Slowly, very slowly, not nearly as quickly as I would like, my ankle is mending. As the weather was really nice last Wednesday, I dared to wear my beloved cream booties by Eijk to go shopping with Marjolein in Haarlem. I wore my cream jeans (seen before here with my green leather jacket) with a black top by Theory and a lime necklace which is a present from Sylvia (40+Style). Sylvia always has very cool and modern necklaces and she brings my collection up to date. (Did you know she offers a course in accessorizing?) Anyway… Marjolein is a friend from way back and we swapp clothes since I was a mere lass of 21. Despite the fact she is a lot smaller than I am.
Last Wednesday we swapped coats: she gave me a lightweigh black and white summer trenchcoat which was too big for her. I gave her a cream trenchcoat which was too small for me. Great concept. Like a lot of my friends (not all of them) she loves shopping, as we did in The Hague (see post here).
I will guide you through Haarlem and show you the things we saw.
Below: first, let me get you reacquinted with Marjolein. I told her: “please stand over there, so I can check the camera settings and then you have to take a picture of me as I need a photo of my outfit for the blog” (I can be very bossy). She is familiair with my addiction.
Below: close-up of the Theory top and the necklace. I think this is a perfect combination.
First we went for lunch at a lovely little place called Klein Parijs (Small Paris) In Kleine Houtstraat. They sell antique stuff (brocante) and serve a very good lunch. You can see what it looks like here. It is really cute.
Below: then across the road we found this gentleman with his hairdresser (from Kinki Kappers) enjoying a sunny day. He wanted grey hair….. now there is a novelty for you. He was such a good sport and allowed me to use his picture for my blog.
Below: also in Kleine Houtstraat (number 13A) there is this beautiful shop called Minguz (note: they closed in 2017). We found little treasures in there.
Around the corner, heading back to the market square, we were attracked by all the colour in the shop of Idols Forever (located Anegang 36). The sales assistant was a charming and beautiful young lady. Somebody who can make you feel cheerful in no time.
Below: after being in and out of another few shops, we went for coffee with delicious cake at an English tea and coffee place in Kruisstraat.
Marjolein had to leave for home and I wandered through Haarlem, trying to capture some more sights for you.
Below: I saw this mother with her baby in a typically Dutch transportbike.
Below: lovely old building with a pig left and right from sausages: ‘T gekroond oost en west indies worst vat. (I cannot translate that. Something to do with award winning sausages from East and West India. In a barrel.)
Below: this little statue by Kees Verkade is in honour of the flower girls of Haarlem. Haarlem is renowned for its love of flowers. Every year there is a flower parade (this year starting April 23, see details here) and flower girls hand out flowers from their basket. I did some pretty crude photoshopping but there was an ugly building behind it and some parked motorcycles.
Below: pretty step-gable house (on Gedempte Oude Gracht). On the ground floor you will find Olala where they make (and sell) their own chocolates. I often pop in to buy two bonbons (50 eurocent each) and stuff them in my mouth immediately. Heaven.
Below: on my way home I saw this modern building which I like too, especially because of the roof. And I like the plants so many people have in their home and on their terrace.
Below: now, this is the kind of house I would love to live in. My ideal house. Unfortunately it is situated at a very busy junction. Och well… don’t have the money anyway. 
Below: to finish it off I asked Ron to take some detail pictures but he didn’t have the patience for something as boring as street pictures. So I asked the granddaughter of my neighbours. I wore my long blue spring coat and a scarf which matched the necklace.
Below: it is a very comfortable outfit. 
I promised you last week that my post this week would have less photos. I think I managed to bring the number down, but not by much. I always get carried away when I have my camera with me.
Greetje
What a great travel report. It’s like we were there with you. I like your necklace.
Thank you, thank you, another virtual shopping tour. I love these! The typical Dutch transport bike is quite different than ours, actually really different. I’ll have to send you a photo of Tori’s bike with Molly. So fun to see those (my favorite) white booties again. And I’ve come to the conclusion that white and black have got to be my all time favorite look. It’s just classy and stylish no matter how you wear it.
Black and white is my favourite combination as well. Colour profiling tought me that this very hard contrast is not favourable for aging skin haha. The advice was cream with moss green. But that is not so easy to come by. It is like the red jackets I was after.. for a long time they were just not in the shops. Green is even a worse colour to find. And when you find green it is usually petrol green or another green with too much blue in it (I need more yellow in my green). Anyway, the way around it is of course to add a colour near your face which does flatter you. Which I did with the necklace.
Please do send a photo of Tori’s bike with Molly or work it into a blogpost.
