A little while ago I went to the Bags and Purses Museum in Amsterdam with my stepdaughter Nicky (update 2023: the museum is now closed). I have been to this museum about 4 or 5 times in the last two years. Every time I discover new beautiful bags because: a) there is so much to see, you cannot take it all in during one visit, b) they change some of the collection and c) they have temporary exhibitions. For this day of walking I chose my white sneakers and a red velvet jacket which I scored at a thrift shop (sometimes I get lucky). The jacket can be a bit dowdy or old-fashioned when you style it the wrong way. Fortunately I had Anja (Curly Traveller) to help me. Lots of little helpers keep me stylish 😆 .
You will see a lot of pictures. If you get bored, just scroll down fast. If you like them, you can also take a look at my previous post about this Bags and Purses Museum.
Below: my beautiful stepdaughter Nicky. 
Below: we had lunch in the conservatory.
Below: I love the wallpaper in the conservatory.
Below: there is a lounge area, all done very much in the sphere of the old building. A bit Art Deco. For more pictures see my previous post about the Bags and purses museum. 
There are two period rooms which are magnificent, but there were ladies having High Tea there and I didn’t want to disturb them. In my previous post there is a photo of one of the rooms.
Below: Nicky in the corridor between the two period rooms. I told her I couldn’t shoot a picture with all that light coming through the window, but she urged me on. And indeed.. this is a nice picture.
Most of the photos you’ll get to see from here, are photos of bags. We started at the top of the building where the very, very old ones are. They have bags from (or even a bit before) 1500.
Below: this one is 17th ceintury I think (wasn’t paying enough attention. Again. Sorry.)
Below: I was doing my best though haha. Nicky caught me with her cellphone. Bad quality, but too funny to keep from you.
Below: the next three pictures are also very old (17th ceintury?). Further along you will get more information about the bags. Promise.
Below: I love this one..
Below: OK now I have a bit of information… the left item is a chatelaine with tape measure, pencil, pin cushion, seal, corkscrew, note-book and needle-case. I think they forgot to mention the scissors. We giggled at the “note-book”. See the tiny pieces of paper? How were they going to note anything down on that? English 19th ceintury.
The object top right is a coin purse. French 19th ceintury. I forgot to look at the information about the bag bottom right.
Below: magnificent. Evening bag, silk brocade with gold thread and silver frame, adorned with amethyst and yellow quartz. Austria/Germany ca. 1929.
Below: no information. I would buy them immediately if they were for sale.
Below: again no info by me, but soooo good.
Below: this was a display of travel bags in various periods. The museum had a temporary exhibition about travel bags in 2014.
Below: moving up in time (there are a lot of bags in between, you have to see for yourself). This bag is lambskin with croco print. Omar Munie (Dutch) 2007.
Below: Design by Vlieger & Vandam, Dutch 2009, called Guardian Angel. My friend Sabine has a bag like this… She took it abroad on a plane. She got out of The Netherlands, no problem. But getting back, she spent an hour and a half explaining about the bag to the airport police. They were not amused, haha.
Below: gorgeous evening bag. Don’t know the period. Sixties? Seventies?
Below: information in the photo.
Below: an evening bag named Socks after the cat of the Clintons haha. Hillary is carrying it.
Below: The Sex and The City famous bag.
Below: A little suitcase from 2014 USA, painted by Denise Meyer. Nice.
Now a few bags from the exhibition Street Couture. In it, the museum seeks to identify what sets haute couture apart from global street fashion. The Street Couture style is all about mixing and matching: high-end fashion combined with street fashion, sports with pop culture…
Below: Paloma Picasso, French, red patent leather 1998. Ahhh. 
Below: Prada patent leather bag “Pyramid Flame En Flame”, Italy 2012. Ohh.
Below: quite the opposite from the previous two demure (although still bold) bags, are the next items. On the left and top right, an old schoolbag, designed by Bas Kosters (eccentric Dutch designer). On the bottom right a Michael Kors bag USA 2012, painted by Ton Pret, called “A girl’s best friend”. 
