Finally another skirt post. Because finally I can wear my beloved Max Mara boots again. Stupid sprained ankle. Still a bit painful on high heels, but hey… I am back! This post is going to be without beautiful houses, neighbourhoods and quirky pictures. Just a plain and simple outfit post. About leather, pearls and polka dots. In my book a perfect match. Polka dots and pearls… well .. that figures. I throw in the leather to steer away from a classic look. Not that I have anything against classic, nothing at all, but it isn’t me.
This pearl thing was brought on by Adrienne (The Rich Life on a budget) and Jill (Everything Just So) who are both host to posts called “How I wear my…… ” This month (as from May 4): pearls.
I love my pearls but I don’t want to style them the classic way because my taste has changed these past three (blogging) years. Which means I hardly wear them anymore, which is A) a shame as they are beautiful and B) very bad for pearls, as they need wearing to keep their luster. If I do wear them, it is together with something tough, like a jacket with a bit of metal, a studded belt or as in this post, with a leather jacket.
I wore this outfit to work and brought my camera with me. I am cunning, as I planned to lure somebody in helping me with blog photos. And indeed, my colleague Jan was kind enough to take some pictures on the first floor of our office building. He is a keen photographer. I do know who to ask… 😆
Below: the handkerchief skirt is a wrap. Black and white with little polka dots. And yes, I should have pulled it down a bit so the lines would continue better… Below: as you can see here, the polka dots give the skirt a bit of a brown colour. My ring has two pearls held between two gold “bamboo” twigs.
Below: close-up of the pearl ring. The ring is a present from my lovely friend Marianne.Below: the brown leather jacket has no collar which doesn’t really suit me. I don’t know why. It is because I have a long neck? Or a tiny head? No idea. I just know I need a collar. Most of my jackets and shirts have that but I have ventured into “bare neck”-items lately. Still not feeling too comfortable in them.
I bought the jacket a size bigger than usual because I wanted to be able to zip it up for outdoor wear. Which makes the sleeves too long (solved that by scrunching them up) and the shoulders a bit too wide. As it happens I never use the jacket outdoors. And indoors I never zip up. Lesson learned: if you use a jacket indoors, you probably wear it open and you should judge the size you need accordingly. A bit tighter looks more vivaciously. Below: I can wear this skirt with flat boots as well. I will admit I rather like these brown boots which are ancient. (See them here worn on brown trousers.) The orange tassle necklace is a gift from colleague Nandy for my birthday last year. She is a very attentive woman. Quite the opposite from me. I never remember birthdays.
Below: the orange bag is a present from neighbour and good friend Anja (Curly Traveller). It is a cute bag which always gets me compliments. Together with the scarf and necklace it gives some colour to this otherwise brown/black outfit. I do get lots of presents, don’t I? 😀 😀 😎 .
Below: close-up of my black tights with polka dots, my beloved brown boots and the bag.
Below: one last shot of all the pearl items I am wearing: bracelet, ring, earrings, short necklace (freshwater pearls) with gold tassle and long necklace. See the earrings? They were my mother’s and I had them altered. Why and how you can read in this post (if you are interested).
Hope you liked this detailed outfit post for a change. Next week another report on Amsterdam and the ring I got from Ron for my birthday.
Greetje
Linking up with..:
- Cherie (Style Nudge), hosting Shoe and Tell Fasion Link-up where bloggers show their shoes and more.
- The very visible Patti (Not Dead Yet Style) who always hosts one Visible Monday after another Visible Monday in order to show the world that women over 40 are not invisible.
- Catherine (No Dressed as Lamb), hosting I wear what I like.
Greetje, I think the gorgeous neckerchief has brilliantly solved your no collar dilemma! I absolutely love it and I see no evidence of a too long neck or too small head! You’re so silly, beautiful lady! I can see why the brown boots are your favorite…I am turning green with envy for them! The whole look is fantastic. Thanks for inspiring!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
My friend Daniela of the blog the Pretty Cute, had these boots and I fell in love with them too. Just copied her haha. Thank you for all your sweet words.
I am back again picking your brains ,what system of commenting do you have?
Did you Install it yourself?
