Today again two holiday days with friends. Thursday with Aafke in Amersfoort and Tuesday with Eefje in Haarlem. Both were colleagues of mine. In 1985 Eefje joined the advertising agency where I worked at the time and Aafke came working with the advertising department at the bank in 2009. All three of us have a really Dutch first name.
Let’s get started as we have a lot of photos to see.
Below: Aafke posing for me, squinting her eyes against the sun.
Below: Folding her new trenchcoat neatly. Aafke is stilll very young (45), has 4 children and works fulltime. She has a bubbling personality and is always positive. Love that silk blush pink top on her.
Below: “The picture” of the two of us. Again a waitress was the lucky one to take it. We were having lunch in Aafke’s hometown Amersfoort. Also a lovely old town.
Below: We went for some household shopping (really we did) and Aafke made my blog photos. Wearing my Weekend Max leopard raincoat (love it).
Below: Posing in front of an alley which leads to a canal (yes, with boats). “Strike a pose…” Green knitted sweater Sportmax. The necklace I bought in Paris several years ago. Blue cotton trousers (Caroll) bought in Nice (France) this year. Blue patent leather peeptoes.. ancient (Unisa).
Below: Aafke wanted the sign in the picture. It says: fire alley/escape. This top has a wide boatneck. I love that, but for some strange reason one side (the left one) always drops from my shoulder. Annoys the hell out of me. Now there is Dress Tape. What an improvement. I used to have safety pins everywhere. Now I just stick a double-sided adhesive strap on each shoulder and the top doesn’t move an inch all day. Wearing a blue tanktop underneath to hide the brastraps and Spanx straps. Yes, there is a whole lot of shenanigan going on underneath that sleek exterior.
Below: Two scenic photos of Amersfoort. We do have ugly cities too. I just don’t like visiting them haha.
Right…. over to Tuesday with Eefje.
Below: Here I am, waiting for Eefje at the coffee bar Mogador in Haarlem (Botermarkt). They have a beautiful quote about coffee: Black as the devil, hot as hell, pure as an angel, sweet as love. As a coffee addict this really speaks to me.
Wearing:
my lime duster coat by Karen Millen (seen before here), my trusted G-Star Raw boyfriend jeans, black leather sneakers by Essentiel and a lime mini bag by Zara.
Fellow blogger Lisa (the Sequinist) said in her post about a fuchia coat with voluminous statement sleeves: “I subscribe to the theory that if you only buy what you really, really love, it will all go together, almost as if by magic.” Apparently that also applies to colours you really love, as this mini bag is exactly the same colour as the coat.
Below: Darling Eefje, 52 years old and looking 30, a smart and sweet woman. I don’t get to see her enough. But that applies to most of my friends. All great for different reasons and I don’t see them as much as I want to.
Below: Eefje is always cool chic as I call it. Casual as in sneakers but with a lace top and a jacket.
Below: We had cappuccino made by a barista. Homely atmosphere at Mogador.
As we were taking pictures, somebody asked what it was for. When I answered “for my blog”, a lady turned round and said to me: “Are you Greetje?”
Below: The photo is blurry, but this is the lady in question. She is from Bangkok and explained to her friend that she follows Sylvia’s site (40Plus Style) and had seen me there several times. Can I now claim I am famous haha?
Below: Eefje shot a good picture. Green knitted top with copper speckles from Bellamy Gallery (you know them by now). The copper of the speckles is matched by the copper shiny bit on my sneakers. Next time I wear this I will make sure the top underneath follows the neckline of the green top.
Below: Close-up of the jade necklace. One of the many that Ina (a friend who sadly died) made. See my post Chunky Necklaces for all the other necklaces she made.
No photo of Eefje and me together. I had it taken indoors. Far too pink, too yellow and blurry. Eefje would not be pleased if I showed it.
Greetje
Girlfriends that we feel we don’t see enough are truly blessings!! That means we love them dearly and enjoy their company, right?
How fun to meet your friends, Greetje and I do think you’re famous!!! How fun that someone recognizes you!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I would never want to be really famous and not be able to walk the streets without being recognised. But this was really fun. And yes I love my feiends dearky. All of them. Fortunately our hearts are big enough.
I love your posts Greetje, they are so real and your humour has me returning for more. You are not boring the pants off me. (2nd comment) I think that too but then I probably am!
