My friend Helena and I realized that we had not “done” any shopping in Amsterdam Leidsestraat yet. Which was easily put right. So in my holiday, we set out to make this documentary. All in the course of good journalism. And in your interest. Purely professional. Nothing to do with actual shopping. It was the story, the pictures we were after. Yeah … right…. so much for that plan. It was an expensive day. I must try and find another Amsterdam angle. Any suggestions dear readers?
This is the area Leidsestraat. Where the red line is:But first we went to Keizersgracht number 324. There is this beautiful building, Felix Meritis. Built in the 18th century to promote art like music and science like physics, which Jan, blogger of Fort Smith Stylista would have highly appreciated, I am sure. See below:
They now have a new agenda to bring back some life to it. A fun café / restaurant, fashion and books/art. We went in for the fashion in the pop-up store on the first floor. (I know, I know… shallow.) The presentation of the clothes in this way is fantastic. What a background. See below:
Below: how could I have known they would sell such a classic summer (and in-between-seasons-) coat at such an affordable price? But I know a good thing when I see it and it went home with me. Come to mama, baby.
The fact that there are so many good things and deals in the world, is very disturbing for me as I do not have a hold on myself. Cannot find the handle to switch to STOP. Feeling soooo guilty over my spending behaviour as there are so many better things to do with money. I haven’t solved this dilemma.OK, enough whining without a cause and on to the second floor where there were art and books at Frame. (You see? We did some cultural stuff.. LOL) See below:
On our way to Leidsestraat we passed a nice interior designer shop at Keizersgracht 502: Dols&Co. Very classic, very good quality. Just a bit hard to take home when you are here from abroad. Below their window:
From Keizersgracht to Leidsestraat. On the corner of Leidsestraat and Keizersgracht is another famous building which used to be the home of a big and chic department store called Metz (you see their sign on top of the building). See below:
They had a restaurant at their top floor with the best view over the city. Unfortunately it is now a Abercrombie & Fitch store. ALL FLOORS. So it is loud, dark and you nearly suffocate from the perfume (their own)… brrr. Not for us, thank you. Two houses down this building on Keizersgracht 447 is a shop called Young Designers United. Which is what it says. A shop where young designers get a rack to sell their clothes. See below:
You will find unique pieces at an affordable price. I have left quite a bit of money there over the years. Amongst others a black poncho (bored with it now) and a red sweater with a funky belt. This time I fell for a finely knitted black top. You are going to see it one day. See below for the inside of the store:
Below: time for lunch next door at Whalem (Keizersgracht 449):
We sat inside as the weather was a bit funny. Cloudy but warm. It didn’t rain all day and it wasn’t cold either as you can see from their canal terrace across the road (below). We were just fussy.
People who love organic food can have a nice lunch at Greenwoods, Keizersgracht 465(below). See the link for all the information and menu.
And we headed to the bottom of Leidsestraat, called Leidseplein. Very well-known, very lively. The red building you see below is the Stadstheater (City Theater). There are more theaters in this area.
And terraces..
And I love this building below (Hirsch). On the ground floor is an official Apple store with a Genius bar:
Below: Leidsestraat itself is not such an interesting street, but every 100 meters you cross one of these beautiful canals (below).
Back into Leidsestraat from Leidseplein going up towards Singel. First place we went into was Raak. On the corner of Prinsengracht and Leidsestraat (number 79); below:
I could have known I would never walk out of there empty-handed. They have such lovely brands. Including one of my favourites: Marlene Birger. Sure enough.. I bought a light blue blouse which I love (see this post). For those who cannot visit them… Raak sells online. I only glanced at their website and then quickly clicked away as there were so many nice things. I am afraid the photo below (part of their shop) doesn’t do them justice. (I still have so much to learn.)
Below: I resisted this shoe shop, called Paul Warmer at number 41, and patted myself on the back for that.
Below: we went to Cos at number 20-22, the big sister of H&M, always great fashion items for a friendly price. To me their fashion is very much like Acne.
Below: at Cos I spotted this wonderfully dressed woman and asked whether I could take her picture for my blog. I am always pleasantly surprised if people say yes. This lady reminded me of the discussion at 40+Style about celebrating women with(short) grey hair instead of dyed hair.
Below: nearly next door at number 16 is Pauw, a high-end brand which I used to frequent, but not so much anymore. Blogging is changing my style.
Further down is a big store by Hugo Boss at number 1-3 (below). Nice with lots of good clothes but a little stuck up. I don’t really feel comfortable there.
