When I saw this red and white striped blouse on the blog of Yvonne (Funky Forty) I fell in love with it. You can see Yvonne in this outfit at the end of her post. I know, I shamelessly copied it. There are 7 reasons why this blouse is sooo me. I told her this and luckily she didn’t mind. Don’t we (bloggers) all want to inspire? Nevertheless, thank you Yvonne.
As I am still trying to show you a skirt/dress one week and trousers the other week, I had to get this outfit on camera quickly. The previous two posts were with trousers and I had another trouser outfit lined up. There was a need for a skirt post in between.
I therefore wore this to the office on the Friday after Ascension Day. (Ascension Day is a bank holiday in The Netherlands and the weather was splendid. Nearly everybody took the day off. Not me, bummer.) Anyway, my cunning plan was to ask a young colleague whom I knew was working that Friday, to take some pictures in one of the managers’ offices. They have lots of light and nice furniture. As I guessed the floor was deserted heh heh.
Below: see? Nice chair. The jet pendant I am wearing, is there for fun. I am also wearing jet earrings and a jet bracelet.
Below: no idea what that plush giraffe was doing there but I thought it was a terrific prop.
Below: I pretended to sit on it. Which is quite a strain on old knees with high heels.
After I finally left the office, I rushed to my friend Anja’s house as it was her birthday. And she had bubblies.
Below: Anja drinking birthday champagne. (Anja’s blog is called Curly Traveller.) Anja decorated her shed herself years ago.
Below: Misja, our friend and photographer was at the birthday party too. See Misja’s Street Style blog here. Misja wore a copper colour top with a bit of gold shimmer which she bought in the shop of Sacramento’s (Mis Papelicos) daughter. Sacramento is very colourful and creative and so is her daughter Rebecca.
Below: as Anja, Misja and I are all bloggers I didn’t feel at all guilty asking (pushing?) them to do a photo session. If you missed it, here is a link to a post where the three of us took loads of photos. Misja is much more modern than I am. See her funky sneakers.
Below: Anja directed us: “Strike a pose ladies!!”
Below: the back of the blouse. Which, by the way, is Zara. At night, just before going to bed, I discovered I could also wear the belt at the front as a big bow with long ends. Would be more comfortable. You probably recognise the mini bag (also Zara) from my post last week.
Below: this is Yvonne, another friend of Anja. We bossed her to pose as well. Cute dress and sandals.
Below: Misja wanted to take a picture of Anja and me…. This is me pulling a “oh yuck, do I have to? with her?”-face. Pretty aweful right?
Below: this is the nice equivalent.
Next week you’ll get to see lots of outfits of my BVA-friends and me. And a new, more rocking way, to wear my black pointy flat shoes.
Greetje
I *almost* bought this same blouse when I was in Hong Kong. Looks lovely on you.
bisous
Suzanne
One of the reasons I enjoy your posts is that you are not afraid to “let it all hang out”, so to speak. You aren’t obsessed with looking pretty in every photo, which makes me feel like we get to see more of the real you. That said, my favourite photos of you are the first one and the one with the giraffe! The sleeves on the blouse are magnificent, and it looks wonderful on you – excellent purchase!
I love Misja’s glasses – that is the shape and size I hope to get the next time I purchase new ones.
Great top Greetje! It suits you so well. I don’t think many people could carry it off! You all looked like you were having a lovely time at the party. I love the shed ❤️
This is such a chic outfit Greetje. Red and white suits you very well doesn’t it? I love all of the photos of your friends too, but heck how crazy/brave are you to post that truly dreadful shot of yourself. I’m far too vain to let something like this slip past my radar, but well done you for giving us all a laugh at your expense. The skirt is perfect in shape and length to allow the blouse to take centre stage, and what a cute little handbag that is!
Anna x
Oh yes, making you laugh prevails over vanity. Sylvia was the first one to comment “are you sure you want this picture to be on the internet?” Really sweet of her. But I thought ” So?.. I can look ugly… And?” Really nothing drastic happens. The black skirt is an Esprit skirt in a small size. It fit me like a glove, only my waist was a bit bigger than the skirt. My seamstress put in two elastic pieces in the belt and the problem was solved.
