There is this lovely little shop selling vintage bags in Haarlem. Sylvia and I had a great time looking around there. In the past I have bought a few bags of the friendly lady owner, like the grey one in this post. It started with a hobby (of course) and now she buys and sells them. I can be in that shop for a long time, looking at all the gems. This time I came out with the bright green mini bag.
Back to the beginning of the afternoon. It was a few weeks ago, when Sylvia (of 40+Style) was still in The Netherlands. We tried to see each other as much as we could. Work and family visits required time as well, but we managed quite well.
Below: Of course Sylvia was dressed for the occasion. We blog, we know pictures will be taken haha. Here you see her in a pair of comfortable yet stylish trousers by Bellamy Gallery. You know, the sustainable, affordable brand I have been raving about. Plus she was wearing a beautiful blouse from Essentiel. Hah, Sylvia fell for this Belgian brand too.
Below: a close-up of the peeptoes shoes Sylvia is wearing. Very comfortable and modern. The brand is Wolky. They are famous for comfortable shoes. Not always that stylish, but these are really good. (See Sylvia’s post about this outfit here.)
Below: My outfit is entirely Bellamy Gallery: shirt, belt, trousers and sandals. Only the earrings, bracelet and bag are not from that brand. Remember I showed you this white shirt before, but two sizes smaller? In this post. Now I am wearing it as I intended. Everything is comfortable, all the clothes can be thrown in the washing machine.
Below: Close-up of my sandals. I hesitated as I thought they would be murder on my delicate feet and I would fall because of the platform. I took a chance and bought them anyway (€ 60) and they are great. I have to say I had the leather straps lined with a softer material. Didn’t wait to see whether I could take the straps as they were.
Below: Isn’t this a funny picture? The dog is looking at me the way I am looking at him.
Below: The shop with vintage bags in Haarlem. In the Gierstraat. Always full of pretty stuff.
Below: Sylvia tried this feminine messenger bag. We all think it is plastic, the owner too, but it is very hard to see. At a price of € 32,50 you cannot go wrong. I was tempted too, but I already have a lot in this department.
(I can hear your sarcastic thoughts: “Oh really?? Is that so? Never stopped you before…” and I will pretend I haven’t heard that. 😆 )
Below: We decided to go for an Italian icecream (the best). Haarlem happens to have a few shops selling excellent Italian icecream. We went to the best one: Garrone in the Grote Houtstraat 179.
Below: Sylvia prefers her icecream in a cup, I like mine with a waffle horn. Photographing Sylvia revealed the little girl sitting beside her.
Below: Isn’t she cute?
Below: Going home through a lovely, old neighbourhood of Haarlem.
Below: Sylvia took another shot of me.
Below: And I will end again with pretty flowers. As The Netherlands are a small, a very small country, land is in short supply and expensive. No big gardens and in the city no gardens at the front of the houses at all. Unless of course you are in the suburbs. Many people put a plant next to their front door, lift one or two city tiles and plant some flowers or something similar. Makes everything look so much nicer.
Till next week.
Linking up with Cherie of Style Nudge with her Shoe and Tell gathering.
Also linking up with Patti (Not Dead Yet)’s Visible Monday.
And with Catherine (Not Dressed as Lamb)’s I will wear what I like.
Greetje
Purses and ice cream …. what a lovely afternoon!
Love your outfit …. especially the belt!
Such a belt is a blessing for a woman with a short waist (me). I have one in blue and one in black as well 😉😊.
Interesting post, now I want Ice cream! What a wonderful little shop – love the red bag – was it bought? Thanks for sharing , Jacqui
I think you mean the green bag haha. Yes I did buy it. It is very flat and looks small but it can hold a lot!
Haarlem looks like a lovely town! I must go there sometime, even if only for the vintage handbag shop. And it’s not THAT far from Antwerp, is it? Less than two hours, I think. xxx
It is indeed less than two hours from Antwerp to Amsterdam, with the Thalys train it is 1 hour and 12 minutes. And another 15 minutes from Amsterdam to Haarlem. If you book a hotel you can do Amsterdam and Haarlem.
I love both of your outfits. Looking very chic!
I also find that wedge platforms are good for my feet. I have two pairs of sandals like that which I wear all the time.