If you turn right at the top of Leidsestraat, into Singel, you will find the Flower market (below).
Moving along,.. back to Keizersgracht and the shop where my coat was waiting for me to be picked up (why carry it if you know you will pass the shop on your way back eh?). We found some fantastic glass work at the Braggiotti Gallery (Singel 424); below:
Below: in the meantime I caught Helena off guard haha.. She is a very friendly, lovable woman but she looks very severe in this picture…
…. while I was taking another canal picture. Are these pictures starting to bore you by now? Tell me and I’ll stop taking them.
Below, at the end of our trip, back to the station (and Helena’s bike as the lucky devil lives in Amsterdam), we saw another beautiful lady who was dressed the way I want to be dressed. The shoes…. envy..:
Below: back home in Haarlem I spotted these hollyhocks, completely covering a bicycle stand. People in that street rather “park” their bike somewhere else than destroying this lovely flower. That warms my heart.
So please tell me what you want to “see” of Amsterdam other than shopping. Or do these shopping sprees still captivate you?
Greetje
I love reading all about your trips to Amsterdam and elsewhere (and while I am commenting can I also give a gold stars to your lovely husband and his lovely clogs). Cannot get across to Amsterdam at the moment but am looking forward to a shopping trip one day, armed with your insider knowledge. I love the beautifully stylish Dutch clothes – the shapes and colours seem to fit with my colouring and way of life. And I love that navy coat too – I’d call it an investment purchase
Ah…. what a sweet comment you are giving me. I am so glad you enjoy it. That is the whole reason why I do it. So other people laugh and enjoy it. And I hope you can come to Amsterdam real soon.
Greetje, I love all of your photos–the shops, the merchandise, the canals, and the beautiful old architecture. I find myself intrigued by the shot of the shopper, the second one, and the smart way she is dressed. Since you’re asking for ideas of what we’d like to see pictures of, I’ll put in my two cents for that. I love people watching and would love to see how stylish, mature women in other parts of the world are presenting themselves.
And yes, there are so many worthy things we could/should spend our money on rather than shopping…if you find out how to switch on the “stop” button, please share!
Ooohhh… Great idea. I might become the next Sartorialist (why go for anything less than the top eh? Haha.)
And I am sure to tell you about finding the button. It helps a little NOT to go near shops. So not on the internet either although I am much more of an old school shopper. And to be occupied with a hobby. Time to kill is not good when you don’t want to spend money.
That’s a pop-up store? I would have taken one step inside and fainted at the magnificence of the architecture alone. They would have had to revive me with a coat like yours! Fantastic tour. Really, when you’re in Amsterdam you don’t need to worry too much about the writing because your photos of the place itself are stunning. Although I really enjoy your writing! The stuck up shops, yes, I can’t stand to be in them, although the workers at one of them in town here have now warmed up to me, the weird woman. You and your friend, again, must turn heads, so striking, gorgeous. Thanks for this piece of outstanding journalism. Ha!
I have this picture of you, slowly coming round from fainting, smelling the coat, grabbing it and screaming :” Mine, this is MINE!” Hahaha
My friend Helena was in love with the coat as well. She told me afterwards. Didn’t want to influence me. She got it on line three days later as it was the last one in the shop.
And no, we do not turn heads. Not at all even. Unbelievable but true.
I am glad you like it, as I love making these posts, but I am always insecure. Always thinking you might say: “Well… We have seen this so many times before, it is getting boring…” Tell me if you see that coming, will you Melanie? You would help me by being honest.
Yes, still captivating, those shopping sprees. Do you own anything by Joop? Always wanted to know more about them.
No, I don’t own anything by Joop! It is not a brand we see much here. I only know the name because of the fragrance.
I love your shopping sprees!! I also adore Marlene Birger, although I haven’t seen her clothes “in person” here in Denver (yet) and haven’t ordered anything (yet)! I’m curious how your style has changed since becoming a blogger.. mine had become brighter, but I’m heading back towards my simple, minimalistic style – it’s just more comfortable for me!!
I’m not sure if you are a bike rider, but I’d be interested in seeing more about the style of bikes or bike-riders since they are so ubiquitous and bike-riding is starting to become a way of life here. Probably not of interest to many, but maybe there’s a fashionable angle?
xo ~kim
Love your bike-rider suggestion and the fashion angle. How about bike-riders in rain clothes haha. I will see what I can do.
