Wednesday, February 5, 2014

FINAL PREPS: PART III - WARDROBE

Now is also the time to get all the dry cleaning, laundry, and alteration services taken care of.  With just a few weeks remaining, get out the clothes which you plan to take on your vacation.  Let’s be honest…  Ladies:  When was the last time you wore that beautiful sequined gown?  5 years ago?  25 pounds ago?  I mean 25 pounds “more” ago, of course.  Guys: How ‘bout those plaid dress slacks.  You know… the pair that you have worn since your cousin Gary got married to his third wife.  It is time to donate that pair of pants to your local Thespian Club for their costume department, and go out to the Mall and buy a new pair of trousers!!!

I tend to think that most people do indeed over pack for a cruise.  You don't necessarily need a lot of clothes.  You do however need the right clothes.  I tend to split up the wardrobe needs into two basic groups: daytime and nighttime.  A third category would be beachwear.  If you think in these terms, you are going to be in pretty good shape.  And don't forget that you can get your laundry done while on the ship.  Some ships have a self-serve coin operated laundry area.  And of course, if you really want to live in up, you can easily get your clothes cleaned by the Valet Service.  However, this may not be "fast".
 
Personally, I like my dress shirts professionally laundered, ironed, and heavy starched for a cruise.  Take a moment and think about this…  A cruise should be a special event.  It should be the exception to the normal routines of life.  You’ve paid a lot of money for your cruise, yes?  Then why not pay the few extra dollars to get your shirts done “right”.  Again… stop and think about it: The last thing I need to be doing, or worse yet have Joni doing, during the last few days, is standing around ironing shirts.  Let the local Dry Cleaner / Laundry Service take care of this for you.  Remember my favorite ZZ Top song?   What is it that every girl is crazy about?


Also… ladies: Get those beautiful gowns out of the closet, check them out, make sure they fit, and get them dry cleaned if necessary.  Make sure that you have all the accessories you need for each outfit.  This might be a fun time to go to your local “Charming Charlie” and pick out something bright and new to accent your cruise wardrobe.  

Here's another trick for the ladies.  Order $500 in new swimwear from your favorite online source.  Land's End is a great source.  Venus Swimwear is another.  Try it all on in the privacy of your own home, keep one or two that you really like, and return the rest.  Easy, convenient, and you are ready to go.  

Shoes is where it can get a little crazy at our house.  We always have to one piece of luggage exclusively for shoes...  By the time we have shoes for the beach / pool (flip-flops), walking / casual, fitness center, dress shoes, dancing shoes... it can get to be A LOT OF SHOES!!! 

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