Looks like a wonderful day. And hey! Nice to see you both shopping vintage : )
bisous
Suzanne
And what I have on might not be vintage but it is sustainable. That counts too, right?
I was afraid I might fall if those wedged sandals hit a threshold for instance. But no, they are fine.
You both look very fresh and stylish! Does it get very hot there in summer? I could probably spend hours in that bag store… 😉
I get to meet Sylvia next week, can’t wait!
No it doesn’t get very hot in The Netherlands, especially not in Haarlem (near the coast). Usually in summer between 70-75 Fahrenheit. If we hit 86 we start complaining and call it a heat wave. We have a sea climate, which is moderate in winter and summer. And a lot of rain. You get a very green country in return.
Love the green bag you got, and I giggled that Sylvia is ALSO a fan of Essential Antwerp. We’re all falling hard, aren’t we?! You both look so chic.
I adore that photo of the old part of Haarlem. I literally want to move into that house on the right with all the windows 🙂 xx
No you don’t want to move there… you cannot park your car there. As a matter of fact, you cannot even drive there. Secluded area for cars.
No cars! You’re selling me on this place. I’d LOVE that! 😀
Really? I am totally car hooked and always want my car at hand.
I love your OBI belt ; it finishes off this simple but very classic outfit beautifully!!! Your new little green bag will be fun to style as the unexpected POP of color. Now you MUST have some green shoes!! Hey! A nice floral shoe or bootie would undoubtedly have green in it and go with lots of other colors as well!!
Sylvia’s blouse is unique and fun and her shoes are great too.
I have worn the little green bag a few times and fortunately I do not need green shoes. It is fine with blue, with black, with white, with tan. I love green, so also green shoes but I like to buy other things first.
Looks like a lovely shop. You both look amazing. What fun! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
That vintage bag shop is indeed lovely. I often spend an hour in there. The lady owner and I get along pretty well.
You look really fabulous, I love your outfit, and she looks so comfy&cool, very elegant!.
And such an amazing shop, it’s lovely when somebody’s hobbie becomes a source of income!, that’s a beautiful business!.
Always lovely to see some local atmosphere!
besos
Glad you like everything. Makes me proud haha. Hope to entertain you for many more years.
This is a great look for you. It’s what a call The Greetje Look; feminine, flattering and contemporary. Well done! Beautiful silhouette.
I actually think it is rather a simple outfit. Not one I would choose as my best outfit. But I do like it. Contradiction.
What a lovely post my dear! For a moment I felt I was there with you exploring Harlem and shopping for vintage bags! I love them, would have spent hours in this place for sure! I love the red messenger bag, did Sylvia get it?
Kisses from Mykonos 🙂
Stella
http://www.stellaasteria.com
No Sylvia hesitated but decided she already had enough bags. I went back the next week and hesitated over buying it as well. And didn’t. For the same reason.
Shopping for vintage bags sounds like a fantastic way to spend an afternoon! I love the green bag you bought. Your crisp white shirt looks fab with the obi belt, and what a great idea to have the shoe straps lined with a softer material. The ice cream looks very tempting…you’ve made me want one now!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
The lining of the straps wasn’t even expensive. I think € 15. And as the shoes were not expensive either, I thought it was money well spent. Most shoes give me blisters. Even far more expensive ones. Just a few exceptions to that rule. Which is why I like ballerinas. Not for their looks but because they have a fabric top (with a drawstring).
What a fun place to shop ! I love little stores like that, sadly there are fewer and fewer of them in NYC. I adore your green bag! Score ! I do love your outfit . A crisp white shirt an khakis are always chic and I love the obi belt.
Sylvia looks so fabulous too in her trousers and patterned blouse, both pairs of shoes are comfy and stylish.
That little girl is so so cute!
What fun you had, I love these posts! Excellent photos, too , help tell the story.
Xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/
My posts are like the music / pop magazines in the sixties/seventies. Photos tell the story, with little texts underneath it or in the photo. Have you ever seen such a magazine?
I’ll swap you my little green bag for your round leopard one haha.. Just kidding, don’t take me serious.
They are, a bit like an editorial in a magazine, but it is real life and therefore much more appealing. My round bag… you are so funny. One fine day you will come to New York an dimiwll take you shopping… you will be in paradise..