I don’t know if you saw my first Marlene Birger blouse? I bought this one last year:
https://www.nofearoffashion.com/2013/08/anchor-blouse-with-blue-78-trousers
And
https://www.nofearoffashion.com/2013/07/black-white-striped-skirt-with-several-tops
My style change is: less skirts and dresses. But I might go back to that. Better knowledge of what suits me both in shape as in sort of dressing (no wide girly skirts anymore, no Boho, no very modern booties). And less claasic.
Are you kidding? I’m totally captivated by your shopping adventures and one day I believe that I will go with you. The pieces that we wear are art, and I believe that investing in beauty is good for the world. How do you like that as a way to justify buying gorgeous items.
I also love supporting emerging designers, and usually find their work to be interesting and unique. Usually I buy recycled items, but a shopping trip with you would be something to remember always.
Oh… we have vintage shops too. Not as good and not as many as you have but I could show you a few. My excuse for shopping, or justifying is: “I am keeping our economy afloat.” LOL
So glad you like it.
What you do with clothes, how you combine them and wear them, yes that is art. I had another look yesterday at your post of the un-vail-ing… that first picture… so beautiful.
LOL! what professional article Greetje! I have never been in Amsterdan but now I need it! hahaha
so nice photos, I want to see all what you could show me!
kisses
MYEMPTYBAG
Have a look at the top navigation of my blog. If you click on the tab Amsterdam, you will find reports on more areas.
I have never been to Amsterdam and I love to see shopping in places I haven’t been. I love the coat that you purchased!
If you look at the top navigation of my blog and click on the tab Amsterdam, you will see many more trips through this city.
Greetje, I always enjoy your tours of Amsterdam, a shopping tour always fun. Sorry these end up costing you money, I am like you some clothes seem to call my name and must come home with me.The coat looks great, a good buy and Marlene Birger is a favourite of mine too.
I am terrible and often feel ashamed, but at the same time I enjoy it so much…
This has been like that all my life. Fortunately I have never gone so far that I got into financial trouble. Not at all. So I suppose it is not thát bad … yet…
I think I’m really going to enjoy exploring this beautiful city. So much wonderful architecture, gorgeous photographic people (LOVE that shot of the woman with the orange shoes!) and little details to capture like the hollyhocks you photographed here.
I agree though that shopping is terribly dangerous. If one looks, one often finds. I’m going to try my best just to look with my eyes and not my wallet. Only time will tell if I succeed : )
bisous
Suzanne
With you, we will definitely start at Haarlemmerstraat. See the report I previously made on that area. At the top navigation, tab Amsterdam. Or can you still remember?
Yours is my favorite blog! Your personality shines through in every post, and your clothes and color sense are inspiring. But most of all, the glimpses you give of life in the Netherlands, especially the street, canal, and shop scenes are intriguing. After five days in April, 2013, Amsterdam is our favorite city, and your blog shows me so many neighborhoods to explore next time. Thank you!
You just made my day!! Thank you very much. Comments like yours make me love blogging. Did you see my other reports on Amsterdam? See top navigation, tab Amsterdam. You probably did. Hope you have a lovely time when you return.
You and your beautiful friend are great journalists, and the article in very interesting for me… I love that strange place ( the cafe’, restaurant, shop…) which looks both modern and ancien…
I love walking in big cities looking here and there, but as your article demonstrates…it is a bit dangerous! The risk is to buy ( almost ) everything you see!
In any case the coat you have bought is beautiful, and I am sure it was just the one you were extremely in the need of !! 🙂
P.s.
what is very hard for me is to read those Dutch words…
What do you mean, you funny woman? There are hardly any Dutch words in this article. When I am in Italy I cannot understand a word either, but in both our countries they speak English, so no problem. And you need a good map. For sure.
Another great report Greetje. So many new places to discover. I’m so looking forward to discovering Amsterdam again this week. Question is where shall we go?
I don’t mind. As long as YOU spend the money this time and not me. LOL
Haha sure Greetje. Will do I. Have not yet spent money on clothes so am ready to make some great purchases. (Oops just remembered. I did spent quite a bit on accessories…. Hmm..) perhaps we should focus on taking photographs!
Yes, that is what I said too, starting this Leidseplein report. Which is duly noted whahaha.
I love your shopping sprees!! I also adore Marlene Birger, although I haven’t seen her clothes “in person” here in Denver (yet) and haven’t ordered anything (yet)! I’m curious how your style has changed since becoming a blogger.. mine had become brighter, but I’m heading back towards my simple, minimalistic style – it’s just more comfortable for me!!
