Cruising in Style

Hubby and I just returned home from our first cruise through the Western Caribbean and it was nothing short of amazing! You can see my takeaway by following that link. ☝🏼

Now on to my personal favorite – style! Since this was my first experience, I packed half the closet and dresser. There’s swimming, shore excursions, the ideal of working out on the boat (ha!), dinners both casual and formal, and everything in between. Naturally, I decided to change for every meal. And I STILL over packed! This realization came the morning we arrived back to Galveston and had to throw everything in suitcases with hangovers (we weren’t adulting – don’t judge).

I chose this gorgeous Tommy Bahama dress for getting on the boat and having a glass of wine. My husband introduced me to Tommy Bahama, and seven dresses later, I’m in love! They’re perfect for a cruise. They are dressy but fun, comfortable yet effortlessly elegant. My husband also looks amazing every time in a Tommy polo or button down.

The boat offers two formal nights, however, I think I did formal the majority of our nights – I like dressing up!

This black gown was a score from Forever 21 for only $32 and is currently available in three colors. I paired it with jewelry from Charming Charlie.

Lunch the following day was this cute jumpsuit from New York and Co (no longer in stock but here are some similar options). The little beaded bracelet stack is my own creation! My daughter and I make bracelets together, and you can find them here.

The first full sailing day was also our anniversary and the first formal night of the cruise. I chose a beautiful white gown from Lulu’s and jewelry my husband bought as a gift from the boat’s jewelry shop. The maker of the morganite pendant and earrings is Kallati.

The next morning we went to the cafeteria for breakfast and Bloody Mary’s. I recently scored this adorable, fun Tommy Bahama dress on sale for under $100!

I also found these awesome sandals that play dressy casual quite nicely while also being super comfortable!

Another meal, another wardrobe change and another chance to wear this gorgeous Tommy!

I paired the dress with these Carlos Santana wedges, beaded bracelets made by yours truly, and blue opal earrings (use that safe in the rooms, ya’ll!). DSW has these sandals in black and bellini for half the price!

My top is part of New York and Co.’s Sweet Pea Collectionand I love it! I’m wearing a handmade wire wrapped bracelet from my favorite small shop, Candles and Confetti.

Finally it was port day! Our first day was Roatan, and I thoroughly enjoyed this stop. Our guides were so friendly and knowledgeable. Nothing cute in my wardrobe here, just clothing appropriate for sightseeing and snorkeling!

Our chef’s table dinner was later that night. I wanted something fun and flirty, but not too dressy. I chose these tattered, fitted, red jeans and top from New York and Co. You will soon discover, that they are one of my favorites for affordability, variety and quality!

I’m attaching my picture, which doesn’t do the outfit justice, and a picture from NYC’s website modeling the jeans.

Here are some other looks on the cruise: during the days I wanted something fun and light, like a nice Tommy Bahama dress. Lunches were usually dressy casual that easily transitioned into a wine tasting mid afternoon. For dinner I wore nice dresses, except for the aforementioned chef’s table.

I had tons of fun dressing up and living it up! I definitely over packed, but will probably make the “same mistake” next time. The bottom line? Dress how you want! Have fun, be flirty, elegant, casual or all three. I did and loved every minute! Now I’m back home and back to my mommy outfit of yoga pants and oversized tees!