Xx,Elle
What a fabulous shop! I would definitely have wanted to buy one or two bags in there. I LOVE your choice – my favourite colour is green so we would have fought over that one lol!!
Wonderful post, Greetje!
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
I would have let you have the bag then Suzy. No fighting. It was only € 15 or € 22. Cannot remember anymore.
A bag shop always sounds very inviting to me…you found a nice mini bag which you can also use for carrying makeup . Haarlem is such an adorable place where to spend lovely hours with friends: shops and cafes are everywhere ! You look very nice and I am a bit envions to see that temperatures there probably are not too high! 🙂
Enjoy your Italian ice-cream…
What a funny photo of you and the black dog…it looks like you two were talking each other!
Yes, our climate is much more moderate. 21-23 degrees Celcius mostly. Sometimes we hit 24-30 and you should hear us go on about it (“my… it is hot!”). At the moment the temperatures are dropping to 18-21, but not for long. I like 21 degrees.
Sylvia’s outfit is very retro, I love it
It was also an extremely comfortable outfit she told me. Always a plus.
Such a fabulous looking neighborhood in Amsterdam … can’t wait to see it for my self later this Fall. As always, you are looking smashing darling!
No dear this is Haarlem. That is not a neighbourhood of Amsterdam but a small town 15 minutes (by train) away from Amsterdam. Both cities are fun to see. Have a look at my top navigation. You will find two buttons: Amsterdam and Haarlem, with more pictures of these citites.
I agree! Italian ice cream…we call it gelato here…is so yummy!
You both look great and happy in the sunshine!
Window boxes and pots sure do brighten up the facades of the homes there…here too!
Yes, I suppose we haven’t invented the window boxes and pots haha. But I always see pictures of American homes which are huge with a back garden, front garden and side gardens. And you don’t see that in New York either haha.
Oh my! I love those sandals! They are gorgeous! Whenever I see your posts about Haarlem, I miss living in a city! It s so much more alive. We went to a foodtruck festival in a village yesterday and a few months ago we went to one in Arnhem. The atmosfere is totally different in a village. I like the city fibes better!
I thought you lived in or near Arnhem, but I don’t know why I think this. I have known from an early age that I am totally a city girl. No suburbs, no peace and quiet, but bright city lights. I come from a village and I hated it. So I always chose to live in a city and I agree with what you say. I even regret having left Amsterdam, even though Haarlem is lovely.
I do live in a village near Arnhem! I was borne in Arnhem and lived there for half of my life.
Nice pics again thnx for that. I was there with you in Haarlem when you bought this outfit and pre-ordered the sandals. Do they really walk that comfortabel as the 2 ladies from Bellamys told us?Next time we meet take me to the outlet (have we been there?).
Yes, the ladies in the shop were right, the sandals are indeed very comfortable. As I said, I did have the leather straps lined by the cobbler with a softer material. You know how easy I get blisters. It wasn’t expensive. Which outlet are you referring to? Is there one?
Two stylish and smart women having a great day! Love both pairs of sandals, and your little green purse is just the perfect outfit-finisher. Thanks for linking, xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
I would love to link more often dear. Even just more visits to your blog would be so nice.
This is a great look for you. It’s what a call The Greetje Look; feminine, flattering and contemporary. Well done! Beautiful silhouette.
I actually think it is rather a simple outfit. Not one I would choose as my best outfit. But I do like it. Contradiction.
Looks like a lovely shop. You both look amazing. What fun! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
That vintage bag shop is indeed lovely. I often spend an hour in there. The lady owner and I get along pretty well.
You look really fabulous, I love your outfit, and she looks so comfy&cool, very elegant!.
And such an amazing shop, it’s lovely when somebody’s hobbie becomes a source of income!, that’s a beautiful business!.
Always lovely to see some local atmosphere!
besos
Glad you like everything. Makes me proud haha. Hope to entertain you for many more years.
Shopping for vintage bags sounds like a fantastic way to spend an afternoon! I love the green bag you bought. Your crisp white shirt looks fab with the obi belt, and what a great idea to have the shoe straps lined with a softer material. The ice cream looks very tempting…you’ve made me want one now!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
The lining of the straps wasn’t even expensive. I think € 15. And as the shoes were not expensive either, I thought it was money well spent. Most shoes give me blisters. Even far more expensive ones. Just a few exceptions to that rule. Which is why I like ballerinas. Not for their looks but because they have a fabric top (with a drawstring).