Below: in between the demure and the colourful, I found this leather Marck&Co clutch, tattooed by Henk Schiffmacher, who is a very famous Dutch tattoo artist. Do you recognize the shape of the bag? It is my bag from last Sunday. You could actually buy it in the Museum shop as it is a Dutch 2016 bag.
Below: probably sitting on a piece of art.
Below: Moschino, 1996 Italy called “Gateau Bag”. 
Below: the last one because I thought he was hysterical. Who would want to walk around with this one? 
Below: the halo seems to follow me around haha. It is a beautiful lamp hanging in the stairway.
Hope you enjoyed it. If you ever are in Amsterdam, do visit this fabulous little museum. (No, they are not paying me. Nobody is.)
Greetje
Linking up to some awesome blogging colleagues. Like:
Sheela Writes, who is hosting Project Sister Act, theme Flower power.
And the Link-up Sheela is hosting where many other bloggers show their best.
And to the link-up of Patti, who tries to keep us over 40ies visible in Visible Monday.
Wow thanks for that fabulous tour of the museum Greet. I can’t get over how interesting these bags and Nicky is so pretty! Have a lovely weekend!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
Thanks Rebecca. It is such a cute place to be. With a lot of temptation when you are nearly out the door as you have to pass through the museum shop haha.
Thanks for this Greetje. I will definitely visit the Bag Museum if I get to Amsterdam, which I may do later in the year. Some of the bags which you liked but didn’t have information on, are, I think, Art Deco. I mean the green one with small purse, or compact; and the pinky coloured one with an acqua one in the background, both with lovely clasps. I loved the Japanese card case, and bag with Mt Fuji and lovely silver mounting. They are all so fascinating. You look like you and Nicky had a great time. wonderful red jacket too. I wish I had ‘stylists’!
I searched for my stylists haha. Somehow I seem to attrack them. As it is also a fact that most of my friends like shopping. Not all of them, but the majority. Like an alcoholic who is usually surrounded by heavy drinkers. Give me an email when you come to Amsterdam will you?
Thanks, I will Greetje. Unfortunately it will be a flying visit on a cruise to the Northern Lights. I won’t have to worry about style too much, just layers, brrrrrr! It is lovely that you have such a wide age range of friends; keeps you young, I say! Just as long as your purse holds out ?
Amazing pictures. Thank you soooo much! I loooooove bags !
Greetje Du siehst bezaubernd aus und die Fotos von euch Beiden im Cafe sind sehr hübsch.
Frohe Ostertage, liebe Grüße Tina
Thank you Tina for these lovely compliments. For a blogger it is always so nice to hear that you are not doing it for nothing. Happy Easter too. Mein Deutsch ist schrecklich.
What a treat that was Greetje! Thank goodness that most of these aren’t for sale – you’d be bankrupt by now, hahaha. There were too many favourites to mention, and yes, if I ever come to Amsterdam I certainly would pay a visit there. And so on to your outfit. It’s a great combination of smart jacket and casual sneakers – not in the least the conservative Greetje you claim to be! The red is of course fab with your hair colour and all the better for being a bargain. Thanks for dropping by my blog and giving me your thoughts – always great to have your feedback; love your honesty x
Anna
Anna’s Island Style
I am glad you like me being honest. I never want to hurt anybody but feel silly if I comment a lot on a blog and would just flatter and lie. That is just not me. Although my Italian blogging friend Dan is trying to teach me some better manners on this subject (sweet woman).
As for the outfit… it is conservative.. You would have thrown in some patterns and more colour, I am sure haha. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Thank you for sharing – I never knew of this museum and the photos of the bags are wonderful. As well as the photos of you in your red jacket on your knees praying to a bag – and the last photo of you with a halo over your angelic smile 🙂
What a wonderful place for women who love fashion to go hang out!! And since I’m not currently in the vicinity—thanks for showing us many of the pieces!
