#PackingProblems: Formal Cruise Nights

Okay, let me be honest here. One of my absolute favorite parts of going on a cruise is having an excuse to get dressed up. My extremely boring life does not give me many opportunities to put on a cute cocktail dress and pumps and go out. The most dressed up I ever get is a LBD and my black blazer for work...not too exciting. I wasn't planning on doing this post, but after someone asked me on tumblr what I'm bringing. I decided, what the heck. 

If you read my #PackingProblems: Clothing List, you'll know I decided on two fancier dresses for the two formal dinner nights. But after a quick closet scan a few days ago I realized that I purchased a fairly pricey floor length black dress in hopes of attending a Christmas party in December and knew that it also had to make the trip. (This is why I have packing problems.) 

Typically the dress code for the elegant nights is a cocktail dress or nice skirt and blouse, basically not your everyday dining wear. No jeans, leggings, etc. Some cruises let you get away with that, but I just enjoy the whole aspect of getting all dolled up and fancified. I'd stick with blacks and solid colors because they absolutely make accessorizing that much easier. Dressing for the formal nights doesn't need to be an extravagant expense because usually you'll have something in your closet especially if you're in a sorority where date parties and socials are frequent. If you find yourself craving a new dress or two, head to Forever21 or H&M for an inexpensive option. These places can be hit or miss, but just scour the racks. I found that first dress by accident and it fits wonderfully and will be worn many more times for sure. 

I've broken each of my three dresses down into the dress, shoes, and added purse. Please excuse my super awkward mirror pictures and my messy bun. 

Outfit #1: Black & White BodyCon Dress

Dress- Forever21

Shoes- Steve Madden

Clutch- Charming Charlie

Outfit #2: Little Red Dress aka My Birthday Dress

Dress- Rachel Rachel Roy

Shoes- Steve Madden

Glitter Crossbody- Forever21

Outfit #3: Floor Length Black Dress

Dress- Express

Shoes- Enzo Angiolini

I hope this was super helpful if you're setting sail on a cruise soon and looking for formal night ideas. If you haven't checked out my previous #PackingProblems posts, check them out below!

#PackingProblems- Intro | Clothing | Shoes | Formal Nights | Makeup

xx - Dan

#PackingProblems: Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

I really don't consider myself a huge shoe girl, but looking at this picture, I may actually be a teensy bit of a shoe girl. Let me remind you that my trip to Seattle/Alaska is only 9 days, yet here are the shoes I'm packing. 8 pairs. I'm justifying this because I like to have options. While I may not have over packed my clothes, I definitely am overpacking my shoes. Sorry I'm not sorry.

(From left to right)

1. Flip Flops: Women's Mossimo Lucita Gemmed Flip Flop in Rose Gold- Perfect for throwing in your carry on in case by some chance your checked bag with all the rest of your shoes gets lost, hanging out by the pool/jacuzzi, going to the spa. So many options
2. Sneakers: Converse Chuck Taylor Low Sneaker in Red- Great casual option for walking around all day, excursions, and it won't matter if they get dirty. 
3. Sperry Top Siders: Sperry Bluefish 2-Eye Boat Shoe- Boat shoes because you're on a boat, duh. But seriously, these are the comfy classically stylish option for walking around and doing touristy things. Perfect day time cruise option.  
4. Rain Boots: Sperry Top Sider Women's Pelican Tall Rain Boot- Because it will be rainy, what better thing to bring than bright rain boots. Comfy, warm, and fun for any outdoor activities such as whale watching or hiking (maybe? haha)
5. Slouchy Riding Boots: The most versatile cold weather shoe I'm packing. These are great to dress up or dress down. They go with everything from dresses to skinny jeans. I'm also wearing them through the airport. 
6. Neutral Ballet Flats: Steve Madden Kadiee in Blush- I love that these are also versatile for daytime and night time. The color is great because it's neutral and goes with so many outfits.
7. Fun Pumps: Steve Madden Dejavu Pump in Gold Glitter- While these aren't practical in the slightest, they're making the trip because they're the shoes that I've been planning to wear with my birthday dress since like forever. These will also be nice to wear on the formal nights on the cruise. 
8. Neutral Wedges: Steve Madden Pammyy Wedges in Black Suede- Wedges are the easier alternative to pumps, but still look dressy for formal nights or going to the clubs at night. I love the black suede because they go with everything. 

I love that all of these shoes offer versatility with wear. I enjoy having options to go with any outfit because I feel like shoes complete any look. Could I survive with less? Yes, of course. If I had to I would remove the Sperrys and the glitter pumps. Shoes take up less room than clothes when the pairs are separated in your suitcase, so definitely consider that. If you missed any of the previous posts, check them out below!!

#PackingProblems- Intro | Clothing | Shoes | Cruise Formal Nights | Makeup

xx - Dan 

#PackingProblems: Clothing List

to 

(oh hey there I am in the mirror!!)