A bag shop always sounds very inviting to me…you found a nice mini bag which you can also use for carrying makeup . Haarlem is such an adorable place where to spend lovely hours with friends: shops and cafes are everywhere ! You look very nice and I am a bit envions to see that temperatures there probably are not too high! 🙂
Enjoy your Italian ice-cream…
What a funny photo of you and the black dog…it looks like you two were talking each other!
Yes, our climate is much more moderate. 21-23 degrees Celcius mostly. Sometimes we hit 24-30 and you should hear us go on about it (“my… it is hot!”). At the moment the temperatures are dropping to 18-21, but not for long. I like 21 degrees.
What a lovely post my dear! For a moment I felt I was there with you exploring Harlem and shopping for vintage bags! I love them, would have spent hours in this place for sure! I love the red messenger bag, did Sylvia get it?
Kisses from Mykonos 🙂
Stella
http://www.stellaasteria.com
No Sylvia hesitated but decided she already had enough bags. I went back the next week and hesitated over buying it as well. And didn’t. For the same reason.
Such a fabulous looking neighborhood in Amsterdam … can’t wait to see it for my self later this Fall. As always, you are looking smashing darling!
No dear this is Haarlem. That is not a neighbourhood of Amsterdam but a small town 15 minutes (by train) away from Amsterdam. Both cities are fun to see. Have a look at my top navigation. You will find two buttons: Amsterdam and Haarlem, with more pictures of these citites.
What a fabulous shop! I would definitely have wanted to buy one or two bags in there. I LOVE your choice – my favourite colour is green so we would have fought over that one lol!!
Wonderful post, Greetje!
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
I would have let you have the bag then Suzy. No fighting. It was only € 15 or € 22. Cannot remember anymore.
Sylvia’s outfit is very retro, I love it
It was also an extremely comfortable outfit she told me. Always a plus.
I agree! Italian ice cream…we call it gelato here…is so yummy!
You both look great and happy in the sunshine!
Window boxes and pots sure do brighten up the facades of the homes there…here too!
Yes, I suppose we haven’t invented the window boxes and pots haha. But I always see pictures of American homes which are huge with a back garden, front garden and side gardens. And you don’t see that in New York either haha.
What a fun place to shop ! I love little stores like that, sadly there are fewer and fewer of them in NYC. I adore your green bag! Score ! I do love your outfit . A crisp white shirt an khakis are always chic and I love the obi belt.
Sylvia looks so fabulous too in her trousers and patterned blouse, both pairs of shoes are comfy and stylish.
That little girl is so so cute!
What fun you had, I love these posts! Excellent photos, too , help tell the story.
Xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/
My posts are like the music / pop magazines in the sixties/seventies. Photos tell the story, with little texts underneath it or in the photo. Have you ever seen such a magazine?
I’ll swap you my little green bag for your round leopard one haha.. Just kidding, don’t take me serious.
They are, a bit like an editorial in a magazine, but it is real life and therefore much more appealing. My round bag… you are so funny. One fine day you will come to New York an dimiwll take you shopping… you will be in paradise..
Xx,Elle
Two stylish and smart women having a great day! Love both pairs of sandals, and your little green purse is just the perfect outfit-finisher. Thanks for linking, xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
I would love to link more often dear. Even just more visits to your blog would be so nice.
Oh my! I love those sandals! They are gorgeous! Whenever I see your posts about Haarlem, I miss living in a city! It s so much more alive. We went to a foodtruck festival in a village yesterday and a few months ago we went to one in Arnhem. The atmosfere is totally different in a village. I like the city fibes better!
I thought you lived in or near Arnhem, but I don’t know why I think this. I have known from an early age that I am totally a city girl. No suburbs, no peace and quiet, but bright city lights. I come from a village and I hated it. So I always chose to live in a city and I agree with what you say. I even regret having left Amsterdam, even though Haarlem is lovely.
I do live in a village near Arnhem! I was borne in Arnhem and lived there for half of my life.
