength training without losing my balance,' she says. Plus, they're easy to clean and durable, so they look and feel brand new even after repeated wear. Nordstrom After testing multiple Hoka shoes for hundreds of miles, our gear team named these the best Hoka sneakers for stability. The Arahi 7 helps comfortably align and stabilize your feet to support muscle engagement and prevent your feet from collapsing inward. Our team also likes that this pair is lighter and leaner than other stabilizing shoes. Nordstrom Rothy's makes some of the best work flats, and this pair is one of our favorites. Lifestyle editor Katherine Louie gives them high marks for being soft, flexible and machine washable. The timeless shoes have heel-to-toe cushioning in the insoles, a spacious toe box and knit uppers to hold and smooth their shape. Nordstrom Consider these Cole Haan shoes if you want a new pair of loafers that can be dressed up or down. Reviewers say they enjoy their style and quality, but are mainly impressed with how comfortable they are from day one. Nordstrom Wear and style this leather bag as a crossbody (with the help of its adjustable straps) or carry it around in your hand. The Italian structured purse has an interior pocket for organization, a flat base for stability and a magnetic-snap flap closure to keep your belongings secure. Nordstrom Keep your cards organized in this sleek and slim cardholder. The Italian-crafted case, made of palmellato leather, has a center pocket and six card slots with three on each side. Nordstrom 'I always buy Quay sunglasses when they're on sale because they consistently have the chicest styles,' says Alvarez. 'They're also extremely durable and never get scratches, come loose or break.' These square sunglasses have 53 millimeter gradient lenses, and their polished frame has a subtle gold accent. 'That little detail helps elevate their look and make them more luxe,' she says. Nordstrom The Dyson Airstrait does the job of drying all hair types while simultaneously straightening—without the use of traditional hot plates. This styling tool helps lower the risk of heat damage, minimizes frizz and reduces the time spent doing your hair. It has a mode selector (for wet or dry hair), a cool shot button (to hold styles), an airflow setting and three temperature options. Nordstrom This foundation, which has medium-to-full coverage, protects your skin from unwanted sun damage. It uses a combination of skincare ingredients to moisturize and nourish the skin while achieving a glowing and illuminating finish. The foundation is available in 37 shades with varying undertones to suit multiple skin tones. Nordstrom Simplify your morning skincare routine with this hybrid product that combines a moisturizer and sunscreen into one. The rich, hydrating cream helps plump the skin, improve firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Reviewers say it's effective after consistent use, but also provides immediate effects, including a refreshing feel and dewy complexion. Nordstrom This 2-in-1 eyeshadow stick allows you to easily apply eye makeup and create a cohesive look with just this one product. The creamy, buildable formula is easy to blend and once on, it can stay creaseless for up to 24 hours. The stick is available in six duos, each with a matte shade and a complementary shimmer shade. Nordstrom 'Briogeo's Don't Despair, Repair line is one of my absolute favorites and a big contributor in getting my dry, dull and damaged back to a healthy place,' says Alvarez. In this trio, you'll find a sulfate-free shampoo, a deep conditioning hair mask and a leave-in treatment. The products will work together to strengthen, moisturize and repair your hair in and out of the shower. Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale is a bi-annual event that usually happens once in the spring and then again in the fall. In the past, the sale has included discounts across just about every category Nordstrom carries. Nordstrom's Half Year-Yearly sale starts May 21 and runs through June 1. You can expect the next sale to start in December. Nordstrom's biggest sale of the year is its Anniversary Sale. The annual event is similar to its Half-Yearly Sales, but the discounts are typically steeper and include more new arrivals as well as discounts on upcoming seasonal items, like winter coats. There's also an early access period for Nordstrom cardholders and rewards members. The 2025 Nordstrom Anniversary sale will run July 12 through Aug. 3. As we mentioned above, Nordstrom cardholders and rewards members generally get early access—so stay tuned for those dates to be announced.
