This Max Mara sweater looks black and white but there is a hint of green in it. The photos were taken at the same courtyard with almshouses where we photographed the cream A-line skirt with the “eye shirt”. Not only did we manage to take the pictures in 40 minutes (including driving there and walking up to the place), I also changed skirts and tops. You can see from these photos how cold I was. It seems the colder I get, the more wrinkles are showing. Could also be because I am getting older and older, therefore more wrinkled. Better get used to it as it is not going to get any better.
Below: this is the sign outside the almshouses which translates:
Brouwershofje. Founded in 1472 by Jacob and Katharina Huyge Roeper and handed down to the Brewers Guild. Also named St. Maartenshofje, after their patron saint. Destroyed by the town fire of 1576. Rebuilt in 1586. Restored in 1930. Limited access.Below: the light was very strange that day so this picture looks odd. The pencil skirt is one that I bought to elongate dresses which are too short, like the red tunic dress I wore to Turin. It was actually too tight in the waist (not my best area). Even though there were two big bits of elastic in the waistband, it felt very tight. The rest was perfect for me. So my seamstress fixed the waistband. Yay.Below: vague picture of me and pump. I have found out (at last) why the camera didn’t focus on my face. Basically: blond hair, white face, white background and a focus frame which was too large. Below: can you imagine having to walk out of your house in the morning to pump water? In winter? Times have changed for the better in this respect. At least in my part of the world.Below: picture to paint more atmosphere……Ron can make really nice photos. No face involved, so really sharp.Below: the back (not much else I can add….). See how beautifully tapered this skirt is?Below: clinched fists, slightly tilted head…. it was starting to rain again.Below: a last shot hiding from the rain in the archway which leads from the street to the courtyard. Not the best circumstances for good photos. You can see that a straight top is not really made for an ample bosom…. the sweater is sticking out at the bottom instead of hanging down straight.Below: yep, that is me again, on the right, with umbrella. In the opening of the archway. Time to go home.Outfit details: skirt: still being sold at Esprit, sweater, coat and boots: from the Max Mara outlet in Turin.
Greetje
Good for you for toughing out the elements and getting in your photos! You are such a BLOGGER!
LOL
I love the quaint courtyards you have there.
I love the lower half of the ensemble but will admit the top isn’t my favourite. I think I prefer you in colour.
bisous
Suzanne
Thank you Suzanne. Your honesty is heart warming and really appreciated. You do know that don’t you? I can never please everyone. And as you always comment on every post (thank you again) there are bound to be some things which you don’t like. Being a waist-showing-lover I can imagine the top is not to your taste. And yes, colour is more me and suits me better. And sometimes I just ignore that. LOL
Love it! And in response to your comment to Josep-maria, no we are not bored with the concept. Can’t even imagine how poeple lived in those days. I just count my blessings I have the conveniences I do. Lovely look, my cute friend, even the cold weather wrinkles (I have them too).
Thanks Trina. Isn’t it strange that cold makes you look yugg?
I always enjoy your running commentary about the weather, the surroundings, and Ron. Before we talk about your outfit I have to tell you that my sister has recently moved to a very small island off the west coast of Scotland and her drinking water has to be collected from a pump about a mile away from her home. Despite that, she and her husband love the place and their new life.
The sweater and skirt look very sleek and stylish (this is what I think of you most weeks, I’m sure) and I don’t think you can go wrong with these boots. The skirt has obviously been altered very well as it looks like a perfect fit and it a superb shape for you. And I like that the top sits away from you – it looks like a comtemporary shape, as if it was meant to be like that.
Anna
Anna’s Island Style
Well how about that? I think the sweater looks funny and you say it is contemporary. I am fine with that LOL.
As for your sister…. she and I differ very much haha.