I enjoy these posts of your friends as I am interested to see what continental women are wearing, their jewellery especially appeals to me. Btw, do you find spanx hot? I have a couple of pieces but can’t wear too much over it…and this from a cold mortal.
No I don’t find Spanx hot at all. I wear them when it is 28 degrees (C). I hardly feel them. I wear the (sort of) tank top type. And thank you very much for your kind comment. I will continue to keep you amused. Well I will try anyway..
This look is youthful but not juvenile. Perfect balance Greeje. Happy to see you holidaying with your many friends. In the pretty cities, LOL!
Yes, it was a nice holiday. Thank you for the compliments. I have to check to see whather I didn’t miss one of your comments. Doing a series of posts in one go right? 😘
Yep…got comfy and settled in for my reading! You’ve replied to all my comments, thanks!
Gosh, Greetje, I do giggle my way through your posts. I especially loved this: “Yes, there is a whole lot of shenanigan going on underneath that sleek exterior.” 🙂
You are definitely a case in point with buying a bag and a coat that you love in a highly unusual colour, and voila, a perfect outfit is born. Thank you for the mention. I love the green top on you, and I also love Eefje’s white sneaker and lace ensemble. I need that. Only I’d also need your white boots to wear with it too.
As usual, I thoroughly enjoy seeing your travels and remembering my wonderful years in your country. There is something so charming and peaceful about the Netherlands that doesn’t exist anywhere else. I can never quite put my finger on it, but I see if often in your photos. I especially see it in that photo of the tower in Amersfoort. xx
Charming and peaceful huh? Probably because not a lot is happening?? haha. Kidding. I do love my country, but that is because I am really rooted here and I can see the advantages of staying where your roots are. Not very adventurous but that is me. I hope to entertain you with my post a long, long time.
Great outfits and photos. I love your leopard coat and little yellow bag. That’s such a cool yellow!
I call that lime instead of yellow, but I am not sure whether lime isn’t a bit more green. Neon yellow perhaps? Anyway, at a price of € 30.- you cannot go wrong.
The leopard coat will stay with me forever. Love it.
That bright green top is such a great color for you, and looks smashing with the leopard coat! And I love the lime coat too. You always look great in bright, saturated colors.
Your friends are very stylish too.
When I photographed a woman in the streets wearing this coat (3 years ago?), she was wearing a green top with it. And I was in awe. Never forgot that and this shade of green is my most flattering green.
Gorgeous photos and outfits! But I don’t believe that there are any ugly cities in Holland, every town I went to while I was there was cuter than the last one. 🙂
I am sure we have ugly cities, newly built suburbs for instance. I am glad you just saw the nice ones. Were you here long ago?
I was there in 2012 for two months, doing an artist residency in a tiny town called Renkum. Then, I went back for a vacation last year, with my guy. His Mom was born in Holland, and he worked in Rotterdam for a year. We both really love and feel connected to the country.
You were in a pretty green part of our country. I love my little country too.
how fun Greetje! It looks like you stumbled upon my friend Janna. She used to live in Singapore but moved to Singapore. Looking great in both pictures!
You mean she moved to Bangkok? I was so surprised I forgot to ask her name. It is a small world.
I always enjoy seeing your pictures of Holland. You and your friends looked great ….. love the whole jean outfit!
Yes, jeans are my favourite. Like most of the Dutch.
HAhaha, that you don’t go to ugly cities. I drool over your ugly cities. I’m glad you’ve been enjoying your holiday time with friends. Aafke and Eefje look like they would be great to hang out with. What a stylish bunch you are. (I have to carefully check the spelling, those Dutch double-vowels are tricky.) And I do love how those the neon yellow/greens of your coat and bag go together – of course.
And you’re a STAR!! We already knew that, but how cool to be spotted! I hope you hand out cards. I don’t remember if you do. Every fan needs a souvenir. Heh.
I hand out cards when people don’t know me. Even more so. Whether they want to or not. Have met me or not..: “Hello, you seem to be exactly the type of woman who might enjoy my blog. Here is my card. A blog? What is a blog? That is a little piece on the internet, occupied by me. And I show you what I wear and what I am doing. Interesting right???”
That kind of thing. Usually they are too polite to refuse my card. Haven’t followed them yet to see whether they throw it away in the nearest dustbin haha.
Love that you are globally famous! Great post!
