Weekend Retail Therapy- From One Shopaholic to Another...

When spending time isn't the only thing I wish to spend on the internet there are several sites that I most often flock to.  My favorite places are those where I can always go to find new trends and vintage inspired pieces. Here are my 

top sites:

Piperlime

If you aren't Kate Hudson and the styling services of Rachel Zoe are just a tad bit out of reach, then Piperlime is the next best thing. Zoe herself is a guest editor on the site and has her own page of fashionable picks. The site also features finds for "Girl on a Budget" as well as top trends.

Currently on my wish list:

Classic Q Baby Aidan 

Marc by Marc Jacobs  

Shoulder Ruffle Dress by BCBGeneration

6pm.com

When looking to update your shoe wardrobe I suggest checking the 6pm site first. Operated by Zappos, 6pm is also held to the same high standards of quality and customer service. Shoes range from brands like Frye, Steve Madden and Cole Haan with prices up to 75% off retail. Aside from shoes they also have a selection of handbags, clothing, sunglasses and more. 

Currently on my wish list:

Betsey Johnson Teaseey 

Elie Tahari Meridith Wedge

ModCloth 

One of a kind vintage items mixed with new clothing finds and a blog that gives you ideas for putting it all together..I think yes! Also selling apartment decor, shoes, bags and accessories ModCloth has the retro vibe that I adore! 

Currently on my wish list:

Upper Haight Shoulder Bag 

 Got it Parade Dress

Anthropologie 

I heart Anthropologie, both the stores and the website. Their feminine dresses, dainty housewares and uncommon accessories can lift my spirits in a second! A tip for those who may not be as addicted as I am: if looking for an item that is out of your size online, simply call their 1-800 number listed on the site. Their customer service will locate the Anthro store that has your item, give you the number and you can call to have them ship it straight to you. This is a great tip for sale items as well! 

My current wish list:

Artisan Two-Tone Wrap Watch 

Scattered Wing Skirt

What are your favorite sites? 

A Curse or a Blessing?

Lottery frenzy seems to have taken over the country this week. One of the reigning themes that keeps popping up is the curse of the lottery and how winning isn't always a blessing. Of course money isn't everything, but coming from a girl who grew up with more of a plastic spoon in her mouth than a silver one, it sure as heck can't hurt. Let me break down for you what a difference a few million would make:

1. An abode without air conditioning would be an island hut overlooking the ocean...not an apartment without air in the sweltering Texas sun. 

2. You would shop at resale shops because you were trying to be one with the regular people, not because that was your only choice. 

3. Tiny amounts of food would be consumed in hip and trendy restaurants because nobody really eats in hip and trendy restaurants. Not because you were running low on funds that month. 

4. Your work would be something you are passionate about. I would personally own a shoe store that hosts drag queen bingo every Friday night. How fabulous would that be!? And of course during the day I would help puppies, kitties and little old ladies. 

5. Your neighbors would kindly knock on the door to come in the house. They would not knock out your window to come through like ours did in my old neighborhood. 

A wise Gene Simmons once said:

"The root of all evil isn't money; rather, it's not having enough money."

Well said Gene, well said. 

In Case You Missed It

I must confess that I am not jumping on the 'Hunger Games' bandwagon. Although the movie is getting rave reviews it is just not my thing. I prefer watching funny chick flicks, anything with blood or violence turns me away immediately. The one thing that I hate to miss in the 'Hunger Games' though is one Mr. Lenny Kravitz. Ahh Lenny who has been on the top of my favorite guys list since 1991. While some scoffed at him for his often disheveled 'do and nontraditional clothing, well now those disbelievers seem to be coming to their senses. :) 

Playing the role of Cinna in the movie, Lenny is said to have done a great job, especially by all of my female friends. So I gift you with this my readers, for those of you who may have been missing out a little Kravitz retrospective....you are welcome! 

Happy Monday

Not to worry! Only four more days to go! You can do this!