I never thought of my purses as art…but really what a great concept. Maybe I’ll start hanging them on the walls instead of stuffing them in my armoire!
And I love your statement coat—(I’ve given up the black overcoats—so boring)!! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Actually, it is a jacket, not a coat. And no, I would not hang my bags up if I were you. The dust and light will not do them any good.
I have got another tip for you from one of my readers who commented on the pink, black and white scarf. She said:
” Instead of pins,I use a couple of small magnets to hold my scarves in place. Hide one on the outside among the folds and secure it with another small one on the inside of your top. Sometimes, I use just one magnet and put something that will attract the magnet on the other side.”
I think that is a very good idea.
I have one word for you Greetje…brilliant!! (like i’ve told you before) for the magnets to hold the scarves in place—then it doesn’t damage them like pins would.
As for my purses as artwork—who says there’s dust in my house…ha ha 🙂 ??!!!
But I’ll give you the point on the light!!
Just found this one and enjoying over coffee this Sunday morning.
Dear Greetje, sorry I didn´t check before, a week of full house and baby Adam, jajjajaja
What a wonderful place to be, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh True candy to my eyes.
You are both gorgeous too.
I love how you always wear a piece of clothing, in this case the red jacket, so masterfully.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Darling, I abandon your blog so often as well, I will hold nothing against you. I know we have a life in the real world too haha. Thanks for the compliments. Enjoy your grandchild.
Wow, the Guardian Angel purse is pretty interesting. I’d be afraid to carry it in the states. I’d probably get shot by a cop. Each time I see a Judith Leiber bag I’m reminded of an episode of Sex and the City when Mr. Big gave Carrie one as a gift and she totally hated it. They’re not for everyone. What a fun day with your step daughter 🙂
If you are ever in Amsterdam, don’t miss this museum.
What fabulous bags! I went to Amsterdam a decade ago but didn’t know this place existed. Thanks for taking us there.
I do my best to promote it because I think it is such a gem. Anyone who has seen it, loves it. And there are many more bags, so you don’t have to think I have already shown them.
Thanks Greetje for another lovely post. For me You are definitely the best ambassador of your country (and you should get paid!)
Don’t know about the first but I don’t mind being paid. If only haha.
What a wonderful museum! I want to move in there; I would never leave, just stare at the bags all day long…
Lots of women said the same. Me too. As the building itself is also quite extraordinary. I just wouldn’t stare at the bags, but pick another one each to take for walkies….
The hunt for red jackets can be deleted from your bucketlist now. First you had none and now three, all in different length and material. I like the bagmuseum, it feels like being a child and entering a candy store. Only less fattening .What a craftmenship. Very beautiful.
There were so many bags I wanted to take home with me. Which is why I was seduced to take a bright fuchsia tote home from the museum shop.
You both look lovely, and what a fun outing!
It was Pam, it is a fabulous building and a fabulous collection.
The halo is THE BEST!
Hahaha… I agree. It suits me, doesn’t it?
That last photo with the halos is hilarious! And not one but TWO! My goodness. You paid someone dearly for that! LOL
bisous
Suzanne
No I didn’t have to pay dearly for my halos. Just got them for free at birth. On Good Friday. haha. No selling my soul to the devil.
I like the photo of you praying to the altar of Bag. Haha. And then the halos. So the bags should actually be kneeling down to you, not the other way around.
Loved this tour, Greetje. Thankfully I have escaped an addiction to bags, so far! My closet wouldn’t be able to stand it. I have a tool box and some satchel things I use to carry my stuff around. I’m usually too hurried rushing out the door to choose a bag.
Your jacket is absolutely gorgeous – you look so great in this shade of red. And I love the photos of you and Nicky too.
And the jacket is thrifted for a change. I bet you’re proud of me haha.
it looks like a very interesting museum, the kind of little museum that any history and fashion lover could enjoy!