Love the blouse, mini bag, your styling of the outfit and the party pictures. There is sweeter than the sound of mature women laughing like silly girls. Count me in!
I had a laughter attack at the office yesterday. I love laughter attacks. I said something to my team members like “… bla bla blad… and that is such a pity!!” All of a sudden from under my elbow my iPhone spoke and said:”Isn’t it just?” Somehow my voice had activated Siri on my iPhone and he responded with perfct timing and phrase. Killed myself laughing.
Ha!!!!!
I love the top Greetje! Hanging the pendant on the belt is a lovely touch. I’m a huge Zara fan – my daughter keeps saying it must be my favourite shop. The sizing is sometimes a bit hit and miss, but for affordable on trend pieces you can’t beat it. Anja did a cracking job decorating her shed!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
That blouse looks fabulous on you, especially the way you chose to wear it! Loved the entire look. Looks like a fun time.
I was very pleased with the oitfit myself. Even more when I saw the photos haha. Photos always tell the truth, more than a mirror does.
It was a fun time. It always is when you are with friends, right?
I have that same top! Just in blue, and I absolutely hate it… But it does look very nice on you.
Hahaha… different people you and I. Perhaps if you only cross the belt-ends from back to front and then tie it, it is better for you? Or put the V neck at the front?
I have had that blouse in my shopping cart a while but have hesitated because it looks hard to tie. How did you do it? Also, I’m not sure about the sizing, as I am often between sizes. It looks like if I get the larger of my two sizes, I can adjust it — is that right?
Love your posts.
I have a Large and indeed I would choose the larger of your two sizes. One tie goes through a whole at the side of the blouse, so you can cross them at the back, and then at the front and when they are at the back again, make a bow.
But you can also just cross them at the back, and then tie them at the front in a very big bow with two long ends hanging down.
What a fantastic post, and what a fabulous blouse on you.
I love to see you in skirt, as you know. And how grand to see such a fabulous bunch of friends having fun.
I have to come over and meet you all in person, well I already met Misja.
Mil besossssssssssss
Thanks Sacramento. And what a lovely top Misja bought at your daughter’s shop, right?
You guys have the funnest times, Greetje!!
So I’m assuming you added that black pendant on the ties of that shirt?? Because I didn’t see it on the website?? Which shows how creative you really are!!!
And I like the funny pictures—it shows real life fun, because we all make those funny faces! And that’s how our friends see them. But I guess not stuck that way…ha ha!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I indeed added the pendant on the ties of the blouse. It was to stop the ties from riding up to the level of just under my bosom haha. However the pendant was a little too lightweight for that purpose. The blouse will be easier to wear with the knot at the front.
And yes, my ugly face is stuck on the internet for ever haha. As long as you had a laugh.
Greetje, this top is FABULOUS and so perfect for you! It really suits your fun personality.
I absolutely adore Misja’s style too, love her funky sneakers!
Misja, Anja and I are all so different in styles. We do appreciate each other and can see the beauty of the choices the others make. And thanks for the compliment. It is indeed perfect for me.
Such a fun post. Wish I could have been there with you all. You all look fabulous and I love your new blouse. You finally converted to Zara!
That picture with Anja of you is hilarious (and quite possibly the ugliest picture I have ever seen of you; are you sure you want to risk this picture circulating on the interwebs….) Quite a contrast to the other images where the light is beautiful and you just look gorgeous!
My bosom finally fits a Zara top. That is why I converted to Zara. I don’t think they will all fit, but they have some fabulous tops this year. As for the ugliest picture of me… no I don’t mind the risk that this picture will circulate on the interwebs. You know what the youngsters say in The Netherlands:…. Whatevah!!!…
Making people laugh always prevails over vanity with me. Heck, I did the make-down too, remember. But I agree, this picture is more hideous hahaha.
You look amazing and so do your friends! Very pretty top and I love that you paired it with that pencil skirt. Lovely! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Pencil skirts and me are friends since I gained some weight in my thirties. Before that I was skinny as a stick and a pencil skirt looked ridiculous. As I always want to put emphasis on my legs (I know my good points ?), a pencil skirt is perfect for that. Thanks for the compliments Amy.
That’s a great blouse! It looks fabulous with the pencil skirt! I always love it when you show off your fantastic legs!
