Caribbean-Cruising Fashonista

[indiana71]

MorganiCat: I didn't see your post RE Erie until now:(! I'm not very familiar w/ Erie and have only gone to Mill Creek Mall and Talbot's. But there's always next time so thanks for the suggestions:).

Yesterday (at the Prime Outlets in Grove City), I found a taupe & peach knit dress - sleeveless V-neck...so it's replacing a dress on my spreadsheet. The dress came from Ann Taylor and the saleslady suggested taupe sandals that were a perfect match. I've never worn flat thong-style sandals to dinner...but these are dressier than most and work with the style of the dress.

Also found 2 tops (bogo):).

At Banana Republic, tried on a yellow scoop-neck T with silver starfish - can't pass up starfish;) and a skirt. Will have to see if either of those make The Next Cruise.

Today I bought a couple shirts and shorts for DH.

Several weeks before each cruise, I make a dinner featuring foods from our itinerary and we review our plans.

Since that dinner generally falls before a holiday, I combine "cruise" and the name of the holiday - this time it's "Cruismorial" (Cruise + Memorial Day). DH gets to open gifts (mostly the clothes I've been picking up at sales).

Bought one thing for myself - a bra at Victoria's Secret that can be strapless, one strap, two straps or crossback. Now I have a versatile undergarment. Too bad, MorganiCat, that I didn't read about Gabriel's before leaving - could have saved some $$.

BTW - ValueCity in Meadville has been closed a year or 2. It was a good place for bargains!

Charming Charlie's was nice to look around but found nothing that spoke to me.

There are a couple things that have gone on EVERY cruise and would never be considered any other way - My Brighton "fish" necklace and earrings are always on the packing list.

Question: Do you have some item(s) that always goes, that must make the packing list (excluding meds & cosmetics)?

[Alrana Eris]

I scored 2 pairs of Jones NY capris at Burlington Coat Factory,I have been having such good luck as I hate shopping -I have a list and I stick to it. I also had to buy a couple blouses for work summer top uniform color is turquoise. I'm still looking for the long evening dress.(I have 3 cocktail ones already).

 

Also question : Is a purple velvet cocktail dress okay for formal/elegant night? I know I get it Caribbean ,hot weather. But there's a dress I want to bring for formal pics, would I be totally out of place? I'm more of a fashion ditz than fashionista sometimes..

[indiana71]

Alrana Eris: Velvet on a Caribbean cruise - hmmmmm. Here's my VERY humble opinion: You said it was a cocktail dress - so I'm assuming it's not a turtle-neck or long sleeves. If it shows some skin, i.e., spaghetti straps, maybe a little cleavage, etc. - I say Go For It!

If you love the dress and want to take it, then take it.:cool:

[Alrana Eris]

Alrana Eris: Velvet on a Caribbean cruise - hmmmmm. Here's my VERY humble opinion: You said it was a cocktail dress - so I'm assuming it's not a turtle-neck or long sleeves. If it shows some skin, i.e., spaghetti straps, maybe a little cleavage, etc. - I say Go For It!

If you love the dress and want to take it, then take it.:cool:

 

[/quote

 

Its a v neck with no sleeves I have a pashmina to match.

[indiana71]

This is the week of Final Try-On and then will be ready to start packing after Memorial Day weekend. I'm pleased to say there are a couple items going in the suitcase that have been in the Cruise Closet for years, but have never made the cut:)

We have sunscreen from last year and I don't see an expiration date...

QUESTION: Do you dispose of last year's sunscreen and buy new?

[Jsim2011]

Sunscreen DOES have an expiration date though it may not be printed on the tube.

 

I was told by a skin specialist not to rely on sunscreen from previous year.

[Jsim2011]

smooth_toaster - I will look at the label on the dress and check the material but it is a type of chiffon I think and it does pack very well.

 

Indiana, I will post pics of my Alaska outfits as soon as I have them ready.

[iCruise717]

This is the week of Final Try-On and then will be ready to start packing after Memorial Day weekend. I'm pleased to say there are a couple items going in the suitcase that have been in the Cruise Closet for years, but have never made the cut:)

 

So jealous you are getting close to packing and heading out! Can't wait to see what the final outfits are!

[indiana71]

There will be at least 4 outfit changes - that's why it's a good idea to start The Process early:cool:.

I'm hoping to have time after lunch Friday to try on the replacements and edit the spreadsheet. Maybe take a couple photos to post...

Tomorrow is Plant the Herb Garden Day and watch grandson's baseball game. I won't look much like a fashionista while planting and basesball games aren't exactly the place to show off cruise worthy clothes! But - real life doesn't allow us to be stylish all the time;)!

[Jsim2011]

I found a great deal today.

 

Ralph Lauren trousers on sale for $49 at macy's. When I took them to the register to pay for them, they rang up at $34 I also had a $10 off coupon.

 

Final cost before tax - $24!!!!

 

I will be taking them to Alaska or even wearing them for boarding.

