Ron and I went to see the ruins of castle Brederode in Santpoort (no information available in English). Because I wanted photos and he remembered this place would give us a nice background (tip from my friend Anja). Unfortunately the sun decided to hide behind clouds, which makes the pictures a little dreary. I started the styling of this outfit with the new bangles. They are very attention drawing so I toned down the rest. Well.. sort of.
To begin with: boyfriend jeans by G-Star, They are becoming my most favourite item this summer. The way they are shaped, together with the high/low tops is very flattering for my figure. And sooo comfortable. This day I even had my sneakers (Ecco) on. Even more comfortable.
Above: I don’t think you have ever seen this blue top. It is actually silk at the front, which means, if there is a stain anywhere in the neighbourhood, it will end up on this top. Very annoying. The fuchsia bag was a purchase I made when visiting the bag museum with my stepdaugter. I thought I was safe in a museum and forgot all about their shop. The bag is by Picard, a German brand of quality leather handbags I had never heard of. To be honest with you… the shine of the leather makes it look like plastic. I have plastic bags which look more like leather than this one. So I regret this purchase a little. Although in reality the shine is a lot less than in these photos.
Now let’s talk castles, let’s talk ruins.
Below: not much left of the castle although still impressive.
Below: over the bridge (which was a drawbridge in the old days for sure).
Below: and through the “gate”.
We hunted for spots where the light was right and the wind wasn’t blowing so fiercely.
Below: look what I am wearing!!?! Isn’t that the coat I DIDN’T buy with my Shopping Saturday friends? Yes, it is. I looked at the photo we took that Saturday several times and I fell soooo in love with this coat. Had to search high and low in England and the Netherlands for the right size. Found the very last one in my size, which Karen Millen reserved for me. My beautiful stepdaughter collected it and negotiated so well that I got it for 1/3 of the original price. (Thank you Nicky.) I was and am so pleased with it. Which just proves that something you had to fight for is often worth more to you than something you got thrown in your lap.
Below: indeed the background was pretty good.
Below: windswept though. Now… did you notice my new bangles?
Below: the bangles and the ring in very good colours.
Below: these bangles are from the UK, from Little Mole Boutique, an online shop. Although they usually deliver in the UK, I got in touch with them by email and we arranged payment and shipment in no time. And I gave them the wrong address… (I can be very stupid at times). Had to pick the parcel up from my neighbour 22 houses down the road. When I disclosed the content of the parcel to her (I got chatty..) she wondered whether I couldn’t get any bangles in The Netherlands haha. I answered: “not these ones”.
Below: the ring is one of the four rings I received from Tiffany (see this post to view all four of them). Isn’t that a match or what?
Below: “Anne! sister Anne! do you see any one coming?” (the cry of Blue Beard’s wife).
Below: what the castle used to be like.
Below: on our way out we passed the little terrace.
Below: stopped for a photo but had no coffee. Somehow I didn’t think the volunteers were serving cappuccino.
Below: pretty place though.
Below: leaving the castle and taking a last picture.
Below: hope this last picture makes you laugh. The blue earrings with a purple stud match the bracelets perfectly.
Greetje
Linking up with other fashion lovers at Catherine’s I will wear what I like.
Love those colorful bangles and am so glad you managed to lay your hands on that gorgeous coat after all. The whole outfit works and looks so comfy and fun.
Thanks Katrien. And this time I came up with the whole look by myself. Not that it is difficult to style jeans, but still…. I put some thought into it.
I enjoy reading your posts. Each one leaves me laughing, chuckling or grinning. Isn’t that what getting dressed should be? The bracelets are fantastic.
You are also a great ambassador for the Netherlands and wherever you go. I just want to hop on a plane and visit all the sites you have shown.
I feel very fortunate Gayle, to be able to do all this. Buy clothes, laugh with friends, go to places for a weekend. There isn’t anything I wish for anymore. I make it my business to make people laugh. Or grin or smile. Even if I get in the elevator at work I try to make them laugh or smile. Succeeding 49 times out of 50 haha. Perhaps when I am retired I might become a stand-up comedian? So thank you very much for your comment. Very rewarding to know you enjoy my posts.
Oooh! What a score on those bangles! You are a serious shopper. Even worse than me!
Managing to find items online that you regretted passing up. It all sounds too familiar! Ha ha!
The coat is stunning though. I can see why you became obsessed with it.
What a gorgeous spot for photos. Anja does seem to know all of the best places.
