Last week I suggested some basic necessities for your winter cruise or warm weather vacation, so I thought today we’d round out our wardrobe with the final touches in the way of footwear, bags and jewelry.

I’m still getting ready for my imaginary warm-weather adventure by scanning all the on-line shopping sites and brick-and-mortar stores for the items we’ll need to take full advantage of our respite from winter, so let’s get started!

First order of business is shoes.  No girl is happy if she doesn’t have the right shoes for any occasion that may pop up, so it may mean bringing a few more pair than your mate thinks are necessary.  I’ve tried to whittle it down to three necessities (but I’d probably take along at least two more pair myself for a trip lasting a week or two.) 

I’d start off with a flat sandal (not too casual, not too dressy) that will go nearly anywhere.  This Vince Camuto style http://bit.ly/13MEgsu from www.zappos.com fills the bill for me.  First off, they’re cute, which is a must.  They’re shown in coral patent, which is gorgeous, but if you want to be a little more practical, they also come in black and a sort of nude tone.  They have a little 5/8” heel, which makes them a little more suitable for wearing with a casual dress, long skirt, or ankle jeans than a rubber flip-flop (though I’d definitely stick a pair of those in my carry-on, as well).  For $98, this little sandal will take you to the pool with your hot swimsuit, the bar, the dining room, the showroom, and out on those shopping, er, sightseeing excursions on shore in fine style.

You definitely need something for dressy dinner nights.  Even if you’ve decided not to go glam, but just to stick with the “fun, feminine frock”, you’ll need footwear.  I like these summery wedges http://bit.ly/Vwy30X from www.ninewest.com for just $99.  This sexy wedge will dress up even the simplest styles.  Wear them with a plain shift dress, tapered pants or flowered jeans, liven up your little black dress, or accessorize your super-hot party clothes.  They’ll be a hit with almost look.  And the heels flatter those long, tanned legs to perfection.

I always like to stick in a pair of tennis shoes in case I want to take a jog around the deck, indulge in a dance class or athletic competition, or if a sightseeing trek is a little more strenuous (maybe a hike to a romantic waterfall, or a rocky climb to an almost-inaccessible beach).  These Coach sneakers from www.belk.com may not be the best for super work-outs or running a marathon, but they’re lightweight, comfortable and super cute http://bit.ly/13MFZxW.  They come in bright blue or pink Coach signature fabric with leather and suede accents and rubber soles for $108.

With the shoe issue taken care of, let’s concentrate on bags.  We definitely need a lightweight, roomy and attractive beach bag.  This cotton canvas shoulder bag from www.swimoutlet.com in multi-colored stripes http://bit.ly/VbRm2f  is perfect.  At 13” wide, 14” high and 8.5” deep, this tote is large enough for your towel, suntan oil and other essentials, but not so big it couldn’t do double-duty as a shopping tote or small carry-on in place of a purse for the plane ride.  Throw in your paperback or Kindel, a couple of magazines, snacks, a bottle of water, and you’re set for a couple of hours for $40.95.

I always take a small cross-body bag when traveling, and this one from Vince Camuto at www.nordstroms.com for $138 is fantastic.  I love the freedom of this small, lightweight leather purse http://bit.ly/VOL07c, and the security of the cross-body strap, magnetic snap closure and interior and exterior zip pockets.  Just slip in your phone, some cash, a credit card, tissues and a lipstick, and you’re set.

Add this amazing little red wristlet from www.michaelkors.com, too, and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed http://bit.ly/VOLA4Y.  You may or may not know that most cruise lines operate on a cashless system.  When you board the ship, you give them a credit card to swipe, and they give you a “sea-pass” card that lets you swipe your way on and off the ship, as well as acting as a credit card throughout your cruise while onboard.  Whenever you order a drink, buy a souvenir, play a game of Bingo, purchase a photo (and they take scads of them), go to the casino, get a massage, or anything else that is not included in the price of the cruise, you give them your “sea-pass” instead of cash. The only bad thing about this system is that you get a bill at the end of your vacation, and if you aren’t watching what you spend, it can be a whopper.  The charges will be on your credit card statement when you get it at home.  Anyway, a wristlet is a great way to carry your “sea-pass”.  Pockets are great when wearing shorts or jeans, but swimsuits and dresses usually don’t have them, and the wristlet is small, unobstrusive, lightweight and brightly colored so you won’t lose it.  The great thing about this little wristlet is that it’s actually a clutch wallet with pockets and has a cut-out on one side for your i-phone.  There’s an opening to plug in your charger, and you have great access to the phone.  It’s also stylish in red patent leather with the Michael Kors nameplate and clip-on strap for $79.95.

The last thing we have to deal with here is jewelry.  You don’t need a lot, unless you love to accessorize, and if you do, that’s great.  I generally don’t take a lot of pricey jewels for two reasons:  One, I don’t have a lot of pricey jewels, and two, what I do have I don’t like to risk losing.  That being said, I’ve picked a few staples that are both pretty basic to go with just about anything, and really cute. 

This tropical watch http://bit.ly/WdMaXs from www.tommybahama.com is a splurge at $250, but it was so adorable that I couldn’t resist showing it to you.  The bracelet and case are stainless steel with a blue mother of pearl face embellished with white enamel flowers and crystal accents.  There’s also a handy date window (I always lose track of the date on vacation) and it’s water resistant to 100 feet.

The next two items are both from www.bloomingdales.com.  ABS by Allen Schwartz brings us this cabochon bead, gold-tone bracelet http://bit.ly/13Mb3P2 with crystal accents and a darling navy starfish charm for $75.  It’s fun and will spice up all of your casual beachy fashions.

At $165, this Robert Lee Morris Soho layered necklace might be a budget-stretcher, but it certainly makes a “wow” statement.  Gold toned and silver plated circles pile on the simple chain for a dramatic 3-D effect http://bit.ly/VOMDBS.  The 20” length fits neatly into an open neckline, and it is secured with a lobster clasp closure.

Last but not least, I found a simple little earring http://juicy.cm/VwLkGD at www.juicycouture.com with just enough bling to make it all day/all night appropriate.  The small gold huggie hoops are adorned with hanging rhinestone-studded sailboats (what could be more appropriate) and feature the Juicy “crown” back for just $38.

For you lucky ones who are headed out on a fantastic cruise or other winter vacation, enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!  For the rest of us, hey, we can dream, can’t we?

See you next time.

Gabby