Loving your comfy&cool outfit, that red jacket is a fabulous piece!
besos
And the jacket is thrifted for a change. It is indeed a very comfortable outfit. I needed that for walking around the museum/town all day. But also needed flat shoes because I had a sprained ankle slowly recovering.
What a delightful afternoon, I would love to spend a day like this just enraptured by a show case of exquisite bags. Especially with their history and stories to go along with it. I love the “guardian angel” purse and Sabine’s funny story and I’m still a huge fan of the famous “sex and the city” treat purse.
Nicky looks absolutely stunning and so happy. Now you my friend, you look fabulous in your great thrift find and white sneakers, which by the way, are so in style right now.
It was the right period to sprain my ankle.. what with sneakers being in style haha. If you ever come over to Amsterdam, I will surely take you to this museum.
I am drooling over many handbags; especially Poloma Picasso, Moschiba, and Prada. What a wonderful experience for you and your daughter. Kathi
Yes those bags are very desirable. It was indeed a lovely day.
What a lovely post Greetje. I love vintage handbags and would have so enjoyed the museum. I especially like the Palomo Picasso red bag AND your red jacket. What is it about the color red?? As I have gotten older I like it more and more.
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
STYLE NUDGE
I have always liked red as a colour for me, but it was often hard to get. And I love vintage bags very much, which is why I am always drooling over yours.
I didn’t know there was such a thing as a museum devoted to bags and purses! I don’t have any real desire to own any expensive bags, but I do enjoy looking at them, and marvel at the exquisite embellishments and colours. The evening bag with the amethyst on the handle is gorgeous, as is the painted blue one with the silver metal embellishment on the top. I can enjoy them as works of art!
That is a lovely photo of your stepdaughter with the light streaming in the window behind her. Your red coat is such a cheerful colour – you could leave it open too, for a different styling option.
I thought it wouldn’t work photographing my stepdaughter with backlight. It turned out a bit dark but I could fix that in Lightroom. It is lovely when things work out so nice. And yes I also see them as works of art. unlike you I am greedy and want to own them all. Better yet, live in that beautiful building and take out another bag every day ?.
thanx greetje!!
loved to walk around the museum with you! <3
xxxx
I always wanted to be a tour guide. From when I was 17.
Not only is an interesting museum, but it has the most delightful lounge area! I would go there often if I lived in Amsterdam! I remember some bags.
I love the exhibition Street Couture section!!
p.s.
Your stepdaughter is so nice! And you took beautiful photos of her …
Thank you Dan. The museum requires a small entrance fee, but I have an annual membership for all musea in The Netherlands, so I can go in for free.
Just found this one and enjoying over coffee this Sunday morning.
Thanks for this Greetje. I will definitely visit the Bag Museum if I get to Amsterdam, which I may do later in the year. Some of the bags which you liked but didn’t have information on, are, I think, Art Deco. I mean the green one with small purse, or compact; and the pinky coloured one with an acqua one in the background, both with lovely clasps. I loved the Japanese card case, and bag with Mt Fuji and lovely silver mounting. They are all so fascinating. You look like you and Nicky had a great time. wonderful red jacket too. I wish I had ‘stylists’!
I searched for my stylists haha. Somehow I seem to attrack them. As it is also a fact that most of my friends like shopping. Not all of them, but the majority. Like an alcoholic who is usually surrounded by heavy drinkers. Give me an email when you come to Amsterdam will you?
Thanks, I will Greetje. Unfortunately it will be a flying visit on a cruise to the Northern Lights. I won’t have to worry about style too much, just layers, brrrrrr! It is lovely that you have such a wide age range of friends; keeps you young, I say! Just as long as your purse holds out ?
Wow thanks for that fabulous tour of the museum Greet. I can’t get over how interesting these bags and Nicky is so pretty! Have a lovely weekend!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
Thanks Rebecca. It is such a cute place to be. With a lot of temptation when you are nearly out the door as you have to pass through the museum shop haha.
