indiana71

Yay for Carnival! When it's Formal Night, that means no jeans. There are other choices for casual dressers.

How nice to read that dressing up is alive and well

I am now the owner of 3 maxi dresses. All are knit and IMHO, aren't dressy enough for Formal Night. They work for any other occasion, though; and I'll nave to decide how many make the next cruise:cool::).

I LOVE the White Jacket Contest story!

How much fun that would be...and with judges! Kudos to the guys for taking on the challenge.

After reading the latest Cruise Critic facebook poll RE formal night - the White Jacket story made me feel better. The majority of comments for formal night were negative. Those folks only want to wear casual clothes. Yuk! For DH & I, part of the Cruise Experience is Formal Night:cool::). And most CCFs enjoy dress-up time.

Here's my latest Goodwill bargain adventure: Tommy Bahama knit top (pink w/ pineapple design)

Tommy Hilfiger navy V-neck knit top

Gloria Vanderbilt blouse

LL Bean long sleeve top

A black long sleeved Henley

Black & White beaded Pullover

Gold winter Pullover

Yellow 3/4 sleeve knit top with boat theme embroidery

AND light gray and white Capris

....all for $18.00!:):cool:

There was a 50% off sale! I couldn't believe that the prices were THAT good!

All of this leads me to think more about laying out all the summer buys in the Cruise Room.:cool: September's calendar is mostly full - but the Itch to start The Process is getting stronger...

Love the DH story! How about a new thread: Caribbean Cruising Husbandistas;):rolleyes:! Getting them to the store might be the hardest part. Once there, they seem to be more willing to look...and maybe even try on!

I'm thinking about taking all the new Cruise Worthy items purchased this summer and displaying them in the Cruise Room - just to be sure they get noticed (and to reminisce about fun shopping...)

September is still a busy month at the Lake House, but if there are a couple back-to-back days...The Process could slowly get started.

Wow! Almost time to change the calendar. What happened to August???

Much of our time has been spent at the Lake House and just returned from Minneapolis. Sunday afternoon at Mall of America. DH & DS took grandkids for miniature golf while DDL & I shopped. Found a pullover sweater at Banana Republic - should be part of the Pittsburgh to FL flight. Will wear a summery top underneath and can remove the sweater...at least that's the plan for now.

At a fun shop in the MNPLS Airport - bought an orange handbag with a wrist strap (too big to call a wristlet) that will surely make the Next Cruise:cool:.

smariba: You're a prime example of a CCF: trying on COMPLETE outfits. Although you didn't say when TryOns begin, the fact that you are thinking about it is CCF worthy;).

TNGALOHA & awhfy: I'm so envious that you found great bargains at Dillard's! Mall of America was full of Back to School and Fall items - summer sales were no where!

So much fun to find clothes for DHs, too! If yours is like mine, he likes new things but isn't the slightest bit interested in shopping...:rolleyes:. I'm hoping to get mine to go, at least for new pants.

We have 93 days...don't know how long I can hold off The Process...thinking about sunnydaygirl on a cruise ship makes me want to get started!

Mall of America, here we come! Looking for those last summer sales while visiting family:):cool:!

Sirenitas: It's nice to know there are others out there who can't wait to pack! Loved reading that you hide some of DDs clothes in a suitcase! I might use that ploy for DH;)...

NewFloater - Loved the comment RE light colored dinner jackets and the perils of Marinara sauce. That works for ALL light colored clothing:rolleyes:. Remember to pack the Tide To Go stick. It does a good job removing those messy stains!

I look longingly into the Cruise Room. We're almost under 100 days. It's too soon, I know...perhaps after Labor Day, Outfit Selection could begin. DH chuckles when he sees all the potential clothes & accessories coming out of closets and drawers, (especially when we're WEEKs/MONTHs away):rolleyes:.

It's warm & humid today - much like the Caribbean:cool:. Maybe I will check to be sure all items are organized: By Color, By Style...just to be ready when the serious Process begins...

Thanks for all the positive comments! Love it when a consignment shop rack has just what I NEED...even when I didn't know I needed it;);)!

Anyone who has the self-confidence to wear a bikini - should!! Cruise ships are full of different cultures with different fashion sense. Clothes should be chosen because you are comfortable wearing them.

The last few days have been so-o-o busy...DHs Class Reunion and a trip to Minneapolis coming up. I always plan an activity with the grandkids and Wow! This trip is coming quickly and no idea what to do. But Wait! We're going on a Family Cruise next June...that's a good theme:cool::)! Kids will be "Tour Directors" and we will "explore" the 4 Ports of Call then serve a Picnic Lunch (as done on Labadee).

With the Plan in place, I can move on to checking Threads:).

First - the 50th Class Reunion was fun. Nice to see that those attending were in good health, dressed attractively (no "old lady" dresses;)). My consignment dress, necklace and earrings fit in perfectly.

I really like my Timex watches with different colored leather bands. The green one was a good match, and the yellow shoes were DHs choice. BTW - none of the women attending had platform or heels over 3 inches (the only concession to getting older;)!)

