Plus, an under-$20 tennis bracelet and five-star cooling sheets.

Friday, July 31, 2026 • 3 min read

From flip-flop heels to jelly sandals, there’s no shortage of questionable footwear trends out there these days. But the current rise in sneaker mules’ popularity truly has me puzzled. Sure, these backless athletic shoes have a lot going for them; they’re comfortable and your feet won’t overheat in them. But when it comes to looks and practicality, I’m not convinced. What do you think? Would you wear a pair? While you ponder that important style question, keep reading for no-brainer buys that definitely deserve a spot on your weekly shopping list.

When you buy from links in The Checkout, Yahoo may receive compensation. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: via Walmart, Clarks via Amazon, Bedsure via Amazon, Kate Kasin via Amazon

This week, Yahoo readers got their hands on some incredible deals that are too good to keep secret. Add them to your cart before prices go back up!

Hate baring your arms in tank tops? This chic, short-sleeve sweater is suitable for the warm summer months, and looks just as nice with dressier slacks as it does with casual jeans. "I have no complaints about this sweater," one shopper shared. "It is part of my summer work wardrobe. The fabric is light and silky smooth. It's very comfortable and fits true to size."
Stop night sweats in their tracks by swapping your current bedding for these cooling sheets. More than 46,000 customers have raved about them. "I tend to sleep warm, and the bamboo rayon material stays cool and breathable throughout the night, which has made a huge difference in my sleep quality," one reviewer wrote. Choose from more than 20 colors in sizes twin to California king.
Take a break from sneakers on hot, humid days and slip into these comfy, supportive flip-flops instead. They have a lightweight, cushioned footbed, and the grippy outsole helps you feel sturdy and stable step after step. "The best sandals I've owned," one person declared. "I need to wear shoes and sandals with excellent support. These provide that, plus they are very cute. They are also so comfortable that I can wear them all day and into the night. I don't even want to take them off!"
Drop what you’re doing and nab this stunning, sparkly tennis bracelet while it’s under $20. It's nearly identical to styles that sell for thousands of dollars, and it's perfect for everyday wear or special occasions. "This is a very beautiful, delicate-looking bracelet. It sparkles great and looks so very expensive," one shopper said.

Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Jeanine Edwards/Yahoo News

I woke up super early last Saturday to shop the new Rosie Assoulin x Target collection at my local store. I snagged a new favorite pair of pants (more on those below!), but I also filled my cart with lots of other unexpected summer finds I love. Can you relate? Here are some of the highlights from my latest Target haul:

This pretty gingham dress is apparently a swim cover-up, but I’ll definitely be wearing it out and about for the rest of summer. It’s not sheer, the red and white pattern beautifully complements sunkissed skin, and the smocked bodice is slimming without feeling constricting. I can’t wait to pair it with a denim jacket and my favorite flat sandals.
I’m not normally into "loud" prints, but these flowy pants were just too adorable to resist. Despite the plaid pattern, they're super flattering, and the material is a unique textured cotton that feels way more expensive than something you'd find at Target. I’ve already got plans to wear them with one of my go-to white tees and cool-girl low-profile sneakers.
Shorts are not usually the first thing I reach for when getting dressed in the morning, but this comfy, all-cotton striped pair will definitely be in my rotation as long as the weather permits. They offer plenty of booty coverage and don't ride up when I walk. I love them for quick errands, strolls with the dog and to wear over my bikini bottoms on the boardwalk.
Speaking of swimsuits, I've received so many compliments on this reversible set. No one can believe I scored it at Target, and the quality is incredible. It hasn't faded after washing, the material is thick, not flimsy, and the sizing is perfect.

Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photo: Greg Gayne/PEACOCK

Have you watched Jennifer Garner in The Five-Star Weekend? If not, you should! It'll only take a few episodes for you to fall head over heels for the home decor in the show like we did. Luckily, Senior Home Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder has five tips for recreating the look in your abode:

Try a blue and white color palette. "I think there's a New England law that says blue and white should be the default color combo in a house — it's everywhere!" Dodell-Feder writes. Bring the hues into your home with this pretty refillable soap dispenser or this cozy swivel chair.
Mix and match patterns. The simplest way to pull this off? "Find a patterned item you love (a rug, a throw pillow, a piece of art) and pick out specific colors from it. Then find other patterned pieces that contain one or more of those colors," Dodell-Feder explains.
Decorate with flowers galore. If weekly bouquets aren't in the budget, Dodell-Feder has a somewhat controversial suggestion: fake flowers. "The secrets to realistic blooms lie in subtle colors and texture variation. Look for materials that move, not stiff plastic, and make sure to fluff the petals and slightly bend the stems. Then put them in an opaque vase to help them look more natural," she says.
Invest in one-of-a-kind rugs. Rugs sometimes take second fiddle to furniture in a room, but The Five-Star Weekend’s set designer went for the opposite approach. They chose eye-catching floor coverings that each have their own unique style, and you can do the same to breathe new life into your space.
Incorporate nautical accents. Rather than reach for rusty anchors or gimmicky rope-wrapped accessories, Dodell-Feder recommends playful, but sophisticated touches: think a seashell-shaped trinket tray, a fish-themed welcome mat or seaside-inspired salad plates.

Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given this retro-style cooler with a built-in Bluetooth speaker a perfect five-star rating, which has convinced me that I need it for my next beach trip. Not only does the durable hardside design keep ice chilled in the hot sun, but you can also wirelessly connect a favorite playlist from your phone to keep the vibes high. Best part? It’s currently 50% off. Yes, please!

The Checkout team

The Checkout is written by Jeanine Edwards. Today's issue was edited by Kris Scott.