It looks like you all had fun! I love your “oh yuck, do I have to? with her? face”! You are too funny!
I hope your week is off to a good start!
Thanks Andrea, yes it is a good blouse and so inexpensive. Yay.
My legs need emphasis so I do try and do that ?.
I thought Sylvia’s commnt was rather sweet about the “oh yuck” face. She worried that this face might stay on the world wide web for ever. But for me, making you lot laugh has priority over my vanity.
Such a cute post Greetje – I feel so honoured to be copied by you 😉
I was telling my Mum yesterday that my hubby told me I looked like an Easter decoration in the shirt so I haven’t worn it again – but I will now, in honour of you – I love it and will close my ears to any Easter decoration comments going forward – hahaha!
xoxo Yvonne
http://www.funkyforty.com
Very funny that husband of yours haha. I have no idea how he gets that thought. The bow? The red and white? I just feel very feminine in it. Especially with a pencil skirt and high heels. But I have also worn it on white boyfriend jeans.
Oh hooray! I love a good Greetje and girlfriends post!!!
This one is unique because we got to see a snippet of your work environment. How nice that you have stuffed giraffes at work! Then we got to see you and your fun ladies friends drinking champage and being comedian buddies!! I tell you, it makes me want to look for bargain flights to the Netherlands! I met a flight attendant in my Zumba class last week who fully there routinely!
That first photo of you made me smile from ear to ear! What a DARLING top! You look really chique in it Greetje!
I’m wondering if you could do a simple sash tie on the side? I know it would be a bit uneven but that could add to the charm (?) Anyway, it’s a great blouse no matter how you tie it! Would it be cute with your fancy white skirt and some funky red sneakers??? Maybe that’s more Misja’s style? Anyway I’m thinking that this blouse offers lots of fun styling options! Great post Greetje!
To tell you the truth Jude, I would probably only wear it like this knowing myself. Or perhaps on white trousers (did that). I had the sash at the side but there was something odd about it. And do I have a fancy white skirt? I only know of a cream one. Glad you liked the post. Next week another girlfriend post.
Now that….is a good outfit. You look very very nice. Love it.
Thank you very much Marna. I feel very feminine in it.
What a fabulous chair!!!! Oh sorry????? what a fabulous blouse! ….But I also love the chair! But didn’t think you were a Zara kind a gall! And it looks perfect on you, very cheerful! Also didn’t now that Sacramento had a daughter with a shop! Thanks!
Sacramento has two daughters. Rebecca is the one with the shop. She inherited her mothers creativity. Perhaps the other one too, but I don’t know.
I am not a Zara kind a gall. My bosom never fits in their tops. But it does in this one and I love it.
I love this outfit on you! Also, you didn’t mention how perfect your hair was for these photos & I know you mention a lot that it doesn’t like to cooperate for photos.
Indeed Mieke, my hair was very nice to me that day. And it was the day before I went to the hair dresser. That happens to me a lot. I often walk into the hair dressing salon saying “Actually, you can leave it just as it is as it is perfect at the moment”. Knowing very well it has to be cut (and died) as otherwise it will look terrible within a week. Glad you like the outfit. I am still very pleased with it as well.
This outfit looks great on you! I immediately recognized this as a Zara blouse! I have been on a Zara binge myself lately: I bought two wrap blouses similar to yours: a blue-white striped one and an orange-white-black striped one. I had to fiddle with the ties a bit, but they looks great, especially with culottes, but also skirts, anything high waisted and long. I also have the yellow mini-bag with two different straps that you’ve shown here. Zara is killing it with fun and fashionable pieces that are budget-friendly — it is hard to resist 😉 Who says Zara is not for those of us over 50!
I know. I never fitted in Zara jackets, tops or dresses. The bosom is too large. But this time I hit the jackpot. And with those cute bags. I don’t want to pay € 1.200,- for a mini bag which I only use as a colour accent.
Well…. I want to, but I don’t have that budget haha.
Sooooo nice in that blouse!! The striped red print looks very summery and the shape suits you … I am thinking of adding some red in my closet : it is a colour that I seldom happen to wear…
Happy Birthday to Anja!! She looks fantastic…
P.s.