I adore the last shot of you. Captures your spirit perfectly.
bisous
Suzanne
You are so sweet. Thank you for your kind words. Ron is very good with backgrounds for photo shoots too, as you know. When you write stories like driving in your car for half an hour to find that one particular item, I grin and think: been there, done that, got a medal. The bangles are great fun.
I like the look. Great photos, nice water castle.
Thanks Nicole. Casual but still nice for the eye. I think.
I do love these jeans on you and all the ways I see you styling jeans. I don’t know what it is, but you always make them look beyond denim, if you know what I mean. Excellent bangles!! And I can see why you had to have that coat. I have one or two in a similar colour and I adore them.
Can you imagine having neighbours where you need to put a frigging drawbridge on your house? Heh. Different times. This place is an excellent backdrop.
Not so much different times. If, these days, you have the equivalent of the kind of money those castle owners had, you also need a (modern) drawbridge. As everybody wants your money. It is not easy being rich.
As you know a pair of boyfriend is not what I prefer on me ( but so charming on you! )but I always love an whole blue outfit !
The bangles and the ring go delightfully with it and the coat is really pretty! What a wonderful Place!
Remember to bring also something light weight next week! ( otherwise you could….melt down!! 🙂
Temperatures in The Netherlands are rising to 28 degrees next week. Is that close to Turin temperatures? In that case I don’t need a coat, however light weight.
Next week the temperatures should be about 30¤degrees , in that case, as Turin is not by the sea, it means … very hot !
I frankly think you don’t need a coat…
And think… I am after winter clothes hahaha. Hope they have airco.
Beautiful castle. Cute bracelets. Nice coat. Lots of fun colors to enjoy!
I do prefer a more “put-together” castle myself haha, but as a background for a shoot it was pretty alright. Thanks for the compliments.
What a stunning bangles! Did you see there geomatric ones! And the leather ones! You turn me into a shopping addict! Now I have to look if they have stores in the UK, I ll be going there next week! And the coat is of course also very classy.
Send an email to Little Mole Boutique with your questions. I think they are only online. I asked the owner to send me a photo of the bangles I chose on her arm. She did that and it made me decide to change the combination. After that it was only a matter of transferring the money with PayPal including shipment. Easy peasy. And eh.. it is not me who turns you in a shopping addict. That is what blogging does to you. It is window shopping all the time haha.
No no no Greetje I have to blame someone! Haha.
I’m loving the bangles and that is such a beautiful coat! Lovely backdrop for your photos too! xxx
Thank you Ann. Ron and I did our best haha. It is nice to make such a post but even nicer when I read appreciation in the comments.
Such a fun trip—it’s good that you incorporate learning with your photo shoots! My husband just watched the you-tube video about instagram husbands and thought it was hilarious (probably because it’s so true!)
I really like how you kept the rest of the outfit subdued to showcase the bracelets (and they are incredible bangles, no less!).
As for your purse—I like the sheen of it—it really makes it stand out and say “look at me”.
And the coat is really a great purchase (besides it’s always good when you get a better deal on something). I feel like coats last longer than most other items and it’s more fun to have one that stands out!! And you’re probably right—if you have to work hard for something, it tends to mean more and stick with you (not just clothing)!!
Love your smile and thanks for the wonderful Sunday entertainment!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
You got that “stick with you” right. I only found out it really works with men this way when I met Ron. Before that it was yes or no. No hard to get at all. I thought that was playing games and I didn’t like that. Ron had to conquer me. And.. stayed with me for 28 years now. The lime coat will be in my wardrobe forever. It cannot go out of style and it is great when you go shopping f.i. And you are in your coat most of the times.
What a great post Greetje! I adore the casual vibe, and agree the bracelets add a great accent! Super looking! I know that brand of denim- it is very good!
I am so glad you got the lime coat, it is perfect for you,
and the castle photos are gorgeous!
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/
That lime coat is going to be in my wardrobe forever, I tell you. Great when you go shopping and it is a bit chilly, as it can get in summer in The Netherlands. When you are in your coat most of the time during such a shopping event, it is nice to know you look good,
I so agree, that is why coats are such good investment pieces! Who would have thought that lime would be your color, you have come such a long way; an influencer now, with Great style sense!
xx, Elle
Oh you do make me laugh haha
Great background Greetje. I like your Castle ‘shoot’! You look wonderful in the casual outfit. I particularly like the blue silk top! Casual but luxurious! Also the bangles are just great. And from the UK you say? Hmmmm!?
