My dad loves boats; sail boats, speed boats, vintage boats; you name it. As a result, my childhood was filled with nautical adventures. And while I still enjoy a sea breeze on my face, I have seen too much to romanticize life on the water. Boats break down, seas get rough and more often than not you get a serious sunburn. Oh, and I’m very prone to seasickness.
Unfortunately, I inherited my mother’s extreme sensitivity to motion. Remarkably, her first date with my dad was a fishing trip. The waters must have been calm that day, or else I might not be here. But it’s safe to say that she knew from the get-go that boat life (AKA constant nausea) would be her destiny, and she would have to dig deep if she really loved my dad. Luckily, she did.
“The Love Boat,” not based on my parents’ first date, was a fictional TV series that ran from 1977-1986. It was inspired by the real-life comedic, romantic experiences of Jeraldine Saunders, a long time cruise director. I don’t remember many plot points of the show, but I do remember the theme song drifting through our house. I couldn’t for the life of me understand what boating had to do with romance. This was of course before I knew about my parents’ own love story.
Despite my skepticism about the premise of the show, the outfits convinced me to stay tuned. They were luxurious, aspirational, and impossibly grown up to me as a child. My eyes brightened at the sight of the staff’s crisp white and blue jackets with gleaming epaulets worn alongside passengers with chic suits and disco dresses. And I wasn’t the only one inspired. A 1981 episode featured a fashion show by Halston, Bob Mackie, Geoffrey Beene, and Gloria Vanderbilt; some of the era’s most influential designers.
This weekend, I’ll set aside my bias against boat life as I head to a Love Boat-themed cocktail party. To prepare, I’ve been revisiting old clips of the show. The longer I watched, the more convinced I became that life at sea could, in fact, be both glamorous and romantic. Now, I just need to find the perfect outfit and stay on dry land.
Here are several local finds for an evening spent on the water or a boat themed party.
Violetta Dress, Febe
Knit Tubino Dress, SoSusu
Raffia Bucket Hat, Saks Fifth Avenue
Orel Mini Dress, Em’s
Doreen Leather Heels, Azby’s
Louie Belt, Febe
Amalfi Choker, ProntoÂ
Neemo Clutch, Cult Gaia
Handkerchief Dress, Little Miss Muffin
Necklace, J.Mclaughlin
Heel, Cult Gaia
Blue Flower Headband, Maria Etkind Millinery
Cillian Cardigan, FebeÂ
Sale & Event Picks:
Aritzia to open soon at Lakeside Mall
Through 8/1: Summer Linen Sale, Ballin’s
8/1: White Linen Night
8/6-8/7: Peter Cohen Trunk Show, Weinstein’s