Greetje
wonderful travel report! and necklace too. you look wonderful, xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Sometimes it just works. I love it when I find a combination like that.
First of all, let me profess love for that necklace. Geometric, sharp lines always call to me. Their siren song. I never say no because resistance is always futile when it comes to me and accessories. And shoes. And most bags. I’m incorrigible, I know.
And don’t ever stop oversharing, despite what some blog posts might debate at length (ahem). How else are the rest of us able to enjoy the picturesque sights of The Netherlands??? xoxo
Your comments often make me grin, smile or laugh. Like this time. I have the same lack of self control in this area as you have. Other areas I am very disciplined. Believe it or not, I really am. Apparently it is like a waterbed. When you push one place down, it rises in another place…
I love when you get carried away with your photos. Heh. Great outfit, so happy to see your lovely shoes again. And the scarf is POW. Love that.
Friends get used to our bossiness, don’t they? ??!!! It’s not bad if they can boss back. And there is coffee and pastry afterwards.
And of course the architecture. If those buildings could talk… You’d probably want to shut them up, they’d all be judging everyone’s fashion on the street! Not that you would have to worry.
I always look forward to your posts. I read them quickly and then come back later to comment (as you can see, heh)
I pick my friends usually on directness and honesty. I may be bossy, but no way they let me boss them around. They hold their own ground and dish it out as much as I do. Sense of humor is number two quality.
Thank you for sharing such great photos Greetje. I always enjoy seeing your unique choices of shoes – love the chunky heel and the cream color. The shot of lime is a great twist to your look too!
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
STYLE NUDGE
I always want to link-up more, like every week. But I am lacking time.
Hi Greetje, I’m running late reading your posts as I’ve been to see my granddaughter in Berlin and visit lovely Prague. If you haven’t been you would love the shops! And the lovely old houses! And the ice cream? I love your outfit today, very classic combination but with the stunning lime green necklace. Your friend has superlative taste. Moss green is difficult to come by but I have one jumper in that colour, and it does flatter the complexion. I never wondered why before 🙂
No need to apologize. My posts aren’t going anywhere. Besides real life is always more important. I must say I am very flattered that you are reading them all. Haven’t been to Prague yet. But it is on the bucket list.
Your shopping photos are always fascinating. The lime green necklace is a beauty. Sylvia has great taste and is very generous. Love your ensemble, Greetje!
I really like it too. It makes a black outfit pop.
Having friends to lend and borrow clothes doubles the outfits and gifting them those too small or big is a very good idea! I do the same, also with my sister …
Very cute and modern necklace! You surely have the hugest set of them!!
Interesting photos of the city … I always like new places!
p.s.
I often wear the blue and green shirt you gave me and every time I do, think of you …
Maybe I should come over this year… Our England holiday is cancelled…
I think this is going to be “my thing”: half travel report and half outfit. I love doing it. Just a lot of (shopping) “casualties” along the way.
Well, while your ankle is mending, you can start getting a fabulous collection of flats. Yes, you wear them well, and you really don’t need heels to look cool.
I spent a few weeks in Haarlem,once, way back, in the 80’s ( my mother was dating a Dutch man for a while and we visited him) but I don’t remember much about the town, so it was nice to see your photos.
At the top navigation of my blog there is a tab called Haarlem, which gives you all my posts with Haarlem pictures in it.
This is yet another great post Greetje. I think as you only post once a week, the length of your posts are about the same as if you were splitting it up over two or three separate ones. I love this lime green of both the necklace and the scarf. It’s lovely understated, clean styling that you’ve achieved with this top and jeans. So pleased, too, to see the cream booties again – oh how I love these! You look polished, cool and funky at the same time.
Anna x
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
That is the style I am aiming for, so perhaps I am finally on my way, getting there. I need to declutter. More clean lines. We are all different, aren’t we? And that is a good thing as otherwise the world would be a boring place.
I wouldn’t miss your posts for the world. They are such fun! It’s a pleasure catching up. 🙂
???
Outstanding outfit!
I love your look and your style.
Your blog is very inspiring!
Thanks a lot for sharing.
cerco una consulente di immagine Milano Varese
Cheers
I am very flattered. Quite a compliment coming from you. Thank you very much.
It was a lovely day in Haarlem.We always have a lot to talk about.I also love to shop in Haarlem because there are a lot of different shops in Haarlem comparing with The Hague.Greetje and I have the same kind of humor so It ‘ s a day with laughter as wel.
Yep, we do laugh over the same things. And very loud as well hahaha. It is always lovely to meet with you.
