LIFE :: Gifts of Christmas : The Silver Lining

From Left to Right: Kate Spade New York Crystal Constellation Large Dangle Earrings, Lenox Kate Spade Corona Grove Collection, Ann Taylor Perfect Exotic Metallic Pump, Peach Couture Silver Rayon Scarf, Tiffany and Co. Return To Tiffany bead bracelet.

Oh, I love metallics! Silver has the ability to punch up any outfit (or home) and still look classic (aka awesome). Give a little silver bling to your friends and family. No girl will turn down sparkly things.

LIFE :: Gifts of Christmas: The Michael Kors Watch

Santa baby, slip a Michael Kors women's chronograph acrylic tortoiseshell bracelet watch under the tree, for me....
I've been an awful good girl....
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight...

Okay, now that I've gotten 'Santa Baby' stuck in your head for the rest of the day (sorry!) I have to introduce you to the number one gift on my Christmas list. Really, Santa, you don't have to get me anything else. ALL I WANT IS THIS BEAUTIFUL WATCH!
At $195.00, it's a little pricey for my tight college budget but have you ever seen a watch that made such a statement yet could be worn with nearly every outfit? Me neither. It's trendy, luxurious watch perfection.

Come back soon for another great Christmas gift suggestion!

~Whitney

ARTS :: The Great Gatsby

"Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter--tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther.... And one fine morning-- So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."

Scott and I watched the 1974 version of The Great Gatsby last night. Gatsby is one of my all time favorite books and I have fought watching the movie for months now. It seems to me that movies rarely stay true to the book and they are never as good as the book. Finally, though, I gave in and was pleasantly surprised.

The film doesn't take too much artistic license, and much of the dialogue is taken directly from the text. The movie got a little melodramatic in spots, and Daisy, played by Mia Farrow, was downright annoying, but overall I really did enjoy the movie. Especially the costumes--oh, the costumes! They were beautiful!

I heard that Baz Luhrmann is considering a Great Gatsby remake starring Leonardo DiCaprio. While I loved Moulin Rouge, I'm still not sure if I'm comfortable with a Baz directed remake. Thoughts?

~Whitney

FASHION :: Feast Interruptus

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, namely because it revolves around food and family. I can't wait to get home and start preparing the Turkey and baking (desserts are my specialty).

While holidays at my household are pretty darn awesome, they will never compare to the holiday celebrations of the Hilfiger clan:


I'm hoping that if I dress equally well, buy a similar basset hound, and listen to Vampire Weekend constantly I can make my life mirror the fictional Hilfiger family.

Here's to a happy Thanksgiving for everyone! Cheers!

LIFE :: Book Club: The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Image via Vogue

He that loves a book will never want a faithful friend,
a wholesome counselor, a cheerful companion, an effectual comforter.
By study, by reading, by thinking, one may innocently
divert and pleasantly entertain himself,
as in all weathers, as in all fortunes.
~ Barrow ~

My friends and I have started a book club. Unfortunately, it will be a short trial run for the club because three of my best friends will be exploring the world next semester in various study abroad programs. What book did we decide on for our trial book club run? The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. I just started it, but so far it is a super easy read. The big text has even made it possible for me to read it while on the elliptical. Gotta love multitasking!

Have you read it? I feel like I'm one of the few people that hasn't. What were your thoughts?

Also, don't you just love that picture of Gwyneth Paltrow?

FASHION :: Seeing Double Denim

Now I have a very important question. Recently, many of my favorite prepster brands (cough J. Crew and Ralph Lauren) have been pushing an all-jean ensemble. I was taught (okay, self-taught) that it was a cardinal sin to wear a denim shirt/jacket with your jeans. Why are they trying to shake up my clothing-knowledge foundation? Worst of all, I actually like the Chambray shirts that have popped up. A lot. What is this world coming to?

Alexa Chung in double denim. Photograph: Danny Martindale/WireImage, via The Guardian

Chris Pine rockin' double denim, via aptly-named denimblog.com.image via StyleCaster

Here are the rules for an all denim ensemble, according to Elle Magazine:
1. It's all about the wash. Pair a lighter denim top with darker jeans or vice versa.
2. Break it up with a leather or suede belt.
3. Keep it simple by avoiding acid washed or printed denim (which I think you should be doing anyway)

That doesn't sound too difficult. What do you think? Could you pull off a DOD (Denim-On-Denim) outfit?

LIFE :: Rain, Rain, I'll let you stay

After a blistering hot North Carolina summer, I'm welcoming the week of rain that we are currently in the midst of. I finally got to pull out some of my sweaters, and more importantly, I get to wear my new rainboots every day this week. Really, I've been jumping in puddles on my walks to class just because I can.

{image from Flickr}

I've been spending hours upon hours in coffee houses across Chapel Hill because I had four midterms this week. The exams were miserable, but my time in varioius coffeehouses across the town was splendid. Currently, I'm sitting in Caribou Coffee. Other destinations this week? Open Eye Cafe in Carrboro, Jack Sprat Cafe, Cafe Driade and good ole' Starbucks.

