Caribbean-Cruising Fashonista

[indiana71]

It's a wet, dreary, chilly October day...no vibrant autumn colors showing off in the sunshine...the perfect day to start the Outfits Selection Process:cool::).

I have 22 occasions to wear Cruise Clothes and with DH gone most of today, it's a good time to begin.

Even though the tropical attire is laid out/hanging in the Cruise Room closet - the first 2 and last 2 days I need clothes that are suitable to northeast US weather. So that's what my focus will be on today.

Meanwhile, here are 2 photos of The Beginning. All jewelry is visible; on the bed I have tops laid out by color and sleeve length. Shorts are all on display.

DH counted the pairs of shoes and said, "24 pairs of shoes - that's just crazy!"...he didn't see the ones that aren't out...12 more pair;).

Funny how my winter wardrobe is no where NEAR the size of my fun cruise wardrobe:cool:.

BTW - on the chest of drawers, you can see the jewelry holder DS made for me last Christmas. It had been a science project I made in 7th grade (actually my dad made!) and sat in a box in our attic all those years...

 

And here's photo #2 - where most of those shoes are visible...

[Sinppu]

IDH counted the pairs of shoes and said, "24 pairs of shoes - that's just crazy!"...he didn't see the ones that aren't out...12 more pair;).

 

That's more shoes than I own in total :D

I have about 30 pairs and that's ALL -gym shoes, wellies... all.

[boopsahoy]

Im glad im not the only one that brings a lot of shoes/sandals. I bring every pair of sandal I own! Thankfully they pack well and dont take up a lot of space. You are way more organized than me. i have last years list and I just update it to include anything new. I always ask for cruise clothes for XMAS since we always cruise in January. ;)

[mali06]

I too use our guest room as the packing room. My issue is that I am always planning for at least three trips ahead. Right now juggling three sets of packing lists and clothes: casual for condo in the Wisconsin Dells in two weeks; fall for Denver over Thanksgiving; and cruise for our 11 day cruise in January. It makes for some serious organizational issues! :eek:

[cruisinwithmaandpa]

It's a wet, dreary, chilly October day...no vibrant autumn colors showing off in the sunshine...the perfect day to start the Outfits Selection Process:cool::).

I have 22 occasions to wear Cruise Clothes and with DH gone most of today, it's a good time to begin.

Even though the tropical attire is laid out/hanging in the Cruise Room closet - the first 2 and last 2 days I need clothes that are suitable to northeast US weather. So that's what my focus will be on today.

Meanwhile, here are 2 photos of The Beginning. All jewelry is visible; on the bed I have tops laid out by color and sleeve length. Shorts are all on display.

DH counted the pairs of shoes and said, "24 pairs of shoes - that's just crazy!"...he didn't see the ones that aren't out...12 more pair;).

Funny how my winter wardrobe is no where NEAR the size of my fun cruise wardrobe:cool:.

 

BTW - on the chest of drawers, you can see the jewelry holder DS made for me last Christmas. It had been a science project I made in 7th grade (actually my dad made!) and sat in a box in our attic all those years...

 

 

And here's photo #2 - where most of those shoes are visible...

 

 

Oh my!!! I hope all of this isn't for one 7 night cruise, lol

[indiana71]

mali06: Many CCFs are envious of all the traveling in your future! Being organized is huge, and in your case, a necessity:cool:.

And you're going to a couple great places! Good for you:).

cruisinwithmaandpa: Yikes!! If all the stuff in the photos was going on ONE cruise - it had better be a very long cruise:eek:.

I want everything that could possibly be included out in full view. Many times a garment is hidden in a drawer or closet and is forgotten about. Even though it's a bit of effort to pull out and arrange all jewelry, all tops, all shorts, all shoes - it's a big help in putting outfits together.

I'm a visual person and need to see if this blue top is the same shade as these blue shorts (for example).