I’m not sure if you are a bike rider, but I’d be interested in seeing more about the style of bikes or bike-riders since they are so ubiquitous and bike-riding is starting to become a way of life here. Probably not of interest to many, but maybe there’s a fashionable angle?
xo ~kim
Love your bike-rider suggestion and the fashion angle. How about bike-riders in rain clothes haha. I will see what I can do.
I don’t know if you saw my first Marlene Birger blouse? I bought this one last year:
https://www.nofearoffashion.com/2013/08/anchor-blouse-with-blue-78-trousers
And
https://www.nofearoffashion.com/2013/07/black-white-striped-skirt-with-several-tops
My style change is: less skirts and dresses. But I might go back to that. Better knowledge of what suits me both in shape as in sort of dressing (no wide girly skirts anymore, no Boho, no very modern booties). And less claasic.
Yes, still captivating, those shopping sprees. Do you own anything by Joop? Always wanted to know more about them.
No, I don’t own anything by Joop! It is not a brand we see much here. I only know the name because of the fragrance.
Are you kidding? I’m totally captivated by your shopping adventures and one day I believe that I will go with you. The pieces that we wear are art, and I believe that investing in beauty is good for the world. How do you like that as a way to justify buying gorgeous items.
I also love supporting emerging designers, and usually find their work to be interesting and unique. Usually I buy recycled items, but a shopping trip with you would be something to remember always.
Oh… we have vintage shops too. Not as good and not as many as you have but I could show you a few. My excuse for shopping, or justifying is: “I am keeping our economy afloat.” LOL
So glad you like it.
What you do with clothes, how you combine them and wear them, yes that is art. I had another look yesterday at your post of the un-vail-ing… that first picture… so beautiful.
You just have way too much fun in life. And, yes, your show and tell shopping in Amsterdam has become quite the spending hobby, but it’s sure a lot of fun to watch and see what you find. Love the coat and I’m sp glad ‘mamma’ brought it home with her. That store is a must for me to visit one day, I’m just itching to get over there. I think perhaps I might be able to talk hubby into a trip over there some day but he will most likely be joining me.
Thank you for always brightening my day with your wonderful and lively posts.
I have no idea whether the store will still be here when you come over. It might and it might not. After all, it is a pop-up store. Not to worry. Plenty of other lovely shops to go to if it is gone. And I think it is a clever idea to take hubby with you. You can share the experience with eachother.
I love reading all about your trips to Amsterdam and elsewhere (and while I am commenting can I also give a gold stars to your lovely husband and his lovely clogs). Cannot get across to Amsterdam at the moment but am looking forward to a shopping trip one day, armed with your insider knowledge. I love the beautifully stylish Dutch clothes – the shapes and colours seem to fit with my colouring and way of life. And I love that navy coat too – I’d call it an investment purchase
Ah…. what a sweet comment you are giving me. I am so glad you enjoy it. That is the whole reason why I do it. So other people laugh and enjoy it. And I hope you can come to Amsterdam real soon.
That’s a pop-up store? I would have taken one step inside and fainted at the magnificence of the architecture alone. They would have had to revive me with a coat like yours! Fantastic tour. Really, when you’re in Amsterdam you don’t need to worry too much about the writing because your photos of the place itself are stunning. Although I really enjoy your writing! The stuck up shops, yes, I can’t stand to be in them, although the workers at one of them in town here have now warmed up to me, the weird woman. You and your friend, again, must turn heads, so striking, gorgeous. Thanks for this piece of outstanding journalism. Ha!
I have this picture of you, slowly coming round from fainting, smelling the coat, grabbing it and screaming :” Mine, this is MINE!” Hahaha
My friend Helena was in love with the coat as well. She told me afterwards. Didn’t want to influence me. She got it on line three days later as it was the last one in the shop.
And no, we do not turn heads. Not at all even. Unbelievable but true.
I am glad you like it, as I love making these posts, but I am always insecure. Always thinking you might say: “Well… We have seen this so many times before, it is getting boring…” Tell me if you see that coming, will you Melanie? You would help me by being honest.
You just have way too much fun in life. And, yes, your show and tell shopping in Amsterdam has become quite the spending hobby, but it’s sure a lot of fun to watch and see what you find. Love the coat and I’m sp glad ‘mamma’ brought it home with her. That store is a must for me to visit one day, I’m just itching to get over there. I think perhaps I might be able to talk hubby into a trip over there some day but he will most likely be joining me.
