indiana71

Member123 (and others who are interested in the planning outfits process) -

The key to being a Caribbean Fashonista is to think about the colors of the area where you are going. The vibe - can you close your eyes and see sunshine and sand; hear steel drum music; taste an umbrella-embellished drink:cool::)? What clothes and styles are appropriate for that atmosphere? THAT's what you need to take.

1. On tablet paper, write at the top of each sheet the day & activity, i.e.: Day 1, Saturday, Sailaway/Dinner

Day 2, At Sea

Day 2, Dinner

Day 3, Kennedy Space Center tour

Day 3, Formal Dinner

2. I find it easiest if EVERYTHING that could potentially make it to the suitcase is in one room - laid out, hanging in the closet or hanging on hooks. (It takes a little time to gather all that stuff, but worth it). Even if you don't have a spare room for this purpose, it can be done anywhere if you have a full day to devote.)

3. I start with the Formal Night outfits because they're easiest for me. There aren't lots of choices so the selection is quick.

On the sheet of paper list every part of that outfit starting with undergarments and ending with accessories. Don't laugh about the undergarments part - if you need a strapless but don't list it, that could be a problem come Formal Night...

4. Casual outfits - shorts, Capris, etc. are laid out individually. Put a top with each bottom. When you have combinations that you like, make notes on your paper on the day you will wear them.

Add shoes and any accessories to the list.

5. Dinner outfits go the same way - choosing one at a time and listing each complete outfit.

6. Last is a list of Misc. Stuff - swimsuits, coverups, pajamas. Even make-up gets a list. (I wouldn't want to forget any cosmetics:eek:).

7. Take those sheets of paper and in Word (some use Excel but I like Word better), make a spreadsheet/table with a cell for each day. My entire chart is too large to copy and paste but here's a sample. (When copied and pasted, only the words have been pasted, the cells don't show up; but you can still get the idea):

SUN, 6/5 At Sea

Bra: tangerine Spanx

Capris: lilac Coldwater

Top: rasp knit cap sl, slight U nk

Sandals: silver Naots

Necklace & Earrings: Brighton

Watch: colorful cuff

Crossbody: silver Sharif

SUN, 6/5 Dinner

Bra: black Spanx, black

Dress: black chiffon w/ sash V-neck

Heels: silver

Necklace: black & silver “tear drop”

Bracelet: black stretch

Earrings: black dangles

Wrap: black

Glasses: Black

MON, 6/6 – Bermuda Tour

Bra: p green Spanx

Shorts: white Talbot

Top: p green SeaHorse T

Belt: silver thin leather

Sandals: silver Naots

Earrings: silver dangles

Purse: Dooney & B Crossbody

Cardigan: white V-neck

MON, 6/6 Dinner

Bra: white low-cut Spanx

Skirt: brown w/ white & pinks - flounce

Top: white w/ pearl beads

Bolero set

Wedges: copper knot

Bracelet: 3 strand pink stretchy

Earrings: pink dangle

8. Packing is the fastest part, once you're outfits are together.

NOTE: The casual outfits and the dinner outfits certainly don't need to be worn on the day they're listed. If you would rather switch, no problem. You could even make a generic list with the number of CASUAL DAYS and DINNER/EVENING.

I have read CJW and am a believer in the warm or cool color theory. Bright pastels are best for me and I really do feel happier in those colors.

I hope this helps and as always, I would love to hear how others plan. Photos and spreadsheets are welcome!:)

Jacksmom09: Kennedy Space Center was the biggest surprise - it was wonderful! The excursion was 10 hours and we wondered how it could take so long to see KSC. The 30 minute bus ride to and from was interesting, too. We looked for alligators in the streams along the road...but the Space Center itself was a moving experience. We could see Endeavor, ready to go in the distance, at our 1st stop - the Observation Tower, at the IMAX theater you see what the Hubble Telescope saw (in 3D!)...and the Shuttle Launch Experience is similar to an amusement park ride.

I had no idea how much goes into space flight and the dedication of those involved. It really WAS a moving experience. I highly recommend it:).

