One of my favorite vacations seems to confuse most travelers when it comes to appropriate items to pack … Caribbean cruises. All cruise lines give vague dress codes when it comes to events, dining, and excursions. This results in a VERY diverse group where some travelers feel underdressed and others look over the top. I will start with the most confusing night – Captains Dinners/Formal Night. Depending on the length of the cruise there can be one or two formal nights. The first tends to be dressier than the second. When it comes to “formal wear” air on the side of casual formal wear. I know this sounds confusing but I promise to make it simple! Chose formal dresses with a casual fabric like a long simple jersey dress or a short semiformal dress. Anything that appears to be appropriate for prom or a member of a wedding party is too dressy. The dress I chose below if from J.Crew. I followed a nautical theme in choosing navy. I paired the dress with Kate Spade Charm shoes in navy as well. The special occasion shoe is the focal point of the outfit so the simple pearl earrings, bangle, and clutch do not compete for attention.

Captain's Dinner by kayceebrown featuring a a line cocktail dress

J.Crew a line cocktail dress / Kate Spade sparkle pumps / Style & Co. snakeskin handbag / Kate Spade earrings / Kate Spade bracelets bangle

Dinners, shows, and on board events are more casual for the rest of the cruise. A blouse and nice shorts or a casual dress with dress sandals will suit for the rest of the evenings. I do say causal with caution as I am not referring to shorts and T-shirt, rubber flip flops, or dresses that can be seen as lounge wear or beach cover ups. The Lilly Pulitzer Delia dress with Jack Rogers keeps a causal vibe, while still looking pulled together.

On Board Dinners, Shows, and Events by kayceebrown featuring a stacked heel

Dress / Jack Rogers stacked heel / Ring / Kate Spade bracelets bangle / Kate Spade long drop earrings

Ports of Call and Excursions also seem to be confusing to most cruisers. Something to keep in mind is every stop does not have a beach. This is a common misconception. Pay attention to details on the itinerary. If a beach is not mentioned near the port or as part of an excursion, a bathing suit and cover up is not appropriate. For these stops shorts and a top or causal dresses are appropriate with comfortable sandals.

Ports of Call by kayceebrown featuring rainbow shoes

J.Crew vintage style t shirt / J.Crew j crew / Rainbow shoes / Juicy Couture knot necklace / MICHAEL Michael Kors Lucia | Piperlime

With these tips layback, relax, and enjoy the cruise!

For my first blog I wanted to start on a warm note. Cold January weather makes us yearn for vacations in warm sunny places. Resort season has officially begun! For the next few weeks I want to show great examples of clothing to pack for these sunny adventures in paradise! I am very fortunate to travel to one of these wonderful warm places often, and have come to discover most visitors find it very hard to dress for Key West. Some vacations are easy to pack for, bathing suits, cover ups, and flip flops … others can be very confusing. After much observing I have found that tourists to Key West have needed a little help packing or dressing for their vacation.Simplicity is key. Island living is relaxed and your clothing should reflect that. The perfect outfit for sight seeing consists of shorts, classic T-shirt or tank, and comfortable sandals. The outfit labeled “Southernmost Tourist” is the perfect example for daytime adventures. The blue J.Crew chinos, white tank, and hot pink Sam Edelman sandals are great for fitting in and getting around town. Bright colors are key as are large sunglasses. Jewelry should be as simple as the outfit and this simple Kate Spade necklace adds something extra without overwhelming. The Kate Spade bag will probably get a laugh, and is also great as a carry-on turned beach bag turned about town carryall. The size is also great for storing purchases! For a day on the water refer to “Fun in the Sun!” A bright colored strapless bathing suit from Victoria’s Secret with a scoop neck dress cover-up makes an easy transition from pool to boat. One of the most important pieces is the faux-leather sandals from Old Navy. These flip flops look classy, but won’t stretch or ruin when they get wet. Top it off with a great pair of sunglasses and you are ready for your day with the waves! Day to night outfits are always appropriate. The “Key West” outfit includes a Tory Burch belted tunic, the same simple Kate Spade necklace, and two great pairs of shoes. The J.Crew capri sandals will take you from every activity, morning walk on the beach to Sloppy Joes bar at night. If you want to feel a little more dressed for dinner at Louie’s Backyard, switch to the Tory Burch navy wedges. Wedges are the perfect shoe to feel a little more dressed without looking overdressed. Lastly the navy Kate Spade cross-body bag is simple and hands free making it easy for day to night fun! This tiny island has over 325 bars. “Dressing to go out” seems most difficult for those new to Key West. Unlike other traditional bar scenes, wearing heels will make you stand out as an obvious tourist or if paired with tight clothing possibly a prostitute. Neither will make one feel comfortable when trying to let loose and have some fun. Again if you want to feel more dressed up wedges are key! This coral pair by Lilly Pulitzer are comfortable and beautiful! Basic chino shorts keep the outfit casual while the dark color makes them evening appropriate. The silk nude J.Crew cami looks classic and clean, but not over the top. Lastly a coral DVF clutch to hold your essentials. The perfect nighttime look is a dressier version of the perfect daytime look! Cheers to a fabulous wardrobe and a worry free vacation!!