[simplelife]

Sunscreen DOES have an expiration date though it may not be printed on the tube.

 

I was told by a skin specialist not to rely on sunscreen from previous year.

After I had a breakout a few years ago from using sunscreen from the previous year, I always buy fresh each summer. if I do a winter cruise or sunny vacation, I buy fresh for that too

[indiana71]

Jsim2011: Applause for you on your recent Ralph Lauren deal:)! How nice to get to the register and have even more taken off the $$.

simplelife: I know we've used sunscreen many times from the previous year (seems we need 1 more bottle at the end of a season and have more than half leftover...).

Even though we aren't sun worshippers, all of you who said to toss the old and buy new have influenced me - I'm buying fresh. Besides, with the talk about "broad spectrum", that's what I'll look for.

DH was kind enough to take a couple photos today. It's 74 and sunny:cool: - time to pose outdoors!

The first photo is a dress from Ann Taylor, bought at the outlet mall a couple weeks ago. The shoes were recommended by the sales lady since they match the taupe in the dress.

This dress is knit and will travel well. I really like the cut, too.

One of my pre-planned outfits is going back in the closet for another cruise...

The planned outfit for Newport is being swapped out for this dress. The label is RXB...don't recall where it came from...maybe Macy's???? Anyway, it's a fun sundress, easy to pack, and I had the white and silver sandals, but haven't worn them much. The silver design is sewn on.

 

 

[Cancun01]

Hi Cancun, here is one of me on one of the formal nights, not a great photo but the only one on my compueter right now, as I m.entioned, I have seen more women in formal than cocktail, but either will be fine.

 

 

Thanks for showing me the type of dress that you wear. Very kind of you.

Beautiful. I have decided that I will be taking my grey long gown with me and a perwinkle blue chiffon cocktail dress.

 

We are at our condo in Mexico right now and I keep picking up reasonably cheap little sundresses....need to book a longer cruise....but alas I have to go back to work eventually ..haha...just took all my holidays at once.

 

I also came across a store called MineralA near our condo with a 50% off sale. The prices are half of that shown. Beautiful statement jewelry. Not Tiffany's but it works. Bought more than I need - anyone ever done that...

 

http://www.mineralia.com.mx/english/jewerly-product-catalogue/1/

Edited May 21, 2012 by Cancun01

[soozles]

I just bought this sundress from target http://www.target.com/p/Merona-Womens-White-Sleeveless-Dress-with-Crochet-Trim/-/A-13976902#?lnk=sc_qi_detailimage

 

My upcoming cruise is my honeymoon cruise, so I am feeling the white. I also have a little blue half sleeve cardigan thing I can throw over and a pair of blue sandals. I have to say, I look pretty cute in my ensemble.

[Cancun01]

Jsim2011: Applause for you on your recent Ralph Lauren deal:)! How nice to get to the register and have even more taken off the $$.

 

simplelife: I know we've used sunscreen many times from the previous year (seems we need 1 more bottle at the end of a season and have more than half leftover...).

Even though we aren't sun worshippers, all of you who said to toss the old and buy new have influenced me - I'm buying fresh. Besides, with the talk about "broad spectrum", that's what I'll look for.

 

DH was kind enough to take a couple photos today. It's 74 and sunny:cool: - time to pose outdoors!

 

The first photo is a dress from Ann Taylor, bought at the outlet mall a couple weeks ago. The shoes were recommended by the sales lady since they match the taupe in the dress.

This dress is knit and will travel well. I really like the cut, too.

One of my pre-planned outfits is going back in the closet for another cruise...

 

The planned outfit for Newport is being swapped out for this dress. The label is RXB...don't recall where it came from...maybe Macy's???? Anyway, it's a fun sundress, easy to pack, and I had the white and silver sandals, but haven't worn them much. The silver design is sewn on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great outfits Indiana. Isn't it nice when everything fits together so nicely? You do not have to decide outfits at sea.

Edited May 21, 2012 by Cancun01

[indiana71]

Have you ever had a pair of shoes (heels, flats, whatever) that you wear at home, or out to dinner, or often enough to be sure they won't give you blisters?

I've packed the most comfortable and easy-to-wear shoes only to find out, to my dismay, that those go-to shoes aren't the ones to go to when walking around the Caribbean. It's happened only a couple times, and thank goodness for Band-Aid Friction Block to keep them from rubbing my heel or toes. Band-Aids work...but don't look very attractive.

Wearing socks and sneakers isn't going to happen for me (even though that would be the easiest solution.)

Most of my Cruise Shoes have made several trips and are totally reliable. But what about the newer ones?

Today, DH & I are going to a minor league baseball game and I'm wearing new flat sandals. If they feel good by the end of the day, those black, gold and tan strappy shoes will find a home in the Cruise Closet:cool:.

Question: Do you have any shoe horror stories??:eek:

[Alrana Eris]

Have you ever had a pair of shoes (heels, flats, whatever) that you wear at home, or out to dinner, or often enough to be sure they won't give you blisters?