Sweet photo of you and the giraffe…♡♡♡
You do realise that this is still the result of your remark? Your influence is big. I love this outfit, I feel very feminine in it. Red is one of my favourite colours. And fuchsia and green and yellow. Anything bright.
Wonderful blouse. It emphasizes your delightful femininity — which is something I envy.
Thank you Ally. Fortunately you know how to show your femininity too. In an excellent way. But I do acknowledge my advantage.
I love your sweater I love the design so original, with so sophisticated back, also the stamping. And, of course, I like your pencil skirt, I like this look so feminine and elegant. A very nice outfit with red bag, a perfect combination. The most elegant and chic Greetje. I like the simple look of Anja, with her beautiful white dress, and the funny photos of you two together.
It is lovely to see your comment. Thank you. Of course I know you like the elegant ladylike style. Daniela reminded me very effectively that this was missing for a long time. So I realised I needed another skirt/dress post after two trouser posts haha. Fortunately the photos turned out well.
The blouse looks great on you. You always make us smile with your pictures ….. facial expressions, sitting on giraffes, whatever your creative mind comes up with!
It is a mind which DOES first and THINKS later. Same as with the things I say: furst I will say it and then I will think about whether it is wise to say it haha. Gets me in trouble sometimes.
I *almost* bought this same blouse when I was in Hong Kong. Looks lovely on you.
bisous
Suzanne
I love it, but I am afraid everybody will wear it. Which is why I am a bit careful with Zara stuff. They have made an awefully good collection this year though. I could buy at least 10 things. But I won’t.
I love the top Greetje! Hanging the pendant on the belt is a lovely touch. I’m a huge Zara fan – my daughter keeps saying it must be my favourite shop. The sizing is sometimes a bit hit and miss, but for affordable on trend pieces you can’t beat it. Anja did a cracking job decorating her shed!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
One of the reasons I enjoy your posts is that you are not afraid to “let it all hang out”, so to speak. You aren’t obsessed with looking pretty in every photo, which makes me feel like we get to see more of the real you. That said, my favourite photos of you are the first one and the one with the giraffe! The sleeves on the blouse are magnificent, and it looks wonderful on you – excellent purchase!
I love Misja’s glasses – that is the shape and size I hope to get the next time I purchase new ones.
Great top Greetje! It suits you so well. I don’t think many people could carry it off! You all looked like you were having a lovely time at the party. I love the shed ❤️
This is such a chic outfit Greetje. Red and white suits you very well doesn’t it? I love all of the photos of your friends too, but heck how crazy/brave are you to post that truly dreadful shot of yourself. I’m far too vain to let something like this slip past my radar, but well done you for giving us all a laugh at your expense. The skirt is perfect in shape and length to allow the blouse to take centre stage, and what a cute little handbag that is!
Anna x
Oh yes, making you laugh prevails over vanity. Sylvia was the first one to comment “are you sure you want this picture to be on the internet?” Really sweet of her. But I thought ” So?.. I can look ugly… And?” Really nothing drastic happens. The black skirt is an Esprit skirt in a small size. It fit me like a glove, only my waist was a bit bigger than the skirt. My seamstress put in two elastic pieces in the belt and the problem was solved.
Love the blouse, mini bag, your styling of the outfit and the party pictures. There is sweeter than the sound of mature women laughing like silly girls. Count me in!
I had a laughter attack at the office yesterday. I love laughter attacks. I said something to my team members like “… bla bla blad… and that is such a pity!!” All of a sudden from under my elbow my iPhone spoke and said:”Isn’t it just?” Somehow my voice had activated Siri on my iPhone and he responded with perfct timing and phrase. Killed myself laughing.
Ha!!!!!
Sooooo nice in that blouse!! The striped red print looks very summery and the shape suits you … I am thinking of adding some red in my closet : it is a colour that I seldom happen to wear…
Happy Birthday to Anja!! She looks fantastic…
P.s.
Sweet photo of you and the giraffe…♡♡♡
You do realise that this is still the result of your remark? Your influence is big. I love this outfit, I feel very feminine in it. Red is one of my favourite colours. And fuchsia and green and yellow. Anything bright.