Yeah right haha. Globally famous. You should see Google Analytics… the stats don’t lie. I am nowhere near famous. But it was a fun and funny moment.
I once saw a blogger I follow, in a city where neither of us lives — and I still kick myself for not saying hello to her, and thanks. Stupidly, I didn’t approach her because I was dressed poorly — and she was/is a fashionista. I realize now she probably would have welcomed the overture.
I bet she would have indeed. But I recognise your thinking. 😎
Just proving once again that it’s a smaller world than we sometimes think. When my husband was traveling all the time he was constantly running into old aquaintences, business contacts, famous people, relatives, etc., by accident, in airports located all over the place.
I totally agree. Which is always so nice.
How nice to see Aafje again, 4 kids, wow! I love your lime coat, my favorite color. And how funny that you are being recognized on the street as Greetje the blogger:) Yes, you are famous.
What do you mean 4 kids? Look at yourself haha. In this post are two of my three favourite coats, the lime duster coat, the leopard one and I also love my big fuchsia winter coat. When I am really famous I will still want to be friends with you, don’t worry. (JOKE)
I will have to ask for your signature next time I see you, might become worth lots of money some day:)
Can I say how much I love your leopard raincoat, you internationally famous blogger.
Whahaha… Yep, that’s me.. And I agree about the leopard raincoat. That one will stay with me all my life. May it be long, healthy and happy.
This was fun! The clothes and pictures of the sights also. 😀
I am glad I could entertain you. Sometimes I think I am boring the pants off of people. But then I get comments like yours and I just continue.
It’s always interesting, especially when I get to armchair travel. : )
Love your blog posts. They are never boring. And I shall keep my eyes open for you if ever I am in the Netherlands so I can ask for your autograph too. You and your friends are very stylish so are all the Dutch women I meet. Is it that your shops are better, do you think? Or are people in general fitter and in better shape? Or just more adventurous in what they wear? Maybe it’s genetic?
I could send you thousands pictures of Dutch women looking horrible. No it is not genetic. Most Dutch women like comfort, and it has to be practical (bike rides, children, shopping etc) and we Dutch love jeans. So no I don’t think we are particularly well dressed. You say you meet Dutch women? Where?
(Oh and PS, I would LOVE to give you my autograph. Please ask for it loudly haha>)
I can show you millions of badly dressed British women then, ha ha. I was waiting for s flight home recently and all the planes were heading to England and what a gathering of badly dressed people there were in that departure lounge. I’ve visited the NL several times and stayed with an Dutch resident friend and I so enjoyed the way women look in your country. I think it’s something to do with dressing practically but with lovely colours and styles. Saw a woman of mature years on a train in purple jeans and flat red boots. Fantastic.
You should see the women in Amsterdam!! You would love their bold choices. Because of that I moved to Amsterdam when I was 27. Unfortunately I moved to Haarlem 10 years later to live with my husband in a house we could afford to buy. Haarlem is lovely too but my heart is still in Amsterdam.
And how does Aafke do that? 4kids, a full time job, looking good and time for friends? She must be a very balanced lady! Love these series with your friends. You have got interesting friends. And what a compliment it is when someone recognise you for your blog! Wow! I hope that will happen to me one day😂😂😂……..when I have my two uninterested friends with me!😉😉😉
Oh yes, that would be fun, that would teach them. I have been recognised once before by a woman who lives in Haarlem and also follows Annette (The Lady of Style). It is quite a funny experience.
And Aafke.. I know, I never know how she does it either. They do have a trusted lady taking care of the kids when she has to work late and who can come during the day. Not all day and every day, but it helps to have somebody like that around. And she is bloody good at organising. Her husband isn’t complaining either.
I love your green blouse and I really like your animal print jacket. And, as always, the jeans and the yellow bag, that cute! Your necklaces are always very successful and beautiful. I love the style of your friend Eefje. Thank you, again, for sharing the beauty of your country with us.
Oh there you are again, making me happy by commenting. Thank you so much. You never know how long a blogger will last, do you. So far, so good. Nearly 5 years now. Who would have thought. You were the one to give me confidence. You and Sacramento. And of course Sylvia of 40+Style.
I’m sure that both you and your fan were pleased to meet up unexpectedly and clearly it was a positive , upbeat moment in the day.