Sunnydaygirl: Love the photos! What a great idea for sundresses! Will keep that in mind next visit to a consignment shop:).

Here I go again - wasn't liking hair in my face and the time to dry/flat iron...so took a picture of a short do to my hair stylist...and I'm back to short hair:rolleyes:. It was a really difficult choice since the bob was well suited to my face shape. DH will take a photo before we leave for his Class Reunion...consignment shop dress, necklace & earrings...and new hair cut...(BTW - DH said he liked the hair...especially if it stops the complaining about the former look...)

meldreth: So nice that you found CCF! WELCOME! Those of us who live in a four season climate must always plan for that transition day when we go from heavy clothing to summer fun within a couple hours:cool:!

Always look forward to reading what others in the same situation do.

Please come back and post the progress you make selecting outfits:)!

DH & I hoped to have a boat picnic today...didn't happen. Clouds rolled in late morning and it's been raining. Temp was to be much warmer - I switched from shorts & shirt to pants & long sleeves

notanlinesLizz: Loved reading that your Next Cruise is "just four months away"...Our Next Cruise is "just a few days less than four months" - but I don't feel that it's getting close until under 100 days. Your "just 4 months" makes it seem closer:cool::)!

I printed the worksheets and have a blank spreadsheet ready. My outfit for the December flight from Pittsburgh to sunny Florida is easy to choose...it's the last day in Florida that will be a challenge. We're disembarking in Port Canaveral, taking an airboat excursion that provides transportation to the airport - and then flying back to Pittsburgh.

It's easy in a cold climate to leave the winter coat in the car and wear a light jacket in the airport. BUT going from an Everglades temperature/humidity and a few hours later landing in much colder weather - ugh! Maybe I can have pants & a sweater in my carry-on and change at our layover in Atlanta...will have to think about that one...

Stopped at the consignment shop today - DH has his 50th class reunion coming up, and yes, there are dresses in the Cruise Closet that would work...BUT found a nice dress (we used to call them a "sheath") that's yellow and green. It fit perfectly! And then, lucky me, I also found a necklace and yellow & green earrings:)! All for $20. Of course the outfit is super Cruise Worthy:cool::cool:! Will post a photo after the Reunion.

Abercram: Looks like there's another Cruise Addict among us! Happy to hear that even though the ship was a doing some rockin' & rollin', you are planning another cruise:cool:! Once you've been on one, it's easy to know what you need next time (and what can be left at home).

High heels (and platforms) can be a little precarious on deck (even when the going is smooth). There are lots of dressy flats and low wedges/heels that are comfortable AND safe;)!

Yoga pants are a good idea. I've been known to take flannel pjs (especially when leaving from a northern port in the winter)!

My Cruise Clothes Shopping is coming to an end. Summer sales are dwindling, not much to choose from...no complaints though! The Cruise Room holds enough outfits for a couple weeks of Caribbean weather:cool:!

sunndaygirl: Sounds like you have been having lots of CCF fun:)! All CCFs enjoy shopping, bar hopping, all those happy activities...and once we return home, it's nice to have some nesting time before the next adventure:cool:!

geocruiser: We go back and forth between houses from mid-March to mid-November. There are times when it gets frustrating (like ordering online & not knowing which address is most likely to work...). Having duplicates of cosmetics, computer access, washer, dryer all help.

Remember when computers were only desktops??? Yikes! And telephones were only landlines???? Oh boy, my age is showing....;)

Lizz: Your necklace is gorgeous!! So much talent!! You say it's easy, but you also have a creative gift! Thanks for sharing the photo.

Wow! Feels like forever since my last post! More than a week ago Family Vacation began and went at full speed until Saturday. DH & I cleaned and tidied and return to the Main House yesterday (Sunday). Whew!! Family time is precious and not nearly often enough:o!

Reading through recent posts, many of you are wondering what happened to summer...that's exactly what we wanted to know! Most of the outfits I took are still hanging, unworn:eek:! Temps were in the 60s and low 70s most of the week. The two DDLs and I went to a consignment shop to buy anything with long sleeves!

BTW - a fabulous consignment shop!! I found a PERFECT Cruise Worthy skirt - brand is "Heart Soul" (never heard of it before). There's a white background with :eek:green & pink flipflops, pink flowers and green palm trees. It needs taken in (a little too big). After my alterations queen makes it fit, I will post a photo.

"Staging Day" is another term that I will use:cool:! So...after my Menu is complete, Staging Day will be part of The Process. The hard part is...Next Cruise is more than 100 days away!!!!

Laughed out loud today when I realized a screen name was "no tan lines Lizz"...kept trying to figure out "not an lines" meant...oh boy, brain needs a little sharpening:rolleyes:!

Anyway - all of you have a cruise in the near future, keep posting to help those of us Long Waiters feed our inner fashionista!

I'm enjoying my last hour of quiet. DH will be arriving at the Lake House soon. It's been a busy couple days on my own - cleaning (why bother when 10 people will be running around here for a week???) and getting used to new flooring and a Powder Room/Laundry Room (formerly nondescript back porch:rolleyes:).