You look amazing and so do your friends! Very pretty top and I love that you paired it with that pencil skirt. Lovely! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Pencil skirts and me are friends since I gained some weight in my thirties. Before that I was skinny as a stick and a pencil skirt looked ridiculous. As I always want to put emphasis on my legs (I know my good points ?), a pencil skirt is perfect for that. Thanks for the compliments Amy.
That’s a great blouse! It looks fabulous with the pencil skirt! I always love it when you show off your fantastic legs!
It looks like you all had fun! I love your “oh yuck, do I have to? with her? face”! You are too funny!
I hope your week is off to a good start!
Thanks Andrea, yes it is a good blouse and so inexpensive. Yay.
My legs need emphasis so I do try and do that ?.
I thought Sylvia’s commnt was rather sweet about the “oh yuck” face. She worried that this face might stay on the world wide web for ever. But for me, making you lot laugh has priority over my vanity.
I love this outfit on you! Also, you didn’t mention how perfect your hair was for these photos & I know you mention a lot that it doesn’t like to cooperate for photos.
Indeed Mieke, my hair was very nice to me that day. And it was the day before I went to the hair dresser. That happens to me a lot. I often walk into the hair dressing salon saying “Actually, you can leave it just as it is as it is perfect at the moment”. Knowing very well it has to be cut (and died) as otherwise it will look terrible within a week. Glad you like the outfit. I am still very pleased with it as well.
I love your sweater I love the design so original, with so sophisticated back, also the stamping. And, of course, I like your pencil skirt, I like this look so feminine and elegant. A very nice outfit with red bag, a perfect combination. The most elegant and chic Greetje. I like the simple look of Anja, with her beautiful white dress, and the funny photos of you two together.
It is lovely to see your comment. Thank you. Of course I know you like the elegant ladylike style. Daniela reminded me very effectively that this was missing for a long time. So I realised I needed another skirt/dress post after two trouser posts haha. Fortunately the photos turned out well.
Wonderful blouse. It emphasizes your delightful femininity — which is something I envy.
Thank you Ally. Fortunately you know how to show your femininity too. In an excellent way. But I do acknowledge my advantage.
This outfit looks great on you! I immediately recognized this as a Zara blouse! I have been on a Zara binge myself lately: I bought two wrap blouses similar to yours: a blue-white striped one and an orange-white-black striped one. I had to fiddle with the ties a bit, but they looks great, especially with culottes, but also skirts, anything high waisted and long. I also have the yellow mini-bag with two different straps that you’ve shown here. Zara is killing it with fun and fashionable pieces that are budget-friendly — it is hard to resist 😉 Who says Zara is not for those of us over 50!
I know. I never fitted in Zara jackets, tops or dresses. The bosom is too large. But this time I hit the jackpot. And with those cute bags. I don’t want to pay € 1.200,- for a mini bag which I only use as a colour accent.
Well…. I want to, but I don’t have that budget haha.
Such a cute post Greetje – I feel so honoured to be copied by you 😉
I was telling my Mum yesterday that my hubby told me I looked like an Easter decoration in the shirt so I haven’t worn it again – but I will now, in honour of you – I love it and will close my ears to any Easter decoration comments going forward – hahaha!
xoxo Yvonne
http://www.funkyforty.com
Very funny that husband of yours haha. I have no idea how he gets that thought. The bow? The red and white? I just feel very feminine in it. Especially with a pencil skirt and high heels. But I have also worn it on white boyfriend jeans.
Oh hooray! I love a good Greetje and girlfriends post!!!
This one is unique because we got to see a snippet of your work environment. How nice that you have stuffed giraffes at work! Then we got to see you and your fun ladies friends drinking champage and being comedian buddies!! I tell you, it makes me want to look for bargain flights to the Netherlands! I met a flight attendant in my Zumba class last week who fully there routinely!
That first photo of you made me smile from ear to ear! What a DARLING top! You look really chique in it Greetje!
I’m wondering if you could do a simple sash tie on the side? I know it would be a bit uneven but that could add to the charm (?) Anyway, it’s a great blouse no matter how you tie it! Would it be cute with your fancy white skirt and some funky red sneakers??? Maybe that’s more Misja’s style? Anyway I’m thinking that this blouse offers lots of fun styling options! Great post Greetje!
