Hello sweet friend! Have I mentioned that we’re taking an Alaskan cruise later this spring? Yeah, you’re going to be hearing a lot about that if you hang around. We’re taking this long-anticipated cruise in celebration of our 60th birthdays, so we’re more than a little excited. If nothing else, it’s how we’re making turning 60 a little more palatable. Hahaha! Anyhow, today I’d really appreciate your help in choosing an elegant dress for our Alaskan cruise. Will you kindly give me your opinion? I’d love it!
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I know that people on our Alaskan cruise will dress quite differently than on a Caribbean or other cruise. And I’m preparing a warm and water-resistant wardrobe with activewear for exploring Alaska and being out in the elements. And I understand that most people may not even opt to dress up much for dinner in the evenings. But since this is a special trip for us and because I just enjoy dressing up, I definitely want to take a nice dress that I will probably wear twice on the trip and then other times, too.
I’m looking for something that feels festive and special, but that I’ll also be able to keep in my closet for several years and wear for nice occasions. And yes, since this is for my 60th birthday, I am willing to spend a little more than usual on it.
Diane von Furstenberg Valerie center ruched dress in bright berry
So let me share with you the dresses I’m considering and provide a few thoughts on each. Then I’d truly appreciate you weighing in in the comment feed below the post. First up is one of my favorites, a Diane von Furstenberg dress in a beautiful bright berry.
Based on the size guidelines, I ordered a large in this dress. But looking at these photos I’m wondering if it’s a bit large and I should order the medium. I LOVE the way this dress looks and feels, but I do see that the waistline looks a little baggy compared to the one the model is wearing on the website. This is a dress I could wear to dinners and weddings and other special occasions for sure.
Diane von Furstenberg Midi Length Wrap Dress
I purchased several Diane von Furstenberg dresses to try. I’ve always admired the Belgium designer, known most for her wrap dresses, but I’ve never owned one. And I figured if I’m ever going to fork out the money for one of these classic designs it might as well be for this momentous cruise. So this Abigail silk wrap midi dress is a classic example of her designs and would be a great investment I think.
My dress is in the medium chain link and it’s also available in a giant chain link. But I think the medium chain link is a little more timeless. The dress feels great on and I just think a wrap dress is a silhouette that most every woman can wear beautifully. Plus it’s very forgiving! I’m wearing a size 10. This is one of the most expensive dresses in my try-on collection, so it would definitely be an investment. I’m fine with that as long as I know it looks good on me and I can truly enjoy wearing it. Whereas the pink dress above would be reserved for weddings and special events, I think I could wear this one for conferences and church services, even funerals.
Diane von Furstenberg Maxi Length Wrap Dress
Because I’m very inclined to get a maxi length dress for the cruise and they’re quite in style at the moment, I tried the same dress in a longer length. It fits just the same of course, and I’m still wearing a size 10. I will say that these dresses are snug in the arm, but once I get it on (easily enough) it feels very comfortable. So the sleeves aren’t tight; they’re just not loose.
I love the idea of the full length in this Abigail chain prints silk maxi dress, but I don’t know about the practicality, especially since it costs even more than the midi length dress. What are your thoughts?
By the way, the Abigail chain links dress from Diane von Furstenberg is also available in a shorter Julian dress.
Diane von Furstenberg Dorothea Midi Wrap Dress
The final Diane von Furstenberg dress is this Dorothea Midi Wrap Dress. To me it has a distinct Asian influence. What do you think? I love the dress, but I’m not sure it is as classic as I want, especially for the price.
I’m wearing a size Large in this dress, per the size guidelines. And I do think that’s the right size. But I feel like the neck opening is probably not right for me. I definitely like the true v-necklines of the other dresses better. Still, this is definitely a gorgeous dress.
Diane von Furstenberg Reversible Dress
Oops! I’d actually forgotten that this reversible dress is also a Diane von Furstenberg design; it’s so different from the others. I actually ordered it more out of curiosity, but I did think that the fact that it’s reversible might give me a little more mileage, too. I could wear it two different nights on the cruise and no one would know. Ha!