The Family arrives Friday. I will definitely be taking DDLs to the consignment shop and Label $hopper after our Spa Morning and Lunch. How I love spending time with them!

notanlinesLizz: DH laughs when I talk about my outfits "Menu", and how that you talked about "taking inventory". That's another phrase that totally makes sense...and I will use.

Just like you, if I find a fabulous resale item that doesn't fit quite right - my alterations guru makes it perfect!

Moral of the Story: Don't be afraid to look at a size bigger! You might find something that only needs a bit of sewing to make it Cruise Worthy:cool::)!

I'm at the Lake House (getting ready for Family Vacation). DH is at the Other House (recording all his radio programs for Vacation).

And it's been raining ALL Day! Like the previous posts stated "When I'm bored, I go shopping..." Since cleaning on a dreary day isn't very satisfying...I went to a consignment shop nearby. Got lucky with 2 totally Cruise Worthy skirts and tops:cool::) $30.

Next stop: Label $hopper - I was looking for white tops ONLY (always seem to gravitate to prints...) Bought 2 short sleeve & 1 long sleeve knit WHITE tops. Plus 1 black knit top (at least it's a solid color...). Another $30.

Not bad! And it's all going to the Cruise Room after Vacation.

notanlinesLizz: Yes! Go shopping NOW! Summer sales are going on. Didn't see any fall/winter clothes yet (although with temps in the low 60's, jeans and a sweater felt good:rolleyes:).

Once football season starts, a December cruise won't seem so far away. August always seems to fly by - trying to do as much Summer Stuff as possible!

But come September, I'll be working on my "Menu". Adding the new items is always fun!

sunnydaygirl - No wonder your DH doesn't want to retire! With Fridays and Mondays off, you have lots of long weekends! Nice:cool:;)

I have LOTS of time before Packing can begin (months....:confused:), but sunnydaygirl, the Cruise Clothes will get some close inspection this fall.

No sense starting the "Menu" with any item that might not be worthy any more...

Meanwhile, Family Vacation at the Lake House starts at the end of next week and a "Menu" of outfits has been made. Clothes, etc. are ready.

We FINALLY have a washer & dryer at the Lake House! What a convenience. No more taking a laundry basket back and forth:).

notanlinesLizz: The term "spreadsheet" isn't very exciting...but calling it a "menu" is a great idea!! I will use it in the future:)Also like waiting till closer to SailAway to pack. As much as I love to start The Process early, there's always a question AFTER the suitcases are done...did I pack _________???? Even though the item is checked off, do I recall putting it in.....

Thanks for the post! Come back often:cool:

Busy week! Monday was a Colonoscopy. The procedure is done every 7 years. The prep is rather unpleasant, but hearing the surgeon say, "No problems for you!" is worth it. I urge all CCFs to check w/ your physician to see if you should schedule.

And the rest of the week - preparing for a Garage Sale. Whatever $$$ are earned goes to Vacation. (The 2 DDLs & I will have a Spa Day...). It's worth the tedious chores of selecting items, making sure they are clean, etc., and pricing.

Now that all those chores are done, DH & I will start setting up tables today.

Whatever doesn't sell gets packed up and taken to Goodwill next week...and since I'll be there anyhow...might as well walk around the store...just to look...;)

Back-To-School promotions already! That can only mean that summer clothes & accessories are going on sale...

We are staying home this 4th of July weekend. This is a busy weekend on the lake and DH is sitting in for the morning show guy Mon to Fri.

I did wear red, white and blue...but nothing CCF worthy! The morning was spent weeding and later in the day, grilled some burgers.

Two years ago we were on a cruise ship anchored off Newport. It was a great itinerary and hasn't been repeated since, (c'mon Royal Caribbean, do it again!).

DH and I wore navy shorts with red & white tops (not matchy-matchy, just subtle patriotic colors.)

QUESTION: If you're cruising on a holiday, on a scale of 1-10, how much do you celebrate?

sunydaygirl: I remember the photo that is now missing....can't imagine where it went...

BUT you will be cruising soon and can post photos when you return:cool::)!

bwaz: So pleased you ordered from Boston Proper. Love their clothes! Too bad petite sizes aren't offered...I would buy there, for sure!

bwaz: Thank you for the compliment. I have a couple suggestions, but since you're leaving really soon (lucky you!), there isn't much time!

First Thought: How about a couple bright colored light-weight scarves? You could wear a scarf with a plain top.

Second: Boston Proper dot com. At the top of the home page is a drop down for Cruisewear. I find lots of tropical choices and your size should be available.

Hope this helps. BUT - if you don't find what you are looking for - remember to keep a Tropical State of Mind:cool: and you will have a great time:).

Please come back after your cruise!

Packing Cubes: I admire all the CCFs who sew! When I'm packing tops, there's only one fold. At about the midriff area. That way there are no fold creases on the sides.

And I don't pack top all together. It doesn't take me long to unpack...but those of you who use the cubes: whatever makes The Process easier!

sunnydaygirl: Because I haven't been here as much the last couple weeks, I don't know if posts have disappeared....what do you think is missing?