To tell you the truth Jude, I would probably only wear it like this knowing myself. Or perhaps on white trousers (did that). I had the sash at the side but there was something odd about it. And do I have a fancy white skirt? I only know of a cream one. Glad you liked the post. Next week another girlfriend post.
The blouse looks great on you. You always make us smile with your pictures ….. facial expressions, sitting on giraffes, whatever your creative mind comes up with!
It is a mind which DOES first and THINKS later. Same as with the things I say: furst I will say it and then I will think about whether it is wise to say it haha. Gets me in trouble sometimes.
What a fabulous chair!!!! Oh sorry????? what a fabulous blouse! ….But I also love the chair! But didn’t think you were a Zara kind a gall! And it looks perfect on you, very cheerful! Also didn’t now that Sacramento had a daughter with a shop! Thanks!
Sacramento has two daughters. Rebecca is the one with the shop. She inherited her mothers creativity. Perhaps the other one too, but I don’t know.
I am not a Zara kind a gall. My bosom never fits in their tops. But it does in this one and I love it.
Now that….is a good outfit. You look very very nice. Love it.
Thank you very much Marna. I feel very feminine in it.
What a fantastic post, and what a fabulous blouse on you.
I love to see you in skirt, as you know. And how grand to see such a fabulous bunch of friends having fun.
I have to come over and meet you all in person, well I already met Misja.
Mil besossssssssssss
Thanks Sacramento. And what a lovely top Misja bought at your daughter’s shop, right?
That blouse looks fabulous on you, especially the way you chose to wear it! Loved the entire look. Looks like a fun time.
I was very pleased with the oitfit myself. Even more when I saw the photos haha. Photos always tell the truth, more than a mirror does.
It was a fun time. It always is when you are with friends, right?
Greetje, this top is FABULOUS and so perfect for you! It really suits your fun personality.
I absolutely adore Misja’s style too, love her funky sneakers!
Misja, Anja and I are all so different in styles. We do appreciate each other and can see the beauty of the choices the others make. And thanks for the compliment. It is indeed perfect for me.
You guys have the funnest times, Greetje!!
So I’m assuming you added that black pendant on the ties of that shirt?? Because I didn’t see it on the website?? Which shows how creative you really are!!!
And I like the funny pictures—it shows real life fun, because we all make those funny faces! And that’s how our friends see them. But I guess not stuck that way…ha ha!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I indeed added the pendant on the ties of the blouse. It was to stop the ties from riding up to the level of just under my bosom haha. However the pendant was a little too lightweight for that purpose. The blouse will be easier to wear with the knot at the front.
And yes, my ugly face is stuck on the internet for ever haha. As long as you had a laugh.
Such a fun post. Wish I could have been there with you all. You all look fabulous and I love your new blouse. You finally converted to Zara!
That picture with Anja of you is hilarious (and quite possibly the ugliest picture I have ever seen of you; are you sure you want to risk this picture circulating on the interwebs….) Quite a contrast to the other images where the light is beautiful and you just look gorgeous!
My bosom finally fits a Zara top. That is why I converted to Zara. I don’t think they will all fit, but they have some fabulous tops this year. As for the ugliest picture of me… no I don’t mind the risk that this picture will circulate on the interwebs. You know what the youngsters say in The Netherlands:…. Whatevah!!!…
Making people laugh always prevails over vanity with me. Heck, I did the make-down too, remember. But I agree, this picture is more hideous hahaha.
I have that same top! Just in blue, and I absolutely hate it… But it does look very nice on you.
Hahaha… different people you and I. Perhaps if you only cross the belt-ends from back to front and then tie it, it is better for you? Or put the V neck at the front?
I have had that blouse in my shopping cart a while but have hesitated because it looks hard to tie. How did you do it? Also, I’m not sure about the sizing, as I am often between sizes. It looks like if I get the larger of my two sizes, I can adjust it — is that right?
Love your posts.
I have a Large and indeed I would choose the larger of your two sizes. One tie goes through a whole at the side of the blouse, so you can cross them at the back, and then at the front and when they are at the back again, make a bow.
But you can also just cross them at the back, and then tie them at the front in a very big bow with two long ends hanging down.