So on one side of this flowy reversible maxi dress you have a vibrant blue, pink and burgundy geometric…
and on the other side the colors are darker and the pattern is more moody. The dress feels great on and does move beautifully when you walk and dance. But I don’t know how I feel about the darker dress still having the brighter ties. And while I may get a lot of use of it on the cruise, I don’t think I’d wear it as frequently elsewhere. I’m wearing a size Large per the size guidelines.
By the way, you can find a full selection of Diane von Furstenberg dresses at their website. They’re just gorgeous and most are very timeless.
Lilly Pulitzer Wexley Maxi Dress
I’ve also never owned a Lilly Pulitzer dress. Even more than the Diane von Furstenberg dresses, these have a distinct style and vibe. And I’m not sure they’re for me…usually. But I thought it might be a nice option for a cruise, even around Alaska.
Of the Lilly Pulitzer dresses I tried, I do think this Wexley maxi dress is my favorite. I like the silhouette and the length. And it seems strangely appropriate for an Alaska cruise…in my mind anyhow. I’m wearing a size 10 very comfortably. And this dress feels lovely on the skin.
Lilly Pulitzer Claudia Twist Front Midi Dress
Next up, the Lilly Pulitzer Claudia Twist Front Midi Dress. I do think this dress is very feminine, maybe even a little va-va-va-boom. Ha! But I don’t think it’s for me. And I don’t know that it’s the best dress for an Alaskan cruise.
I mean it’s flattering and fits nicely. I’m wearing a size 10 per the size guidelines. But it’s just not me. However, feel free to weigh in!
Lilly Pulitzer Tinslee Long Sleeve Midi Dress
This Tinslee Long Sleeve Midi Dress in poinsettia red felt like an appropriate selection since it’s art of their winter line. And It is a lovely dress. It fits very nicely in the size 10, per the size guidelines.
The dress also features pockets, which I love in a dress. It’s flirty and feminine and fun. And I would wear this dress in a heartbeat. But I’m just not sure it’s one I’d reach for over and over for years. It was discounted down to just over $200 when I purchased it, but I still want it to be a worthy investment.
Lilly Pulitzer UPF 50 Seralina ChillyLilly Maxi Dress
If you like a dress with UPF, Lilly Pulitzer has several. That’s especially nice for a tropical cruise I suppose, but wouldn’t be necessary for my Alaska cruise. Then again, I guess the sun will be shining a long time, so… Anyhow I do love the long lean silhouette of this very tropical print Seralina ChillyLilly Maxi Dress.
On my 5’8″ frame, it just goes to my ankles, but I still think it’s a nice length. I’m not sure, again, that this Lilly Pulitzer dress is for me, however. And I’m not sure it’s the best dress for an Alaskan cruise.
Okay! Your turn. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please help me choose a dress for an Alaskan cruise that I can enjoy for other things, too. But do me a favor. Let’s not talk money. I know these dresses are expensive. But they’re for a very special occasion and I’ve made the thoughtful choice to spend a little more than usual on one…maybe two.
Right now my favorites are the Diane von Furstenberg Valerie center ruched dress in bright berry, the Abigail chain prints silk maxi dress (or midi???) and the Lilly Pulitzer Wexley Maxi Dress. But I might need to reorder the Valerie center ruched dress in a size down. Is it worth it to try that?
Thanks for dropping in. By the way, tomorrow I won’t have a blog post. But I will have a bonus YouTube video. I hope you’ll enjoy that. Oh, and tomorrow I turn 60!
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Blessed for My Day
The Bible has a lot to say about the sins with which we are most familiar and likely to call out on ourselves. Things like lying and coveting and stealing. But I find it interesting how frequently it also address slothfulness and its polar opposite ideal, hard work. Unfortunately, we look around today at a culture that seems to have lost its value of hard work. But the Bible teaches that, to a large degree, we get what we work for in life.
At our ages, many of us are retired from professions. Well, I’m not, but many of my readers are. I think it’s important to remember that while we may have more free time, we still can be industrious doing things that matter and build our lives. And we can definitely be an example of industry for the younger generations. I know my parents continue to show me the value of hard work, not just for financial gain, but for happiness, service to others and wellness.
A slack handcauses poverty,
but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
He whogathers in summer is a prudent son,
but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame. ~ Proverbs 10:4-5
xoxo, Kay