In 2.5 hours my Day 1 SailAway/Dinner outfit has been chosen; and also Day 2 At Sea and Dinner outfits. In the near future, each outfit will get a final try-on and DH will snap photos for posting.

[luvscruising2007]

Indiana--I love the colors of all of your clothes. They look very tropical.

We are going to have a great time on Explorer.

[socallisa]

It's a wet, dreary, chilly October day...no vibrant autumn colors showing off in the sunshine...the perfect day to start the Outfits Selection Process:cool::).

I have 22 occasions to wear Cruise Clothes and with DH gone most of today, it's a good time to begin.

Even though the tropical attire is laid out/hanging in the Cruise Room closet - the first 2 and last 2 days I need clothes that are suitable to northeast US weather. So that's what my focus will be on today.

Meanwhile, here are 2 photos of The Beginning. All jewelry is visible; on the bed I have tops laid out by color and sleeve length. Shorts are all on display.

DH counted the pairs of shoes and said, "24 pairs of shoes - that's just crazy!"...he didn't see the ones that aren't out...12 more pair;).

Funny how my winter wardrobe is no where NEAR the size of my fun cruise wardrobe:cool:.

BTW - on the chest of drawers, you can see the jewelry holder DS made for me last Christmas. It had been a science project I made in 7th grade (actually my dad made!) and sat in a box in our attic all those years...

 

And here's photo #2 - where most of those shoes are visible...

 

That is quite impressive!!! How long is the cruise?

[plank]

plank: Good to hear from you!! My seasonal wardrobe is changing, too:(...but there's always The Next Cruise to organize. You haven't been here lately, so don't know DH & I booked a cruise for December:cool:. Since it's out of New Jersey, the first 2 and last 2 days will take a little creative flair to choose outfits that are bright and cruise-minded - but warm enough for the northern weather...I'll be working on that soon - and posting photos.

Hair Color - I'm not sure of my hair color. It's really blonde...and I don't realize it until looking at photos. Hmmmm - since I'm once again doing my own color, it might get tweaked a tiny bit...

QUESTION: How often do you change hair color?

 

Hi Nancy, Sorry I have been away...this retirement season is busy:) So glad you booked a fun cruise. We just did too , out of Baltimore yesterday!! It leaves the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so I guess it's time to get started. I will try to do the same with pics if I can. I may use some of my stuff from our last adventure:) I figure leaving Baltimore could be a bit chilly too. I have been enjoying my short brown hair. I think I will stick with this for a while since people say it makes me look younger:) I must have really looked old with my lighter hair. You look nice with your blonde hair. DH likes it too I am sure!!!! I have been enjoying everyone's outfits and am always looking for good ideas.

[deladela]

It's a wet, dreary, chilly October day...no vibrant autumn colors showing off in the sunshine...the perfect day to start the Outfits Selection Process.

I have 22 occasions to wear Cruise Clothes and with DH gone most of today, it's a good time to begin.

Even though the tropical attire is laid out/hanging in the Cruise Room closet - the first 2 and last 2 days I need clothes that are suitable to northeast US weather. So that's what my focus will be on today.

Meanwhile, here are 2 photos of The Beginning. All jewelry is visible; on the bed I have tops laid out by color and sleeve length. Shorts are all on display.

DH counted the pairs of shoes and said, "24 pairs of shoes - that's just crazy!"...he didn't see the ones that aren't out...12 more pair;).

Funny how my winter wardrobe is no where NEAR the size of my fun cruise wardrobe.

 

BTW - on the chest of drawers, you can see the jewelry holder DS made for me last Christmas. It had been a science project I made in 7th grade (actually my dad made!) and sat in a box in our attic all those years...

 

 

And here's photo #2 - where most of those shoes are visible...

