Hi!!! Here we are again, three colleagues and friends who just love shopping. As soon as one shopping spree is over, we plan another one through our text message group called “Shopping Saturday”. See our previous “adventures” here, here, here and here. December 12, we decided to go shopping in the Nine Streets of Amsterdam. A beautiful neighbourhood with little shops, cafes, canals, old buildings and above all…. the best atmosphere. I have shown you the neighbourhood before (here and here). I had warned the girls that I was on a financial diet and had already broken my vow with buying “the bag“. The lesson I learned (well… already knew): don’t bring me into temptation. I cannot resist.
Here we go my dear readers…
Below: we met at a lovely little cafe (Koffiehuis De Hoek) to start with coffee. Here is Sabine:
Below: and here is Anke, looking very naughty as she is having a typical Dutch treat: applecake. With whipped cream. Did I mention I am also trying to keep my weight down?
Below: OK, here is a proper photo of Anke:
We knew it was going to rain in the afternoon, so I said we had to make nice photos of the three of us before we headed to the shops. People in the cafe started asking questions whether we were doing a magazine shoot haha.
Below: here is Sabine posing like a movie star.
Below: and me. Wearing a sweater from the Max Mara outlet in Turin (seen here with skirt), green coated jeans by Hugo Boss (seen before here) and my beloved cream Eijk booties (seen before here). You see, I do wear things more than once and in different combinations. I am getting better all the time (sing with me: … Getting.. so much better … all the time…). Necklace is a leather string with pearls. You can adjust the length by just tieing it differently.
Below: first stop Miss Jones, Reestraat 26… Sale had already started.
Below: hmmmm. nice skirt…
Below: hmmmm….. nice booties…
Below: Sabine trying on another furry coat as if she doesn’t own enough of them. Quote: “But this one is longer. I only have short furry coats..” We were wondering why it is that we always go for the same things? 
Below: we couldn’t agree whether these boots were cool or hidious. In the end we bought nothing at Miss Jones, by no fault of the shop.
Below: the Reestraat, which is much prettier in summer. Oh well, at least it was dry…
Below: at Reestraat number 18 they sell colourful women’s clothes at Wow to go/Who’s that girl. Not only their clothes are colourful, so are their fitting rooms.
Below: glamour in the fitting room.
Below: while Sabine was trying on clothes, Anke imitated one of these Asian cats with waving/beckoning arms (Maneki Neko). You see two of them left from her boots. We didn’t buy anything in this shop either, but were tempted.
Below: on the corner of Hartenstraat and Keizersgracht was PINA (they will re-open in April 2017). Anke tried on this nice black coat. 
Below: but she decided to buy the tan coat as it spoke more than the black one.
Below: Anke’s outfit of the day: a burgundy leather skirt, grey T-shirt with a bronze/gold snake which spelled Love, brown boots and grey cardigan. Just telling you. For the record.
Below: we are at Closed, Wolvenstraat 17. You can see by my face that I am very doubtful about this sweater.
Below: seeking advice. As the sweater itched, we decided it was not worth any further deliberation.
Below: this is my happy face and the T-shirt came home with me. Small price, nice and soft, long sleeves. Very good underneath a black jacket (for instance). And I didn’t have one which was not tight around the tummy.
It was at this shop (We are Labels, Huidenstraat 17) that Sabine took the photo of the three of us in the mirror (first photo of this post).
Then I urged the girls to hurry along as it was almost 5 o’clock and the one shop we all wanted to visit was closing at 6 p.m. That shop is called YDU, Young Designers United (update: this store closed for good). Still very much within walking distance. It was raining by this time. I knew my bank account would not survive this shop without some damage but still couldn’t resist going there.
Below: Sabine bought this gorgeous skirt. Not the hat as she owns plenty of hats which suit her very well. 
Below: Anke also bought a skirt, but the photo I took doesn’t do her or the skirt justice.
Below: and yes…. I bought this dress, the legging (but in blue instead of green) and the pink Eijk booties. And those boots are a sane investment. Like my cream booties which I wore that day, the pink ones are soooo comfortable. Yet still a heel. I think I am number one fan of the brand. Legging and dress by Barbara van der Zanden.