Indeed .. hmmmm. They are inexpensive and so impactful. Well.. there is a link to the website of the bangles.. (Tempting you? haha.0
Such beautiful photos Greetje. The castle is amazing and so are your bangles! They look like something from Iris Apfel would wear. Loving that yellow trench, what a great color for all seasons!! Getting back into the blog world after a much needed vacation. I’m looking forward to fall…
Thank you Cherie, I am very pleased with how this outfit turned out myself. Hope you had a good vacation. Real life is always more important than virtual life.
I think I’ve told you before how much I love those bangles, Greetje!
They are stunning.
But, today, that lime coat stole the show for me today….wow!
Definately worth fighting for.
XXX
Samantha
I am so pleased with that coat. I know I cannot always wear it, but when I do, I feel fantastic. As it is a timeless shape, I expect it to be in my wardrobe for a long, long time.
Of course it made my smile, your smile is very contagious! I know you’re the queen of skinny jeans but now, my friend, your taking over with the boyfriend jeans. You wear jeans like no other! This casual yet chic style suits you well. That blue shirt is fabulous, I want to reach out and touch it (haha), it looks so soft and just drapes perfectly on you. Those bangles are fantastic!!! Statement peices for sure. Now I just wish I were actually on this fun day adventure with the two of you. Oh, and cloudy days usually make for the best time to take photos.
The shirt is indeed very soft. Indeed clouds are better than full blast sunshine, but just a little bit less would have been nice.
Did you know that you inspired me to buy boyfriend jeans? They always looked so good on you. Especially with high heels. I remember you had these beautiful high heels with them. Were they yellow?
Brilliant outfit Greetje! I can see why you love those boyfriend jeans – don’t they work so well on your figure. If I wore those I’d be swamped and look about two foot tall. The coat was worth the battle too, and your bangles remind me of my sweetie rings I posted recently. I think I maybe need to check the website out and see what they have for me…
Anna
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
The owner of Little Mole Boutique (Emma) is very nice. Great service. Helped me very well with choosing and shipment of the bangles. As for the outfit, we all know pretty well by now what suits our figure and style accordingly. We are clever girls after all.?
So happy to see the coat made it’s way home Greetje! Really, I’m certain it was made with you in mind. I’ve been seeing a lot of white tennis sneakers lately. I’m tempted to get some for myself. Your a stylish lady….do you wear yours often, when you travel at all? How do they stay so white?
Love the bracelets too….funny that you had some ‘explaining’ to do to the lady who received your parcel, LOL.
The sneakers aren’t supposed to stay white. That is “too new”, “too hard trying” haha. But I clean them with a sort of foam called Shoe Shampoo. Gets most of the dirt off. Do I wear them often? Hmm no not really. Most of the times I think a nice shoe looks better. But in this casual outfit they work pretty good. And as they are leather, the temperatures should be sort of in between. Like between 14 and 18 degrees Celcius. That’s the nicest. I don’t wear them travelling because I usually travel to hot climates. But otherwise they would be lovely. They are very comfortable. I chose sort of basketball sneakers as I like that on me. I have a flat foot so most of the times flat shoes don’t suit me.
Great post and great photos. Must visit some time… You already know I adore that jacket and the bangles and bag are fab too!
Thank you my dear. Would have loved to join you in London. But I am away so much as it is. Off to Turin this Thursday.
Yay for the coat. Grit and determination won the prize. Looks wonderful on you and will be such a useful purchase.
And those bangles are adorable and eye catching and perfect to add some colour to your outfit.
I hate it when leather bags look plastic – that’s so annoying but colour is lovely!
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
I should have put in more thought in buying that bag. Stupid of me. So now I will ignore the fact it looks like plastic and wear it anyway haha.
Thanks for the compliments. I think I will be wearing this coat for the rest of my life. Assuming I can keep the same weight. So far I have done pretty well.
Great background Greetje. I like your Castle ‘shoot’! You look wonderful in the casual outfit. I particularly like the blue silk top! Casual but luxurious! Also the bangles are just great. And from the UK you say? Hmmmm!?
Indeed .. hmmmm. They are inexpensive and so impactful. Well.. there is a link to the website of the bangles.. (Tempting you? haha.0
I think I’ve told you before how much I love those bangles, Greetje!
They are stunning.
But, today, that lime coat stole the show for me today….wow!
Definately worth fighting for.
XXX
Samantha
I am so pleased with that coat. I know I cannot always wear it, but when I do, I feel fantastic. As it is a timeless shape, I expect it to be in my wardrobe for a long, long time.
