On MARCH 18th,I received an e-mail from a very lovely lady asking me to join HER group of BLOGGERS to write once a month a BLOG POST of HER suggestion.I was SO HONORED I nearly fell off my chair!I am familiar with some of these ladies and their BLOGS which I have been following for a few years now.I consider this group of lady blog writers to be the CREAM of the CROP!I immediately wrote back saying I am NOT a writer and I am a bit intimidated.Marsha’s response was so kind and nice I decided to give it a go!With the stipulation that at any time I do not live up to expectations I would bow out graciously.So, here goes………this is what I was told to write about,” IF YOU WERE GOING ON A CRUISE,WHAT 10 PIECES OF APPAREL OR ACCESSORIES WOULD YOU TAKE AND WHY.”
~ NUMBER ONE ~
A NEW BRA………….get measured and get going!Happy to say I did this recently and went down a size but my GIRLS doubled up!Of course, this is nothing from anything I have had done cause I’m NOT that type of GAL but the reasoned popped in my mind immediately it must be the sagging!I went from a size 36D to a 34 double D!!Mind you I have NEVER considered myself a BUSTY GAL!When did this all happen and why???
The Perfect fit makes you look even better then you already do!
~ NUMBER TWO ~
BRACELETS for those wrists………one can NEVER have too many………LOAD THEM UP.The more the MERRIER and you will OOOZ fun and glamour.
Just call this look CLASSIC CRUISE!
GO for the GUSTO!
Do all one color for more impact!
A blend of colors might be more fun!Depends upon what your featuring for that evening!
~ NUMBER THREE ~
Necklace…….Your statement piece!The collar will be exposed most likely on the ship and one should make that an attractive place to visit!
- A BOLD piece for the cruise is a MUST!
My model felt VERY comfortable in HIS new collar.Duke the DASHING BOXER.You see this would be a STATEMENT piece on him as well as on YOU!
LOADS of SPARKLE………thats what I would do……… Well, thats WHAT I DO ALL THE TIME!
~ NUMBER FOUR ~
SCARF……..for those chilly walks on deck.Go on line before your cruise and learn a few new ways to tie that scarf.Do as those GORGEOUS EUROPEANS DO!
The European knot!
A large size scarf is a good option as one can use as a shawl as well.
~ NUMBER FIVE ~
OVER THE TOP HEADBAND……………..Most likely you will be poolside either lounging or at the BAR.The hair could get in the way of watching the poolside action!Pull it back with a TAMERA BEARDSLEY inspired headband!
- Light weight and easy to pack!You will definitely get THE LOOKS!
POOLSIDE or BAR…………….it will hold the hair in place!
I call this one CARMEN MIRANDA!
~ NUMBER SIX ~
HAT…………..you MUST include a hat that not only hides your complexion from those burning rays but that says ,”HEY,LOOK AT ME I HAVE STYLE!”
- A big SUN HAT is a MUST.
~ NUMBER SEVEN ~
COCKTAIL RING…………….most likely those nails will be done and you will be par~Taking in the cocktail hour!Make certain to have a SPARKLE…. DO ~ DA……for all to see!
- COCKTAIL RINGS…………..always in FASHION in my book!
Always good to have something on the finger!
~ NUMBER EIGHT ~
LIPSTICK…………….BUY A NEW ONE!You will be applying more then once a day!
Be wild and treat yourself to a new lipstick.Maybe even be a bit wild and go for a color you have NEVER considered before!Just think how GORGEOUS you will be in all those photos you share with us back home on your INSTAGRAM account!GO FOR IT!
~ NUMBER NINE ~
SHOES……..FLAT deckside shoe that will not damage the wooden floors and will keep you steady as she floats about the upper decks!Get in the habit of doing a brisk walk about up top every morning and evening!You know what they say “walking is GOOD for YOU!”
A flat rubber sole shoe would be perfect for walking about the ship!
~ NUMBER TEN ~
CAFTAN…………..for lounging about poolside or slipping on to jump up TOP for your morning “CAFE”.
A cotton CAFTAN is a WONDERFUL piece to have on a cruise.It can go from AM to PM with just an accessory change!From coffee to poolside to evening attire just dress it up or down and TRA..LA……….you will be the MOST exotic woman in the room!
Then enjoy your trip!Take lots of photos……..and share with all of us on INSTAGRAM!We can live through you vicariously!