Happy Monday everyone!


photo via pinterest 

Weekend Retail Therapy-Put Some Spring in Your Step

Weekdays are rough. The work day grind, commutes and the general torture that usually ensues is enough to make one need therapy. Well you are in luck because on Joy De Vivre I am starting a new weekly post to give you retail therapy! Nothing like a little shopping to raise the spirits, plus bonus points for retail therapy.. no insurance copay required! 

This weekend get ready for the warm sun with these fabulous sandals, all for under $100. Whether you are headed to the beach, an outdoor wedding or a picnic in the park, these findings will take you there in style. 

1. Juicy Couture 'Becka' Jelly Slide

2. Steve Madden 'Manngo' Woven Sandal 

3. Lauren by Ralph Lauren Wedges, 'Salem Striped'

4. Old Navy Braided Espadrilles 

5. Nine West 'Letitgo'

6. Jessica Simpson'Davida' 

7. Seychelles 'Freesia'

8. Unlisted by Kenneth Cole 'Pop Art'

9. Aldo 'Langham' Sandal 

The Frugal Jetsetter

If there is one thing that I love more than traveling, it is finding ways to save money when doing so. However, after being burned one too many times by the lure of inexpensive rooms, literally burned once when our air went out and the hotel refused to fix it, seeing random stains that left me praying that I was not a second hand witness to a crime and random odd critters I have become a slight hotel snob. While I must admit I have a penchant for staying in beautiful hotels, I would rather not have to work double time to afford them. While recently booking a trip I ran across Jetsetter.com, a find that saved me over $100 in comparison to the hotel's website.

 If you have yet to visit their site I recommend you do so if planning a vacation. Offering locations across the globe and showcasing each property with beautiful photography Jetsetter is eye candy even for those just sitting at their computers daydreaming. Heck I hate cold weather, but their photos of a winter lodge in Vermont has me wanting to take up skiing. In order to log on to their site you have to go through a quick sign in process or you can use my invite here. 

Happy Travels! 

Sometimes a Star Shines Even Brighter

Did you all get a chance to catch the Lady Gaga interview with Oprah on the OWN network Sunday night?

Source: 9gag.com via Heather on Pinterest

 If not, let me start with one word-inspirational. While Lady Gaga may be known as much for her wacky get-ups as she is for her exceptional voice there is no doubt that she is one of this generations icons. I enjoy her music and look forward to what she is going to do next when seeing her on the lineup for different shows. What I most admire though is her eagerness to give back and not just give back for a tax write-off, but because she is passionate about her cause. Along with her mother, Lady Gaga started the Born This Way Foundation to empower young people by giving them skills and opportunities to be more accepting.  By celebrating individuality she is giving so many a voice that they may otherwise have tried to hide. During the Oprah interview they spoke of a young teen who after relentless bullying at school took his own life. Through her foundation Lady Gaga hopes to combat this type of harassment.

It is so sad and disgusting that in this day and age people are still facing prejudices for things that they have no power over. Best of luck to  their foundation and parents please teach your children that although something may not be their choice we should appreciate each others differences. In short-BE KIND! 

Happy Monday

Some days it is so hard to drag yourself out of bed. Most of those days are named Monday! Despite your need for a few more hours of rest and relaxation the alarm clock refuses to stop ringing. 

Just look at this adorable Shar Pei. If only we could channel him in his peaceful slumber...but we only end up with the human form of exhaustion..

Keith Richards. While I have chronicled my adoration for him in the past, I must admit that he is the most human form of a Shar Pei that I have ever seen. 

Make sure to get your beauty rest next Sunday!!! Happy Monday everyone! 

Hope you have a marvelous week! 

pic via Cute-n-tiny.com

I Want to Fly Away

The lyrics to the Lenny Kravitz song never rang as true as during the springtime. Though technically we still have a few days left of winter you would not know it with the near 80 degree weather we are having in Houston. The flowers are blooming, people are heading in droves to the beach and the birds are chirping loudly as if to signal their return. Seeing little birds flitting about so freely at times makes you wish that your own life was a little less confining.  