Such beautiful photos Greetje. The castle is amazing and so are your bangles! They look like something from Iris Apfel would wear. Loving that yellow trench, what a great color for all seasons!! Getting back into the blog world after a much needed vacation. I’m looking forward to fall…
Thank you Cherie, I am very pleased with how this outfit turned out myself. Hope you had a good vacation. Real life is always more important than virtual life.
So happy to see the coat made it’s way home Greetje! Really, I’m certain it was made with you in mind. I’ve been seeing a lot of white tennis sneakers lately. I’m tempted to get some for myself. Your a stylish lady….do you wear yours often, when you travel at all? How do they stay so white?
Love the bracelets too….funny that you had some ‘explaining’ to do to the lady who received your parcel, LOL.
The sneakers aren’t supposed to stay white. That is “too new”, “too hard trying” haha. But I clean them with a sort of foam called Shoe Shampoo. Gets most of the dirt off. Do I wear them often? Hmm no not really. Most of the times I think a nice shoe looks better. But in this casual outfit they work pretty good. And as they are leather, the temperatures should be sort of in between. Like between 14 and 18 degrees Celcius. That’s the nicest. I don’t wear them travelling because I usually travel to hot climates. But otherwise they would be lovely. They are very comfortable. I chose sort of basketball sneakers as I like that on me. I have a flat foot so most of the times flat shoes don’t suit me.
Of course it made my smile, your smile is very contagious! I know you’re the queen of skinny jeans but now, my friend, your taking over with the boyfriend jeans. You wear jeans like no other! This casual yet chic style suits you well. That blue shirt is fabulous, I want to reach out and touch it (haha), it looks so soft and just drapes perfectly on you. Those bangles are fantastic!!! Statement peices for sure. Now I just wish I were actually on this fun day adventure with the two of you. Oh, and cloudy days usually make for the best time to take photos.
The shirt is indeed very soft. Indeed clouds are better than full blast sunshine, but just a little bit less would have been nice.
Did you know that you inspired me to buy boyfriend jeans? They always looked so good on you. Especially with high heels. I remember you had these beautiful high heels with them. Were they yellow?
Yay for the coat. Grit and determination won the prize. Looks wonderful on you and will be such a useful purchase.
And those bangles are adorable and eye catching and perfect to add some colour to your outfit.
I hate it when leather bags look plastic – that’s so annoying but colour is lovely!
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
I should have put in more thought in buying that bag. Stupid of me. So now I will ignore the fact it looks like plastic and wear it anyway haha.
Thanks for the compliments. I think I will be wearing this coat for the rest of my life. Assuming I can keep the same weight. So far I have done pretty well.
Brilliant outfit Greetje! I can see why you love those boyfriend jeans – don’t they work so well on your figure. If I wore those I’d be swamped and look about two foot tall. The coat was worth the battle too, and your bangles remind me of my sweetie rings I posted recently. I think I maybe need to check the website out and see what they have for me…
Anna
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
The owner of Little Mole Boutique (Emma) is very nice. Great service. Helped me very well with choosing and shipment of the bangles. As for the outfit, we all know pretty well by now what suits our figure and style accordingly. We are clever girls after all.?
Great post and great photos. Must visit some time… You already know I adore that jacket and the bangles and bag are fab too!
Thank you my dear. Would have loved to join you in London. But I am away so much as it is. Off to Turin this Thursday.
I enjoy reading your posts. Each one leaves me laughing, chuckling or grinning. Isn’t that what getting dressed should be? The bracelets are fantastic.
You are also a great ambassador for the Netherlands and wherever you go. I just want to hop on a plane and visit all the sites you have shown.
I feel very fortunate Gayle, to be able to do all this. Buy clothes, laugh with friends, go to places for a weekend. There isn’t anything I wish for anymore. I make it my business to make people laugh. Or grin or smile. Even if I get in the elevator at work I try to make them laugh or smile. Succeeding 49 times out of 50 haha. Perhaps when I am retired I might become a stand-up comedian? So thank you very much for your comment. Very rewarding to know you enjoy my posts.
Beautiful castle. Cute bracelets. Nice coat. Lots of fun colors to enjoy!
I do prefer a more “put-together” castle myself haha, but as a background for a shoot it was pretty alright. Thanks for the compliments.
I’m loving the bangles and that is such a beautiful coat! Lovely backdrop for your photos too! xxx
Thank you Ann. Ron and I did our best haha. It is nice to make such a post but even nicer when I read appreciation in the comments.