Below: I wore the outfit yesterday and it was very comfortable. Decided to go all the way with pink, fuchsias, blue and purple 😛 (quality of the iPhone photo is crap, but you get the idea….). 
Greetje
linking up to Shoe and Tell for some fabulous shoes.
Oh Greetje—Shopping Saturday is a perfect girl time!! My comments as I was reading, were
1-the apple cake is something needed for your energy. Shopping is awfully tiring, so you don’t want to cut back on calories at this time 🙂
2-I’m a huge fan of your coated jeans (and yes, i sang along)
3-Gravitating towards clothing we already have—there’s got to be some psychological study on that because we all do it—all the time. I think that’s why it’s beneficial to have “good” friends (one’s that tell you the truth) with you while shopping. And why it’s good to go to different stores and try on things you totally usually wouldn’t buy!!
4-Love that term “financial diet”—or should I say i need it but I’m realistic enough to know it won’t happen!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
This was such a fun comment Jodie. Thanks very much. I am glad you sang along ?. The coated jeans don’t get enough outings (really none of my clothes do as I have too much and I still keep on buying…pfff). I also have those coated jeans in burgundy. Glad to know there are more women who cannot stick to their “financial diet”.
It was great to take part in your shopping spree. It looked like such fun. I think you did so well not buying anything, but gave in at the right moment. These booties are fab and are a true investment. Your final outfit is eye-popping, dazzling and right up my street – I would wear all of it. Wonderful x
Anna
Anna’s Island Style
Thanks Anna. Yes, shopping with girlfriends also satisfies the soul.
“Shopping Saturday!” Great name for a group of like-minded women who are enjoying life to the fullest. I always enjoy the tours that you take us on, which always makes me want to visit your beautiful city. Some day!
Love the pink booties! They look great with your colorful ensemble in the last photo.
I was trying on black shoes by this brand (Eijk) when I saw a customer in the shop trying on these pink booties. And they went with everything she put on: skirts, skinnies, green, blue, brown, black… you name it. I thought: “that is handy”. And the deal was done.
Another expensive, fun ladies day!
I want Anke’s eyebrows, Sabines hot pink sweater, her colorful sneakers and the fur coat she is wearing in one of the pictures.
Your pink booties are cool and that dress on a skinny is so you!
It just proves that I don’t know anything about styling. Even though I picked the dress and boots myself, I wasn’t that enthousiastic about the outfit. Everybody else is. I get many compliments.
You and your fabulous bodies, women of the North, lol, ahhhhh
So much fun
Victor is fine. He has a check up every three months and so far so good. They gave him no hope whatsoever, and here he is cancer free.
We all got a terrible flue through Christmas but him, hahahha. A man of the North too, hahahhaha
Tons of love, my dear Greetje. I hope to meet you this year in Málaga
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
What a splendid news for 2016! I will be in Spain in June, but again up north in Javea. As for our fabulous bodies… is that a fact? Never knew that. I always thought the Italian and French ladies held the medal.
That looks like such an enjoyable day with your friends, and you scored some great stuff! The dress, leggings and boots make a wonderful outfit, and I really like your green coated jeans.
Thanks Shelley. Yes it was a very enjoyable day. As my friend Marianne said… it is not really about the shopping. It is about bonding. Just a (financial) hazardous way to go about it haha.
It looks like so much fun shopping with Anke and Sabine – you got lots of great photos to take us along. I laughed about those boots – whether they were hideous or cool; sometimes it’s a fine line. Haha! I love your last photo so much. As you know, this combination is right up my alley with all those wonderful strong colours together. Smashing!! I also like the dress and leggings you decided on.
Happy New Year!! I think it will be a good one too!!
Oh yes this year is going to be a good one. I can feel it. You see, I am getting bolder and bolder.
What fun! I think you chose well with the top, dress, leggings and booties. I like the pattern on the dress, very eye-catching without being over-the-top. I’m about to put myself in temptation’s path…going shopping this afternoon with my friend Karen who as a great eye.
Every day I walk passed a shop which sells clothes, bags, jewellery or shoes…. I am in danger. But I know you will choose well. Hope you find nice things. And it is lovely to shop with a friend. A bit of me-time for you.
