Caribbean-Cruising Fashonista

[lucyintheskywithdiamonds]

I know I'm coming in late on this conversation but I just wanted to post my "tip" :D. I get my mani/pedi's done at a salon. However - I get them done with gel polish instead of regular polish. The gel polish lasts so much longer. I have soft fingernails and they are short as well (short nail beds) so I grow them out a little bit and then get the gel polish. It strengthens the nail without having to have acrylics put on them so I don't break it and I also don't have to worry about peeling or chipping nail polish!

 

i wanna try the gel polish,, do they charge an arm-and- a- leg for that? :)

[lucyintheskywithdiamonds]

Just returned from a marvelous 9-day cruise and thought I would offer a few "fashion" observations. Can someone please tell me why a ballcap is a staple on so many men ? I don't mean on excursions or on the pool deck but in the theater, the upscale restaurant, lectures, and other events. Not necessarily nice caps but tattered and ragged caps. Do some men purposely pack their worst and suggestive t-shirts ? Is anything more puzzling than a nicely dressed women strolling with a guy wearing a faded ballcap and a t-shirt once used during the painting of the house ? Really ?

 

i think they're still being defiant.. lol

[Member123]

hey, there, indiana71...

 

Please tell us how all of your planning worked out for you. Were you glad that you did it... or did you end up being more spontaneous in your outfit choices? Did you find that you had neglected to think about something that would have been helpful to remember in planning your outfits for the day?

 

I'm just wondering because I have a cruise coming up in about 2 weeks and I don't know whether it would be better for me to really plan and plan and plan.... or because I'm a mix/match kind of gal, if I'll be just as happy with packing a certain number of tops and bottoms and just picking and choosing on any given day.

 

I do have quite an effort, though, because we're doing a 13-nite Transatlantic, followed by 1 day on land, followed by a 6-nite relocation cruise, followed by 3 days on land. So you can see where I'm thinking that planning might be good... or it might be wasted effort. I'm just not sure.

 

I don't have the accessories that you do! Your accessories sound fabulous. I just have a few earrings and some bracelets, etc. I just haven't had time to get into the accessories world... yet... and I don't have the luggage space/weight to be able to take as many shoes as I would like, that's for sure!

 

I'm so glad that your cruise was wonderful. Details! Please provide details! :D and pictures! Would love to see some pictures! :D

[indiana71]

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:.

[jacksmom09]

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:.

Can't wait to see some pics of the outfits you packed!:D I am packing now and finding it hard not to overpack!:eek:

[indiana71]

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.

 

 

Edited April 14, 2011 by indiana71

[indiana71]

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!

[lucyintheskywithdiamonds]

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!

 

Girl you are a riot!! lol:)

[jacksmom09]

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!

 

Cute Pics! Thanks for sharing!

[DivasDare]

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!

 

 

Classic! :D

[d'sdarling]

Indiana, thanks for sharing details about your cruise. Also, I enjoyed your pics.

[indiana71]

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...

[indiana71]

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.

 

Edited April 15, 2011 by indiana71

[our turn]

That's not too bad for a weight gain. I didn't do as well, unfortuately. I gained 5 pounds, but we were gone about 12 days so I guess that isn't too bad.

Back to the treadmill. We are leaving Thursday for a week at the beach so I don't see a loss in sight, lol.

[jacksmom09]

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...

We are also doing KSC in just a few short days! How was it? What did you wear for that? Love your outfits! Helps with my planning!:D

[Member123]

Indiana71, please walk me through your process. I have to leave in just a little under 2 weeks and, right now, I'm a bit overwhelmed with the idea of even coming up with a packing list! It would be educational for me to get a peek into how you plan your spreadsheet... what goes into that?... I would love to be a bit more organized because since I'm a mix/match type of dresser I realize that I end up wearing "favorite" outfits quite a bit more.

 

Have you read any of the threads on color, CJW posts, anything like that? I'm a CJW fan, so I dress in colors that he has enlightened me to "see" look best on me. For me, that means no black. I'm a bright, clear, warm color dresser, but I can still pack light because of all the mix/match.

