This is a picture of friendship, of two people who hardly knew each other two months ago and now are friends. It was taken when I was visiting Dan in Italy. She is a blogger like me (The Pretty Cute) and visited me in July (see here and here). Our time in Amsterdam together was so nice that I booked a flight a week after she left, to see her place. The fact she lives near two big outlet places with dream brands like Missoni, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Max Mara… you name it, added to the fun of course.
I arrived on a Thursday afternoon and we explored her neighbourhood, drinking cappuccino (we are very good at that) and taking pictures of all these lovely Italian sites. Like this street below:Â 
Dan’s husband gracefully stayed at their home by the seaside, taking care of Mr. Bangio (=dog), leaving the house up north to us two girls. Like teenagers we were.
Below: day two we first went for…..a cappuccino. Now tell me… if you look at this photo, can you imagine I did not feel very well-dressed beside such a lady?
Knowing the weather would be hot and expecting a lot of walking, I had decided upon flats and therefore trousers… again. Dan is fond of dresses, which highly influenced me as you will see further down this post. After the coffee we went to Serravalle, an outlet village. You will find most of the expensive brands there, selling their last year’s collection for half the price or less. Below: the entrance of the village
The people who shopped there were not very well dressed, strangely enough. Apart from Dan, of course, who managed to shop for 10 hours on high heels, can you imagine? Yes, you have read that correctly: ten hours we lasted. I have found my match. No, I should say: I have met my master as she did it on high heels. Below: before we started shopping, another… cappuccino
I was on flat shoes, of course, feeling frumpy, being reassured by Dan that I looked adorable (so sweet).
After 10 hours of shopping I still had not found anything which suited me. Fitted me. Looked nice on me. Don’t ask me how this could happen, I don’t know. In the end I came away with two small tops and a matching cardigan. Better luck tomorrow. And indeed my luck changed.
Below: the next day, in a small shop I found this skirt suit, or better said, I found a dress and the lady in the shop managed to sell me a suit with it. They are very helpful, knowledgeable, friendly yet not obtrusive in the shops in Italy. Dangerous, as you can sell a lot to me that way. Below: skirt suit in vague picture. The top is really my dress.
Below: the shoes I am wearing were dressing room shoes. Although high heeled they were so comfortable, that I asked whether I could buy them. I could and I did for EUR 30,-. They probably think Dutch women are very peculiar.
Below: I loved the dress, but I found it a little too short for my taste. So back in The Netherlands I sewed a rim of blue silk on to the lining to elongate the dress. I am still not sure whether I will keep it this way or change to a white rim. The jacket and the rim don’t seem to match.
The design of the dress is such a copy of the Chanel spring/summer 2014 collection. Which I could never afford…
After this successful start of the second day, we headed off to the Max Mara outlet. One of my favourite brands.
Have you ever seen a child in a candy store with money in the pocket??? That was me. I have had a field day! Could not stop anymore. One great item after another for 1/3 or 1/4 of the original price. The fact my husband had given me his credit card (with a budget), added largely to the fun. There are no pictures of this event. Too obscene. Let us just say that at a certain moment one of the assistants thought that Dan was my personal stylist and shopper. 😆 We had a great day and I am very thankful for Dan’s diligent advice and endurance.
Below: OK one item of that glorious day: a blue bag by Marina Rinaldi.
I met Dan’s husband that Saturday who is a very charming and good looking man. Very well dressed too. He is also very hospitable. Both of them made me feel so welcome.
On Sunday we explored Tornino (Turin). So here you go: lots of beautiful pictures. Below: an appartment building with trees painted at the top
I will be back. If only to return Dan’s suitcase. Which I had to borrow to schlepp all those new things back home…
Greetje
Such a beautiful post Gretje! you are so chic and elegant, both!
MYEMPTYBAG
Thanks dear. Your comment made me laugh as “frumpy” is more the word I used in this post to describe myself. Daniela has a good influence on me.
Your outfits and Pictures really makes me happy. You seem to enjoy both fashion and Life.
I do enjoy both. And making people smile, laugh or happy is another one of my enjoyments. Which is why your comment makes me happy.
My big pleasure!!! 🙂
Oh my goodness….this looks like so much fun…the ultimate girlfriend shopping trip! Loved every outfit!
It was Pam. I enjoyed it so much. Blogging might be time consuming, but it also brings me great things. Oh … and an empty wallet LOL.