Below is what I wore - red Talbot capris and a white knit top from the local consignment shop. The sandals are super comfy - they're silver "snakeskin" Naots. The Dooney & Bourke crossbody was good for holding glasses, etc. (The photo was taken right after entering KSC. I bet the "astronaut" gets tired giving the thumbs up sign all day;)!)

STEPS to PLANNING a FASHONISTA's CRUISE WARDROBE - I will post that next - didn't want to include it with KSC.

We were only onboard a short time when this photo was taken - hadn't even had access to our stateroom yet.

You can see the layers I have on. The white jacket goes with everything and was removed before the muster drill. The orange loose-knit pullover was the bright part of the outfit and could have gone over a cami and shorts if we had a cool afternoon. You can't see the orange wedges that match. The 3rd layer is a long-sleeve print knit top.

It's hard to see my necklace, but it's metal rings - orange and burnished gold on a gold chain (the gold matches the jacket's gold).

BTW - We often offer to take another couple's picture and they generally offer to take ours. That's what happened here with old Captain Hook in the casino.

A 9-night cruise means at least 27 meals that are more than what we normally eat. I give myself a couple days before building up nerve to step on the scale...this was the morning of reckoning. How much did I gain THIS time:confused:.

Not too bad - 2 pounds. We did lots of walking. According to my pedometer, about 50 miles! No, not power walking or wearing out the mile track on the ship (I don't take walking shoes or workout clothes...they would never get worn!) - just walking, at Kennedy Space Center (we were there 6 hours and sat very little), Key West has so much to see, you don't realize how far you've walked and we stopped for morning crepes, liquid refreshment and lunch, too.

Cruising is the motivation for maintaining my weight. My clothes need to fit and it's nice to know buttons won't pop or zippers split:eek:.

Our next cruise is only 5 nights and since we're going in June, cold weather shouldn't be a concern. I'll soon be starting to put outfits together. I picked up clothes from the dry cleaner today. They do a much better job (even with washables), especially with getting wrinkles out.

DH said I should just pack it all back in the suitcase but that wouldn't be any fun! Trying on and making a chart is a sacred ritual;).

BTW - My manicure still looked good the day we came home. The next day (after laundry and dishwashing) it chipped...the pedicure will last longer...

I tried to post another photo but it wouldn't "paste"...I'll try again later...

I didn't look very happy in the black pants photo...the picture was taken at home, by me using a tripod. Onboard I'm MUCH happier!

Earlier there was a photo posted where I posed by a bronze statue. Well, here's another.

When I find a cardigan/pullover that works on tropical cruises, I buy it! Leaving from northern ports any time but summer means a couple cool days. The beige no-button cardigan is from Ann Taylor & works for daytime and also for air-conditioned dining rooms.

I've never taken a purse before, but this one (Dooney & Bourke) is a small crossbody and was very convenient on port days.

The black sandals have gone on every cruise and are super comfy!

Below is the outfit I wore to Chops (specialty restaurant). Formal attire would have been too formal, casual clothes, too casual.

The top is from White House Black Market. (bought at Rehoboth Beach last August and not worn until this cruise).

The pants (from Talbot's & at least 3 years old) are satiny and pack easily. I've never taken them on a cruise but they worked beautifully for this occasion.

The silver shoes are from Payless. I was very happy to get dress shoes that are decent quality w/o spending $$$.

Silver earrings and bangle bracelets completed the outfit.

We had a 7:30 reservation and had an excursion that brought us back to the ship at 6 PM. Since the pants & top were on the same hanger and jewelry was in a plastic baggie marked "Chops Dinner", no time was wasted choosing clothes when we returned.

Member 123 - I would be lost without all the detailed planning! I wore every outfit exactly as it was listed on my chart*. Jewelry was packed in individual plastic bags with the date and "day" or "dinner" on a note so there was no fumbling for a particular piece.

The only time I deviated* was the next to last night for dinner. My plan was to wear a short-sleeve dress and Bolero cardigan. It was a little too chilly for that:(, so I wore black pants (that had been worn earlier) and a long sleeve top that was an add-in.

There wasn't anything that I neglected to bring or wish I had brought along.