You look so darn cute in your boyfriend jeans and cool jade necklace Greetje! I also love you in the green sweater with the secret under garments and that bright yellow coat and mini purse are HOT!!!
Coffee is a life saver in the morning and again around 3PM. I take mine with stevia and cream. Yum!
I love a city lifestyle that includes so many bicycles parked(and I assume chained) to iron fences along the street. Dutch living looks picturesque, pleasant and friendly.
I suppose Dutch living is like that. Lisa, The Sequinist said something similar and she (American, now living in London) has lived in The Netherlands. Everything is on such a small scale here. Everything is within bicycle distance or 20 minutes by car. Just other cities are an hour, utmost two hours away. That makes it easy to visit each other and meet. And that is why I don’t think I can live anywhere else. We have a word for it, which cannot be translated into any language: gezellig. It sort of says: cosy, friendly, warm, embrasing.
I am glad you like my outfits. Took me a bit of thinking what I could show and hadn’t been on the blog. Most of it has, but in a different setting. As for coffee, I think I drink about 5 of them. With artificial sugar (not Stevia as that has a bad after taste) and cream. Like you.
And those bicycles? Yes they are blxxdy everywhere. Always ruining my photos.
I love your style Greetje. Both of your coats in this post are to die for. You keep it simple but make a statement always. Thanks.
Thank you so much Natalie. These are such nice compliments. Styling is not my forté, but perceverance is. Gets me there too haha.
I LOVE both your looks! You look fab in that green top, a very nice color on you. I also love the yellow jacket and your bag, both so fun. Your trip looks like so much fun.
Nora
And it wasn’t a trip. I slept in my own bed every night. The Netherlands is so small, everything is 5 minutes away to (utmost 2 1/2 hours drive (one end to the other).
I love your tops, coats and necklaces. Fall is on it’s way to my area so a topper coat seems like a great idea. I’m inspired to look for one when I meet Sylvia in NYC later this week.
You are meeting Sylvia? What fun! She is having a ball I bet. I was supposed to join her last week but I chickened out because of the costs. Good luck with finding a coat and thanks for the compliments.
Another fun and outstanding post. Loved this opening shot of you in the skinnies wearing greeen and a fabulous necklace. I loved the adddition of the spotted sweater jacket, addding a bit of fall feeling, is exciting to me as I love the layering that comes with this season.
LoVe the look of you, in repose, — The yellow is also a great shot and an expectional look.
You always look so naturally and chic in skinnies.
Your friends are very pretty,. Eefje is lovely in all white with the touch of lace, and I love The rose oolor on affke.
The color suits her and the pair of you like you tar having a cozy day out!
Xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/
All my time with friends is precious and full of laughter. I hold them dearly.
That is what friends are for. Time well spent, with laughter the marvelous bonus!
❤️🌸❤️
Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/
I am always quite tickled when someone recognizes me from my blog. You look so trim and stylish in your jeans and metallic speckled shirt (and my favourite shoes). I can’t believe that anyone who has four children has time to go out and meet with friends; she must be very organized!
Oh Aafke is really organized. And she can handle a ton of work. I would call her super woman. And you know when you meet these types you think… “but one day you are going to crack as this is not normal”, Aafke isn’t one of them. She is so relaxed and such a happy person.
All my friends are famous!!!
How awesome is that? Must have made your day.
You are really doing a great effortless casual chic here. I adore the yellow on you.
bisous
Suzanne
That is my forté… casual chic. Lots of jeans going on in my life. You call it yellow? I call it lime. Well hard to tell really.
It seems that you are famous!! It’s funny thinking that people I we don’t know in real life are followers of the blog, isn’t it? It’s something that always surprises me…
( Something similar happened to me some time ago when at the MM outlet a blogger from Israel recognised me )
You look very nice!
Beautiful yellow raincoat with matching small bag …
I remember your post about meeting that fan of yours. I was very impressed then. It is lovely and funny when this happens.
You have the most lovely and stylish friends Greetje. I love your colorful jackets, and holy heck you live in a gorgeous place! xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Which is why I won’t move. I love it here myself.
Fab; I’m friends with a real celeb!!! Hahaha…
Do you want my autograph? 😎😎
YOU ARE FAMOUS!!!!!!!
THAT just happened to me TOO last week in a museum!SO FUN being recognized when we are OUT and ABOUT!I really like the jeans on YOU!That coat and BAG are one of my favorite colors!!!!!HARD to find here in the STATES!