I love the friendships you have forged from the blog! It looks like you had a fabulous time in Italy and some great shopping finds too. I am impressed that you were both able to shop for 10 hours!!! As much as I love to shop, I am usually done in about an hour.
I really like the dress you purchase and how clever to add the blue band on the bottom to make it more comfortable for you.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Only one hour of shopping? No wonder you shop online so much. I have been neglecting your blog this last week but you now know why. The washing etc has to be done as well.
Yesterday I met two of my favourite bloggers and had a fantastic time! It is so rewarding, isn’t it?
So glad you had a chance to visit the lovely Dan. Italy plus outlet shopping… what a great combination 🙂
Annette | Lady of Style
It was beautiful. I have had such a good time. Glad you are experiencing the same.
The best perk of being a blogger – making new friends!
Yes indeed, it is.
The two of you are stunning together and obviously you had a fabulous adventure. And the photos gorgeous. I actually like the blue silk rim and think it looks great with your jacket. So much to enjoy in this post!
Sorry Judith, I just bought off-white material (viscose) and I am going to do the rim again. To me, the fuchsia, the colours in the dress and the purple/blue rim is just a teeny bit too much.
And yes we had a fabulous time. So nice to make new friends through your blog. As you well know.
OMG. Soooo many things to rejoice in for the two of you! Yes, Dan’s a dream in a dress, isn’t she? So beautifully the best of what Italy has to offer! Neat that you got to play in such a wonderland of shopping! I have to admit, I’m pretty surprised that the people on the street look just like a lot of people wandering around at our crummy mall!
You look fabulous … no doubt. I’m particularly impressed with the way you wear a pant with a pleat in front. Not surprised, though. Just very impressed. You were made to wear this notoriously difficult style. I love it with the draped blouse and white accessories … very contemporary, as always.
So happy for you!
I have rather a tummy, but for some reason these trousers, even though they have a pleat in front, make my tummy disappear. What a dream of a pair of trousers eh?
And the combination with the blouse and the necklace (present from Anja) was born out of necessity. Always good: if you have to, you will get inventive. If you don’t have to, you get lazy.
Wow, 10 hours! I think that is very impressive , as is the gorgeous chanel like dress, buttery blue bag, and Lovley heels that are comfortable !
Greetje you outdid yourself, and you and Dan look very chic and elegant !
XX, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com
Dan influenced me highly Elle. When she remarked that I hardly show any skirts or dresses on my blog anymore, it was a sort of a wake-up call. I like dresses and skirts but got caught up in skinnies. Now I am going to balance that.
Two very styling women on a mission: have fun! Mission accomplished. It looks like you had a great day. I could drink coffee at shops non stop… Your new suit and dress are absolutely gorgeous. The print on the dress especially is a favourite. I like the blue you added to the bottom but just read you’re going to change it. Why not? I laughed that you walked off with the shoes. Ha!
Not just a great day: three and a half great days!!
Most of our cappuccinos were drank at cafes and chic coffee shops. Even at the motor way stops you get excellent cappuccinos!
I have white viscose now to change the blue rim.. Aggghh more work. But I think it will be better.
Lovely post Greetje. I so adore Italy! Lots of great outfits too. Dan looks very good in her gray dress, you look wonderful in your green kimono and your new clothes are fabulous! I look forward to seeing what else you brought home with you (I was surprised you did not start your shopping at the Max Mara shop!)
I am still trying to encourage you to pursuade your husband to find a job in Italy haha.
We started at Serravalle because we thought we would have more choice there and the weather was better there on Friday (we are very practical women).
Glad you could comment again and have done so.
Oh Greetje,
Your trip looks so great and carpe diem!
Oh what fun, you have commented on my blog. Thanks. And yes it was la dolce vita.
What a fun trip! I am so happy you managed to score big time. I think you were due that.
I love that dress and I do really like the colour of the added trim at the bottom.
You both look amazing. My hat is off to Dan for making you realize you need to wear some dresses.
It is a shame you didn’t manage to get a photo of Dan’s husband, I’m sure they look like 2 movie stars together.
10 hours of shopping? Dan sounds like my kind of gal. Actually that is why I kind of found it refreshing when I was with you guys, it was never a marathon. Much more relaxed than what I normally do, as I am normally just like Dan. Basically shop till you drop.