A Suggestion for a Long Cruise - A lady at the table next to us in the dining room wore basic black every evening, but with a different color top and jewelry each time. Your jewelry (I'm guessing) is classic and would go with anything. She had 2 pairs of black shoes - 1 strappy wedges and the other dress pumps. She never looked like she was wearing the same thing twice.:)

Your cruise sounds like a great time and thinking about outfits should be done before you go so that all the time away can be devoted to making happy memories and seeing all there is to see:cool:.

WHAT A FANTASTIC CRUISE:cool:! Nine days of gorgeous weather and the ports were awesome...but that's for another thread.

Now that the laundry is done and clothes are back in the "cruise room", it's time to get back to reading the threads. I LOVE reading all of the posts here:)!

er345 - Thank you for the detailed description of storage in your stateroom. That will help lots of fashonistas!

Our stateroom was like yours (except no pull-down bed). I took several padded hangers, too. And the cheap plastic hangers from stores - the ones for skirts or pants that hook over a regular hanger. They're good for putting an outfit together - top on the regular, skirt/pants on the one that hooks over.

We used all the drawer space. I, too, put jewelry in the top drawer w/ the hair dryer. The safe is used for passports, cell phone, cash, etc.

The built-in shelves in the shower were great for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc. DH used the shampoo dispenser.

We had plenty of space. Too bad our 2 big suitcases didn't fit under the bed. We had to crawl around them to get in to bed, but no big deal. (One of the suitcases was used as a hamper.)

MY OBSERVATIONS AND CRITIQUES OF ONBOARD FASHIONS: For the most part, cruisers were dressed in fashonista-approved attire. Many of the flip-flops aka thongs were not of the rubber variety. Some were silver or leather with decorative flowers on them.

One night in the theater a man came in wearing jeans, a flannel shirt and ball cap. (DH & I counted the # of ball caps each night. It's a pet peeve we share. Why do guys wear ball caps???)

On formal nights, about 20 percent of the men were in tuxes, a very few were dressed casually, the majority had sport coats and ties. Many of the women wore LBDs, some had gowns. Only a handful of females were dressed casually (Capris).

COMPLAINT: Let me start by saying Enchantment of the Seas is NOT new, therefore, not as many ammenities...

The bathroom lighting leaves much to be desired :confused: if you want to see clearly while applying makeup. I did take a suction-cup magnifying mirror that helped.

After uploading the pix, I will post any that are appropriate for this thread.

Meanwhile - we're counting the days till we cruise to Bermuda:).

PACKING NOTES FOR NEXT CRUISE - Don't bother taking a lipstick brush...takes too much time.

Two swimsuits + two cover-ups are enough.

Luggage Scale Info - My DIL gave us a luggage scale for Christmas. Since we aren't flying, weight isn't an issue, but we weighed each piece anyway. The 2 large suitcases are 49.1 (mine) and 44.3 (DHs), garment bag 11.6, backpack 8.8 and my purse/beachbag 5.5 - for a total of 119.3 pounds. Since we've never had a luggage scale before, I don't know how that compares to previous trips.

The Balanzza Digital Luggage Scale has a capacity of 100 pounds, is easy to use, lightweight and small enough to pack. Google it for more info.

Packing Done BUT not without a Couple Changes! Okay, so after my hair appt yesterday, I stopped at the boutique in town...tried on a dress that the proprietor picked out. It was tan & black, sleeveless, silky, easy to pack; but not really a "must have". Then...she showed me a long, loose-weave cardigan in a tan, black and peach design with a long tan tank to go underneath. THAT combination would be perfect for the 2nd day when we are not very far south. I could wear it with black leggings and those new Laura Ashley wedges...Sold! Now what:eek: - I was totally packed.

Never fear, there's always room for One More Outfit;). Especially one that will be a bit warmer and still fit in to my tropical color-theme.

I revised my Outfits Chart, putting the original 2nd day clothes as an extra outfit on one of the cruising days.

PLEASE CONTINUE to POST while I am cruising! Upon returning home, I will report on the good taste of fellow passengers, post some pix and start thinking about The Next Cruise:cool:! All suggestions and tips are appreciated.