Both sweaters, this one and the one from last week are out of the ordinary sweaters. That is one of the benefits of buying something of a brand like Max Mara. The sweater going straight down because of your ample bosom is much sexier then of an ample belly, I can tell you that. Great shaped skirt, oh so important to have as a basic. You are such a die hard to go into battle with our dutch weather. One question where did you change your outfit?
I changed near the pump. That wasn’t hard. I put the black pencil skirt underneath the wider A-line cream skirt and let the latter slide down. And the top was even easier: blouse off and sweater on. I was wearing a top underneath the blouse. So no indecent exposure LOL.
I love ‘hofjes’ like this one and I think it’s interesting for tourists and foreigners to peek inside through your pictures.
Well…. we aim to entertain ….(where is my smiley when I need one??)
I love the oversized houndstooth pattern on your top and think it looks great with the close fit of the skirt, which I’m glad your seamstress could rescue. I love that you changed outfits outdoors for your shoot! That’s my kind of blogger. Hahaha. You could have taken a couple of shots with the umbrella providing cover. VERY artistic. Haha.
I never took cover to change. Just slided the black pencil skirt underneath the cream A-line skirt and then let the A-line skirt drop. The top was even easier as I was wearing a cream fitted top underneath it. No indecent exposure. Do you know I never even saw it was houndstooth until Nora of Jacket Society said it? I am such a perceptive girl (NOT).
You are braving the elements for blogging. A woman after my own heart.
A beautiful combination of pieces. Sweater, pencil skirt and boots.
Happy Holiday to you and Ron. Looking forward to following you in 2016 and beyond!
Wouldn’t that white coat of yours look beautiful on this outfit? hahaha… I wouldn’t even fit it as you are three sizes smaller than me. Believe it or not but I am a Large. Because of my skinny arms every shop assistant always thinks I am a Small, well perhaps (because of my length, 5ft74) a Medium, but never a Large??!! Well I am a Large.
Happy Holidays to you too Judith.
I love this sweater as I am a big fan of houndstooth pattern, it looks great on you with the skirt, perfect proportion and I love the boots as well. By the way what wrinkles, I don’t see any wrinkles 🙂
Nora
http://www.jacketsociety.com
Never even saw it was houndstooth haha. And eh…. you need glasses LOL
Love the large print of this houndstooth sweater – Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
That is kind of you Rebecca. Of course I wish you nothing but the best too. Hope that you continue to broaden your enterprizes. Doing so well.
That’s a great print for a sweater and the shape looks great on you especially paired with the pencil skirt.
I love seeing old houses and architecture – you go to some really unusual places for your shoots and I love seeing them.
Bravo for braving the weather – you’re a diehard blogger!
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
We do what we have to do LOL. It is thanks to husband Ron that we go to these places, as he comes up with them. I just follow being very grateful I have somebody who is willing to take pictures.
The sweater is interesting. Nice old building. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Thank you Nicole. Hope you have a merry time too.
Lookin good, my dear! Pencil skirts are the best. I’m glad you had this one tailored for more comfort. That’s an option too few think about having done. Happy holidays!
I already had more comfort because I cut the eleastic but that was not very flattering when you saw me undressing haha. Have a merry time Ally.
I LOVE your architecture / tourism posts (whatever the “concept” is called…) Keep them coming!
Didn’t understand the paragraph, at first, about elongating short dresses. Clicked over to see the Turin post – What a great idea! I’m going to have to think about that. I’m not buying dresses much these days but I Do have a pencil skirt or two…. Hmmmm
Lori
I will continue my tourist information then Lori. As for the skirt underneath a dress, make sure it is tapered enough. I find that important. But Daniela for instance, wears a slip underneath the dress with a lace rim (edge?), peeping from underneath.
you look so chic as always. I love the boots.
Gaby
http://www.stylishsalat.com
That is never something I think of when looking at myself …. chic. I always see the things which are not right (hair sticking out for instance). Too critical about myself. So thank you for the compliment.
Cute look! By the way…you have really great legs!