1. Gorjana Triple Birds Bracelet via Shopbop

2. Blue Cassis Scarf via Anthropologie

3. Jonathan Adler 'Bird'  iPhone 4 & 4S Case

4. Bird Print Bird Finger via Black Baroque's Etsy page

I Have a Confession...

While in California I did something I never thought I would do! The Texas girl in me loves a fancy shoe, the higher the better! 

I have a weakness for Betsey Johnson.... 

A love for anything that looks retro...

And don't even get me started on patent..and Mary Janes... 

But while in California I succumbed to peer pressure! Well perhaps it was less peer pressure and more to the fact that after walking around Disney the first day the thought of wearing uncomfortable shoes one more minute left me wishing I could stay in. Since my Converse were accidentally left in my car instead of in my suitcase I decided to go shoe shopping in California, and what I did once in the store was a shocker even to me...I purchased......here goes....

UGGS! 

Yes I know they look like moon boots and of course I would never pull a Britney and wear them with shorts, but they were just so comfy that I could not part with them. NOW I understand why people wear them. Since we were at Disney and it was chilly about 1 out of every 3 people had them on so my foray into Uggs was not one I took alone. They are like little pillows for your feet, little clouds sent down for you to walk on instead of crying out in pain. Not only was I walking around Disneyland that second day, I was actually running at a few points! While I will not get a lot of use out of them in Houston, they will be used when I travel and need comfort. Though rest assured I will not in this lifetime give up my love of heels! My role model Dolly Parton taught me better than that! ;) 

Happy Birthday!

Today my little superhero Barkley turns 8 years old! 

Happy Birthday to my boy! 

Hollywood

After a couple of days at Disney we drove over to Hollywood to spend a few more days before leaving California. 

While in reality the Hollywood sign is not as grand as it appears on television and you do have to use maximum zoom to get a great photo, it is still a historic landmark for the city. 

I had been to the courtyard area of the Chinese theater before, but never taken the tour of its interior until this trip. 

It was one of those places that as soon as you entered the room you could feel the history. It is also one of those places that if you heard it was haunted you would not be shocked. Just knowing that my favorite old Hollywood stars Marilyn Monroe and Cary Grant had once sat in its seats was nostalgic enough for me.

We met up with our fellow Texan and dear friend Nikki while there. She is currently working on her career in Hollywood and I have no doubt she will fulfill all of her dreams there! It was great having her join us for a day in California. 

While I didn't find Robert Downey, Jr., I mean I didn't think it was too much for the universe to let me see him perhaps at the airport or out for lunch, I did stumble upon his footprints. 

Hollywood and Highland Center

 The Kodak Theater, while it is still the Kodak Theater and until the home of the Oscar's gets a new contract for naming rights. 

Hollywood Boulevard and the historic Roosevelt Hotel. 

While I am not sure if I would love to trade in Houston for a place that leaves me stuck in the car even longer, like Los Angeles, I would not be opposed to a view like Laguna Beach on a daily basis. 

I thought that Barkley was spoiled, but upon seeing the room service menu at our hotel I realized that he has been missing out. I have never giving him prime steak and while occasionally he may get Ozarka he has never been served sparkling water. 

Well now I have returned home and the dreary weather has done nothing to keep me from missing sunny California. For now its gorgeous beaches, blooming bougainvilleas and perfect climate will be a memory...until next time. 

The House of the Mouse

Disneyland is such an overload for the senses. From the sights of all the attractions, the sounds of all of the joyous guests and the smells...those yummy smells... just looking at photos can send you straight back in time to your last visit to the land that Walt built. 

I wanted a photo of the mouse himself. Wow I knew I was vertically challenged, but even in heels I am shorter than a mouse! 

Mickey wasn't the only celebrity running around Disneyland. The cast of Modern Family was also there filming an upcoming episode. Sign me up for a day of work like that please! 

I was also pleasantly surprised that current it girl Sophia Vergara was not a stick figure. Cheers to Hollywood actresses who have a shape! A much better role model to young girls!