Thank you for always brightening my day with your wonderful and lively posts.
I have no idea whether the store will still be here when you come over. It might and it might not. After all, it is a pop-up store. Not to worry. Plenty of other lovely shops to go to if it is gone. And I think it is a clever idea to take hubby with you. You can share the experience with eachother.
Greetje, I love all of your photos–the shops, the merchandise, the canals, and the beautiful old architecture. I find myself intrigued by the shot of the shopper, the second one, and the smart way she is dressed. Since you’re asking for ideas of what we’d like to see pictures of, I’ll put in my two cents for that. I love people watching and would love to see how stylish, mature women in other parts of the world are presenting themselves.
And yes, there are so many worthy things we could/should spend our money on rather than shopping…if you find out how to switch on the “stop” button, please share!
Ooohhh… Great idea. I might become the next Sartorialist (why go for anything less than the top eh? Haha.)
And I am sure to tell you about finding the button. It helps a little NOT to go near shops. So not on the internet either although I am much more of an old school shopper. And to be occupied with a hobby. Time to kill is not good when you don’t want to spend money.
I think I’m really going to enjoy exploring this beautiful city. So much wonderful architecture, gorgeous photographic people (LOVE that shot of the woman with the orange shoes!) and little details to capture like the hollyhocks you photographed here.
I agree though that shopping is terribly dangerous. If one looks, one often finds. I’m going to try my best just to look with my eyes and not my wallet. Only time will tell if I succeed : )
bisous
Suzanne
With you, we will definitely start at Haarlemmerstraat. See the report I previously made on that area. At the top navigation, tab Amsterdam. Or can you still remember?
Yours is my favorite blog! Your personality shines through in every post, and your clothes and color sense are inspiring. But most of all, the glimpses you give of life in the Netherlands, especially the street, canal, and shop scenes are intriguing. After five days in April, 2013, Amsterdam is our favorite city, and your blog shows me so many neighborhoods to explore next time. Thank you!
You just made my day!! Thank you very much. Comments like yours make me love blogging. Did you see my other reports on Amsterdam? See top navigation, tab Amsterdam. You probably did. Hope you have a lovely time when you return.
You and your beautiful friend are great journalists, and the article in very interesting for me… I love that strange place ( the cafe’, restaurant, shop…) which looks both modern and ancien…
I love walking in big cities looking here and there, but as your article demonstrates…it is a bit dangerous! The risk is to buy ( almost ) everything you see!
In any case the coat you have bought is beautiful, and I am sure it was just the one you were extremely in the need of !! 🙂
P.s.
what is very hard for me is to read those Dutch words…
What do you mean, you funny woman? There are hardly any Dutch words in this article. When I am in Italy I cannot understand a word either, but in both our countries they speak English, so no problem. And you need a good map. For sure.
Another great report Greetje. So many new places to discover. I’m so looking forward to discovering Amsterdam again this week. Question is where shall we go?
I don’t mind. As long as YOU spend the money this time and not me. LOL
Haha sure Greetje. Will do I. Have not yet spent money on clothes so am ready to make some great purchases. (Oops just remembered. I did spent quite a bit on accessories…. Hmm..) perhaps we should focus on taking photographs!
Yes, that is what I said too, starting this Leidseplein report. Which is duly noted whahaha.
LOL! what professional article Greetje! I have never been in Amsterdan but now I need it! hahaha
so nice photos, I want to see all what you could show me!
kisses
MYEMPTYBAG
Have a look at the top navigation of my blog. If you click on the tab Amsterdam, you will find reports on more areas.
Greetje, I always enjoy your tours of Amsterdam, a shopping tour always fun. Sorry these end up costing you money, I am like you some clothes seem to call my name and must come home with me.The coat looks great, a good buy and Marlene Birger is a favourite of mine too.
I am terrible and often feel ashamed, but at the same time I enjoy it so much…
This has been like that all my life. Fortunately I have never gone so far that I got into financial trouble. Not at all. So I suppose it is not thát bad … yet…
I have never been to Amsterdam and I love to see shopping in places I haven’t been. I love the coat that you purchased!
If you look at the top navigation of my blog and click on the tab Amsterdam, you will see many more trips through this city.
Super article Greetje, very informative and a terrific walk with you through your wonderful city.
Thank you Aileen. The most difficult part always is “how do I bring a bit of humor in the article?”
Super article Greetje, very informative and a terrific walk with you through your wonderful city.
Thank you Aileen. The most difficult part always is “how do I bring a bit of humor in the article?”