Darlene
http://whosaprettygirl.com
Thank you Darlene. And the leg thing… One should always emphasize the best parts. Legs are my best parts.
I love the sweater, and I really like the look, with this pencil skirt so elegant. The boots are cute. The pictures are very interesting.
Thank you Josep-Maria. I was wondering whether people would’t get bored with this concept.
My dear friend, I assure you that does not bored me the elegance and style.
Big smile.
Superb proportions in this outfit!! The wrinkles plague all of us…better that than the alternative (or surgery)!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Oh I have done surgery already Jodie, but at one point you really lose the battle. I am at that point and I have come to terms with it.
If you want to read more about my devious deeds (LOL), read this post:
https://www.nofearoffashion.com/2015/01/look-younger
And thank you for your kind words.
The tops that you have bought in Turin, are modern in shape and fabric and match beautifully to a classic pencil skirt! Together they make a very contemporary look … I love on you!
Going out and pump water in winter sounds like a nightmare!! Luckily times have changed…
( that recalls to mind the problems I had with my hot water!!)
I hope that your hot water problems are over now. I am still very pleased with all the things I bought at the Max Mara outlet. You have been such a good stylist.
Greetje, I can’t see past that fantastic top!
I LOVE it.
The structured shape and the fun “chunky hound” design.
I have just noticed that the sweater is by Max Mara…curses! Out of my price point.
BUT I am going to search the internet for something similar. It is FAB!
Thank you for the inspiration.
Samantha
XXX
http://www.fakefabulous.com
Well, you see, apart from the fact that Turin is home to a dear friend of mine (Daniela), it is also the home of the Max Mara outlet. There is a big one near Milan too. Plane tickets from Amsterdam to Turin are around € 100,- return. Especially for people who can manage a trolley instead of a suitcase.
As the outlet charges about 1/3 or 1/4 of the original MM prices, the plane ticket is easily earned. I do sometimes buy stuff from MM in the store (Daniela thinks that is insane and she is right), but mostly I buy things when I am with her and we go shopping in the outlet. Mind you, I do need a suitcase on these trips. To haul everything back to The Netherlands haha.
I love ‘hofjes’ like this one and I think it’s interesting for tourists and foreigners to peek inside through your pictures.
Well…. we aim to entertain ….(where is my smiley when I need one??)
I love the oversized houndstooth pattern on your top and think it looks great with the close fit of the skirt, which I’m glad your seamstress could rescue. I love that you changed outfits outdoors for your shoot! That’s my kind of blogger. Hahaha. You could have taken a couple of shots with the umbrella providing cover. VERY artistic. Haha.
I never took cover to change. Just slided the black pencil skirt underneath the cream A-line skirt and then let the A-line skirt drop. The top was even easier as I was wearing a cream fitted top underneath it. No indecent exposure. Do you know I never even saw it was houndstooth until Nora of Jacket Society said it? I am such a perceptive girl (NOT).
You are braving the elements for blogging. A woman after my own heart.
A beautiful combination of pieces. Sweater, pencil skirt and boots.
Happy Holiday to you and Ron. Looking forward to following you in 2016 and beyond!
Wouldn’t that white coat of yours look beautiful on this outfit? hahaha… I wouldn’t even fit it as you are three sizes smaller than me. Believe it or not but I am a Large. Because of my skinny arms every shop assistant always thinks I am a Small, well perhaps (because of my length, 5ft74) a Medium, but never a Large??!! Well I am a Large.
Happy Holidays to you too Judith.
Love the large print of this houndstooth sweater – Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
That is kind of you Rebecca. Of course I wish you nothing but the best too. Hope that you continue to broaden your enterprizes. Doing so well.
I rather like the shape of the top, and as another commenter mentioned, it looks fine sitting out from your body. I like the proportions of a boxy top with a fitted bottom, or vice versa. The oversized houndstooth pattern makes it modern and fun. As Suzanne pointed out, you do look great in bright colours, but why not mix it up?