Greetje you always brighten my day, especially as I sit here looking out at a snow squall! Thank you for taking us along on a fun shopping trip!xx
Katie, that is my goal in life: to amuse, to entertain. And I am so happy reading your comment. Brightening up somebody’s day is the best in my book.
Looks like so much fun! Happy New Year, Greetje!
Happy New Year to you too dear Pam. I hope that all your endeavours will bloom.
This dress looks lovely, great shape and love the pattern, great leggings too !
That shop (Young Designers United) sells clothes, bags, shoes and jewellery of upcoming designers (the name says it all). Which means, the pieces are unique and the prices are very reasonable. I try and avoid to come there too often as it is one big cave with temptation. Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a nice compliment.
It’s a been a few years since I’ve been to Amsterdam and the 9 streets but hoping to go next trip, whenever that will be. Love shopping with friends, there is no better hobby in my opinion. I’m on a clothes budget crackdown and I mainly stick to it but that doesn’t stop me from buying a new lipstick every time I’m out with 2 particular friends 😛
I am hopeless Selina. Of course I should stop buying. And do I? No, I am dipping into my savings. Well… that will end some day and I will have nothing left. But clothes and shoes. If you want to have a “look around Amsterdam”, go to the top navigation of my blog and hit the Amsterdam button. You will find more. Not everything is current as some posts are two years old, but a lot is still here of course.
Hope you make it to Amsterdam soon. The 9 streets are rapidly deteriorating. If a small shop closes its doors, a branch of a chain opens. Soon there will only be chains there and the neighbourhood will die. Other neighbourhoods will bloom though.
What a fun shopping outing! It’s fun to have partners in crime! And you almost made it without doing too much damage! 🙂 But I actually think the outfit and boots were meant for you as you look so good in them!
Wearing that outfit today and I am getting lots of compliments. Partners in crime is a good frase!
Such a good time…shopping, delicious sweets and friends. Can’t beat that!
Indeed Glenda, those are delightful days.
Oh what a fun day!
You all did very well.
I have discovered that the only way to avoid the temptation of buying is to never leave the house and never turn on the computer. Ha! I’ll get right on that ; )
Happy New Year Lovely Lady!
bisous
Suzanne
I agree on your method. It is the only solution. ??. Happy New Year to you too.
Looks like a fun day Greetje. How I miss shopping there on a regular basis. On the other hand, stops me from buying. I have too much for what I need already! Enjoy your new (fabulous) purchases!
Of course I have too much as well. Way too much. It is an addiction. But not being able to do this with friends anymore would definitely stop me from emigrating.
A day in the city with friends is always well spent! And also when on financial diet is possible to find something nice not too expensive!!
Lovely green dress and red and white t-shirt …
Anke looks funny but I can understand! In front of a Dutch applecake … everything can happen!
🙂 !!
Oh yes. I remember very well the apple cake we shared haha.
And the extraordinary thing is that I usually don’t share food! ( the reason? I want to have it all for me, especially if it is a cake!! )
I wouldn’t have hesitated over those boots either, Greetje. In fact, I’ve been seriously hunting for a pair of Blush boots for the longest time so again, for the interim, I must enjoy them through your eyes GRIN
Tantalizing isn’t it? ☺️??
what a fun post. I felt I was there with you shopping. I love your writing style and your clothing style as well. Have enjoyed your blog for almost a year now and you keep me laughing.
Happy 2016 from California!
Oh how nice Paula!! These messages keep a stuggling blogger going. ? Thanks very much for your comment. And I will do my utmost to keep on amusing you.
This looks like so much fun!! I love how colorful you are for the start of 2016 🙂
Happy New Year
Nora
http://www.jacketsociety.com
As the Dutch usually dress in black, grey or brown coats, it certainly brightened up the streets of my town haha.
Great fun again seeing you and your friends shopping. It is such a special shopping area. A lot of small shops with very versatile fashion. I like your dress, I would have pick this one too. And your boots they are so confortable but at the same time so elegant. Shopping with friends feels like bonding , so that is my excuse for spending money, I think.
You are right. Shopping, lunching, talking, trying, choosing… it is all bonding. Which is why I love it as well. Glad you like my dress and boots. The legging is great too.