First, and most important - WELCOME new posters!!

natibee - YES, this whole fashonista thing IS an addiction...but so much fun! ;) We're always wanting to look our best and who could complain about that???

AlycLiz - I've heard about gel nails but that's about it - definitely something to check out. Thanks for the info!

CudaGirl - Yay for you! :) Cruise ships are one place that welcome formal attire and classy dressing. I loved the black & green long dress. It would flatter any figure.

There's nothing like a cruise to give a girl incentive to lose a couple pounds;)!

The only piece of clothing that would make me hesitate are the linen pants. Linen wrinkles so easily...but it is cooler than some other fabric choices.

cardamon - I'm pleased that we were able to help w/ the packing. Can't wait till Saturday:cool::cool:!

our turn: Welcome Back! Thanks for coming here to post a report and observations:).

I'm happy to hear that formal night really was "formal"! Your dresses sound beautiful!

And also pleased to know that when a specialty restaurant posts a dress code, they enforce it.

It's gratifying to hear that you found inspiration on this thread. Looking forward to seeing photos:cool:.

We have only cruised on Royal Caribbean and in our 8 cruises the style has been about the same. There are always people in T-shirts w/ silly sayings; blue jeans, faded and holey. But the women (and men) who dress with class and appropriate for the climate are the ones that stand out.

Family Cruising - Oasis of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) was perfect for kids. Allure of the Seas would be, too. All cruise lines offer programs for kids & teens, but IMHO, RCI has the best. Disney would probably be great, but costs much more.

mom22tinks - Baltimore is a great port! Parking is easy, a short walk to the ship. The surrounding area is nice and SailAway under the bridge is always exciting. The best part though, of not flying is there's no concern about liquids in 3-oz bottles, overweight luggage or too many suitcases:)! As much as I love the tropical atmosphere when leaving from Florida, the cost of flying and packing concerns aren't worth it.

cardamon - I'm not wearing sandals, but still summer shoes: orange canvas wedges, peep-toe and sling-back. We hope to arrive between 11-11:30. In the past, it's been quick getting from car to terminal; no standing outside.

mom22tinks: Welcome to the Fashonista thread! Your silver Coach wallet on a strap sounds like the perfect solution to having what you need and not being cumbersome. Great idea!

My cruise is less than 100 hours away and the weather in Baltimore isn't going to be warm...high 40's most likely. My ankle pants, 3/4 sleeve top and loose-weave pullover might not be enough...oh dear. I'm taking a light-weight white jacket, too.

If it's cold and windy on deck for the SailAway, there are always good spots in the Viking Crown Lounge (top of the ship) with good views...

A little unsatisfactory weather won't dampen my excitement:cool::)!

What do you wear when leaving from a northern port for a warm-weather cruise?

cardamon: So nice to see you here! Lucky you, having a connection to Estee Lauder so you get great info and the right products. Many times at the cosmetic counter, I think the saleslady is more interested in making a sale than what is best for a customer.

My jewelry is ALL costume! Styles change and my taste changes, too; so there's no guilt (well, hardly any guilt) when buying fun pieces instead of investments.

sssteele: The jewelry that I buy at parties is from Premiere. Their website isn't consumer friendly, they want orders to go through their "jewelers", but you could probably find a dealer in your area.

I was happy to hear your grandson is at the IUP culinary school. It's a good place to be! My other very favorite thing to do is cook and entertain and it's nice to know young people are interested in real cooking:).

Dressing Dreams 95: Dresses w/ built-in bras are easy to pack and very convenient. Most of the ones I've seen are on Victoria's Secret website. They're perfect for a fun tropical vacation.

Thanks for posting your favorites - easy to check what is there:).

A Purse Hook - What a Great Idea! Mine is Brighton and would be perfect for using on the white cloth covered table. Thanks for the suggestion:)!

With my recent Lancome purchase, a sample of Genifique was included. I've used it as directed for a week. The ads say "it will change your skin's appearance in 7 days." Well - maybe just a very little bit, but not enough to pay the $$ for it. Maybe because wrinkles aren't really an issue w/ me (except the "parantheses" around my mouth - smile lines, I think they're called.)