Many THANKS to MARSHA at SPLENDEROSA.COM for including me.Please take a peek at her site as she sells B E A U T I F U L jewelry and handbags.As one who knows we can NEVER have too many or too much!Also,if you go to SPLENDEROSA.COM you will see the LIST of those BLOGGERS I mentioned above.THE CREAM OF THE CROP.Do take a peek and perhaps sign up for their POSTS as well…………I think you will be delighted in what they have to share from FABULOUS photos to thoughts to travel and so much more!Keep in mind these women live all over the WORLD.It is a small,small WORLD just like WALT DISNEY said.To think we can sit with our tea or coffee and meet these people on a daily basis and see into their lives is really something.ENJOY!
BON VOYAGE!
Marsha @ Splenderosa says
La Contessa, you have surpassed yourself! And a huge big welcome to “By Invitation Only.” Our little international club of women are all so excited you are on board (no pun intended). I really laughted at your new bra suggestion. And, those little feet of yours! This is a wonderful, witty, completely splendid list of the 10 things not to leave home without. Now, what on Earth will I say since I’ve not finished my post yet? ;)’s
contessa says
MILLIE GRAZIE MARSHA!
XOXO
jewels says
Fabulously fun!!!!! Love it all where can I sign upxxxooo?
Glamour Drops says
Welcome to the BIO group La Contessa! This post was delightful – love your choices and your reasons for their inclusion. Bravo for the reminder to get a new bra – I laughed but it is so true. An easy way to inject a ‘new look’ into everyday, or the days of a cruise, as the case may be!
contessa says
Thank ~ You for welcoming me onboard!I’m thrilled to be sailing around with YOU GALS!
Francine Gardner says
So Chic! you are indeed ready for your cruise.
contessa says
Chic……….NO!But I do enjoy clothes and accessories!
Thanks so much!
La Pouyette - Karin says
A very warm Welcome to our group, La Contessa!
What a charming, enchanting and humorous (the BRA !) post! Simply good!
Warmest greetings from the Périgord,
Karin
contessa says
KARIN…………thank ~ you!
I am thrilled to be here .
Heather in Arles says
Hooray!!!! Oh Marsha is right, everyone is so excited to have you at BIO. I know that I am and included a link to you on my post. My wonderful Contessa, we are blogging partners now! But oh my, I think that you will get a giggle out of how different our takes on the theme are – they couldn’t be more different! But that is what makes the world wonderful and certainly, there is only one you…
contessa says
As I stated………..I’m NOT in your league at all…………and hope I can stay a float!Your post was BEAUTIFUL!We finally got to see some snaps of YOU!
XOXOXO
Jennifer says
Wonderful tips darling!! Duke does look charming in your necklace, whether he said he liked it or not! I loved all your ideas!! Jewels, jewels, jewels…accessories are king on a cruise, or anytime. You’re one stylish lady, my friend.
See you soon. xo
contessa says
He did not mind REALLY!Gave me the EYE thats about it!You must tell me where you found your photo of that WONDERFUL caftan……..I DESIRE TO OWN IT!!!!
XXX
Tamera Beardsley says
Huge congratulations dearest Contessa! To be included in BIO … is truly an honer … and very well deserved in your case to be sure!! Those ladies are indeed the cream of the crop, and you fit in beautifully with your verve and zest for life!
I adore all of you ideas for cruise wear … and find your bra inclusion a smart one I need to pay more attention to! Your collection of gold bracelets … absolutely breath taking!
I had to laugh at your mention of caftans … they are number one on my list to add to my wardrobe this summer … I have designs in mind for one to be a core player in my Palm Springs travel wardrobe! Caftans will play so nicely with my floral headbands and my newest accessory obsession … anklets!
La Contessa, I want to say once again how wonderful it was to meet you in person yesterday! I can’t wait to see you again in Napa … and … I look forward to what I know will be a long and fabulous new friendship!
xoxo
Tamera
contessa says
I ADORED meeting YOU!Plus, I had no problem spotting you in the crowd!
So, I will ADD CAFTANS to our list!!!!!!!!!!
Would you like a copy of THE LIST?!!Seems we will be adding to it for a long long time!
XOXO
Meike says
I love the photo with the golden bracelets, it’s a beautiful shot! I’m not planning to go on a cruise but I like to wear mine exactly like you do, bold!
Greetings from Berlin,
Meike
contessa says
I do too MEIKE!To think I did it myself too that photo!I told MARSHA its hard being the CREATIVE DIRECTOR,photographer,stylist,writer and model!!!