 

Thanks for sharing your process! I love your taste in shoes!:)

 

I have started my packing process for my cruise, but am WAY behind since we leave in 5 days.:eek: I started out with 29 pairs of shoes. I am currently down to 12. I still have to eliminate a few outfits...I have a hard time deciding which ones I want to bring on any given cruise! Thanks for all your tips. Reading this thread has made me a better packer!:cool:

[indiana71]

The December cruise is 10 nights and I'm more than halfway through the Selection of Outfits process. Shorts and Capris outfits for casual days are ready for Try-Ons; so are formal nights. Only a couple more Dinner Outfits to go.

I'll start The Spreadsheet today - it could easily be edited several times before the suitcases come out:p.

One of the formal nights (there will be 2), I'm wearing a dress that has only been out of the closet once - worn to a granddaughters christening...she'll be 8 in January:eek:. It isn't super dressy but I wanted to get away from the same couple of cocktail dresses that usually make the cut.

DH is happy to hear that I bought nothing for this cruise...except for the purchases in Rehoboth in August. And, really, with all the stuff you can see in the photos (plus lots in the closet), I don't need anything:cool::)...now if I can stick with that...

 

PS - Nice to hear from you plank! Have a fun time on your upcoming cruise and post photos of outfits. We love to see what other CCFs are wearing!

Edited October 13, 2012 by indiana71

[cooki801]

indiana71- I love seeing all your clothes and stuff laid out on the bed like that. Mine would have cat and dog hair on it before I could leave the room! LOL

I assume you aren't flying to your cruise port?

That is my big dilemma I have to not only pack for a cruise but also 3 weeks of winter visiting my family immediately afterwards all in a carry-on and one suitcase. Sigh. Won't be bringing my leather boots or coat too heavy and too much bulk.

Trying to figure out what can do double duty and not look too out of place in the Caribbean or winter weather.

[geocruiser]

indiana71- I love seeing all your clothes and stuff laid out on the bed like that. Mine would have cat and dog hair on it before I could leave the room! LOL

I assume you aren't flying to your cruise port?

That is my big dilemma I have to not only pack for a cruise but also 3 weeks of winter visiting my family immediately afterwards all in a carry-on and one suitcase. Sigh. Won't be bringing my leather boots or coat too heavy and too much bulk.

Trying to figure out what can do double duty and not look too out of place in the Caribbean or winter weather.

 

Have you thought of mailing your winter clothes to your family? Then you can bring what you want for each part of your vacation. If you mail early you can use parcel post for a cheaper price.

[indiana71]

cooki801: We are driving to the port (Bayonne NJ) and have left from there or Baltimore on most of our cruises. So nice to not be concerned with luggage weight/bottles in ZipLoc bags, etc.

June 2013 we are flying to Ft Lauderdale and will have all those issues. That will be a 7-night cruise. I'm not concerned (at least not yet...) because even when we're gone 10 or 11 nights, my suitcase is under 50 pounds...but of course, that's all lightweight summer stuff.

geocruiser has a good idea - mailing your clothes, etc. in advance. I would do that in a heartbeat. After visiting your relatives, have the package/box whatever ready to mail back. We do that with DS's golf clubs when he & his family fly from Minneapolis. The packing box gets retaped, readdressed and we take it to the UPS Store.

Edited October 14, 2012 by indiana71

[cooki801]

Geocruiser- yep that has crossed my mind to mail winter clothes and then mail home the cruise ones. Sad thing is that the cost to mail stuff can be higher than taking an extra suitcase :(

I might see what it would cost and work out the best deal for me!

[TNGALOHA]

We had a pretty productive day yesterday. We got the hotels booked for the cruise in Dec.

They didn't have parking while we are crusing so we booked a park and cruise place for little money.

 

Checklist:

Cruise--paid for---check

pre hotel--paid for---check

transportation there-- driving---check

got Christmas decorations out and ready to pack---check

 

Now for the important htings to get the clothes and shoes narrowed down then I will be ready to go!!!

 

I only have 2 of my dresses picked out but no jewelry or shoes yet. I am still wearing shorts here on a daily basis so I can't even think about them yet or the shirts I am going to take since they are all my summer clothes.