Thanks for sharing all the great photos. That is too funny you bought the shoes from the fitting room! LOL
bisous
Suzanne
I don’t know what happened when you came, as usually I am a marathon shopper too. I suppose because it was way into summer and far into sales, which is not my favourite time to buy. Perhaps also because I didn’t want you to think “oh that is so nice, but so expensive” too many times. As the euro is ridiculously high compared to the Canadian dollar.
Chic a fabulous, both of you
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Yes, Dan has a good influence on me. LOL
I agree with Seeker…Keep the blue rim. You don’t need it to match the jacket per se.! Absolutely love it (and the shoes)
I thought there was something not harmonious in the combination, dress, jacket and rim. But I cannot put my finger on it what it is. Too many focus points? But glad you like it so much. Thanks.
Those were really perfect days, Greetje! And I think that many others will come if you like…there are still many places where we could go, and…friendship is a so sweet word! You are very beautiful and the green blouse suits you very well, but a dress, you know, for me is special!
I sometimes think about our staying together in Amsterdam and in Turin : really wonderful moments, full of emotions! And now…I can’t wait to see you again!
I know, I am trying to think of excuses to come haha. But first I have to save to pay off that debt to my saving account. (Really.) I definitely be back.
I see you continue to be so stylish and fabulous Greetje!!!
I love Italy (no more than Paris ah ah) specially Florence more than Rome.
You both look very nice and your new clothes are great. I like the blue rim, that was a cool idea, Despite you have legs to wear it wit no rim 🙂
I must say I miss you, but some sort of things have been happening in my real life, so not many time (and also patience) to be around blogland.
Love your way.
xoxo
Oh there you are!! I was thinking about you last week. What ever had happened to you. Would love to read it in an email (hint…).
I have not been to Florence (yet) but if it is better than Rome, I will definitely visit. As I loved Rome. Torino is very nice too though.
Thanks for the legs compliment.
Oh my goodness, the grown-up woman’s version of a fairy tale! I loved this post – what a fabulous story. Thank you for sharing! : ) Ana
It certainly was a fairy tale Ana. You should have been there at Max Mara… I went bezerk !! Dan had to drag me away. Which only succeeded because she said we were coming back in the afternoon.
By the time I was sort of back to earth again.
OMG. Soooo many things to rejoice in for the two of you! Yes, Dan’s a dream in a dress, isn’t she? So beautifully the best of what Italy has to offer! Neat that you got to play in such a wonderland of shopping! I have to admit, I’m pretty surprised that the people on the street look just like a lot of people wandering around at our crummy mall!
You look fabulous … no doubt. I’m particularly impressed with the way you wear a pant with a pleat in front. Not surprised, though. Just very impressed. You were made to wear this notoriously difficult style. I love it with the draped blouse and white accessories … very contemporary, as always.
So happy for you!
I have rather a tummy, but for some reason these trousers, even though they have a pleat in front, make my tummy disappear. What a dream of a pair of trousers eh?
And the combination with the blouse and the necklace (present from Anja) was born out of necessity. Always good: if you have to, you will get inventive. If you don’t have to, you get lazy.
Yesterday I met two of my favourite bloggers and had a fantastic time! It is so rewarding, isn’t it?
So glad you had a chance to visit the lovely Dan. Italy plus outlet shopping… what a great combination 🙂
Annette | Lady of Style
It was beautiful. I have had such a good time. Glad you are experiencing the same.
Two very styling women on a mission: have fun! Mission accomplished. It looks like you had a great day. I could drink coffee at shops non stop… Your new suit and dress are absolutely gorgeous. The print on the dress especially is a favourite. I like the blue you added to the bottom but just read you’re going to change it. Why not? I laughed that you walked off with the shoes. Ha!
Not just a great day: three and a half great days!!
Most of our cappuccinos were drank at cafes and chic coffee shops. Even at the motor way stops you get excellent cappuccinos!
I have white viscose now to change the blue rim.. Aggghh more work. But I think it will be better.
The two of you are stunning together and obviously you had a fabulous adventure. And the photos gorgeous. I actually like the blue silk rim and think it looks great with your jacket. So much to enjoy in this post!
Sorry Judith, I just bought off-white material (viscose) and I am going to do the rim again. To me, the fuchsia, the colours in the dress and the purple/blue rim is just a teeny bit too much.
And yes we had a fabulous time. So nice to make new friends through your blog. As you well know.
The best perk of being a blogger – making new friends!
Yes indeed, it is.
Wow, 10 hours! I think that is very impressive , as is the gorgeous chanel like dress, buttery blue bag, and Lovley heels that are comfortable !