THANK ~ YOU!
Jody Brettkelly says
LC you are fabulous in every way. That caftan arrangement with gold slippers really is the cat’s PJs! I also love that floral halo you have, how clever of you, I saw that photo of you on Facebook and loved it! we should organise a lunch with all of us in halos large and small.
contessa says
LOVE that idea……………LETS DO IT!
D. A. Wolf says
La Contessa, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the bracelets – all of them! (I am Lilliputian, so would have to scale back for myself, but I adore this look. Likewise the cocktail rings, though again, it isn’t something I can pull off.)
I also love love love the panache you bring to this post, and your sense of style in general. It is exuberant, self-confident, playful, and individualistic. Marvelous.
And your “tra la” photo in the pearls renders your energy and enthusiasm utterly contagious. (I suspect you have this effect on people…)
I couldn’t be more delighted to see you in Marsha’s super-fun, super-cool, super-chic coterie of writers!
contessa says
I must go look up LILLIPUTIAN!But I gather it means PETITE!
I have seen YOU around the BLOG world for sometime now……….and as I stated YOU are the CREAM of the CROP!THANK YOU for you welcome and I am thrilled to be here!
I left a comment for you yesterday on your site but I think it dashed away.I must go check!I loved your bit about about MANNERS!!!!!
Linda T says
I think this is my favorite post so far! Have fun at the gathering.
contessa says
Thanks for the comment Linda……..as you can tell I had FUN FUN FUN!
tara dillard says
You are so bad. Where am I? You wouldn’t take me?
Loved my week’s cruise last month.
Cocktail ring, check. Bought new cocktail dresses, and brought Donald Pliner shoes I already collected. Walking clothes. Ironically, I was always alone walking on deck in the mornings.
Loved the aromatherapy sauna. Miss it dearly. Bathing suit/flip flops….
Caftan, great idea……..and color.
And your sparklies. Wish we were closer, would let you take all my cocktail jewels. At least they would be having fun.
Garden & Be Well, XO TAra
contessa says
Seems we too have similar qualities………….the garden,cats,chickens,pink light bulbs…….the list goes on and on.I too wish we were closer.
Just wear those SPARKLIES to the JOB SITE!
XOXO
Michele says
This brought lots of smiles!! Those bracelets!!
contessa says
YEARS of collecting for VERY special occasions!So, happy I made you smile!I had FUN thinking and creating………..as YOU can see!
XX
Jeanne McKay Hartmann says
Hello La Contessa! Aren’t we lucky to be part of such a fantastic group? I definitely think you are a perfect fit – just look at how much sparkle and style you brought to this post. What fun. Love your list and am looking forward to hearing more from you! XOXO
contessa says
YES
Mala says
VERY EXCITING ELIZABETH!!!!
You’ll do great…..
contessa says
THANKS………it is EXCITING!
foodiefan says
What a fabulous first post! Loved it…..and I’m looking forward to lots more! Well as Heather in Arles says there’s only one of you!! I did love the bra inclusion – a good reminder to take myself off and get re- fitted.
contessa says
Do you know who taught me that?
JANE UNO!!!!
Happy belated Birthday!
XOXO
Loree says
Oh Contessa, you are so much fun and I just loved your suggestions. The first out literally made me laugh out loud 🙂 Maybe you will get to go on a cruise soon and will share some lovely photos with us. It’s always a pleasure to come here and read your wity posts. Take care.
contessa says
NO cruise on the horizon,but perhaps MALTA!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANKS SO MUCH………Loree!
XOXO
Sunday Taylor says
So fabulous! What fun. Love all your suggestions!
Piedmont Pembroke Parent says
Ma chere Contessa,
You are a natural! Your inaugural blog on BIO is a winner! Such wit and imagination flows with ease..your read was enormously fun! Your #1 suggestion was a “bra”….how original is that?? I also LOVED your model…devilishly handsome in that collar! Paul loved the rings in the blossoms!
All in all a true delight….preparing for la cruise with you. Bravo!
PPP
Diane says
Hard to imagine or make this call, but I think this is your BEST POST yet!! I hope the madame blogger who invited you into the tent isn’t the jealous type! BRAVA!
Shirley McKellar says
Love the post, but was a little surprised of the jeans under the lovely caftan with jewelry. I will look forward to following your blog. Please see my blog at shirleymckellar.blogspot.com.
contessa says
Shirley,
Had the weather been a bit warmer there would have been no jeans……..however, I believed it worked as they were skinny jeans at the ankle or I wouldn’t have shown it that way.HEALTH, is number one in my book!I have no time for a cold or the flu.The Body must be warm!Thanks for taking a peek!I will take a peek at your BLOG too!