No, I have guys doing that for me. I can ask the guy who is helping me at rhe moment what his predessor installed, but you will have to wait until next week. He is on holiday this week.
I’m up to date at last! Lovely pearls! I like the idea of mixing them all together for a more fun look. Perhaps you could add a pendant in lapis to one or something so that you would wear them more? I love the wrap over skirt too, and I sew! So I may pinch that idea 🙂 as I have some boring grey which would so benefit from a bit of something more. Good call with the spotty tights too, but I’d like to wear them in red? Perhaps not for work though. Kind regards, Trish
I have worn red tartan tights with a little black dress and black high heels. That was fun. Bear in mind that red is a colour of which you don’t need much.
Your boring grey skirt could also be the perfect stage for statement shoes or statement top. To balance things. Or you could add brooches to the skirt (why not?) Or let a sort of pouch bag hang on it from a belt. Or use a statement belt which hangs a bit lower (here are links to two examples:
https://www.nofearoffashion.com/2015/10/wide-fuchsia-skirt-with-dark-blue-blouse
https://www.nofearoffashion.com/2015/03/pencil-skirt-styling-part-2
Thanks for all the replies. I would love to see the tartan red tights! We have very boring tights here. I must do a bit more searching for some interesting ones. Re the skirt, hold on! I haven’t made it yet ? But I will certainly be using yours as an inspiration. Maybe a really interesting button fastening too, a bit like a brooch. There aren’t many patterns for this type of skirt but I recently saw one in the Burda magazine! However I am currently onto summer styles, and flowy clothes. As you know, our summers are short like yours, and I’m tapping into my inner Bohemian at the moment, but I have to be a bit careful with too much fabric, as yet again, it doesn’t suit shorties! Thanks for all the links. I will check them out. Bfn Trish
Flowy is good for you! I will mail you a picture of me eight years ago. With the tartan tights.
I think you did a great job putting this outfit together Greetje. Combining the classic with more rocker elements is fabulous. The only thing I’m not sold on is the scarf for this look…
I know what you mean, small scarves are rarely my choice either. Only my leopard one on my lime sweater is good. But I need a scarf with this type of collar. It is safe to conclude I should not have bought the jacket haha.
Nothing plain or simple about this outfit, Greetje. There are so many tiny, subtle accents which, combined together, make for a very understatement outfit which begs a second, fourth, sixth glance as each reveals something new 🙂
OK, I will reconsider the merits of this outfit then.
I love pearls, they always make me feel so ladylike. I love the idea of balancing something so feminine with a leather jacket. I really love this outfit on you.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
Thank you Alice. It isn’t my favourite outfit, but it seems to go down well.
This is a lovely outfit, and I like that the dots on your stockings echo the shape and colour of the pearls.
I was a dotted person when I put this outfit together.
There’s something very cool about wearing sweet pearls with badass leather.
It is probably cool because of the contradiction (I think…).
It’s fun to see you in a skirt again. And you did a great job combining it with color, classic jewelry like pearls and then a fun bag, and don’t forget your cool leather jacket. This is the way you used to dress yourself without the leather jacket and funky handbag. But I prefer the Greetje of today. Daring and thinking out of the box.
Thanks Marianne. Do you like the photo of your ring? Isn’t it beautiful??
Love how you added those colorful touches to this edgy look Greet – Check out my latest collab with CHICWISH – Have a wonderful week!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
I will Rebecca. A visit to your blog is long overdue.
Thank you dear friend for all your input and wonderful comments
I am going to find a way that people I reply to will get my reply without having to come back to my blog. See how I get on.
Much loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Tou need an IT man specialised in blogs…
I love this fun mix today Greetje. Pearls and leather are a great combination, and much younger than the classic (British) twin-set and pearls. The neckerchief is a great distraction from the lack of collar on the jacket, as well as being a good splash of colour. And I love that orange bag – it’s funky!
Anna x
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
Glad you like it Anna. But it is a bit on the safe side. Even for me ha ha.
Pearls and a leather jacket, in my book that’s perfection itself. In fact, I wore something like that just yesterday… And you look fab, and very modern. And the pearls are lovely. You can tell I love pearls, right?