 

How do I even get started with your Fashionista Flair?!? :D

[jacksmom09]

Indiana71, please walk me through your process. I have to leave in just a little under 2 weeks and, right now, I'm a bit overwhelmed with the idea of even coming up with a packing list! It would be educational for me to get a peek into how you plan your spreadsheet... what goes into that?... I would love to be a bit more organized because since I'm a mix/match type of dresser I realize that I end up wearing "favorite" outfits quite a bit more.

 

Have you read any of the threads on color, CJW posts, anything like that? I'm a CJW fan, so I dress in colors that he has enlightened me to "see" look best on me. For me, that means no black. I'm a bright, clear, warm color dresser, but I can still pack light because of all the mix/match.

 

How do I even get started with your Fashionista Flair?!? :D

I leave in a few days and would love to know also!:D

[indiana71]

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.

[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!:)

Edited April 17, 2011 by indiana71

[jacksmom09]

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.

 

Very cute outfit! Thanks for the review!

[indiana71]

Up until very recently (this morning actually) I thought suede shoes were only for fall and winter.

Today I purchased a pair of champagne colored peep toe heels with a little bit of a platform. The saleslady assures me they can be worn in the summer, i.e. on a Caribbean cruise and be perfectly acceptable.:confused:

OPINIONS PLEASE! (I can post a photo if it will help...) The shoes were on sale + I had a store coupon. Never let it be said that a fashonista passes up a great bargain;)!

[Cancun01]

I always think of suede as a fall/winter shoe..however two months ago I was cutting through a department store during my lunch hour and I came across a terrifc end of season Jacques Vert sale. Not sure if you are familiar with them but they are a British company that sells wedding/special occassion wear available in Canada and I believe the US. I bought a sleeveless "afternoon" chiffon dress for my daughter's upcoming uni graduation that had been $365 Cdn marked down to $65 - how could I resist??? With Jacques Vert - they have the matching shoes and bag - both in gray suede with matching pink leather trim - as the grad is in North Carolina - it will be warm in May but at $45 down from $200 for the shoes and $30 for the bag down from $200 - I decided that I will set my own trend ...:) They are a very fine suede. I plan to take them on cruises. They are the same style as the ones below only fine gray suede with pink leather trim.

http://www.jacques-vert.co.uk/en/iridium-leather-shoes-71360

Edited April 20, 2011 by Cancun01

[indiana71]

Cancun01: What a beautiful outfit you have put together:). You will look great and feel even better knowing the bargain you found! Thanks for sharing the link to see your Jacques Vert shoes.

I love your quote "setting my own trend". It exudes confidence! I'm going to follow your lead and declare if shoes are a light color suede - they are perfectly acceptable in any season and can be worn with confidence on a cruise:cool:. Thanks for the input.

Best wishes to your daughter as she graduates and begins a career.

[indiana71]

WHO STILL WEARS PANTYHOSE???

I was choosing an outfit for Easter and thought it might be prudent to wear pantyhose since it's supposed to be chilly.

In the back of one of my undergarment drawers I found 8 (yes eight!) packages of brand-spanking new, unopened pairs of pantyhose. :eek:

Before retiring 5 years ago, I wore pantyhose to work every day - everybody did. It would have been gross to not wear pantyhose and anyhow I don't like to wear heels with bare feet (That would have been unthinkable back then...).

But NOW - no one wears pantyhose. I realized this 2 years ago. DH and I were standing in line at a funeral home in late spring and ALL the females were bare legged (except me) no matter what shoe style they wore.

I don't know how this trend came about...guess I wasn't a serious Fashonista then. Who started it? Where did it start?

Ah well - the point is I'm going to put those 8 brand new pair of pantyhose in the closet with Garage Sale Stuff and see if some un-fashion-conscious lady buys them...

I tried on a pair of very sheer, sandalfoot pantyhose and they just looked weird, so it's bare legs and high heels for Easter Sunday.

If they ever come back in style, I'll have to replenish the supply. :)

[our turn]

Now that you mention it, I can't remember the last time I wore panty hose. I still wear tights in the winter, though.