What a lovely post Greetje. I love vintage handbags and would have so enjoyed the museum. I especially like the Palomo Picasso red bag AND your red jacket. What is it about the color red?? As I have gotten older I like it more and more.
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
STYLE NUDGE
I have always liked red as a colour for me, but it was often hard to get. And I love vintage bags very much, which is why I am always drooling over yours.
What a delightful afternoon, I would love to spend a day like this just enraptured by a show case of exquisite bags. Especially with their history and stories to go along with it. I love the “guardian angel” purse and Sabine’s funny story and I’m still a huge fan of the famous “sex and the city” treat purse.
Nicky looks absolutely stunning and so happy. Now you my friend, you look fabulous in your great thrift find and white sneakers, which by the way, are so in style right now.
It was the right period to sprain my ankle.. what with sneakers being in style haha. If you ever come over to Amsterdam, I will surely take you to this museum.
it looks like a very interesting museum, the kind of little museum that any history and fashion lover could enjoy!
Loving your comfy&cool outfit, that red jacket is a fabulous piece!
besos
And the jacket is thrifted for a change. It is indeed a very comfortable outfit. I needed that for walking around the museum/town all day. But also needed flat shoes because I had a sprained ankle slowly recovering.
thanx greetje!!
loved to walk around the museum with you! <3
xxxx
I always wanted to be a tour guide. From when I was 17.
I like the photo of you praying to the altar of Bag. Haha. And then the halos. So the bags should actually be kneeling down to you, not the other way around.
Loved this tour, Greetje. Thankfully I have escaped an addiction to bags, so far! My closet wouldn’t be able to stand it. I have a tool box and some satchel things I use to carry my stuff around. I’m usually too hurried rushing out the door to choose a bag.
Your jacket is absolutely gorgeous – you look so great in this shade of red. And I love the photos of you and Nicky too.
And the jacket is thrifted for a change. I bet you’re proud of me haha.
I didn’t know there was such a thing as a museum devoted to bags and purses! I don’t have any real desire to own any expensive bags, but I do enjoy looking at them, and marvel at the exquisite embellishments and colours. The evening bag with the amethyst on the handle is gorgeous, as is the painted blue one with the silver metal embellishment on the top. I can enjoy them as works of art!
That is a lovely photo of your stepdaughter with the light streaming in the window behind her. Your red coat is such a cheerful colour – you could leave it open too, for a different styling option.
I thought it wouldn’t work photographing my stepdaughter with backlight. It turned out a bit dark but I could fix that in Lightroom. It is lovely when things work out so nice. And yes I also see them as works of art. unlike you I am greedy and want to own them all. Better yet, live in that beautiful building and take out another bag every day ?.
Not only is an interesting museum, but it has the most delightful lounge area! I would go there often if I lived in Amsterdam! I remember some bags.
I love the exhibition Street Couture section!!
p.s.
Your stepdaughter is so nice! And you took beautiful photos of her …
Thank you Dan. The museum requires a small entrance fee, but I have an annual membership for all musea in The Netherlands, so I can go in for free.
I am drooling over many handbags; especially Poloma Picasso, Moschiba, and Prada. What a wonderful experience for you and your daughter. Kathi
Yes those bags are very desirable. It was indeed a lovely day.
Wow, the Guardian Angel purse is pretty interesting. I’d be afraid to carry it in the states. I’d probably get shot by a cop. Each time I see a Judith Leiber bag I’m reminded of an episode of Sex and the City when Mr. Big gave Carrie one as a gift and she totally hated it. They’re not for everyone. What a fun day with your step daughter 🙂
If you are ever in Amsterdam, don’t miss this museum.
Dear Greetje, sorry I didn´t check before, a week of full house and baby Adam, jajjajaja
What a wonderful place to be, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh True candy to my eyes.
You are both gorgeous too.
I love how you always wear a piece of clothing, in this case the red jacket, so masterfully.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Darling, I abandon your blog so often as well, I will hold nothing against you. I know we have a life in the real world too haha. Thanks for the compliments. Enjoy your grandchild.