I have a very contemporary pearl necklace with lapis lazuli balls which I like a lot (I like pearls too). I have had it on my blog in a previous post, but the photos were sooo bad. I will have to feature them again. Oh and a short string of fresh water black pearls (with matching earrings and ring whoopy).
Well, I really like classic outfits with just a few fun elements, so this outfit is a total winner in my book! Oh, and if you ever find you really don’t want your little scarves anymore, I’m sure we could work out a deal! 😉
I will put a little red dot (for “sold”) on my little scarves haha.
Now look at you print mixing Greetje!!! See….just like I said: practice makes perfect!!
I adore the leather & pearls—of course my first response when I think pearls is the classic adaptation—but I’m learning to mix it up too!!
I just bought a small scarf like yours—-and I love the idea of layering it with necklaces—you give me such good ideas!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
OK …your comment gave me a good laugh again. I am always so surprised when I read things like “you give me such good ideas”. My brain is going: “Who? Who is she talking about? What?? Me??? Go on!!” Hahaha
This kind of print mixing I learned from Alice (Happiness at Mid-Life). She is goooddd.
And the layering I got from Trina (Teatime with Trina). You do pick up things when you are dedicated.
The ring given to you by a friend is GORGEOUS!!!
Isn’t it just? Pearl rings can be a bit dowdy, but this one isn’t. It is really a good design.
Happy Belated Birthday Greetje!
Gosh…you have put together a great look! There is that push/pull edgy/soft play! So well done!!! And then the pops of colour! Brilliant!
Ha.. that is funny…. I quite like the outfit but it is still too classic for me and I don’t like the fact the jacket is too big. Maybe I am too tough on myself.
My elegant and wonderful friend who prettiest outfit, love it! The skirt is cute, I love the design and color scheme. I like the combination of pearls, leather, small polka dots, color in the scarf and bag. My dear Greetje, this proposal seems to me great.
I never expected so much praise, but I will gladly accept it. It is not really my favourite outfit, but I am proud I thought of this outfit myself.
Wonderful mix of feminine and masculine items, creating a beautiful ensemble. Love the tights. And a girl can never go wrong with a moto-inspired leather jacket. I like your idea for finding a photographer — maybe I’ll go to work tomorrow in a skirt… 🙂
Oh gosh Ally.. that would be a shock to your colleagues.. They might just need that. ?
I really enjoyed this detailed outfit post, Greetje.
I like reading your thought processes and often have similar problems, which need solutions.
You look smart but with an edge of fun, which is a perfect note to strike.
XXX
Samantha
It still is a bit of a classic outfit I think, despite the “adjustments”. I like it, but it will not be a winner in my wardrobe. There are better ones.
I must say I really like the scarf and the bag. All the little accessories really make this outfit sing.
I also have pearls and never wear them except sometimes when I attend a wedding which is…once every 15 years! LOL
bisous
Suzanne
I find little scarves also often to be classic, so I hardly wear them. I have a leopard print one which is perfect. The rest is just in a draw, waiting…
The bag is cute, no doubt about that.
But even though I really tried to make this outfit work, I don’t think I am ever going to wear it anymore. Still a bit too classic and I don’t like the size of the jacket.
What a fun work outfit! I really like the skirt…fun design!
Thanks Pam. I had it altered a bit. Had the waist made a bit wider, which made the length a bit better as it dropped an inch. It was rather short before.
Nothing plain or simple about this outfit, Greetje. There are so many tiny, subtle accents which, combined together, make for a very understatement outfit which begs a second, fourth, sixth glance as each reveals something new 🙂
OK, I will reconsider the merits of this outfit then.
Thanks for all the replies. I would love to see the tartan red tights! We have very boring tights here. I must do a bit more searching for some interesting ones. Re the skirt, hold on! I haven’t made it yet ? But I will certainly be using yours as an inspiration. Maybe a really interesting button fastening too, a bit like a brooch. There aren’t many patterns for this type of skirt but I recently saw one in the Burda magazine! However I am currently onto summer styles, and flowy clothes. As you know, our summers are short like yours, and I’m tapping into my inner Bohemian at the moment, but I have to be a bit careful with too much fabric, as yet again, it doesn’t suit shorties! Thanks for all the links. I will check them out. Bfn Trish
Flowy is good for you! I will mail you a picture of me eight years ago. With the tartan tights.