Another delightful discovery is that many coffeehouses also sell wine. And as of this month, I'm 21 years old and can purchase wine. This also made studying a lot more tolerable.

Next week I have yet another exam as well as two papers due, so I'm positive my coffeehouse craze is not even close to over. I'm okay with that. Bring on the vino!

{image from the Jack Sprat Cafe website}

Note the UNC Tar heel flag in the window of Jack Sprat. Represent.

The Long Awaited Return

Hello friends,

As tends to happen in my ever-hectic life, I got distracted by other responsibilities (namely, that little thing called college) and unfortunately abandoned my favorite project, the lovely blog. I have been keeping up my Tumblr, which is just so quick and easy, but I've been missing Joy is Style!

So, I'm vowing now to be a good little blogger and actually update Joy is Style multiple times a week.

I came across this DIY wall idea from Design*Sponge and it is beyond awesome.

For a step-by-step, be sure to check out this post from Design*Sponge.

More later, lovelies!

Whitney

ARTS :: An Education

I ordered An Education on Netflix a few weeks back and there is something about it that I can't get out of my head.
Maybe it's the slightly creepy and very tragic relationship between a high schooler and a much older man. Maybe it's the 1960s fashion. Maybe its just Carey Mulligan. Do I really have to add another girl to my girl crush file? This is getting fairly ridiculous.


An Education is based on journalist Lynn Barber's experiences. I love a true story.
Unfortunately, upon further digging into Ms. Barber's life, I discovered this article in which she admits to sleeping with 50 men during two 8 week terms at Oxford University. Do the math. That means she slept with someone new about every other day. That's not quite as romantic.

Til next time!
Whitney

FASHION :: The Hockney Handbag

I splurged.

Yes, I spent weeks upon weeks without buying anything (except one dress at Target, but it was necessary. I had a party to go to!). Then, I walked into J.Crew one fateful afternoon and.i.fell.in.love.

Introducing my new purse, the J. Crew Hockney Handbag.

In my defense, it was on sale.

LIFE :: Crazy Love

Oh hey there.

Like the new blog layout? I do. It's got that shabby chic feel and those ribbons make it seem like a present. I like presents. I like blogs. Blogs virtually wrapped as presents are right up my alley.

So, what have I been up to? Well, a lot. I think I'm just going to start back in with what I've done in the past week. Get ready for picture-mania!

1. I visited my best friends in Charlotte, NC for the Fourth of July. Megan (of the wonderful blog, The Oatmeal Diaries) was an amazing hostess and I still can't get over how great the parfaits were. It was an absolutely perfect weekend of catching up and having fun. I was also reminded how ridiculously hilarious my friends are.

We went to Harrisburg for fireworks on the 4th. There were... a lot of rednecks. But also great fireworks. I'll consider it a win-win because people watching was spectacular. Mullet-spotting is a favorite past-time of mine.
2. On Wednesday I went on a triple date with my high school best friends and all of our boyfriends. It. was. epic. And by that I mean, I was really really proud of getting three hole-in-ones in putt-putt. Just call me Tiger. Minus the infidelities.
In all actuality though, 18 holes of putt-putt is far too much. I'd have been much more entertained if it were 9 holes.
After putt-putt, we played Mario Kart. I rocked it. It was a good night for my ego.

3. I saw Michael Buble in concert on Friday. I've always been a fan of Michael (we're on a first name basis) but I never knew he was so hilarious. If having an absolutely drop-dead gorgeous voice that makes any woman swoon doesn't work out, he'd definitely succeed in stand-up.
Examples:
When he was introducing the band, he came to a trumpet player and said "this kid has come a long way. Clap loudly for this Raleigh native. He's one of your own!" Once the roar died down (and we did roar) he says, "Well you guys are great. Too bad he's from San Antonio, Texas."
I felt betrayed. I forgave him when he sang glorious love songs to me.
See pictures and videos below. Imagine you were there. It was amazing.

That really big guy off the stage in a black suit was his body guard. He never smiled.

Update... I've been sitting here for over an hour waiting for a video of Mike to load. I've painted my nails, eaten lunch, and done laundry during that time. Unfortunately, I don't think Blogger likes me uploading a 5 minute video. Never fear, I'll try again in the future.

Give me a break, give me a break...

Finish it with me, everyone! Break me off a piece of that Kit-Kat bar!

Okay, now that I'm done with my jingle, I have an announcement.

I expected to have a nice leisurely summer, but it has turned out to be a whirlwind! I'm working two jobs, my family is moving, and there is a LOT going on in my life (both good and not so good).

Due to these unforeseen circumstances, I am taking a hiatus for a few weeks to figure out how to:

1.) manage my increasingly busy life
2.) step back and decide what I would like this blog to be for me.
3.) make the blog prettier!

So, I just wanted to clue you in on why there have been less posts lately. Don't worry, I'm planning on barraging you with stylish joy and joyish style when I return.

I'm off to a wedding this weekend! I'll be back in just a few short weeks!

FASHION :: Girl Crush: Emma Watson

Riddle me this....