Greetje!! You didn’t get carried away—how else am I to see your beloved area if you don’t take these wonderful pictures!! It’s like my own little getaway (all I’m missing is the taste of the food and your voice….well and the buying of items, but that’s probably for the better, anyways)
This lime necklace is such a great accessory to your outfit! I have very little neonish color myself, but I’d actually consider something like this!
I was just saying to a friend, that maybe I should start putting a little more grey in my hair—to look more relevant to the older age groups—and then you show this gentleman doing just that!! Hmmmm….
So, since you went shopping, did you buy anything?
I love swapping clothes with friends. I have some friends that we do exactly that! To me, it’s even better than shopping (probably because it’s free!!)
You look fabulous (I’m totally biased as I’m a huge sucker of whiteish jeans)….I’m glad you’re ankle is feeling better, and I’m coveting those shoes—almost Victorian?
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Yes, of course I bought something. I am terrible… I bought a coat/jacket, cream with big yellow blodges. Looks very good on me. They had a similar one in a slightly different fabric and in blue with white. I left that in the shop. But I was tempted haha.
The shoes are the best buy ever.
That necklace is really nice, and really “pops” against the black. It’s also a good color on you. I smile when I remember our day shopping and the frequent coffee stops.
It is what I do best: shopping and drinking coffee ???. I had a lovely afternoon with you.
Harleem has changed a lot since I was there the last time about 24 years ago. LOL. Great outfit, great scarf, coat and these shoes!
I don’t know.. I don’t think Haarlem has changed much in 24 years. I have created a tab at the top navigation, called Haarlem. All my posts in which I features bits of Haarlem can be found there.
My sister in law lives in Haarlem, near the trainstation. There is a lovely shop (clothing)around her corner of her street where we always take a look when we visit her. And my brother in law started his own business there in the graffic world. That necklace is great!
Haarlem was chosen the best shopping city of The Netherlands a number of times. It is a great little town. I am sure your relatives will agree.
Greetje, You write in such an entertaining way. It’s a pleasure to read your blog. I don’t live that far away (Amstelveen) but don’t know Haarlem very well as I actually come from the north of Holland. There are still so many places to explore and Haarlem is one of them. Not so long ago I visited Haarlem to have an excellent lunch at “Hout”. Next time when I visit your town I’ll read this blog first 🙂
Kind regards,
Diana
Have a look at the top of my mavigation Diana. There is a tab called Haarlem. All my posts which feature Haarlem are there. And thank you very much for your lovely compliment.
But I love all the photos, why do you “promise” to take less, this is not what we want! It is so interesting (makes me envious) to see the places you go to.
OK, OK haha, I will continue. You made me laugh.
I always love it when you take us along on an outing! Beautiful photos of Haarlem! Interesting that there was no mention of what you bought… 🙂 I know you’ll show us soon, right!?!!!
I love the black top with the necklace. It truly is the perfect combo. And your scarf is gorgeous, too! The two colors are so pretty together!
When you acquire so much stuff as I do, there is usually something in my closets that wotk together. Like scarf and necklace. And yes I bought something: a yellow/cream coat/jacket. Soon to be on the blog.
It is so wonderful to see more photos of your lovely city. The architecture is wonderful. I thought it was such a pleasant walkable city.
I LOVE that hairdresser’s blue and green hair! I’m sure it is very high maintenance though.
I think your outfit is interesting because I never or very rarely wear lighter colours on the bottom and darker colours on the top. It is always the reverse. I think it works well for you because you are smaller on the bottom than the top. I think I would look lopsided.
bisous
Suzanne
Hahaha, well we both know what our strong points are and we emphasize the good bits. That’s the way it’s done, n’est pas?
Enjoyed “traveling with you” on your trip to Haarlem. Lime green is one of my favorite colors and it was great seeing how you use it as an accent in your wardrobe. I hope you will continue to post lots of photos. It gives me ideas of neighborhoods to visit on my future trips to the Netherlands.
There are two tabs at the top navigation of my blog, called Amsterdam and Haarlem. You can see more of both cities in the posts gathered there. And I will continue my photography.
Outstanding outfit!
I love your look and your style.
Your blog is very inspiring!
Thanks a lot for sharing.
cerco una consulente di immagine Milano Varese
Cheers
I am very flattered. Quite a compliment coming from you. Thank you very much.
I wouldn’t miss your posts for the world. They are such fun! It’s a pleasure catching up. 🙂
???