Does anyone else use a product that promises to "take 10 years off your age"?

d'sdarling - I have never taken a purse anywhere on a cruise, (that's one of the benefits of being on a ship) but this year some of the posts here have inspired me to dig out the vintage evening bags (sounds classier than "purse" don't you agree?). I'll keep my key, lipstick and comb in it. If it proves to be a nuisance (lay it on the dining table? stick it on the chair? what to do in the casino, etc.) I'll leave it and give DH my lipstick & comb.

jacksmom: The spray sunscreens aren't my favorite - on a windy ship, more goes in the air than on us although that seems to be the way most people go. Old-fashioned SPF 30 in a tube works fine and Banana Boat is good.

My moisturizer is SPF 20 and goes on every morning.

The Lancome rep suggested "Flash Bronzer" Tinted Self-Tanning Leg Gel and it's doing a good job - not smelly or sticky and dries without staining. At least my legs will have a bit of color:cool:.

sssteele: Dealing with weight restrictions isn't fun, but it IS reality and we must make the best of it.

I attended a jewelry party recently at a friend's home. The "jeweler" wore several lovely pieces. Early in her presentation, she took off all the jewelry and had on only black pants and a white shirt. She looked like a waitress! The jewelry made the outfit memorable and fun.

That's my suggestion to you. Your pieces are basic and will mix & match easily. The key to making it all stand out and look fresh and different is the jewelry you choose as an accent. I'm not talking about high-end gems, gold and silver - but costume jewelry. It would fit in a carry-on.

Suggestion for your DH for Formal Nights: Rent a tux in advance of sailing. Royal Caribbean does a great job of having the correct size and getting it to your stateroom on Day 1. I would guess other cruise lines do the same. It saves packing space for sure and eliminates sending a suit & shirt to be pressed.

I hope others who post here will offer their suggestions, too.

d'sdarling: I feel your excitement about buying new shoes that won't be worn for months. But think how happy you will be when the time comes to wear them!

All my life I've had new clothes for vacation (as a girl, probably because last year's summer things didn't fit anymore).

To have several new outfits takes shopping all year - unless your budget allows for 1 big splurge. Some of the things I packed for the next cruise were purchased at the end of last year's summer season. Tags were still on!

michellesv44: Welcome to the place where fashonistas can talk, suggest and give opinions. All the enthusiasm here gives me hope that there will ALWAYS be well-dressed women (and men, too.)!

I haven't tried Dior mascara, Lancome Definicils is my go-to brand. Mascara that lengthens hits my glasses. Lancome gives definition w/o lengthening.

Iluvmypuggle: Totally agree that the Whole Day Routine for getting to the ship is part of the fun:cool:. Vacation starts as soon as my feet hit the floor that morning!

two4me: A friend once told me "There's nothing wrong with being the best dressed." Your formal dresses sound gorgeous and you will NOT be overdressed!

I, too, spend $$ on alterations...the price we pay for being small;).

Cancun01: You're the only one who responded that you do your own mani/pedi and for the same reason I do my own - a bad experience. Even though the vast majority are done perfectly (and the time spent is relaxing), the results aren't always what was hoped for.

Since my nails are short and tend to peel, I take polish with me for touch-ups. Can't do that when the salon has colors I don't have.

In the "Cruise Room" -

Outfits Chart

EVERY piece of clothing on the chart - clean, ironed, etc.

Jewelry to go w/ each outfit in a little plastic zip bag & labeled by day and outfit

Purses, wristlets

Shoes - only 8 pair (+ the pair I'm wearing to the ship). This is the least ever

Cruise documents

Book, notepad, pens

Make-up, toiletries, etc. in make-up hanging thing

Clock, nightlight

Tissue paper

You get the idea...

The Packing Process:

Underwear, pajamas & swimsuits go in first. Capris are folded so the legs are together, then laid out flat. Tissue paper goes between each layer. Next are tops, laid out flat; dresses are folded w/ tissue paper on the folds. Shorts are on top. Because I wear a small size, it's easy to pack without folding.