I’m up to date at last! Lovely pearls! I like the idea of mixing them all together for a more fun look. Perhaps you could add a pendant in lapis to one or something so that you would wear them more? I love the wrap over skirt too, and I sew! So I may pinch that idea 🙂 as I have some boring grey which would so benefit from a bit of something more. Good call with the spotty tights too, but I’d like to wear them in red? Perhaps not for work though. Kind regards, Trish
I have worn red tartan tights with a little black dress and black high heels. That was fun. Bear in mind that red is a colour of which you don’t need much.
Your boring grey skirt could also be the perfect stage for statement shoes or statement top. To balance things. Or you could add brooches to the skirt (why not?) Or let a sort of pouch bag hang on it from a belt. Or use a statement belt which hangs a bit lower (here are links to two examples:
https://www.nofearoffashion.com/2015/10/wide-fuchsia-skirt-with-dark-blue-blouse
https://www.nofearoffashion.com/2015/03/pencil-skirt-styling-part-2
I think you did a great job putting this outfit together Greetje. Combining the classic with more rocker elements is fabulous. The only thing I’m not sold on is the scarf for this look…
I know what you mean, small scarves are rarely my choice either. Only my leopard one on my lime sweater is good. But I need a scarf with this type of collar. It is safe to conclude I should not have bought the jacket haha.
I am back again picking your brains ,what system of commenting do you have?
Did you Install it yourself?
No, I have guys doing that for me. I can ask the guy who is helping me at rhe moment what his predessor installed, but you will have to wait until next week. He is on holiday this week.
Greetje, I think the gorgeous neckerchief has brilliantly solved your no collar dilemma! I absolutely love it and I see no evidence of a too long neck or too small head! You’re so silly, beautiful lady! I can see why the brown boots are your favorite…I am turning green with envy for them! The whole look is fantastic. Thanks for inspiring!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
My friend Daniela of the blog the Pretty Cute, had these boots and I fell in love with them too. Just copied her haha. Thank you for all your sweet words.
At last you are wearing a skirt again!! You know that I love them on you …
The pearl necklace is beautiful and not too classic on your modern outfit:you look very nice!
Probably I missed something or read too fastly your posts because I don’t remember of a sprained ankle!! Luckily, as you say, it is ok now … and you can wear the boots again. I have put away mine until next autumn…
Well the sprained ankle happen January 21 and is still not fully recovered. I cannot walk distances or too lomg on heels. And not for days on end either. Still painful. Oh well, mending though.
Glad you like the outfit. I bet you opened my posts these lasts months thinking “oh no, not again… trousers”… haha.
Thank you dear friend for all your input and wonderful comments
I am going to find a way that people I reply to will get my reply without having to come back to my blog. See how I get on.
Much loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Tou need an IT man specialised in blogs…
I love pearls, they always make me feel so ladylike. I love the idea of balancing something so feminine with a leather jacket. I really love this outfit on you.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
Thank you Alice. It isn’t my favourite outfit, but it seems to go down well.
At last you are wearing a skirt again!! You know that I love them on you …
The pearl necklace is beautiful and not too classic on your modern outfit:you look very nice!
Probably I missed something or read too fastly your posts because I don’t remember of a sprained ankle!! Luckily, as you say, it is ok now … and you can wear the boots again. I have put away mine until next autumn…
Well the sprained ankle happen January 21 and is still not fully recovered. I cannot walk distances or too lomg on heels. And not for days on end either. Still painful. Oh well, mending though.
Glad you like the outfit. I bet you opened my posts these lasts months thinking “oh no, not again… trousers”… haha.
There’s something very cool about wearing sweet pearls with badass leather.
It is probably cool because of the contradiction (I think…).
This is a lovely outfit, and I like that the dots on your stockings echo the shape and colour of the pearls.
I was a dotted person when I put this outfit together.
It’s fun to see you in a skirt again. And you did a great job combining it with color, classic jewelry like pearls and then a fun bag, and don’t forget your cool leather jacket. This is the way you used to dress yourself without the leather jacket and funky handbag. But I prefer the Greetje of today. Daring and thinking out of the box.