Hi Greetje, I’m running late reading your posts as I’ve been to see my granddaughter in Berlin and visit lovely Prague. If you haven’t been you would love the shops! And the lovely old houses! And the ice cream? I love your outfit today, very classic combination but with the stunning lime green necklace. Your friend has superlative taste. Moss green is difficult to come by but I have one jumper in that colour, and it does flatter the complexion. I never wondered why before 🙂
No need to apologize. My posts aren’t going anywhere. Besides real life is always more important. I must say I am very flattered that you are reading them all. Haven’t been to Prague yet. But it is on the bucket list.
First of all, let me profess love for that necklace. Geometric, sharp lines always call to me. Their siren song. I never say no because resistance is always futile when it comes to me and accessories. And shoes. And most bags. I’m incorrigible, I know.
And don’t ever stop oversharing, despite what some blog posts might debate at length (ahem). How else are the rest of us able to enjoy the picturesque sights of The Netherlands??? xoxo
Your comments often make me grin, smile or laugh. Like this time. I have the same lack of self control in this area as you have. Other areas I am very disciplined. Believe it or not, I really am. Apparently it is like a waterbed. When you push one place down, it rises in another place…
I love when you get carried away with your photos. Heh. Great outfit, so happy to see your lovely shoes again. And the scarf is POW. Love that.
Friends get used to our bossiness, don’t they? ??!!! It’s not bad if they can boss back. And there is coffee and pastry afterwards.
And of course the architecture. If those buildings could talk… You’d probably want to shut them up, they’d all be judging everyone’s fashion on the street! Not that you would have to worry.
I always look forward to your posts. I read them quickly and then come back later to comment (as you can see, heh)
I pick my friends usually on directness and honesty. I may be bossy, but no way they let me boss them around. They hold their own ground and dish it out as much as I do. Sense of humor is number two quality.
Thank you, thank you, another virtual shopping tour. I love these! The typical Dutch transport bike is quite different than ours, actually really different. I’ll have to send you a photo of Tori’s bike with Molly. So fun to see those (my favorite) white booties again. And I’ve come to the conclusion that white and black have got to be my all time favorite look. It’s just classy and stylish no matter how you wear it.
Black and white is my favourite combination as well. Colour profiling tought me that this very hard contrast is not favourable for aging skin haha. The advice was cream with moss green. But that is not so easy to come by. It is like the red jackets I was after.. for a long time they were just not in the shops. Green is even a worse colour to find. And when you find green it is usually petrol green or another green with too much blue in it (I need more yellow in my green). Anyway, the way around it is of course to add a colour near your face which does flatter you. Which I did with the necklace.
Please do send a photo of Tori’s bike with Molly or work it into a blogpost.
Greetje
Thank you for sharing such great photos Greetje. I always enjoy seeing your unique choices of shoes – love the chunky heel and the cream color. The shot of lime is a great twist to your look too!
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
STYLE NUDGE
I always want to link-up more, like every week. But I am lacking time.
wonderful travel report! and necklace too. you look wonderful, xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Sometimes it just works. I love it when I find a combination like that.
Your shopping photos are always fascinating. The lime green necklace is a beauty. Sylvia has great taste and is very generous. Love your ensemble, Greetje!
I really like it too. It makes a black outfit pop.
Having friends to lend and borrow clothes doubles the outfits and gifting them those too small or big is a very good idea! I do the same, also with my sister …
Very cute and modern necklace! You surely have the hugest set of them!!
Interesting photos of the city … I always like new places!
p.s.
I often wear the blue and green shirt you gave me and every time I do, think of you …
Maybe I should come over this year… Our England holiday is cancelled…
Well, while your ankle is mending, you can start getting a fabulous collection of flats. Yes, you wear them well, and you really don’t need heels to look cool.
I spent a few weeks in Haarlem,once, way back, in the 80’s ( my mother was dating a Dutch man for a while and we visited him) but I don’t remember much about the town, so it was nice to see your photos.
At the top navigation of my blog there is a tab called Haarlem, which gives you all my posts with Haarlem pictures in it.
This is yet another great post Greetje. I think as you only post once a week, the length of your posts are about the same as if you were splitting it up over two or three separate ones. I love this lime green of both the necklace and the scarf. It’s lovely understated, clean styling that you’ve achieved with this top and jeans. So pleased, too, to see the cream booties again – oh how I love these! You look polished, cool and funky at the same time.
Anna x
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
That is the style I am aiming for, so perhaps I am finally on my way, getting there. I need to declutter. More clean lines. We are all different, aren’t we? And that is a good thing as otherwise the world would be a boring place.
