What I Wore - On a Caribbean Cruise

One of the most stress inducing parts of going on a cruise was the packing list.  Why?  Well, on a regular vacation, I feel like there are stores, options, ways to buy something I forget.  On a cruise ship?  Probably not so much.

So, I did a ton of research.  Lot's of google searches.  Lots of YouTube videos.  Lots of Pinterest-ing packing lists.  I wanted to make sure that I didn't get on the boat and realize that I was missing something I really needed.

The best laid plans...  While there are some stores on the ship, it's definitely not easy to find everything you need.  Example, I somehow forgot pool flip flops.  I had sneakers and lots of dressy sandals.  I wanted a cheap plastic kind of pair.  None to be found.  Ooops.

Luckily, I did much better with dinner/evening outfits.  I was pretty happy with the variety I managed and felt like I fit in pretty well.  I had all the pieces I needed: clothing, accessories, jewelry.

So, in order to help others who might be in the same boat (punny?), below are pics of what I wore for dinners on our cruise.  Most of the pieces were from Stitch Fix; I'd asked for my last couple of fixes to be for this trip.  All of the pieces were things that I knew wouldn't wrinkle much: jersey, stretch materials, jeans.  This was key because our ship had no public laundry room w/ irons.

Night 1 - Pretty casual with a pair of stretch trousers and a printed henley shirt.

Both pieces from Stitch Fix.

Night 2 - First full day at sea, printed shirts and white jeans.

Shirt from Marshall's and jeans from Stitch Fix.

Night 3 - Cozumel port day, stretch trousers and a button down shirt.

Pants from Stitch Fix and Portofino shirt from Express.

Night 4 - Thanksgiving, Formal Night, print dress and shawl.

Dress from Stitch Fix, shawl from Amazon (I think).

Night 5 - Key West port day, same pants from Night 1 and a print shirt.

Both pieces from Stitch Fix.

Trying It - Lash Extensions

Before vacation, I do a lot of stuff...  Besides researching my intended location and coming up with a (very) thorough packing list, I primp.

Haircut.

Manicure/Pedicure.

Hair Removal.
(you know what I mean)

Etc.  Etc.

Sometimes, this routine has included highlights.  But, after more than a year of trying to grow them out from a previous vacation, I decided that our first cruise didn't warrant that kind of commitment.

Instead, I decided to try lash extensions.  Of course, my decision was helped along by a Groupon (aren't the best decisions always?).

So, I submit the following (not very flattering) photos of my eyelashes before my treatment:

Do I even have eyelashes?

(seriously)

So very wimpy!

I bought my Groupon, made my appointment and showed up to the Shadyside Lash Spa Studio the Saturday before our cruise (which sailed on Monday).  I was quickly shown to a reclined chaise and the fun began.  The first step was for my lower eyelashes to be taped down to my cheeks with some sort of adhesive pad.  This was surprising and uncomfortable for awhile.  I did eventually get used to the sensation at some point within the following hour and a half it took for the process.

My technician, Angelica, (not sure what they call lash extension staff persons?) attached each lash with a bit of glue, working back and forth between the two eyes.  Every once in awhile, she'd have to pry my eyelid off of the pad on my cheeks because the glue would stick my lashes down.  This was kind of odd, but not nearly as uncomfortable as the original step.

Then, after nearly falling asleep a couple of times, they were done!  I was handed a mirror and saw this:

Whoa, them's some lashes!

For realz.

I was kind of shocked at first.  I had chosen the "everyday" lashes, not the "special occasion" ones.  But, they seemed over the top.  Perhaps this is because I very rarely wear make-up/mascara...  It was a lot of lash for this girl.

On my way out, I got a list of instructions with such things as:
- don't get them wet for 24 hours
- don't use mascara
- don't use make-up remover with oil
- brush them out after showers (they provided me with two types of brushes).

I did get used to the lashes very quickly.  I really liked the way they looked...  I woke up and looked wide awake (maybe made-up just a bit) with zero effort.  Wonderful for vacation in a climate where makeup melts off my face within minutes.

And, they lasted way longer than I expected.  The last three came off just last night, about six and a half weeks later.  I won't say they looked amazing the last couple of weeks, but it wasn't quite as crazy as I feared.

Did I like it?  Yes, I'm glad I tried these and enjoyed having them on vacation.

Would I do it again?  Maybe for a special occasion or vacation...  I'd have to find a good deal and I definitely wouldn't be up for everyday maintenance.  I'm thinking about trying lash tinting next to see how that compares.

Would I recommend it?  Sure.  It seems like a great option and it was kind of fun to have long, thick eyelashes for a change.