Thanks Marianne. Do you like the photo of your ring? Isn’t it beautiful??
Now look at you print mixing Greetje!!! See….just like I said: practice makes perfect!!
I adore the leather & pearls—of course my first response when I think pearls is the classic adaptation—but I’m learning to mix it up too!!
I just bought a small scarf like yours—-and I love the idea of layering it with necklaces—you give me such good ideas!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
OK …your comment gave me a good laugh again. I am always so surprised when I read things like “you give me such good ideas”. My brain is going: “Who? Who is she talking about? What?? Me??? Go on!!” Hahaha
This kind of print mixing I learned from Alice (Happiness at Mid-Life). She is goooddd.
And the layering I got from Trina (Teatime with Trina). You do pick up things when you are dedicated.
Love how you added those colorful touches to this edgy look Greet – Check out my latest collab with CHICWISH – Have a wonderful week!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
I will Rebecca. A visit to your blog is long overdue.
Pearls and a leather jacket, in my book that’s perfection itself. In fact, I wore something like that just yesterday… And you look fab, and very modern. And the pearls are lovely. You can tell I love pearls, right?
I have a very contemporary pearl necklace with lapis lazuli balls which I like a lot (I like pearls too). I have had it on my blog in a previous post, but the photos were sooo bad. I will have to feature them again. Oh and a short string of fresh water black pearls (with matching earrings and ring whoopy).
My elegant and wonderful friend who prettiest outfit, love it! The skirt is cute, I love the design and color scheme. I like the combination of pearls, leather, small polka dots, color in the scarf and bag. My dear Greetje, this proposal seems to me great.
I never expected so much praise, but I will gladly accept it. It is not really my favourite outfit, but I am proud I thought of this outfit myself.
I love this fun mix today Greetje. Pearls and leather are a great combination, and much younger than the classic (British) twin-set and pearls. The neckerchief is a great distraction from the lack of collar on the jacket, as well as being a good splash of colour. And I love that orange bag – it’s funky!
Anna x
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
Glad you like it Anna. But it is a bit on the safe side. Even for me ha ha.
Well, I really like classic outfits with just a few fun elements, so this outfit is a total winner in my book! Oh, and if you ever find you really don’t want your little scarves anymore, I’m sure we could work out a deal! 😉
I will put a little red dot (for “sold”) on my little scarves haha.
Happy Belated Birthday Greetje!
Gosh…you have put together a great look! There is that push/pull edgy/soft play! So well done!!! And then the pops of colour! Brilliant!
Ha.. that is funny…. I quite like the outfit but it is still too classic for me and I don’t like the fact the jacket is too big. Maybe I am too tough on myself.
The ring given to you by a friend is GORGEOUS!!!
Isn’t it just? Pearl rings can be a bit dowdy, but this one isn’t. It is really a good design.
I must say I really like the scarf and the bag. All the little accessories really make this outfit sing.
I also have pearls and never wear them except sometimes when I attend a wedding which is…once every 15 years! LOL
bisous
Suzanne
I find little scarves also often to be classic, so I hardly wear them. I have a leopard print one which is perfect. The rest is just in a draw, waiting…
The bag is cute, no doubt about that.
But even though I really tried to make this outfit work, I don’t think I am ever going to wear it anymore. Still a bit too classic and I don’t like the size of the jacket.
I really enjoyed this detailed outfit post, Greetje.
I like reading your thought processes and often have similar problems, which need solutions.
You look smart but with an edge of fun, which is a perfect note to strike.
XXX
Samantha
It still is a bit of a classic outfit I think, despite the “adjustments”. I like it, but it will not be a winner in my wardrobe. There are better ones.
Wonderful mix of feminine and masculine items, creating a beautiful ensemble. Love the tights. And a girl can never go wrong with a moto-inspired leather jacket. I like your idea for finding a photographer — maybe I’ll go to work tomorrow in a skirt… 🙂
Oh gosh Ally.. that would be a shock to your colleagues.. They might just need that. ?
What a fun work outfit! I really like the skirt…fun design!
Thanks Pam. I had it altered a bit. Had the waist made a bit wider, which made the length a bit better as it dropped an inch. It was rather short before.