NBC News
18-04-2025
- NBC News
Our favorite wet-dry vacuum is 40% off right now on Amazon
Spring is the perfect time to upgrade your cleaning appliances, and one of the best places to start is with a versatile vacuum. Tineco's line of smart wet-dry vacuums are ideal for tackling food spills, crumbs and leaks on hardwood floors and more, giving you two appliances in one. Right now, the brand's Floor One S3 vacuum is 40% off on Amazon. The multifaceted appliance has the capabilities of both a mop and an cordless upright vacuum, but it won't be on sale for long. Below, I talk more about the vacuum's features and how you can work into your cleaning schedule this spring. 4.1-star average rating from 33,035 reviews on Amazon Tineco's Floor One S3 does more than your average vacuum. It's a wet-dry vacuum, meaning it cleans just like an absorbent microfiber mop and an upright vacuum with thorough suctioning. It has two separate water tanks — one for clean water and another for dirty — and has a screen that displays the tool's cleaning status (for example, debris detection mode), runtime (it has a maximum of 35 minutes), adjustable suction power and symbols to indicate maintenance alerts. It also comes with a charging base, cleaning solution, HEPA filter, brush roller and handheld cleaning tool. NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez has a similar model from Tineco (the iFloor Breeze 3), and says that it only takes roughly 10 minutes to clean her entire two-bedroom apartment. 'I sweep before using my Tineco so by the time I actually need to use it, it can effectively get the things my broom missed and focus on cleaning my floors,' she says. 'When I'm finished, I can see just how clean it made my floors by looking at them and also seeing how much the dirty water tank got filled.' Why trust NBC Select? clean grout, get rid of mold and sanitize a mattress.
NBC News
17-04-2025
- NBC News
Deal of the Day: The Hatch Restore 2 is at its lowest price ever
By The Hatch Restore 2 is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a more gentle start to their morning. Waking up can be a chore, but sunrise alarm clocks make tough mornings more pleasant. Many of our staffers improved their morning routines with the Hatch Restore 2, which was featured in our best sunrise alarm clocks. Luckily, this device is currently 40% off on Best Buy. Hatch Restore 2 deal Hatch Restore 2 The Hatch Restore 2 is a sunrise alarm clock and a sound machine to improve your sleep quality and wake you up serenely in the morning with a combination of light and sound. It is available in three colors, Slate, Latte and Putty, and features white noise, pink noise, brown noise and other sleep sounds to help you sleep more deeply. It can be controlled on the device itself or the free companion app (iOS or Android) via Wi-Fi. The Hatch Restore 2 is a staple for many in our team. Our reporter Bianca Alvarez has used the device to enhance her morning and bedtime routines. 'I was a chronic snoozer and would sleep through all of my alarms, but once I got my Hatch sunrise alarm clock, it was a complete 180 for my morning routine. I now have a pleasant start to my day because the sound and light are less jarring than my standard phone,' she says. You can read more about our experience with the device in our Hatch Restore 2 review.
NBC News
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Amazon's got sneakers on sale — and they're actually good
Let's be honest: Most sneaker sales are like Tinder dates — promising at first glance but disappointing up close. Too neon, too orthopedic, too 'I only wear these to SoulCycle.' But every now and then, the algorithm smiles on us. Right now, Amazon (yes, that Amazon) is serving up actual good sneakers — the kind you'd wear to a coffee run, a real run or just to look like you ran. Brooks that don't look like dad shoes. New Balance that feel retro, not retiree. And Reeboks that say 'I get it,' not 'I give up.' If you've been meaning to upgrade your rotation or just want a deal that doesn't feel desperate, now's the time. These are the best sneakers on sale — no coupon codes, no cringe, just genuinely good shoes. Brooks Ghost 16 The Brooks Ghost 16 made our list of best running sneakers thanks to the tremendous amount of support it offers. The shoes have a soft midsole and a segmented heel pad that aids in smoother heel-to-toe transitions, according to the brand. The upper is made from breathable mesh to prevent sweaty feet and the rubber sole is lightweight. Another of our favorite running shoes, these have a rocker-shaped outsole to promote easier heel-toe transitions and are currently 29% off. They have a breathable mesh upper structured to provide support and cushioning in the sole to give a bouncier feel. These sneakers from Reebok have an old-school '80s look and are intended for casual wear. They have a leather upper and a durable rubber sole that offers strong traction, according to the brand. There is a padded collar around the ankle for support and a removable foam sock liner for extra cushioning. The sneaker comes in over 20 colors, but only the classic white is currently 37% off. These casual sneakers have a platform heel to give you extra height. The upper is made partially from recycled plastic bottles and the insoles have antimicrobial technology to prevent bacteria and odor, according to the brand. The shoes come