I think this is going to be “my thing”: half travel report and half outfit. I love doing it. Just a lot of (shopping) “casualties” along the way.
What a great travel report. It’s like we were there with you. I like your necklace.
That necklace is really nice, and really “pops” against the black. It’s also a good color on you. I smile when I remember our day shopping and the frequent coffee stops.
It is what I do best: shopping and drinking coffee ???. I had a lovely afternoon with you.
My sister in law lives in Haarlem, near the trainstation. There is a lovely shop (clothing)around her corner of her street where we always take a look when we visit her. And my brother in law started his own business there in the graffic world. That necklace is great!
Haarlem was chosen the best shopping city of The Netherlands a number of times. It is a great little town. I am sure your relatives will agree.
Enjoyed “traveling with you” on your trip to Haarlem. Lime green is one of my favorite colors and it was great seeing how you use it as an accent in your wardrobe. I hope you will continue to post lots of photos. It gives me ideas of neighborhoods to visit on my future trips to the Netherlands.
There are two tabs at the top navigation of my blog, called Amsterdam and Haarlem. You can see more of both cities in the posts gathered there. And I will continue my photography.
I always love it when you take us along on an outing! Beautiful photos of Haarlem! Interesting that there was no mention of what you bought… 🙂 I know you’ll show us soon, right!?!!!
I love the black top with the necklace. It truly is the perfect combo. And your scarf is gorgeous, too! The two colors are so pretty together!
When you acquire so much stuff as I do, there is usually something in my closets that wotk together. Like scarf and necklace. And yes I bought something: a yellow/cream coat/jacket. Soon to be on the blog.
But I love all the photos, why do you “promise” to take less, this is not what we want! It is so interesting (makes me envious) to see the places you go to.
OK, OK haha, I will continue. You made me laugh.
It is so wonderful to see more photos of your lovely city. The architecture is wonderful. I thought it was such a pleasant walkable city.
I LOVE that hairdresser’s blue and green hair! I’m sure it is very high maintenance though.
I think your outfit is interesting because I never or very rarely wear lighter colours on the bottom and darker colours on the top. It is always the reverse. I think it works well for you because you are smaller on the bottom than the top. I think I would look lopsided.
bisous
Suzanne
Hahaha, well we both know what our strong points are and we emphasize the good bits. That’s the way it’s done, n’est pas?
Greetje, You write in such an entertaining way. It’s a pleasure to read your blog. I don’t live that far away (Amstelveen) but don’t know Haarlem very well as I actually come from the north of Holland. There are still so many places to explore and Haarlem is one of them. Not so long ago I visited Haarlem to have an excellent lunch at “Hout”. Next time when I visit your town I’ll read this blog first 🙂
Kind regards,
Diana
Have a look at the top of my mavigation Diana. There is a tab called Haarlem. All my posts which feature Haarlem are there. And thank you very much for your lovely compliment.
Harleem has changed a lot since I was there the last time about 24 years ago. LOL. Great outfit, great scarf, coat and these shoes!
I don’t know.. I don’t think Haarlem has changed much in 24 years. I have created a tab at the top navigation, called Haarlem. All my posts in which I features bits of Haarlem can be found there.
It was a lovely day in Haarlem.We always have a lot to talk about.I also love to shop in Haarlem because there are a lot of different shops in Haarlem comparing with The Hague.Greetje and I have the same kind of humor so It ‘ s a day with laughter as wel.
Yep, we do laugh over the same things. And very loud as well hahaha. It is always lovely to meet with you.
Greetje!! You didn’t get carried away—how else am I to see your beloved area if you don’t take these wonderful pictures!! It’s like my own little getaway (all I’m missing is the taste of the food and your voice….well and the buying of items, but that’s probably for the better, anyways)
This lime necklace is such a great accessory to your outfit! I have very little neonish color myself, but I’d actually consider something like this!
I was just saying to a friend, that maybe I should start putting a little more grey in my hair—to look more relevant to the older age groups—and then you show this gentleman doing just that!! Hmmmm….
So, since you went shopping, did you buy anything?
I love swapping clothes with friends. I have some friends that we do exactly that! To me, it’s even better than shopping (probably because it’s free!!)
You look fabulous (I’m totally biased as I’m a huge sucker of whiteish jeans)….I’m glad you’re ankle is feeling better, and I’m coveting those shoes—almost Victorian?
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Yes, of course I bought something. I am terrible… I bought a coat/jacket, cream with big yellow blodges. Looks very good on me. They had a similar one in a slightly different fabric and in blue with white. I left that in the shop. But I was tempted haha.
The shoes are the best buy ever.