USVI-On-Line

Spending $ has really started to cause more stress than enjoyment. Isn't that sad ...so for me, now that I am starting to have more "staples" for the islands...rash guard shirts, bathing suits and island shoes or whatever, I don't really get that thrill from having something new.

But usually I need at least one of those things-so I will usually have to shop for at least something.

I also have to confess-my weight has a lot to do with it. It is MUCH more fun to shop if I am at the "low end". And I am much more likely to be looking for a cute outfit instead of wearing a crappy tee shirt!

I'm guilty of it as well...however I ALWAYS over pack...its kind of ridiculous, actually...this year we're doing carry on only...SO...I think it will help with my over packing...I figure a couple bikini's, cover up, shorts, tanks, couple pair of flip flops...I ALWAYS buy something great while I'm on St John too...so...

Guilty as charged! I always, always buy stuff. Sometimes just a couple of t-shirts, sometimes a new rash guard, etc. Shopping for vacation is the only time I enjoy buying clothes. The rest of the time it is just a chore to be avoided.

Cypressgirl, did you get the new Athleta catalog yesterday?

Guilty as charged
I just have to, it is an obcession I know, but that is why I am "THESHOPPER"

Even for this trip, I had to shop & have already said I am buying a t-shirt/sweatshirt from each place not sure how I will get them home as the suitcase is already full.....

I must say it is so much easier to pack for carry on only. With being gone for 3 weeks & the possibilty of different climates, our suitcases are just about busting at the seams.... OPPSSSSSS

Oh well, I figure if they are to full I will just pick up a small suitcase for the extra little goodies & check it thru

The Shopper

Like Liamsaunt, the only time I like shopping for new stuff is for vacation.

Because our last couple trips were in the winter, I did buy all new basics like white t-shirts and other summer stuff that doesn't seem to last more than one season for me.

For our trip last month, I didn't have time to take the stuff out of the plastic bag before we left, I just took it right out of the shipping box and threw it in my suitcase.

When we arrived and I unpacked, it looked like a Lands End order exploded on the bed.

Always! I usually have more things in my suitcase with tags still on them than not. I especially feel the need for new swimsuits. I'm not sure why.

How many of you have husbands that pack the same stuff every time? In our vacation photos, Matt looks like he's always on the same trip.

Vicki, that's hilarious! It's the same with our vacation pics. He doesn't care what is packed, I obsess over it!

John is like this too! I have a picture of him on every trip, sitting in the same spot on the Caneel ferry wearing the same shirt! Every year since 2003. And the times we did not go home from Caneel, I have a picture of him wearing that shirt on the regular ferry!

It's funny because at home he is the one shopping for clothes and shoes all the time. But he never buys himself anything for vacation! He would not even have a swimsuit if I did not buy them for him. It all balances out, I guess. He is in charge of buying all of the "regular clothes" for our house, and I am the "vacation clothes buyer."

Liamsaunt.....I did not get my calalogue. Maybe today. What is the name of those great shorts again??

My husband has, and still wears, a tee shirt he got 17 years ago on our day sail with Capt. Phil. It is gray and says Wayward Sailor on it. I wonder if he still sells the same shirt. Hubby's is a little frayed around the edges and has a stain or two, but he doesn't care. It's not the coat and tie he has to wear to work every day.

Count me in the Husband Always Wearing the Same Shirt club.

He has this Tommy Bahama shirt with a palm tree print.

I have three trips of Caneel pictures at the traveller palm where he is wearing the it and two pictures at Zozo's as well so that is 5 trips for the same shirt.

I always like to pick up a few new things for the trip but these days I pretty much have everything that I need.

Right now I'm searching for a cover up that's comfortable but not ridiculously overpriced. UGH!

Trying to help hubby branch out in the clothing department is altogether another matter. Boring doesn't begin to cover it!

As long as we're on the subject of buying new things for trips I was wondering if anyone has any good websites for cute sundresses and coverups. I was on St. Thomas last year for the first time and will be back this July. I saw so many nice dresses on other people but haven't had much luck shopping for myself. I was seriously lacking on wardrobe last trip which is not like me. I had all my clothes ready to go and then I was told I was packing too "fancy" so I rethought it and then I was told I was still packing too much. I never travelled so light, lol, but I mainly had shorts and t-shirts and I was most comfortable in the two casual sundresses I packed. Any ideas?

Also guilty. This, sadly, has become the way my mind shops. I perk up at the sight of light, airy fabrics, flip flops, and bathing suits and meanwhile have little to no enthusiasm for business clothes, jeans, etc. half the time. I have things hanging in the closet for trips that haven't even been planned.

And I love the Athleta catalog (as well as Title Nine) for STJ/travel clothes so much that it's almost a diagnosable illness in itself.

I don't have a husband so I'm not familiar with the same t-shirt phenomenon. Although, I will say that the same guy wearing the same shirt has always been a little overly flirty with me at The Beach Bar. Maybe I should start taking pictures with him...

You weren't going to tell anyone about me LMG.LOL