Good for you for making dates with FRIENDS…………….there is NEVER enough time to catch up!
XX
The green of my sweater (worn with the leopard coat) is very hard to come by. The lime has been a fashion colour and was much easier. I have more pieces in that colour. I really like some more of that British Racing green. And yes, there is never enough time to catch up with friends.
Hi Greetje,
Loved your post. Holland has got so many nice towns and cities to visit and it’s great you share these with your readers. I must admit that I have to smile bit more than usually when reading about your holiday activities……weren’t you the one giving me the advice to ‘do nothing’ when I had written down a few tips for happy holidays on my blog…..?!? Well, I am happy you have been as active as ever during your holidays, since your blogposts are always very entertaining. I love all the small bags you have shown us lately! Good inspiration! Thanks.
Lieske
Hahaha… I have done really nothing. I met the girls, sat, ate, drank, chated and sat on my rear end. That was all. Very relaxing.
You mentioned that you and your friends have very Dutch names. Living in Texas, I have no idea how to correctly pronounce your names. Help? (In case we ever meet)
I am sorry Linda, but I don’t know how to explain that. You start my name by saying GGGrrrr, roaring like an animal, then a long Aaa (pronounced as an English A) and then “tuh”. See how difficult this is? When we meet, just say Greta. I will respond. Or say “OY, YOU, yes YOU”.. and I will respond haha.
This look is youthful but not juvenile. Perfect balance Greeje. Happy to see you holidaying with your many friends. In the pretty cities, LOL!
Yes, it was a nice holiday. Thank you for the compliments. I have to check to see whather I didn’t miss one of your comments. Doing a series of posts in one go right? 😘
Yep…got comfy and settled in for my reading! You’ve replied to all my comments, thanks!
I am always quite tickled when someone recognizes me from my blog. You look so trim and stylish in your jeans and metallic speckled shirt (and my favourite shoes). I can’t believe that anyone who has four children has time to go out and meet with friends; she must be very organized!
Oh Aafke is really organized. And she can handle a ton of work. I would call her super woman. And you know when you meet these types you think… “but one day you are going to crack as this is not normal”, Aafke isn’t one of them. She is so relaxed and such a happy person.
All my friends are famous!!!
How awesome is that? Must have made your day.
You are really doing a great effortless casual chic here. I adore the yellow on you.
bisous
Suzanne
That is my forté… casual chic. Lots of jeans going on in my life. You call it yellow? I call it lime. Well hard to tell really.
It seems that you are famous!! It’s funny thinking that people I we don’t know in real life are followers of the blog, isn’t it? It’s something that always surprises me…
( Something similar happened to me some time ago when at the MM outlet a blogger from Israel recognised me )
You look very nice!
Beautiful yellow raincoat with matching small bag …
I remember your post about meeting that fan of yours. I was very impressed then. It is lovely and funny when this happens.
I love your style Greetje. Both of your coats in this post are to die for. You keep it simple but make a statement always. Thanks.
Thank you so much Natalie. These are such nice compliments. Styling is not my forté, but perceverance is. Gets me there too haha.
Another fun and outstanding post. Loved this opening shot of you in the skinnies wearing greeen and a fabulous necklace. I loved the adddition of the spotted sweater jacket, addding a bit of fall feeling, is exciting to me as I love the layering that comes with this season.
LoVe the look of you, in repose, — The yellow is also a great shot and an expectional look.
You always look so naturally and chic in skinnies.
Your friends are very pretty,. Eefje is lovely in all white with the touch of lace, and I love The rose oolor on affke.
The color suits her and the pair of you like you tar having a cozy day out!
Xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/
All my time with friends is precious and full of laughter. I hold them dearly.
That is what friends are for. Time well spent, with laughter the marvelous bonus!
❤️🌸❤️
Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/
I love your tops, coats and necklaces. Fall is on it’s way to my area so a topper coat seems like a great idea. I’m inspired to look for one when I meet Sylvia in NYC later this week.
You are meeting Sylvia? What fun! She is having a ball I bet. I was supposed to join her last week but I chickened out because of the costs. Good luck with finding a coat and thanks for the compliments.
Fab; I’m friends with a real celeb!!! Hahaha…
Do you want my autograph? 😎😎
I LOVE both your looks! You look fab in that green top, a very nice color on you. I also love the yellow jacket and your bag, both so fun. Your trip looks like so much fun.