Sally says
Hello there, this is my first time to comment
I am very shy to say how much I love blogs,sometimes…but I am so fond of Marsha and her invitation posts..today is my lucky day indeed to have found you, your post is truly delightful…charming… and has made me smile a lot ( and the bracelets…I am retrieving huge jewellery boxes right after this !)..so thank you, la bella Contessa
I hope you enjoy your day, and dream of your next cruise
contessa says
Then I succeeded if YOU smiled A LOT!That makes my day!
Thank You for taking the time to leave a comment……….I truly appreciate it!
Dore @BurlapLuxe says
Elizabeth who says you can’t write?
I love your writing style, in fact you could write for a travel column.
The whole bra thing me too! Same size change thing and pushing those babies up where they belong.
Love your travel style and would do most of all of what you suggested.
Thank you beautifully elegant friend for taking the time to visit my site featuring our friend Fifi in her journey.
You are a doll, and soon to meet up I am sure of it.
Xx
Dore
contessa says
I SUBSCRIBED and it WORKED this time!I got your post via an e-mail!
You did a B E A U T I F U L post for FIFI………..its exciting that PRAIRIE STYLE will be out in MAY!
I am working on a post for her too……….XX
Karen albert says
Dear Contessa, all of your suggestions have been followed, with a few more of course and an I ever READY for a wonderful cruise!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
contessa says
Then BON VOYAGE to you!!!!!!!!!!!!
No, doubt you will be a SMASH!
Paul Clancy says
Fabulous post Contessa. You are an absolute ball of vibrant fun. Of course Marsha has exceptional taste and always chooses her ladies very carefully for By Invitation Only. You write beautifully!
contessa says
I LOVE that YOU check – IN with me!Do you have a BLOG I should be following?I’m going to click on your name and see where that takes me!How did you find me?Please tell…………
Veronica ~Tassels Twigs and Tastebuds says
Hi Contessa! Welcome to our BIO world! I am indeed South African who calls Cape Town home! Loving your list and your writing! I have been a bit quiet lately but am happy to be back in Blogland!
contessa says
I hope you have been well just taking a wee break for LA COMPUTER??I was in your neck of the woods as they say way back in 1981!Came around the HORN I think thats what they call it on a boat!!BEAUTIFUL city with that TABLE MOUNTAIN rising above!
I now have a GODCHILD at University there in STELLNBOSCH.
Look forward to more of your POSTS!
kim says
Dear Contessa, Thanks so much for visiting my blog. Lovely to get to know you. I adore this post. So inspiring and your love of fun and life shows through. Great suggestions. I need these as I am packing for my trip next week to Napa and need to include some of these. Wish I had those fabulous bracelets!
Wonderful that you grew up on Mill Valley. What a special spot. Also appreciate your note about boys…Always good to hear from someone who has survived the process!!!
So looking forward to meeting you in Napa next week.
xx Kim
contessa says
Kim,
YOU will survive………..and then you will be saying where did it go?I sound like an old lady but its so true!I look forward to meeting up with YOU all too…….I have met JENNIFER and TAMERA and now I look forward to meeting YOU!I have more BOY stories I can share, but perhaps another time as this is suppose to be relaxing!!JUst know I will always give FREE advise.What works for one doesn’t always work for another but its good to hear other options.There is no 101 course on how to raise a family…………we learn by doing!Bottom line you want NICE well mannered BOYS who adore their MOTHER!
XX
lisa | renovatingitaly says
Oh if I ever go on a cruise I’m set although I might need to take an extra life jacket as I can’t swim….loved those bright bracelets and all your photos, just glorious xxx
contessa says
You must go to a CAMPEGGIO this summer and learn to swim!In the sea!
When we lived outside of Florence we would go every year to BAIA VERDE down by PUNTA ALA.Follonica is the big city………it would be a wonderful experience for the kids……..FREEDOM on bikes and new friends.A wonderful way to spend a holiday……….then again your going to PARIS!!!
Beth says
Love the Carmen Miranda photos – can’t wait to send you an illustration! Beautiful blog…
contessa says
How funny!I just sent TAMERA an old photo of CARMEN MIRANDA in the mail yesterday!
More photos of me under CONTESSA!!!
I can hardly wait!
Thanks……….XX