Greetje you outdid yourself, and you and Dan look very chic and elegant !
XX, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com
Dan influenced me highly Elle. When she remarked that I hardly show any skirts or dresses on my blog anymore, it was a sort of a wake-up call. I like dresses and skirts but got caught up in skinnies. Now I am going to balance that.
Oh my goodness….this looks like so much fun…the ultimate girlfriend shopping trip! Loved every outfit!
It was Pam. I enjoyed it so much. Blogging might be time consuming, but it also brings me great things. Oh … and an empty wallet LOL.
Such a beautiful post Gretje! you are so chic and elegant, both!
MYEMPTYBAG
Thanks dear. Your comment made me laugh as “frumpy” is more the word I used in this post to describe myself. Daniela has a good influence on me.
Your outfits and Pictures really makes me happy. You seem to enjoy both fashion and Life.
I do enjoy both. And making people smile, laugh or happy is another one of my enjoyments. Which is why your comment makes me happy.
My big pleasure!!! 🙂
I love the friendships you have forged from the blog! It looks like you had a fabulous time in Italy and some great shopping finds too. I am impressed that you were both able to shop for 10 hours!!! As much as I love to shop, I am usually done in about an hour.
I really like the dress you purchase and how clever to add the blue band on the bottom to make it more comfortable for you.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Only one hour of shopping? No wonder you shop online so much. I have been neglecting your blog this last week but you now know why. The washing etc has to be done as well.
You both look beautiful. Love the mechanics of your new friendship.
Yes it was great fun. I am a very fortunate woman, I have many friends and enjoy each and every friendship so much.
You both look beautiful. Love the mechanics of your new friendship.
Yes it was great fun. I am a very fortunate woman, I have many friends and enjoy each and every friendship so much.
Definitely two incredibly beautiful women (being teenagers again). I’m quite jealous you know, both of your shopping trip and your Italy trip. It’s so wonderful seeing women enjoying ‘girlfriend’ time. I was thinking the same as everyone else, I thought both of you looked glamorous in your own skin. I think your chose of shopping and travel attire was stylish chic to the max and Dan’s was so her. I can’t believe she can shop for 10 hours in heels, very impressive, but I’m more with you on that, I would be wearing some stylish flats. You really got me giggling with your description of your Max Mara shopping experience, great buy! I also love your dress and then way you styled it under the suit. What a wonderful wonderful trip! Thanks for sharing.
I had the same feeling when you reported on your European trip some time ago. It is wonderful when friends are sharing experiences together. And you can never have too many friends. The heart is big enough to hold all of them.
Those were really perfect days, Greetje! And I think that many others will come if you like…there are still many places where we could go, and…friendship is a so sweet word! You are very beautiful and the green blouse suits you very well, but a dress, you know, for me is special!
I sometimes think about our staying together in Amsterdam and in Turin : really wonderful moments, full of emotions! And now…I can’t wait to see you again!
I know, I am trying to think of excuses to come haha. But first I have to save to pay off that debt to my saving account. (Really.) I definitely be back.
Definitely two incredibly beautiful women (being teenagers again). I’m quite jealous you know, both of your shopping trip and your Italy trip. It’s so wonderful seeing women enjoying ‘girlfriend’ time. I was thinking the same as everyone else, I thought both of you looked glamorous in your own skin. I think your chose of shopping and travel attire was stylish chic to the max and Dan’s was so her. I can’t believe she can shop for 10 hours in heels, very impressive, but I’m more with you on that, I would be wearing some stylish flats. You really got me giggling with your description of your Max Mara shopping experience, great buy! I also love your dress and then way you styled it under the suit. What a wonderful wonderful trip! Thanks for sharing.
I had the same feeling when you reported on your European trip some time ago. It is wonderful when friends are sharing experiences together. And you can never have too many friends. The heart is big enough to hold all of them.
I am simply salivating over the fun you two obviously had. Sewing the blue fabric was very clever. It looks like it belongs!
salivating… thanks… learned another word. Yes it was great fun. We have the magic “click”.
Oh my goodness, the grown-up woman’s version of a fairy tale! I loved this post – what a fabulous story. Thank you for sharing! : ) Ana
It certainly was a fairy tale Ana. You should have been there at Max Mara… I went bezerk !! Dan had to drag me away. Which only succeeded because she said we were coming back in the afternoon.
By the time I was sort of back to earth again.