Nora
And it wasn’t a trip. I slept in my own bed every night. The Netherlands is so small, everything is 5 minutes away to (utmost 2 1/2 hours drive (one end to the other).
You have the most lovely and stylish friends Greetje. I love your colorful jackets, and holy heck you live in a gorgeous place! xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Which is why I won’t move. I love it here myself.
YOU ARE FAMOUS!!!!!!!
THAT just happened to me TOO last week in a museum!SO FUN being recognized when we are OUT and ABOUT!I really like the jeans on YOU!That coat and BAG are one of my favorite colors!!!!!HARD to find here in the STATES!
Good for you for making dates with FRIENDS…………….there is NEVER enough time to catch up!
XX
The green of my sweater (worn with the leopard coat) is very hard to come by. The lime has been a fashion colour and was much easier. I have more pieces in that colour. I really like some more of that British Racing green. And yes, there is never enough time to catch up with friends.
Hi Greetje,
Loved your post. Holland has got so many nice towns and cities to visit and it’s great you share these with your readers. I must admit that I have to smile bit more than usually when reading about your holiday activities……weren’t you the one giving me the advice to ‘do nothing’ when I had written down a few tips for happy holidays on my blog…..?!? Well, I am happy you have been as active as ever during your holidays, since your blogposts are always very entertaining. I love all the small bags you have shown us lately! Good inspiration! Thanks.
Lieske
Hahaha… I have done really nothing. I met the girls, sat, ate, drank, chated and sat on my rear end. That was all. Very relaxing.
Love your blog posts. They are never boring. And I shall keep my eyes open for you if ever I am in the Netherlands so I can ask for your autograph too. You and your friends are very stylish so are all the Dutch women I meet. Is it that your shops are better, do you think? Or are people in general fitter and in better shape? Or just more adventurous in what they wear? Maybe it’s genetic?
I could send you thousands pictures of Dutch women looking horrible. No it is not genetic. Most Dutch women like comfort, and it has to be practical (bike rides, children, shopping etc) and we Dutch love jeans. So no I don’t think we are particularly well dressed. You say you meet Dutch women? Where?
(Oh and PS, I would LOVE to give you my autograph. Please ask for it loudly haha>)
I can show you millions of badly dressed British women then, ha ha. I was waiting for s flight home recently and all the planes were heading to England and what a gathering of badly dressed people there were in that departure lounge. I’ve visited the NL several times and stayed with an Dutch resident friend and I so enjoyed the way women look in your country. I think it’s something to do with dressing practically but with lovely colours and styles. Saw a woman of mature years on a train in purple jeans and flat red boots. Fantastic.
You should see the women in Amsterdam!! You would love their bold choices. Because of that I moved to Amsterdam when I was 27. Unfortunately I moved to Haarlem 10 years later to live with my husband in a house we could afford to buy. Haarlem is lovely too but my heart is still in Amsterdam.
I love your posts Greetje, they are so real and your humour has me returning for more. You are not boring the pants off me. (2nd comment) I think that too but then I probably am!
I enjoy these posts of your friends as I am interested to see what continental women are wearing, their jewellery especially appeals to me. Btw, do you find spanx hot? I have a couple of pieces but can’t wear too much over it…and this from a cold mortal.
No I don’t find Spanx hot at all. I wear them when it is 28 degrees (C). I hardly feel them. I wear the (sort of) tank top type. And thank you very much for your kind comment. I will continue to keep you amused. Well I will try anyway..
I love your green blouse and I really like your animal print jacket. And, as always, the jeans and the yellow bag, that cute! Your necklaces are always very successful and beautiful. I love the style of your friend Eefje. Thank you, again, for sharing the beauty of your country with us.
Oh there you are again, making me happy by commenting. Thank you so much. You never know how long a blogger will last, do you. So far, so good. Nearly 5 years now. Who would have thought. You were the one to give me confidence. You and Sacramento. And of course Sylvia of 40+Style.
And how does Aafke do that? 4kids, a full time job, looking good and time for friends? She must be a very balanced lady! Love these series with your friends. You have got interesting friends. And what a compliment it is when someone recognise you for your blog! Wow! I hope that will happen to me one day😂😂😂……..when I have my two uninterested friends with me!😉😉😉
Oh yes, that would be fun, that would teach them. I have been recognised once before by a woman who lives in Haarlem and also follows Annette (The Lady of Style). It is quite a funny experience.