What a stunning bangles! Did you see there geomatric ones! And the leather ones! You turn me into a shopping addict! Now I have to look if they have stores in the UK, I ll be going there next week! And the coat is of course also very classy.
Send an email to Little Mole Boutique with your questions. I think they are only online. I asked the owner to send me a photo of the bangles I chose on her arm. She did that and it made me decide to change the combination. After that it was only a matter of transferring the money with PayPal including shipment. Easy peasy. And eh.. it is not me who turns you in a shopping addict. That is what blogging does to you. It is window shopping all the time haha.
No no no Greetje I have to blame someone! Haha.
I like the look. Great photos, nice water castle.
Thanks Nicole. Casual but still nice for the eye. I think.
Love those colorful bangles and am so glad you managed to lay your hands on that gorgeous coat after all. The whole outfit works and looks so comfy and fun.
Thanks Katrien. And this time I came up with the whole look by myself. Not that it is difficult to style jeans, but still…. I put some thought into it.
I do love these jeans on you and all the ways I see you styling jeans. I don’t know what it is, but you always make them look beyond denim, if you know what I mean. Excellent bangles!! And I can see why you had to have that coat. I have one or two in a similar colour and I adore them.
Can you imagine having neighbours where you need to put a frigging drawbridge on your house? Heh. Different times. This place is an excellent backdrop.
Not so much different times. If, these days, you have the equivalent of the kind of money those castle owners had, you also need a (modern) drawbridge. As everybody wants your money. It is not easy being rich.
What a great post Greetje! I adore the casual vibe, and agree the bracelets add a great accent! Super looking! I know that brand of denim- it is very good!
I am so glad you got the lime coat, it is perfect for you,
and the castle photos are gorgeous!
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/
That lime coat is going to be in my wardrobe forever, I tell you. Great when you go shopping and it is a bit chilly, as it can get in summer in The Netherlands. When you are in your coat most of the time during such a shopping event, it is nice to know you look good,
I so agree, that is why coats are such good investment pieces! Who would have thought that lime would be your color, you have come such a long way; an influencer now, with Great style sense!
xx, Elle
Oh you do make me laugh haha
As you know a pair of boyfriend is not what I prefer on me ( but so charming on you! )but I always love an whole blue outfit !
The bangles and the ring go delightfully with it and the coat is really pretty! What a wonderful Place!
Remember to bring also something light weight next week! ( otherwise you could….melt down!! 🙂
Temperatures in The Netherlands are rising to 28 degrees next week. Is that close to Turin temperatures? In that case I don’t need a coat, however light weight.
Next week the temperatures should be about 30¤degrees , in that case, as Turin is not by the sea, it means … very hot !
I frankly think you don’t need a coat…
And think… I am after winter clothes hahaha. Hope they have airco.
Oooh! What a score on those bangles! You are a serious shopper. Even worse than me!
Managing to find items online that you regretted passing up. It all sounds too familiar! Ha ha!
The coat is stunning though. I can see why you became obsessed with it.
What a gorgeous spot for photos. Anja does seem to know all of the best places.
I adore the last shot of you. Captures your spirit perfectly.
bisous
Suzanne
You are so sweet. Thank you for your kind words. Ron is very good with backgrounds for photo shoots too, as you know. When you write stories like driving in your car for half an hour to find that one particular item, I grin and think: been there, done that, got a medal. The bangles are great fun.
Such a fun trip—it’s good that you incorporate learning with your photo shoots! My husband just watched the you-tube video about instagram husbands and thought it was hilarious (probably because it’s so true!)
I really like how you kept the rest of the outfit subdued to showcase the bracelets (and they are incredible bangles, no less!).
As for your purse—I like the sheen of it—it really makes it stand out and say “look at me”.
And the coat is really a great purchase (besides it’s always good when you get a better deal on something). I feel like coats last longer than most other items and it’s more fun to have one that stands out!! And you’re probably right—if you have to work hard for something, it tends to mean more and stick with you (not just clothing)!!
Love your smile and thanks for the wonderful Sunday entertainment!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
You got that “stick with you” right. I only found out it really works with men this way when I met Ron. Before that it was yes or no. No hard to get at all. I thought that was playing games and I didn’t like that. Ron had to conquer me. And.. stayed with me for 28 years now. The lime coat will be in my wardrobe forever. It cannot go out of style and it is great when you go shopping f.i. And you are in your coat most of the times.