Nice pics again thnx for that. I was there with you in Haarlem when you bought this outfit and pre-ordered the sandals. Do they really walk that comfortabel as the 2 ladies from Bellamys told us?Next time we meet take me to the outlet (have we been there?).
Yes, the ladies in the shop were right, the sandals are indeed very comfortable. As I said, I did have the leather straps lined by the cobbler with a softer material. You know how easy I get blisters. It wasn’t expensive. Which outlet are you referring to? Is there one?
I love both of your outfits. Looking very chic!
I also find that wedge platforms are good for my feet. I have two pairs of sandals like that which I wear all the time.
Looks like a wonderful day. And hey! Nice to see you both shopping vintage : )
bisous
Suzanne
And what I have on might not be vintage but it is sustainable. That counts too, right?
I was afraid I might fall if those wedged sandals hit a threshold for instance. But no, they are fine.
I love your OBI belt ; it finishes off this simple but very classic outfit beautifully!!! Your new little green bag will be fun to style as the unexpected POP of color. Now you MUST have some green shoes!! Hey! A nice floral shoe or bootie would undoubtedly have green in it and go with lots of other colors as well!!
Sylvia’s blouse is unique and fun and her shoes are great too.
I have worn the little green bag a few times and fortunately I do not need green shoes. It is fine with blue, with black, with white, with tan. I love green, so also green shoes but I like to buy other things first.
Love the green bag you got, and I giggled that Sylvia is ALSO a fan of Essential Antwerp. We’re all falling hard, aren’t we?! You both look so chic.
I adore that photo of the old part of Haarlem. I literally want to move into that house on the right with all the windows 🙂 xx
No you don’t want to move there… you cannot park your car there. As a matter of fact, you cannot even drive there. Secluded area for cars.
No cars! You’re selling me on this place. I’d LOVE that! 😀
Really? I am totally car hooked and always want my car at hand.
Purses and ice cream …. what a lovely afternoon!
Love your outfit …. especially the belt!
Such a belt is a blessing for a woman with a short waist (me). I have one in blue and one in black as well 😉😊.
Interesting post, now I want Ice cream! What a wonderful little shop – love the red bag – was it bought? Thanks for sharing , Jacqui
I think you mean the green bag haha. Yes I did buy it. It is very flat and looks small but it can hold a lot!
Haarlem looks like a lovely town! I must go there sometime, even if only for the vintage handbag shop. And it’s not THAT far from Antwerp, is it? Less than two hours, I think. xxx
It is indeed less than two hours from Antwerp to Amsterdam, with the Thalys train it is 1 hour and 12 minutes. And another 15 minutes from Amsterdam to Haarlem. If you book a hotel you can do Amsterdam and Haarlem.
You both look very fresh and stylish! Does it get very hot there in summer? I could probably spend hours in that bag store… 😉
I get to meet Sylvia next week, can’t wait!
No it doesn’t get very hot in The Netherlands, especially not in Haarlem (near the coast). Usually in summer between 70-75 Fahrenheit. If we hit 86 we start complaining and call it a heat wave. We have a sea climate, which is moderate in winter and summer. And a lot of rain. You get a very green country in return.
Of course, we would never say that, Greetje!! You work hard for your money, so you should spend it on whatever you want—even if you already have a ton of messenger bags…ha ha!!
Did you buy the green one?? It’s so stunning, and would be such a pop of color with almost any outfit??
The ice cream looked fantastic!! That’s how I get my hubby to go shopping with me—bribery of ice cream afterwards!! (and you think I’m kidding??)
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Hahaha.. that was a funny reply. Thanks, you made me laugh. And yes I bought the little green bag. It looks very flat and small, but it can contain a lot! Surprisingly.
Of course, we would never say that, Greetje!! You work hard for your money, so you should spend it on whatever you want—even if you already have a ton of messenger bags…ha ha!!
Did you buy the green one?? It’s so stunning, and would be such a pop of color with almost any outfit??
The ice cream looked fantastic!! That’s how I get my hubby to go shopping with me—bribery of ice cream afterwards!! (and you think I’m kidding??)
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Hahaha.. that was a funny reply. Thanks, you made me laugh. And yes I bought the little green bag. It looks very flat and small, but it can contain a lot! Surprisingly.