And Aafke.. I know, I never know how she does it either. They do have a trusted lady taking care of the kids when she has to work late and who can come during the day. Not all day and every day, but it helps to have somebody like that around. And she is bloody good at organising. Her husband isn’t complaining either.
You mentioned that you and your friends have very Dutch names. Living in Texas, I have no idea how to correctly pronounce your names. Help? (In case we ever meet)
I am sorry Linda, but I don’t know how to explain that. You start my name by saying GGGrrrr, roaring like an animal, then a long Aaa (pronounced as an English A) and then “tuh”. See how difficult this is? When we meet, just say Greta. I will respond. Or say “OY, YOU, yes YOU”.. and I will respond haha.
I’m sure that both you and your fan were pleased to meet up unexpectedly and clearly it was a positive , upbeat moment in the day.
You look so darn cute in your boyfriend jeans and cool jade necklace Greetje! I also love you in the green sweater with the secret under garments and that bright yellow coat and mini purse are HOT!!!
Coffee is a life saver in the morning and again around 3PM. I take mine with stevia and cream. Yum!
I love a city lifestyle that includes so many bicycles parked(and I assume chained) to iron fences along the street. Dutch living looks picturesque, pleasant and friendly.
I suppose Dutch living is like that. Lisa, The Sequinist said something similar and she (American, now living in London) has lived in The Netherlands. Everything is on such a small scale here. Everything is within bicycle distance or 20 minutes by car. Just other cities are an hour, utmost two hours away. That makes it easy to visit each other and meet. And that is why I don’t think I can live anywhere else. We have a word for it, which cannot be translated into any language: gezellig. It sort of says: cosy, friendly, warm, embrasing.
I am glad you like my outfits. Took me a bit of thinking what I could show and hadn’t been on the blog. Most of it has, but in a different setting. As for coffee, I think I drink about 5 of them. With artificial sugar (not Stevia as that has a bad after taste) and cream. Like you.
And those bicycles? Yes they are blxxdy everywhere. Always ruining my photos.
Girlfriends that we feel we don’t see enough are truly blessings!! That means we love them dearly and enjoy their company, right?
How fun to meet your friends, Greetje and I do think you’re famous!!! How fun that someone recognizes you!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I would never want to be really famous and not be able to walk the streets without being recognised. But this was really fun. And yes I love my feiends dearky. All of them. Fortunately our hearts are big enough.
how fun Greetje! It looks like you stumbled upon my friend Janna. She used to live in Singapore but moved to Singapore. Looking great in both pictures!
You mean she moved to Bangkok? I was so surprised I forgot to ask her name. It is a small world.
That bright green top is such a great color for you, and looks smashing with the leopard coat! And I love the lime coat too. You always look great in bright, saturated colors.
Your friends are very stylish too.
When I photographed a woman in the streets wearing this coat (3 years ago?), she was wearing a green top with it. And I was in awe. Never forgot that and this shade of green is my most flattering green.
Love your posts – not only fabulous photos and fashion but you always look like you are enjoying your friends and your life to the absolute max. Glad you are a coffee-hound too – I navigate my life from one flat white to the next, without a flat white to start the day I am nothing! 🙂
Oh indeed, I am totally addicted to coffee. I tried for six months to drink it without sugar and failed miserably. Now I use artificial sugar.
As for friends, I love being with friends and I do lead a happy life. With ups and downs like everybody else, but mostly ups in this stage of my life.
I always enjoy seeing your pictures of Holland. You and your friends looked great ….. love the whole jean outfit!
Yes, jeans are my favourite. Like most of the Dutch.
HAhaha, that you don’t go to ugly cities. I drool over your ugly cities. I’m glad you’ve been enjoying your holiday time with friends. Aafke and Eefje look like they would be great to hang out with. What a stylish bunch you are. (I have to carefully check the spelling, those Dutch double-vowels are tricky.) And I do love how those the neon yellow/greens of your coat and bag go together – of course.
And you’re a STAR!! We already knew that, but how cool to be spotted! I hope you hand out cards. I don’t remember if you do. Every fan needs a souvenir. Heh.