in medium and wide widths and reach a size 11. Currently, the white smooth color is 50% off. These shoes were on our list of best walking shoes. Ryka designed these shoes with women's feet in mind — they have a narrower heel, roomy toe box and cushioning at the midsole. The outsoles offer grippy traction and additional cushioning in the forefoot and heel for comfort. An internal sock liner molds to your foot to provide a secure fit in these sneakers. They also have a breathable mesh upper to prevent sweaty feet and a durable rubber outsole, according to the brand. These sneakers also have extra cushioning at the midsole for comfort and responsiveness. These unisex sneakers have a vintage look and are suitable for walking or casual wear. NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez finds the suede exterior is easy to clean, saying she only has to throw them in the washing machine, and they look barely worn. Skechers Ultra Flex 3.0 These slip-ons can be put on hands-free by simply slipping your feet in them, according to the brand. They have a molded heel cup to cradle your foot, a cooling memory foam sole and the knit upper is breathable and conforms to your foot for sock-like comfort, according to Sketchers. Why trust NBC Select? I'm a writer at NBC Select who covers a variety of topics, including home, tech and beauty. I have been covering major shopping events like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday for over a decade.
NBC News
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Coachella starts today — here's what to order immediately
Those familiar with Coachella know it's synonymous with great musical acts, massive art installations and stylish outfits. While focusing on what you'll wear makes sense, you may also want to pack a few practical essentials, like a water bottle and other travel accessories that make life easier. Because as much fun as the music festival is, it also means long days in the desert and being on your feet for hours. To help you determine what may be helpful to bring to Coachella, we compiled a list of items that are either highly rated or that NBC Select editors love. Each item was selected to help you enjoy the concert experience. What is Coachella? Not familiar with this popular annual event? Coachella is an annual music and arts festival that takes place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California and hundreds of thousands of people attend. The festival spans two weekends in April — this year, from April 11 through 20. The festival is held outside, and a few dozen musical acts perform each day. In addition to the music, there are several large-scale art installations, culinary experiences and activations. Last-minute Coachella essentials To gather last-minute essentials that would be helpful at Coachella, we considered items that we've covered previously and that NBC Select editors have tried and liked. We focused on necessities that will help make the experience smoother — like a refillable water bottle so you don't have to buy water constantly and a power bank to keep your phone charged. Your phone running out of battery during a concert is so not helpful — so keep a portable charger on hand to give your cell juice when needed. According to the brand, this compact, portable charger comes with a foldable USB-C connector and a 5,000mAh battery that can hold a full charge for your phone. JisuLife Personal Fan This personal fan lives in my bag during the summer months and I've used it at several outdoor concerts and events. It has three fan speeds and is rechargeable via USB-C. It also only weighs 3 ounces so that it won't feel heavy in your bag. Don't let a sunburn get in the way of a good time. Keeping sunscreen on you will make it easy to reapply whenever needed. This option has an SPF 70 and blends in nicely without leaving a white cast, says NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez, who tested it for our roundup of best sunscreens. The flat shape of the bottle also doesn't take up a lot of space, which means you can fit it into a small crossbody or fanny pack. Simple Modern Insulated Water Bottle Staying hydrated during a music festival is a must. The Simple Modern water bottle, one of our favorite reusable water bottles of the year, makes it easy to have hydration on you at all times and will keep your water cold thanks to it being made from stainless steel and having double-wall vacuum insulation. This brand of hand sanitizers is a favorite of NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez. They kill bacteria and hydrate your skin simultaneously, according to the brand. This pack has three scents: wild watermelon, velvet peach and berry bliss. Pander Belt Bag This bag can be worn around the waist or as a crossbody. It is made from nylon, which is easy to wipe clean if you spill anything on it. It has a large zippered compartment with three internal mesh pockets, making it easy to stash things you need quick access to. The bag comes in over 20 different colors. Going with a group? Consider bringing a few AirTags. You can hand them to different people so your group can find one another if you get separated. The Apple AirTag syncs with your smart devices. Then, you can use your phone to see a map and view the exact location of your synced AirTags. Why trust NBC Select? Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle.