If there's room in the big suitcase, shoes are tucked wherever they fit (again, my size 5.5s are easy to pack).

DH & I have 1 big suitcase each, his sport jackets go in a hanging bag; and what's left goes in a carry-on.

Every outfit has been tried on at least once (many, 2 or 3 times). Now, I'm SO ready to start packing:). Caribbean music is ready - the afternoon session will be accompanied by a nice glass of wine; and by evening the luggage will be ready for tags:cool:.

Next Week - is the Not So Glamorous part...cleaning the house, making sure the bills are paid, going to my hair stylist for color & cut.

TWO QUESTIONS: On the thread for our upcoming cruise, there has been talk about how far in advance of a cruise to get a haircut.

Hmmm - I always go 2 days before, but one female cruiser went last week and wasn't pleased with her new look and said she's thankful to have a couple weeks to grow some hair!

How far in advance of a cruise do you get a hair cut/color?

AND - Do you go to a salon for a Mani/Pedi or do your own?

Iluvmypuggle: I agree! Work clothes aren't nearly as much fun as cruisewear:cool:.

Thanks for posting your new purchases! Everything on this thread is an inspiration.

Jane110: I'm so jealous! You have great places to shop!! Ann Taylor is the only store on your list that is within driving distance and the selection of Petites is usually good. Trying on clothes is much more fun than ordering online and not as disappointing as receiving a dress, pants, etc. that don't fit.

Uri1961 - Don't you love seeing those glamorous gowns? They are so beautiful and so-o-o civilized!

I've never worn a gown for formal night. All our cruises have been on Royal Caribbean and cocktail dresses are generally what you see. Short dresses are certainly more practical but a gown is pure elegance.

lilme74 - If the incentive for working out and keeping weight down is vacations - that's a good thing! Whatever the reason, exercise is healthy and allows all those great cruise clothes to continue to zip, button or snap:cool:.

I weigh 3 pounds more than on my wedding day (almost 45 years ago)...but it wasn't always like that. During child raising years I gained 35 pounds and wasn't interested in nice clothes. Fifteen years ago, my mind set changed and so did my eating habits.

I LOVE to eat - and don't deprive myself of any favorite food...but small portions make all the difference.

The mirror might reflect a bit of a belly, cellulite thighs and arms that are a little flabby - but I'm satisfied and enjoy wearing nice clothes:).

The task of ironing cruise clothes is almost completed:). It's safe to say the outfits I've put together will make the cut and get to go on a nice cruise:cool:.

For evening's I have a couple Bolero-style cardigans and 2 wraps for formal night. That should keep me warm in the air conditioning!

Exercise: is part of a fashonista's routine (Note: I didn't say daily routine...). I've always worked out in the evening but this morning on Good Morning America, Dr. Oz suggested exercising before breakfast, saying that way you burn fat and not calories already taken in for the day.

Well, the reason I workout at all is to keep the fat under control - so starting tomorrow, I will attempt 10-15 minutes of aerobics before breakfast:eek: - even before coffee:eek::eek:!

Do you workout? Daily? I admire the dedication, but several times a week is all I end up doing...

royalcruz: Since you have been on lots of cruises - you must be an expert packer! Looks like you have it down to a science, you keep it simple and you still look good;)!

I, on the other hand, spent the morning tweaking outfits - a couple pairs of shoes have been returned to the closet - making a total of 11 going on the 9-day adventure.

One of my formal night dresses (a brown chiffon halter dress) is now replaced w/ a LBD that the silver heels (already on the packing list) will go with.

I added a couple evening purses (an inspiration from this thread)...don't know if they will be used, but they'll be ready to hold lipstick, comb, camera.

Next Step: Ironing whatever is in need. My least favorite part of the packing process...

5326jan: Shopping is serious business for a fashonista. Thanks for sharing your newly discovered site:)!

How often do you think every outfit you have chosen is perfect...but after further thought, decide on one or two outfits that are completely different??

I did that today - took off 2 shorts & tops and replaced them with choices that are much better. And bought nothing new, just "shopped" in my own wardrobe:):)!