Shopping Saturday’s, now that’s my kind of friendship. It really sounds and looks like so much fun. Now that I’ve actually spent a shopping day with you, I know first hand how entertaining it is. Ok, first off, your chosen shopping outfit for the day was spectacular, I believe I fall in love with those jeans more each time I see them and I won’t even mention the booties because they are of and beyond awesome! I’ve actually been on the look out for some new cream practical booties but nothing comes close to those, well not until I saw your new pink ones. Seriously??? those are the best and will match just about everything you own. Great Saturday purchase, my cute friend. As for your shopping friends, I fell head over heels in love when I saw the black coat Anke tried on. I like the tan but loved the black. Her shopping outfit was also spectacular, so classy (preppy) but practical as well. Sabine’s skirt was most defintely gorgeous on her (great figure you all three have). Did she end up with another fur coat? Thanks for sharing your fun shopping spree once again, I had a most enjoyable time reading through it.
No Sabine didn’t buy the furry thing, but she bought green trousers with a matching shirt and the skirt you saw. As Marianne said in her comment… shopping with friends is really bonding..
OOOh, that looks SUCH FUN …. out shopping with girlfriends – very Patsy and Edina 🙂
I sew, and though I love it (and need it too I think), it means I have never enjoyed such a girly day out. I think I should remedy this in 2016.
But I can say that if I’d been there I would have nabbed those Miss Jones boots. They’re gorgeous.
Wishing you Sales Galore, and a Happy New Year,
Baci Sally
sarsaparillasal.blogspot.com
You are right Sally, such shopping events with girlfriends is ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS. You should indeed indulge in such events in 2016. Thanks very much for your nice comment.
Love Dutch appeltaart! My Dutch father-in-law made one on Christmas day – delicious!
What great purchases you all made. Love the dress you got.
That last photo of you in the pinks and blues – wonderful!
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
All those bright pink colours were a bit of a risk, but I was in a bold mood.
Another expensive, fun ladies day!
I want Anke’s eyebrows, Sabines hot pink sweater, her colorful sneakers and the fur coat she is wearing in one of the pictures.
Your pink booties are cool and that dress on a skinny is so you!
It just proves that I don’t know anything about styling. Even though I picked the dress and boots myself, I wasn’t that enthousiastic about the outfit. Everybody else is. I get many compliments.
That looks like such an enjoyable day with your friends, and you scored some great stuff! The dress, leggings and boots make a wonderful outfit, and I really like your green coated jeans.
Thanks Shelley. Yes it was a very enjoyable day. As my friend Marianne said… it is not really about the shopping. It is about bonding. Just a (financial) hazardous way to go about it haha.
It’s a been a few years since I’ve been to Amsterdam and the 9 streets but hoping to go next trip, whenever that will be. Love shopping with friends, there is no better hobby in my opinion. I’m on a clothes budget crackdown and I mainly stick to it but that doesn’t stop me from buying a new lipstick every time I’m out with 2 particular friends 😛
I am hopeless Selina. Of course I should stop buying. And do I? No, I am dipping into my savings. Well… that will end some day and I will have nothing left. But clothes and shoes. If you want to have a “look around Amsterdam”, go to the top navigation of my blog and hit the Amsterdam button. You will find more. Not everything is current as some posts are two years old, but a lot is still here of course.
Hope you make it to Amsterdam soon. The 9 streets are rapidly deteriorating. If a small shop closes its doors, a branch of a chain opens. Soon there will only be chains there and the neighbourhood will die. Other neighbourhoods will bloom though.
You and your fabulous bodies, women of the North, lol, ahhhhh
So much fun
Victor is fine. He has a check up every three months and so far so good. They gave him no hope whatsoever, and here he is cancer free.
We all got a terrible flue through Christmas but him, hahahha. A man of the North too, hahahhaha
Tons of love, my dear Greetje. I hope to meet you this year in Málaga
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
What a splendid news for 2016! I will be in Spain in June, but again up north in Javea. As for our fabulous bodies… is that a fact? Never knew that. I always thought the Italian and French ladies held the medal.