The new pieces i bought for the cruise are set to the side already. (a girls got to have some new clothes for a cruise)After the cruise they will make their way into the normal summer clothes rotation.

 

If anyone shops at Van Huesen, Bass, Izod, or Calvin klien they are having a friends and family sale with an extra 30% off all already reduced merchandise Oct. 18-21st. I got a couple of really cute shirts for almost nothing at Van Huesen the last time they had this sale. I also got some really cute sandals at Bass to take on the cruise then also. If you are shopping ar Calvin Klien.com here is the coupon code: FFOCT12

 

Indiana, what day do you leave for your cruise in Dec.?

 

Hope everyone has a great day.

Gerry

[indiana71]

We cruise December 3, which is 49 days from now! E Docs are ready to print. Back in the "old days" (up till this cruise!) luggage tags came in the mail and were durable and easy to use. Now we must print our own and put them in a holder to keep from tearing. Gone are the days when we did the document dance......

TNGALOHA: Thanks for the info RE friends & family sales. I'm going now to check out Calvin Klein.com:)

[geocruiser]

We cruise December 3, which is 49 days from now! E Docs are ready to print. Back in the "old days" (up till this cruise!) luggage tags came in the mail and were durable and easy to use. Now we must print our own and put them in a holder to keep from tearing. Gone are the days when we did the document dance......

TNGALOHA: Thanks for the info RE friends & family sales. I'm going now to check out Calvin Klein.com:)

 

You are on the ball! As for the tags, what I do is fold them like they say and put clear packing tape on them. Then I staple them the way they show you. It workd reall well.

[indiana71]

I have earrings that I really like for cruising. They have a raspberry colored ball on a decorative dangle. Only thing is, the metal is gold and I need silver...so here's what I did: bought silver nail polish and painted the silver dangle part. They're drying now and don't look too-o-o bad. Will try them on to see if they pass the DH test (meaning: will he be able to tell if my DIY job shows)....:eek::)

Anyone Else: Do you have an unusual DIY that worked?

[CELTICGIRLCRUISER]

I have earrings that I really like for cruising. They have a raspberry colored ball on a decorative dangle. Only thing is, the metal is gold and I need silver...so here's what I did: bought silver nail polish and painted the silver dangle part. They're drying now and don't look too-o-o bad. Will try them on to see if they pass the DH test (meaning: will he be able to tell if my DIY job shows)....:eek::)

Anyone Else: Do you have an unusual DIY that worked?

 

Oh I love creativity. If you stand still too long in our house you get painted/stained/antique rubbed Gold!

Edited October 19, 2012 by CELTICGIRLCRUISER

[lovestx]

I enjoy this thread and am hoping that I can turn to you fashion ladies for some advice.

 

Here's a dress I bought for our Eastern Med cruise and wore with metallic sandals. It's hard to see in the picture but the dress is made from a stretchy jersey.

 

 

 

 

 

I have an event to attend in a heated tent (with a floor) this weekend and the invitation says "cocktail attire". First, is this dressy enough for "cocktail attire" and should I switch out the shoes for black silk Ninas with a bow that I have and carry a black clutch (instead of silver)? Just wasn't sure if the silver sandals are appropriate for late October in Pennsylvania.

 

[footballbabe3]

I think it is fine for a cocktail party. I would use the silver shoes. I think the whole outfit looks fine.

[indiana71]

lovestx: I love your cocktail dress! The style and color are totally appropriate for Oct in PA. Either shoes would look good.

6-Month Plan: In the October issue of More magazine, there's an article about planning for "Big-Day Beauty" and 4 timelines: 6 months, 6 weeks, 6 days...or 6 hours.

Many of us cruise on a regular basis and think each adventure is an event. BUT, just maybe there's a really special cruise in the future: an anniversary, wedding; or like me, a Family Cruise. Since I have 8 months, this article was appealing.