The hunt for red jackets can be deleted from your bucketlist now. First you had none and now three, all in different length and material. I like the bagmuseum, it feels like being a child and entering a candy store. Only less fattening .What a craftmenship. Very beautiful.
There were so many bags I wanted to take home with me. Which is why I was seduced to take a bright fuchsia tote home from the museum shop.
You both look lovely, and what a fun outing!
It was Pam, it is a fabulous building and a fabulous collection.
What a wonderful museum! I want to move in there; I would never leave, just stare at the bags all day long…
Lots of women said the same. Me too. As the building itself is also quite extraordinary. I just wouldn’t stare at the bags, but pick another one each to take for walkies….
What fabulous bags! I went to Amsterdam a decade ago but didn’t know this place existed. Thanks for taking us there.
I do my best to promote it because I think it is such a gem. Anyone who has seen it, loves it. And there are many more bags, so you don’t have to think I have already shown them.
That last photo with the halos is hilarious! And not one but TWO! My goodness. You paid someone dearly for that! LOL
bisous
Suzanne
No I didn’t have to pay dearly for my halos. Just got them for free at birth. On Good Friday. haha. No selling my soul to the devil.
The halo is THE BEST!
Hahaha… I agree. It suits me, doesn’t it?
Thank you for sharing – I never knew of this museum and the photos of the bags are wonderful. As well as the photos of you in your red jacket on your knees praying to a bag – and the last photo of you with a halo over your angelic smile 🙂
What a treat that was Greetje! Thank goodness that most of these aren’t for sale – you’d be bankrupt by now, hahaha. There were too many favourites to mention, and yes, if I ever come to Amsterdam I certainly would pay a visit there. And so on to your outfit. It’s a great combination of smart jacket and casual sneakers – not in the least the conservative Greetje you claim to be! The red is of course fab with your hair colour and all the better for being a bargain. Thanks for dropping by my blog and giving me your thoughts – always great to have your feedback; love your honesty x
Anna
Anna’s Island Style
I am glad you like me being honest. I never want to hurt anybody but feel silly if I comment a lot on a blog and would just flatter and lie. That is just not me. Although my Italian blogging friend Dan is trying to teach me some better manners on this subject (sweet woman).
As for the outfit… it is conservative.. You would have thrown in some patterns and more colour, I am sure haha. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Amazing pictures. Thank you soooo much! I loooooove bags !
Greetje Du siehst bezaubernd aus und die Fotos von euch Beiden im Cafe sind sehr hübsch.
Frohe Ostertage, liebe Grüße Tina
Thank you Tina for these lovely compliments. For a blogger it is always so nice to hear that you are not doing it for nothing. Happy Easter too. Mein Deutsch ist schrecklich.
Thanks Greetje for another lovely post. For me You are definitely the best ambassador of your country (and you should get paid!)
Don’t know about the first but I don’t mind being paid. If only haha.
What a wonderful place for women who love fashion to go hang out!! And since I’m not currently in the vicinity—thanks for showing us many of the pieces!
I never thought of my purses as art…but really what a great concept. Maybe I’ll start hanging them on the walls instead of stuffing them in my armoire!
And I love your statement coat—(I’ve given up the black overcoats—so boring)!! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Actually, it is a jacket, not a coat. And no, I would not hang my bags up if I were you. The dust and light will not do them any good.
I have got another tip for you from one of my readers who commented on the pink, black and white scarf. She said:
” Instead of pins,I use a couple of small magnets to hold my scarves in place. Hide one on the outside among the folds and secure it with another small one on the inside of your top. Sometimes, I use just one magnet and put something that will attract the magnet on the other side.”
I think that is a very good idea.
I have one word for you Greetje…brilliant!! (like i’ve told you before) for the magnets to hold the scarves in place—then it doesn’t damage them like pins would.
As for my purses as artwork—who says there’s dust in my house…ha ha 🙂 ??!!!
But I’ll give you the point on the light!!