I've packed the most comfortable and easy-to-wear shoes only to find out, to my dismay, that those go-to shoes aren't the ones to go to when walking around the Caribbean. It's happened only a couple times, and thank goodness for Band-Aid Friction Block to keep them from rubbing my heel or toes. Band-Aids work...but don't look very attractive.

Wearing socks and sneakers isn't going to happen for me (even though that would be the easiest solution.)

Most of my Cruise Shoes have made several trips and are totally reliable. But what about the newer ones?

Today, DH & I are going to a minor league baseball game and I'm wearing new flat sandals. If they feel good by the end of the day, those black, gold and tan strappy shoes will find a home in the Cruise Closet:cool:.

 

Question: Do you have any shoe horror stories??:eek:

 

 

Yep this Sunday i went to a Street fair and shopping in NYC with my girlfriends wore a nice pair of sandals. Aganist my own advice I wore them. By the time I got to Grand Central, my pinky toe hurt like hell. came home had a poped blister neosporin and band aids are my friend, its healing now. Don't need to cruise to get a blister, my advice is I break in my sandals on all different surfaces, sidewalk, grass, boardwalk(or what my town calls one a lonely taco stand) and beach sand. It depends , my aerosoles took forever to break in. My payless ones took less than 3 days go figure.

 

my own lesson not learned:D pinky toe is on the mend

Edited May 23, 2012 by Alrana Eris

[indiana71]

Alrana Eris: Great advice! "Don't need to cruise to get a blister. my advice is I break in my sandals on all different surfaces, sidewalk, grass, boardwalk"

I could add: wear socks with those new sandals when you aren't going out. That also helps to break them in.

The new sandals I wore today were doing just fine...until we walked back to the car and one of the straps rubbed my big toe:( - a little more walking and I would have been nursing a blister. It's going to take a couple more times before they are cruise-ready.

[indiana71]

I hope all of you will enjoy the holiday weekend - the unofficial start of summer:cool:...and Swimsuit Season:eek:.

Some of us probably haven't had that much body showing since last summer!! No matter your shape - put on a swimsuit and take advantage of warmer-than-usual temperatures (at least in much of the U.S.).

And during this Memorial Day weekend - take time to remember those who served our country. Because of them, we have the freedom to plan vacations and travel freely.

[Cancun01]

Have you ever had a pair of shoes (heels, flats, whatever) that you wear at home, or out to dinner, or often enough to be sure they won't give you blisters?

I've packed the most comfortable and easy-to-wear shoes only to find out, to my dismay, that those go-to shoes aren't the ones to go to when walking around the Caribbean. It's happened only a couple times, and thank goodness for Band-Aid Friction Block to keep them from rubbing my heel or toes. Band-Aids work...but don't look very attractive.

Wearing socks and sneakers isn't going to happen for me (even though that would be the easiest solution.)

Most of my Cruise Shoes have made several trips and are totally reliable. But what about the newer ones?

Today, DH & I are going to a minor league baseball game and I'm wearing new flat sandals. If they feel good by the end of the day, those black, gold and tan strappy shoes will find a home in the Cruise Closet:cool:.

 

Question: Do you have any shoe horror stories??:eek:

 

I had an experience with a couple of pairs of old reliable shoes last summer - a pair of Clarks and a pair of Rockports - a friend of mine had the same thing happen - walking along and suddenly my shoe felt odd - the sole had totally fallen apart and disintegrated - apparently sun, salt etc. can eventually have that impact on leather shoes. Never had it happen before or since. Strange feeling. I had to stop and buy some flip-flops. :o

[indiana71]

Cancun01: Oh my! Clark's and Rockports are 2 of the most reliable brands. To have the sole disintegrate could be a disaster when you're planning to walk several miles:eek:. At least you were able to buy flipflops!

[indiana71]

We returned home yesterday after a wonderful Memorial weekend at our cottage w/ DS and his family.

While away, the laptop decided to stop working, so obviously no emails, no internet. At home, my desktop didn't have an internet connection:eek: so without a computer what was left to do??? START PACKING:cool:. Steel drum music and a chilled glass of pinot grigio can do wonders for one's mood.

Happy to report that our computer repair guy is awesome and in about 5 minutes had my desktop up and running. (I'm pathetically not techno savvy!).

This weekend, packing will be the focus - with a couple more TryOns, no doubt.

Meanwhile, I'm still trying new shoes to see how comfortable they are after a couple hours of wear...

[plank]

Hey there! I never go anywhere without my Downy spray!!!! It has been such a help with those unwanted traveling wrinkles for hubby and me!! Peggy

[socallisa]

Hey there! I never go anywhere without my Downy spray!!!! It has been such a help with those unwanted traveling wrinkles for hubby and me!! Peggy

 

I LOVE that wrinkle releaser!! I don't even iron anymore. =)

[indiana71]

Okay - you've convinced me!! I will buy Downy spray wrinkle release and try it at home. If it works for me like it does for plank and sharkie90278 - I'll buy stock in the company:)!!