OH MY! The first issue is "Your Skin"...and my complexion is far from perfect, this was of interest. BUT here's what was suggested: laser treatments @ $500+ per session x 4 or 6 times:eek:. Okay, that isn't going to happen. (I would rather cruise a few more times...with the skin I have!)

The next best suggestion was for a prescription-strength retinoid like Retin-A from your dermatologist. That sounds better.

Next was "Your Hair" and then "Your MakeUp". Common sense would win in both cases. Don't change your hair color or style just before the big event. Talk to your stylist about how you want your hair to look in 6 months.

In the MakeUp section, I quote, "If you've never had a makeup artist or brow specialist shape your eyebrows, this may be the time." I'm going to DO that one:cool:.

False eyelashes or perscription Latisse was suggested for those who have sparse lashes.

Interesting that the article made no mention of weight loss or getting into better shape...a goal many of us have whether there's a Big Occasion or not.

I'm at an age where I'm resigned to what is reflected in the mirror. My budget for hair and makeup is plenty big enough and that will just have to do!

QUESTION: How far would you go to improve your appearance?

[lovestx]

lovestx: I love your cocktail dress! The style and color are totally appropriate for Oct in PA. Either shoes would look good.

 

6-Month Plan: In the October issue of More magazine, there's an article about planning for "Big-Day Beauty" and 4 timelines: 6 months, 6 weeks, 6 days...or 6 hours.

Many of us cruise on a regular basis and think each adventure is an event. BUT, just maybe there's a really special cruise in the future: an anniversary, wedding; or like me, a Family Cruise. Since I have 8 months, this article was appealing.

OH MY! The first issue is "Your Skin"...and my complexion is far from perfect, this was of interest. BUT here's what was suggested: laser treatments @ $500+ per session x 4 or 6 times:eek:. Okay, that isn't going to happen. (I would rather cruise a few more times...with the skin I have!)

The next best suggestion was for a prescription-strength retinoid like Retin-A from your dermatologist. That sounds better.

 

Next was "Your Hair" and then "Your MakeUp". Common sense would win in both cases. Don't change your hair color or style just before the big event. Talk to your stylist about how you want your hair to look in 6 months.

In the MakeUp section, I quote, "If you've never had a makeup artist or brow specialist shape your eyebrows, this may be the time." I'm going to DO that one:cool:.

False eyelashes or perscription Latisse was suggested for those who have sparse lashes.

Interesting that the article made no mention of weight loss or getting into better shape...a goal many of us have whether there's a Big Occasion or not.

 

I'm at an age where I'm resigned to what is reflected in the mirror. My budget for hair and makeup is plenty big enough and that will just have to do!

 

QUESTION: How far would you go to improve your appearance?

 

Thanks for the response and the compliment. Tried the dress and shoes on this afternoon and DD and I agree that either will be fine. I will decide when I'm packing and based on weather.

 

As for how far I would go to improve my appearance....

 

I am always working on losing a few pounds (like the 11 I put on between the cruise and summer...down 5 or 6 at this point). Hubby and I are not good at 'maintaining' and tend to lose weight before a vacation and then put pounds on while away...then lose them again.

 

Recently I have started getting facial waxes (thanks to my age!) that include brow shaping. And I also get my brows darkened when I have my hair colored (they are tending to look mousey/gray without the dye).

 

I like to get facials as a treat several times a year. Do think it helps.

 

About four years ago, I started noticing wrinkles and so started in on a skin regimen through a friend who is my aestithician. Have been using Arbonne products (not as religiously or completely as I should) and it has DEFINITELY slowed the wrinkles.

 

But no surgery or expensive laser treatments. Like you, I'd rather travel!!!

[plank]

Well if I had the moolah I would probably get a lifestyle lift, but since I don't I will live with what God gave me and do my best! I do usually try to tighten up and lose some weight though lately that has been harder. Love cruisin and dressing up no matter what:)!!!