I agree with Seeker…Keep the blue rim. You don’t need it to match the jacket per se.! Absolutely love it (and the shoes)
I thought there was something not harmonious in the combination, dress, jacket and rim. But I cannot put my finger on it what it is. Too many focus points? But glad you like it so much. Thanks.
What a fun trip! I am so happy you managed to score big time. I think you were due that.
I love that dress and I do really like the colour of the added trim at the bottom.
You both look amazing. My hat is off to Dan for making you realize you need to wear some dresses.
It is a shame you didn’t manage to get a photo of Dan’s husband, I’m sure they look like 2 movie stars together.
10 hours of shopping? Dan sounds like my kind of gal. Actually that is why I kind of found it refreshing when I was with you guys, it was never a marathon. Much more relaxed than what I normally do, as I am normally just like Dan. Basically shop till you drop.
Thanks for sharing all the great photos. That is too funny you bought the shoes from the fitting room! LOL
bisous
Suzanne
I don’t know what happened when you came, as usually I am a marathon shopper too. I suppose because it was way into summer and far into sales, which is not my favourite time to buy. Perhaps also because I didn’t want you to think “oh that is so nice, but so expensive” too many times. As the euro is ridiculously high compared to the Canadian dollar.
Oh Greetje what a wonderful and colourful outfits you bought. I suppose I am going to see the other items on your blog in the future . Very nice bag and shoes too. I have absolutely nothing negative to say. Enjoyed your report as usual, Compliment for Dan as well, very elegant, this is how I imagine italian women to dress. And so wonderful that 2 persons can have such an instant click.But knowing you, you are a treasure to hold on to, to have you as a friend.
Yes, you will see them, they are mostly winter items. As I have more than enough summer items, I “needed” winter. Dan and I carefully planned my coming to Italy. Just in time before she started work again, so she would have plenty of time and just in time because Max Mara had the winter items in the shop. BINGO.
The way Dan dresses, it about the most Italian bit about her. She is not your average Italian.
And you make me shy with your compliments. Me, the one who has not seen you for months….
I am simply salivating over the fun you two obviously had. Sewing the blue fabric was very clever. It looks like it belongs!
salivating… thanks… learned another word. Yes it was great fun. We have the magic “click”.
I see you continue to be so stylish and fabulous Greetje!!!
I love Italy (no more than Paris ah ah) specially Florence more than Rome.
You both look very nice and your new clothes are great. I like the blue rim, that was a cool idea, Despite you have legs to wear it wit no rim 🙂
I must say I miss you, but some sort of things have been happening in my real life, so not many time (and also patience) to be around blogland.
Love your way.
xoxo
Oh there you are!! I was thinking about you last week. What ever had happened to you. Would love to read it in an email (hint…).
I have not been to Florence (yet) but if it is better than Rome, I will definitely visit. As I loved Rome. Torino is very nice too though.
Thanks for the legs compliment.
Oh Greetje what a wonderful and colourful outfits you bought. I suppose I am going to see the other items on your blog in the future . Very nice bag and shoes too. I have absolutely nothing negative to say. Enjoyed your report as usual, Compliment for Dan as well, very elegant, this is how I imagine italian women to dress. And so wonderful that 2 persons can have such an instant click.But knowing you, you are a treasure to hold on to, to have you as a friend.
Yes, you will see them, they are mostly winter items. As I have more than enough summer items, I “needed” winter. Dan and I carefully planned my coming to Italy. Just in time before she started work again, so she would have plenty of time and just in time because Max Mara had the winter items in the shop. BINGO.
The way Dan dresses, it about the most Italian bit about her. She is not your average Italian.
And you make me shy with your compliments. Me, the one who has not seen you for months….
Oh Greetje,
Your trip looks so great and carpe diem!
Oh what fun, you have commented on my blog. Thanks. And yes it was la dolce vita.
Lovely post Greetje. I so adore Italy! Lots of great outfits too. Dan looks very good in her gray dress, you look wonderful in your green kimono and your new clothes are fabulous! I look forward to seeing what else you brought home with you (I was surprised you did not start your shopping at the Max Mara shop!)
I am still trying to encourage you to pursuade your husband to find a job in Italy haha.
We started at Serravalle because we thought we would have more choice there and the weather was better there on Friday (we are very practical women).
Glad you could comment again and have done so.
Chic a fabulous, both of you
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Yes, Dan has a good influence on me. LOL