How did this little girl

turn into this stunner?Hermione has got it going on. Brains and beauty! When I grow up, I want to be like her. I'd also like to sit in 1950s soda shops, drinking milkshakes, dressed in an updated sweater-set and have a great British accent. Oh, and if I knew a few thousand spells, that would be a plus.

FASHION :: Inspiration: The Hollywood Black Dress

A-listers have always been commended for their fashion know-how both on and off the red carpet. Hollywood darlings have been responsible for new trends in fashion since the silent films of the 1920s. More important than the trends that celebrities spark are the fashions that stars turn into classics.

The black dress has become the epitome of class and sophistication. Here are some of my favorite black dresses from film:

Audrey Hepburn's black sheath dress in Breakfast at Tiffanys is often emulated (but I really don't think any one has pulled it off quite as well as Ms. Hepburn)

Check out the back of the dress. Gorgeous.

In a more recent film, the Ugly Truth, Katherine Heigl sported an Armani LBD.

Another great back! I want an LBD exactly like this (though not with the Armani price tag)

Ava Gardner evokes classic Hollywood glamour in The Killers (1946)

Ava Gardner was also a North Carolina native! There is an entire Ava museum in Smithfield, NC.

While I'm team Jen, you can't deny the sexual chemistry between Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in Mr. and Mrs. Smith. I bet it was the black dress.

I adore Jennifer Connelly's black dress in A Beautiful Mind. Such an interesting neckline.

Which dress is your favorite? Are there any iconic black dresses that you think belong on this list?

FASHION :: Beachwear

I may not be heading to the beach any time soon, but I am planning on going to the pool with some friends tomorrow.

Here are my beach/pool essentials for 2010:

Victoria's Secret, Top $24, Bottom $18
(now, if only I looked like her)

Classic Critter Flip-Flip, J Crew, $16.99

Lilly Pulitzer Elina Embroidered Coverup, Bebo.com, $98

Sunglasses, Target, $16.99
(I'm a huge proponent of cheap sunglasses...probably because I ALWAYS lose mine)
Reisenthal Picnic Basket, Amazon.com, $39.99

Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer, all drugstores, $9.99
(As a red head, sunscreen is an absolute necessity. It would probably be SPF 85 though!)

What are your beach basics?

FASHION :: Lilly Pulitzer on RueLaLa

I love, love, love sample sales. Long, long ago in a land far, far away (New York City), I stumbled into a sample sale in SoHo and it changed my life. Where else can you find designer clothing at up to 90% off? It was heavenly. I became a very well-dressed middle schooler after that fateful day (Until two months later when I had a growth spurt and had to return to buying my clothing at Old Navy and American Eagle).

Unfortunately, North Carolina isn't known as the sample sale capital of the world. In fact, I don't know if there has ever been a real sample sale in the Tar Heel state.

I would lament over the sad lack of sales in the NC area.... if it weren't for RueLaLa!

RueLaLa has daily online sample sales! What? I can get my fashion fix while I'm sitting in my pajamas watching Regis and Kelly?! Life = complete.

Tomorrow, at 11:00AM ET, the Lilly Pulitzer boutique sale will be on RueLaLa. I've purchased a brand new Lilly shift dress at one of their previous sales for only $59!

There is a preview of the sale on RueLaLa and it looks fabulous!




Not a member of RueLaLa? Well, it's your lucky day. Click here for an invitation!

I'm on the look-out for a new Lilly purse/tote. Do you plan on buying anything?

LIFE :: Happy (Belated) Mother's Day

Mother's Day at the Davis household was excellent this year! Really, it is up there on the list of best Mother's Days ever.

Mama Davis is not only my mom, but one of my closest friends. We have a unique relationship that is often closer to a friendship than the typical mother/daughter roles. She can always make me laugh. Even though we've had some mom-umental (haha get it? Man, I'm cheesy) fights, I appreciate that I can talk to my mom about anything under the sun.

Mom, since I know you read this, I love you!

Yesterday morning, we had a family brunch at our house. My grandma and aunts came to enjoy the delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and grits that my dad made. My job was to provide the parfaits.


I think they turned out nicely, don't you? They were also 100% scrumptious.

I got my mom a binder from NoFo, a great restaurant in a converted Piggly Wiggly. The binder, titled "Keeping Coupons", provides an organized way to house and use all those coupons that we always seem to forget to use. Maybe this will help...


They have an entire collection of organizational binders for keeping house, holding dine-in menus, and keeping recipes. We may need to start a collection.

After we stuffed ourselves with breakfast food, we all went down to the farmer's market. I love the farmer's market. I got myself some fresh strawberries and some local honey. A couple people have told me that eating a tablespoon of local honey a day helps ease allergy symptoms. I've had awful allergies this year, so I'm willing to give it a try. Does any one have any additional allergy advice?


The rest of the day was spent watching Bridget Jones' Diary and Clueless. I couldn't ask for a better Mother's Day.

Here is a picture I found of my mom and I from.... 1994? 1995? Some time in the mid-1990s.
Last but not least, this is Mama Davis looking absolutely stunning. Wow.

I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day!

Whitney