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas Greetje!
If I knew what to do at the top of the sweater to brighten things up, I would. But I don’t. I usually wrestle with scraves who also give me the feeling as if I am stepping outside.
If you have a suggestion…. I am open for it.
And of course a very Merry Christmas to you too Shelley.
I rather like the shape of the top, and as another commenter mentioned, it looks fine sitting out from your body. I like the proportions of a boxy top with a fitted bottom, or vice versa. The oversized houndstooth pattern makes it modern and fun. As Suzanne pointed out, you do look great in bright colours, but why not mix it up?
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas Greetje!
If I knew what to do at the top of the sweater to brighten things up, I would. But I don’t. I usually wrestle with scraves who also give me the feeling as if I am stepping outside.
If you have a suggestion…. I am open for it.
And of course a very Merry Christmas to you too Shelley.
I love this sweater as I am a big fan of houndstooth pattern, it looks great on you with the skirt, perfect proportion and I love the boots as well. By the way what wrinkles, I don’t see any wrinkles 🙂
Nora
http://www.jacketsociety.com
Never even saw it was houndstooth haha. And eh…. you need glasses LOL
That’s a great print for a sweater and the shape looks great on you especially paired with the pencil skirt.
I love seeing old houses and architecture – you go to some really unusual places for your shoots and I love seeing them.
Bravo for braving the weather – you’re a diehard blogger!
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
We do what we have to do LOL. It is thanks to husband Ron that we go to these places, as he comes up with them. I just follow being very grateful I have somebody who is willing to take pictures.
Lookin good, my dear! Pencil skirts are the best. I’m glad you had this one tailored for more comfort. That’s an option too few think about having done. Happy holidays!
I already had more comfort because I cut the eleastic but that was not very flattering when you saw me undressing haha. Have a merry time Ally.
I LOVE your architecture / tourism posts (whatever the “concept” is called…) Keep them coming!
Didn’t understand the paragraph, at first, about elongating short dresses. Clicked over to see the Turin post – What a great idea! I’m going to have to think about that. I’m not buying dresses much these days but I Do have a pencil skirt or two…. Hmmmm
Lori
I will continue my tourist information then Lori. As for the skirt underneath a dress, make sure it is tapered enough. I find that important. But Daniela for instance, wears a slip underneath the dress with a lace rim (edge?), peeping from underneath.
The sweater is interesting. Nice old building. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Thank you Nicole. Hope you have a merry time too.
Both sweaters, this one and the one from last week are out of the ordinary sweaters. That is one of the benefits of buying something of a brand like Max Mara. The sweater going straight down because of your ample bosom is much sexier then of an ample belly, I can tell you that. Great shaped skirt, oh so important to have as a basic. You are such a die hard to go into battle with our dutch weather. One question where did you change your outfit?
I changed near the pump. That wasn’t hard. I put the black pencil skirt underneath the wider A-line cream skirt and let the latter slide down. And the top was even easier: blouse off and sweater on. I was wearing a top underneath the blouse. So no indecent exposure LOL.
you look so chic as always. I love the boots.
Gaby
http://www.stylishsalat.com
That is never something I think of when looking at myself …. chic. I always see the things which are not right (hair sticking out for instance). Too critical about myself. So thank you for the compliment.
Good for you for toughing out the elements and getting in your photos! You are such a BLOGGER!
LOL
I love the quaint courtyards you have there.
I love the lower half of the ensemble but will admit the top isn’t my favourite. I think I prefer you in colour.
bisous
Suzanne
Thank you Suzanne. Your honesty is heart warming and really appreciated. You do know that don’t you? I can never please everyone. And as you always comment on every post (thank you again) there are bound to be some things which you don’t like. Being a waist-showing-lover I can imagine the top is not to your taste. And yes, colour is more me and suits me better. And sometimes I just ignore that. LOL
Love it! And in response to your comment to Josep-maria, no we are not bored with the concept. Can’t even imagine how poeple lived in those days. I just count my blessings I have the conveniences I do. Lovely look, my cute friend, even the cold weather wrinkles (I have them too).