I'm very pleased to be finished with preparing the clothing to pack for my trip to Alaska. If you didn't read the beginning of the #PackingProblems saga, check that out here. I decided that instead of just throwing clothes on my bed or around my room, I would get organized with my simple metal garment rack from Target. 

While I did use Lauren Conrad's Style book for packing inspiration for "Weekend Getaway to Somewhere Cold" (pg. 195), I had a lot of tweaking to do because my trip is 9 days total: 2 days in Seattle and then 7 days on the cruise to Alaska. Google, travel websites, nowhere has been remotely helpful in how to pack besides Hannah and Coral. Both of those ladies have been extremely helpful in what I should expect and plan for!! I know I overpacked, but I think it's more planned preparedness. The weather in Alaska is very unpredictable. I've been advised that the weather can change quickly with the possibility of sporadic rain, ice, mud, and wind. HOW DOES A GIRL PLAN CLOTHING FOR THAT!?  Like this I guess...

Focus: Layers & Neutrals

• 3 Dresses
• 2 T-Shirts
• 4 Cami's
• Peacoat
• Blazer
• Fleece Jacket
• Hoodie
• Cardigan
• Light Sweatshirt
• Chambray Shirt
• 4 Pairs of Jeans 
• Silk/Chiffon Top
• 3 Sweaters
• 2 Pairs of Leggings
• Sweats/Yoga Pants
• Pajamas
• Bikini
• 1 Pair of Shorts
• Undergarments
• Socks

Tips:

• LAYERS! LAYERS! LAYERS! That's one constant thing everyone has told me. Plan for the weather to change, so you'll be able to add layers or take them away. I like using the camis and t-shirts because they're lighter weight and you can add a sweater/cardigan/jacket on top to reach the desired comfort level.
• Stick to neutrals with small pops of colors. I have a red pea coat, a yellow hoodie, a pink sweater, and colored skinny jeans to add some fun to my outfits. Neutrals allow for easy mixing and matching and more outfit options.
• Pack one or two pairs of leggings to wear under jeans when it's chilly outdoors for excursions and whatnot. Also leggings are great for lounging or for night time/dinners as bottoms for sweaters. 
• You don't need as many pairs of jeans as you think. I packed a white pair for daytime meals or night time dressing up. I also have a colored pair for a fun pop. Two pairs of regular denim skinnies is important because you'll have one extra back up pair in case the other gets wet in the rain or muddy during an excursion. 
• Outerwear should be your best friend because of course, let me emphasize again, LAYERS. I have a cardigan and chambray for breezy days on the ship or walking through the ports of call. I brought a pea coat to dress up for day time or night time when it's colder. I also have a light sweatshirt and hoodie to throw over pretty much anything. Also, my favorite pieces of outerwear: a blazer to fancify any look for night time (dresses, sweaters, camis) and a new Northface fleece that's light feeling and easy to pack, but also a great outer layer to keep you warm.
• Only bring the dresses you can change up with accessories. My picks: a simple red strapless (my birthday dress), a little black and white dress, and a fun navy striped dress. (Look out for a post dedicated solely to formal dining nights on the cruise!)

While this may seem like a lot (and quite overwhelming), you'll see how to create and plan multiple outfits. Stay tuned for the next part of #PackingProblems and if you missed any of the other posts check them out below!

#PackingProblems- Intro | Clothing | Shoes | Cruise Formal Nights | Makeup

xx - Dan

Summer Beauty Must Haves

I think one of the biggest challenges about wearing makeup in the summer is looking put together when you're feeling oh so lazy. It's only May, but we're already at over 100 degrees in Arizona, so most days I truly have no desire to even do my makeup because chances are, it will melt rather quickly.  I've found these products to be tried and true in creating an easy, but still pretty look for everyday. I will post this on Pretty Chatty as well, but in case you don't follow Hannah and I (which you should be), I wanted to post it here.

Summer Beauty Must Haves by sprinklesdan featuring eye tattoo makeup

Maybelline Color Tattoo by Eyestudio, $5 - My tried and true cream eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze stays put and makes it look like you've actually put effort into your eye makeup instead of just sweeping this on with your fingers.
Dr.Jart+ Beauty Balm, $39 - I'm obsessed with my Dr.Jart+ BB Cream. It gives me just enough coverage without being too heavy for the heat. 
Urban Decay De Slick Makeup Setting Spray, $29 - I never thought I'd swear by my Urban Decay Makeup Setting Spray, but I notice a difference in my makeup when I don't use it. I spray it before I apply my makeup and after for a flawless finish all day!
OPI Spiderman Collection My Boyfriend Scales Walls, $8.50 - Love love love! I chose this polish from the new OPI Spiderman Collection because it makes me look ultra tan and it goes with everything.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment Tube 1.75-oz., $5.49 - This is my must have lip product because it seriously makes my lips so soft and moisturized when it's super dry and hot outside.
L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara, $5.84 - One of my holy grail mascaras in the waterproof formula to prevent panda eyes after a long day outside keeping my lashes looking super amazing!


xx- Dan