It was great to take part in your shopping spree. It looked like such fun. I think you did so well not buying anything, but gave in at the right moment. These booties are fab and are a true investment. Your final outfit is eye-popping, dazzling and right up my street – I would wear all of it. Wonderful x
Anna
Anna’s Island Style
Thanks Anna. Yes, shopping with girlfriends also satisfies the soul.
“Shopping Saturday!” Great name for a group of like-minded women who are enjoying life to the fullest. I always enjoy the tours that you take us on, which always makes me want to visit your beautiful city. Some day!
Love the pink booties! They look great with your colorful ensemble in the last photo.
I was trying on black shoes by this brand (Eijk) when I saw a customer in the shop trying on these pink booties. And they went with everything she put on: skirts, skinnies, green, blue, brown, black… you name it. I thought: “that is handy”. And the deal was done.
Oh Greetje—Shopping Saturday is a perfect girl time!! My comments as I was reading, were
1-the apple cake is something needed for your energy. Shopping is awfully tiring, so you don’t want to cut back on calories at this time 🙂
2-I’m a huge fan of your coated jeans (and yes, i sang along)
3-Gravitating towards clothing we already have—there’s got to be some psychological study on that because we all do it—all the time. I think that’s why it’s beneficial to have “good” friends (one’s that tell you the truth) with you while shopping. And why it’s good to go to different stores and try on things you totally usually wouldn’t buy!!
4-Love that term “financial diet”—or should I say i need it but I’m realistic enough to know it won’t happen!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
This was such a fun comment Jodie. Thanks very much. I am glad you sang along ?. The coated jeans don’t get enough outings (really none of my clothes do as I have too much and I still keep on buying…pfff). I also have those coated jeans in burgundy. Glad to know there are more women who cannot stick to their “financial diet”.
What a fabulous shopping day – you three are all lovely and have exquisite taste! Love your new pink booties. Come over and share at Vis Monday is you have a moment, xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
I would come over if I had time. Perhaps tomorrow. I am in a traffic jam for two hours now. No fun.
What a fabulous shopping day – you three are all lovely and have exquisite taste! Love your new pink booties. Come over and share at Vis Monday is you have a moment, xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
I would come over if I had time. Perhaps tomorrow. I am in a traffic jam for two hours now. No fun.
What a fun shopping outing! It’s fun to have partners in crime! And you almost made it without doing too much damage! 🙂 But I actually think the outfit and boots were meant for you as you look so good in them!
Wearing that outfit today and I am getting lots of compliments. Partners in crime is a good frase!
Such a good time…shopping, delicious sweets and friends. Can’t beat that!
Indeed Glenda, those are delightful days.
A day in the city with friends is always well spent! And also when on financial diet is possible to find something nice not too expensive!!
Lovely green dress and red and white t-shirt …
Anke looks funny but I can understand! In front of a Dutch applecake … everything can happen!
🙂 !!
Oh yes. I remember very well the apple cake we shared haha.
And the extraordinary thing is that I usually don’t share food! ( the reason? I want to have it all for me, especially if it is a cake!! )
Shopping Saturday’s, now that’s my kind of friendship. It really sounds and looks like so much fun. Now that I’ve actually spent a shopping day with you, I know first hand how entertaining it is. Ok, first off, your chosen shopping outfit for the day was spectacular, I believe I fall in love with those jeans more each time I see them and I won’t even mention the booties because they are of and beyond awesome! I’ve actually been on the look out for some new cream practical booties but nothing comes close to those, well not until I saw your new pink ones. Seriously??? those are the best and will match just about everything you own. Great Saturday purchase, my cute friend. As for your shopping friends, I fell head over heels in love when I saw the black coat Anke tried on. I like the tan but loved the black. Her shopping outfit was also spectacular, so classy (preppy) but practical as well. Sabine’s skirt was most defintely gorgeous on her (great figure you all three have). Did she end up with another fur coat? Thanks for sharing your fun shopping spree once again, I had a most enjoyable time reading through it.
No Sabine didn’t buy the furry thing, but she bought green trousers with a matching shirt and the skirt you saw. As Marianne said in her comment… shopping with friends is really bonding..