Thanks Trina. Isn’t it strange that cold makes you look yugg?
Cute look! By the way…you have really great legs!
Darlene
http://whosaprettygirl.com
Thank you Darlene. And the leg thing… One should always emphasize the best parts. Legs are my best parts.
I love the chunky top and bold pattern with the very slim skirt. It’s like Yin and Yang. Balanced, minimalist and a very current look. The outfit looks comfortable to wear and the boots are perfect especially during the winter season.
All the things I bought in Turin are very comfortable. Which is something that I appreciate more and more. And the Yin and Yang thing is something which adds interest to an outfit (so I have learned).
The tops that you have bought in Turin, are modern in shape and fabric and match beautifully to a classic pencil skirt! Together they make a very contemporary look … I love on you!
Going out and pump water in winter sounds like a nightmare!! Luckily times have changed…
( that recalls to mind the problems I had with my hot water!!)
I hope that your hot water problems are over now. I am still very pleased with all the things I bought at the Max Mara outlet. You have been such a good stylist.
Superb proportions in this outfit!! The wrinkles plague all of us…better that than the alternative (or surgery)!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Oh I have done surgery already Jodie, but at one point you really lose the battle. I am at that point and I have come to terms with it.
If you want to read more about my devious deeds (LOL), read this post:
https://www.nofearoffashion.com/2015/01/look-younger
And thank you for your kind words.
Greetje, I can’t see past that fantastic top!
I LOVE it.
The structured shape and the fun “chunky hound” design.
I have just noticed that the sweater is by Max Mara…curses! Out of my price point.
BUT I am going to search the internet for something similar. It is FAB!
Thank you for the inspiration.
Samantha
XXX
http://www.fakefabulous.com
Well, you see, apart from the fact that Turin is home to a dear friend of mine (Daniela), it is also the home of the Max Mara outlet. There is a big one near Milan too. Plane tickets from Amsterdam to Turin are around € 100,- return. Especially for people who can manage a trolley instead of a suitcase.
As the outlet charges about 1/3 or 1/4 of the original MM prices, the plane ticket is easily earned. I do sometimes buy stuff from MM in the store (Daniela thinks that is insane and she is right), but mostly I buy things when I am with her and we go shopping in the outlet. Mind you, I do need a suitcase on these trips. To haul everything back to The Netherlands haha.
I always enjoy your running commentary about the weather, the surroundings, and Ron. Before we talk about your outfit I have to tell you that my sister has recently moved to a very small island off the west coast of Scotland and her drinking water has to be collected from a pump about a mile away from her home. Despite that, she and her husband love the place and their new life.
The sweater and skirt look very sleek and stylish (this is what I think of you most weeks, I’m sure) and I don’t think you can go wrong with these boots. The skirt has obviously been altered very well as it looks like a perfect fit and it a superb shape for you. And I like that the top sits away from you – it looks like a comtemporary shape, as if it was meant to be like that.
Anna
Anna’s Island Style
Well how about that? I think the sweater looks funny and you say it is contemporary. I am fine with that LOL.
As for your sister…. she and I differ very much haha.
I love the sweater, and I really like the look, with this pencil skirt so elegant. The boots are cute. The pictures are very interesting.
Thank you Josep-Maria. I was wondering whether people would’t get bored with this concept.
My dear friend, I assure you that does not bored me the elegance and style.
Big smile.
I love the chunky top and bold pattern with the very slim skirt. It’s like Yin and Yang. Balanced, minimalist and a very current look. The outfit looks comfortable to wear and the boots are perfect especially during the winter season.
All the things I bought in Turin are very comfortable. Which is something that I appreciate more and more. And the Yin and Yang thing is something which adds interest to an outfit (so I have learned).