sweetpea222

Wow, thank you so much!! We sail on the Spirit next July in the Mediterranean. She is really a lovely ship, and I am getting so excited just seeing these photos!! :D

Wow, such great replies...thanks! Even though we don't cruise until next summer, I've been diligently looking for the right things to take. I've found three great dresses, two dressy and one casual, all great material that doesn't wrinkle easily. One dress is from Banana Republic, really good stretchy knit and fits like a dream. Best news is I got them all at the consignment store. :-)

Still trying to figure out how much I will need to take for a month away, and have to buy a carry on suitcase first, but i'm getting there. :-)

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We've just come back from Europe. Paris was certainly cool and we needed a jacket at night time.

Good to know, thanks. Would a cardigan work for nighttime? Or should I be thinking of a jacket? I don't have anything really nice, mostly just hoody type jackets and then winter ones. Maybe I'll have to put that on my shopping list :D

What a wonderful trip report, and your pictures are stunning. We are doing the 12 day Grand Med cruise out of Venice next July, so I loved seeing those beautiful pictures...:)

Thank you!!

Those are really cute pants! I wish they came in a darker greyish colour though...:( Some of the prices are great at the Talbot's website, I'm just going to have to check the shipping charges to Canada. So the fabric that holds up seems to be a blend. Most of the pants shown as examples are either poly/viscous/spandex or cotton/spandex.

I'm thinking the fabric is going to be really important, both for weight, shape, how they hold up to washing, etc.

OMG, thanks so much for all the suggestions and links. I love those photos, Ducklite! The pants are so cute, and really much more dressy than regular capris. I will have to start my search for them.

I'm not a fancy dresser, but I do like to look nice. I totally think I can do it, and I'm inspired now to make it happen. I just don't want the hassle of extra baggage, and love the idea of travelling light. With the suggestions I've found here and other places, it's definitely doable.

Great news is my MIL booked the trip today, so we're on for the 12 night cruise next July, as well as a night before in Venice, possibly two nights after in Barcelona, and then two weeks in Paris. Renting a flat in Paris means you have access to laundry, so really at that point it's pretty simple to keep your clothes clean. Plus, I look forward to possibly purchasing one or two things while over there, so if I need to bring another bag back I'll deal with that then. :D

Keep the suggestions coming, I'm adding them to my cruise file!

 

Don't forget a couple of pairs of socks..lightweight trouser socks..the time of year you are going it could be a little chilly.

We'll be there mid-July to mid-August, so I'm not sure about chilly? :confused:

I hate crocs but I have to say those leopard print ones are really cute! At least, they look cute in the pic but I wonder if, in person, they look like thick plastic? IDK, I just have never been a crocs person, but if they looked fashionable I could change my mind. :D

I love ballet flats. Wear them to work all the time. The trick for me is to find some that are really comfy for all the walking we'll be doing (the med. cruise goes to Venice, Rome, Athens, Naples, Barcelona just to name a few so lots of walking) AND won't make my feet sweat if it's 90+ degrees out. I don't want to wear ugly sport sandals but I know my feet will feel bad, get blisters, and smell if I am not able to let them breath. :(

Great ideas, please keep them coming! I agree on the colour palate (ie. grey/black/white) so you can mix and match. That makes complete sense. Also will be looking for really good leather shoes that will be comfortable as well as fashionable.

Our tentative itinerary includes a 12 night cruise out of Venice, ending in Barcelona, and then taking the train to Paris where we would like to rent a flat for two weeks and just immerse ourselves in the Parisian culture.

What fabrics would you recommend? Something that will wash well, won't look dingy or old, and will dry with the fewest wrinkles since I hate ironing. I would like two simple dresses that would work for both daytime touring and then evening on the ship dressed up with scarves and jewellery. Not sure where to look for these. We're in Canada so shipping from the States can be murder.

So we're planning a wonderful trip next summer, a 12 night Med cruise followed by two weeks in Paris. I really, really need to do all of it with just what I can pack in a carry on. We don't want to be hauling tons of luggage from airport to dock, dock to train station, etc.

Can anyone share their secrets for a great looking European-worthy wardrobe that can fit into a carry on?

My first thought is to lose 10 lbs, since I think having fitted clothes is my best option for being stylish in Europe. :rolleyes: What else?