I wouldn’t have hesitated over those boots either, Greetje. In fact, I’ve been seriously hunting for a pair of Blush boots for the longest time so again, for the interim, I must enjoy them through your eyes GRIN
Tantalizing isn’t it? ☺️??
Looks like a fun day Greetje. How I miss shopping there on a regular basis. On the other hand, stops me from buying. I have too much for what I need already! Enjoy your new (fabulous) purchases!
Of course I have too much as well. Way too much. It is an addiction. But not being able to do this with friends anymore would definitely stop me from emigrating.
Great fun again seeing you and your friends shopping. It is such a special shopping area. A lot of small shops with very versatile fashion. I like your dress, I would have pick this one too. And your boots they are so confortable but at the same time so elegant. Shopping with friends feels like bonding , so that is my excuse for spending money, I think.
You are right. Shopping, lunching, talking, trying, choosing… it is all bonding. Which is why I love it as well. Glad you like my dress and boots. The legging is great too.
OOOh, that looks SUCH FUN …. out shopping with girlfriends – very Patsy and Edina 🙂
I sew, and though I love it (and need it too I think), it means I have never enjoyed such a girly day out. I think I should remedy this in 2016.
But I can say that if I’d been there I would have nabbed those Miss Jones boots. They’re gorgeous.
Wishing you Sales Galore, and a Happy New Year,
Baci Sally
sarsaparillasal.blogspot.com
You are right Sally, such shopping events with girlfriends is ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS. You should indeed indulge in such events in 2016. Thanks very much for your nice comment.
Oh what a fun day!
You all did very well.
I have discovered that the only way to avoid the temptation of buying is to never leave the house and never turn on the computer. Ha! I’ll get right on that ; )
Happy New Year Lovely Lady!
bisous
Suzanne
I agree on your method. It is the only solution. ??. Happy New Year to you too.
what a fun post. I felt I was there with you shopping. I love your writing style and your clothing style as well. Have enjoyed your blog for almost a year now and you keep me laughing.
Happy 2016 from California!
Oh how nice Paula!! These messages keep a stuggling blogger going. ? Thanks very much for your comment. And I will do my utmost to keep on amusing you.
This looks like so much fun!! I love how colorful you are for the start of 2016 🙂
Happy New Year
Nora
http://www.jacketsociety.com
As the Dutch usually dress in black, grey or brown coats, it certainly brightened up the streets of my town haha.
Love Dutch appeltaart! My Dutch father-in-law made one on Christmas day – delicious!
What great purchases you all made. Love the dress you got.
That last photo of you in the pinks and blues – wonderful!
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
All those bright pink colours were a bit of a risk, but I was in a bold mood.
Greetje you always brighten my day, especially as I sit here looking out at a snow squall! Thank you for taking us along on a fun shopping trip!xx
Katie, that is my goal in life: to amuse, to entertain. And I am so happy reading your comment. Brightening up somebody’s day is the best in my book.
This dress looks lovely, great shape and love the pattern, great leggings too !
That shop (Young Designers United) sells clothes, bags, shoes and jewellery of upcoming designers (the name says it all). Which means, the pieces are unique and the prices are very reasonable. I try and avoid to come there too often as it is one big cave with temptation. Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a nice compliment.
It looks like so much fun shopping with Anke and Sabine – you got lots of great photos to take us along. I laughed about those boots – whether they were hideous or cool; sometimes it’s a fine line. Haha! I love your last photo so much. As you know, this combination is right up my alley with all those wonderful strong colours together. Smashing!! I also like the dress and leggings you decided on.
Happy New Year!! I think it will be a good one too!!
Oh yes this year is going to be a good one. I can feel it. You see, I am getting bolder and bolder.
What fun! I think you chose well with the top, dress, leggings and booties. I like the pattern on the dress, very eye-catching without being over-the-top. I’m about to put myself in temptation’s path…going shopping this afternoon with my friend Karen who as a great eye.
Every day I walk passed a shop which sells clothes, bags, jewellery or shoes…. I am in danger. But I know you will choose well. Hope you find nice things. And it is lovely to shop with a friend. A bit of me-time for you.
Looks like so much fun! Happy New Year, Greetje!
Happy New Year to you too dear Pam. I hope that all your endeavours will bloom.