I hand out cards when people don’t know me. Even more so. Whether they want to or not. Have met me or not..: “Hello, you seem to be exactly the type of woman who might enjoy my blog. Here is my card. A blog? What is a blog? That is a little piece on the internet, occupied by me. And I show you what I wear and what I am doing. Interesting right???”
That kind of thing. Usually they are too polite to refuse my card. Haven’t followed them yet to see whether they throw it away in the nearest dustbin haha.
Gosh, Greetje, I do giggle my way through your posts. I especially loved this: “Yes, there is a whole lot of shenanigan going on underneath that sleek exterior.” 🙂
You are definitely a case in point with buying a bag and a coat that you love in a highly unusual colour, and voila, a perfect outfit is born. Thank you for the mention. I love the green top on you, and I also love Eefje’s white sneaker and lace ensemble. I need that. Only I’d also need your white boots to wear with it too.
As usual, I thoroughly enjoy seeing your travels and remembering my wonderful years in your country. There is something so charming and peaceful about the Netherlands that doesn’t exist anywhere else. I can never quite put my finger on it, but I see if often in your photos. I especially see it in that photo of the tower in Amersfoort. xx
Charming and peaceful huh? Probably because not a lot is happening?? haha. Kidding. I do love my country, but that is because I am really rooted here and I can see the advantages of staying where your roots are. Not very adventurous but that is me. I hope to entertain you with my post a long, long time.
How nice to see Aafje again, 4 kids, wow! I love your lime coat, my favorite color. And how funny that you are being recognized on the street as Greetje the blogger:) Yes, you are famous.
What do you mean 4 kids? Look at yourself haha. In this post are two of my three favourite coats, the lime duster coat, the leopard one and I also love my big fuchsia winter coat. When I am really famous I will still want to be friends with you, don’t worry. (JOKE)
I will have to ask for your signature next time I see you, might become worth lots of money some day:)
Love that you are globally famous! Great post!
Yeah right haha. Globally famous. You should see Google Analytics… the stats don’t lie. I am nowhere near famous. But it was a fun and funny moment.
I once saw a blogger I follow, in a city where neither of us lives — and I still kick myself for not saying hello to her, and thanks. Stupidly, I didn’t approach her because I was dressed poorly — and she was/is a fashionista. I realize now she probably would have welcomed the overture.
I bet she would have indeed. But I recognise your thinking. 😎
Just proving once again that it’s a smaller world than we sometimes think. When my husband was traveling all the time he was constantly running into old aquaintences, business contacts, famous people, relatives, etc., by accident, in airports located all over the place.
I totally agree. Which is always so nice.
Great outfits and photos. I love your leopard coat and little yellow bag. That’s such a cool yellow!
I call that lime instead of yellow, but I am not sure whether lime isn’t a bit more green. Neon yellow perhaps? Anyway, at a price of € 30.- you cannot go wrong.
The leopard coat will stay with me forever. Love it.
Gorgeous photos and outfits! But I don’t believe that there are any ugly cities in Holland, every town I went to while I was there was cuter than the last one. 🙂
I am sure we have ugly cities, newly built suburbs for instance. I am glad you just saw the nice ones. Were you here long ago?
I was there in 2012 for two months, doing an artist residency in a tiny town called Renkum. Then, I went back for a vacation last year, with my guy. His Mom was born in Holland, and he worked in Rotterdam for a year. We both really love and feel connected to the country.
You were in a pretty green part of our country. I love my little country too.
This was fun! The clothes and pictures of the sights also. 😀
I am glad I could entertain you. Sometimes I think I am boring the pants off of people. But then I get comments like yours and I just continue.
It’s always interesting, especially when I get to armchair travel. : )
Can I say how much I love your leopard raincoat, you internationally famous blogger.
Whahaha… Yep, that’s me.. And I agree about the leopard raincoat. That one will stay with me all my life. May it be long, healthy and happy.
Love your posts – not only fabulous photos and fashion but you always look like you are enjoying your friends and your life to the absolute max. Glad you are a coffee-hound too – I navigate my life from one flat white to the next, without a flat white to start the day I am nothing! 🙂
Oh indeed, I am totally addicted to coffee. I tried for six months to drink it without sugar and failed miserably. Now I use artificial sugar.
As for friends, I love being with friends and I do lead a happy life. With ups and downs like everybody else, but mostly ups in this stage of my life.