As it happened I spent one holiday day with lots of friends, the last day. First there was lunch with Anja (blog Curly Traveller) and Misja (blog MisjaB). (You have seen both on my blog a lot of times.)
In the evening I went out to dinner with 3 friends: Marianne, Claudia and Jiske. Two other members of this group of friends were on holiday. All of these women are used to having their photograph taken, so that was all right.
Above: Anja and me near the water of restaurant Frisk in Haarlem. Trying to pose naturally and failing.
I am wearing a white top bought in Spain. Hmmm.. yes .. Do you recognise this: you are in a holiday mood, you come home with a purchse and you think “why?” This top is what I call Ibiza or BoHo style and that is so not me. I did a post on this outfit in 2016. We discussed the top over lunch and we all decided it was just not me. So I said goodbye to it and gave it to Marianne.
Below: Anja and Misja. Notice Misja’s new glasses?
I haven’t made many pictures of the restaurant itself, but it is pretty neat. Overlooking the Spaarne (big canal in Haarlem).
Below: As I said, overlooking the Spaarne.
Of course we all brought cameras (we agreed on that), and before and after lunch we amused people in the restaurant by taking each other’s pictures. Or perhaps they were annoyed. Didn’t pay attention to them.
Below: Misja, hidden behind her camera.
Below: Anja, dressed in a lovely top and fun trousers.
Below: close-up of the sneakers.
Below: close-up of the back of the top. I am always so fond of buttons down the back. There is a little silver shimmer in the top.
Below: OK, I didn’t check whether the background was any good. Clearly I did not. Stupid as it is the first rule of photography (I think). And the photo was taken indoors as there was a fierce wind blowing outside. (Indoor photos, not a good idea either, unless you are a skilled photographer and have the gear for it.) A slice of real life fooks. It ain’t always pretty.
Below: The best “head-to-toe” picture I have of Misja is with the same crappy background. But at least you can see what she is wearing.
Below: Close-up of the sequin brooch Misja was wearing.
Below: Close-up of her jewellery.
Below: Misja and Anja checking the photos. Are they any good?
We were happy with the results, said goodbye and went on with our business. Misja was on her bike, while Anja walked all the way. And lazy me? I was by car.
OVER TO WEDNESDAY LATE AFTERNOON AND NIGHT
The idea for a dinner with Marianne came from our friend Claudia. She asked who could come in this holiday period and Jilske and I were game. We assembled at Marianne’s house and had a drink in her garden.
Below: Claudia. Doesn’t she look peach perfect? (Did I come up with this expression myself? “Peach perfect”? Or does it exist?) The background of lovely flowers is beautiful with the sheath dress.
Below: Marianne. I bought this dress for myself when we were all in Spain. Again, one of those things I didn’t like when I got home. As Marianne loved it, it now has a good home. It looks much better on her.
Below: Girlfriends.
Below: And Jilske arrived too.
Below: The head-to-toe shot of Jilske. Hmmm garden hose in sight. Neatly folded though.
Below: I chose the shed door as my background. As my blond hair was getting lost in yellow backgrounds. I am wearing a kimono top which I also bought that same holiday in Spain, but this piece I really like. So that is a keeper.
Below: Want to show you the sleeves. My trusted Denham skinny jeans and the soft Bruschi heels.
Below: Last picture… the gang in the Italian restaurant when it was still quiet. Not for long though.
Next week the last one in this holiday series.
Greetje
I have uploaded photos of me to the link-ups of fellow bloggers. A whole lot of bloggers are gathered. Do click on these links:
- Not Dressed as Lamb, hosting the link-up I will wear what I want
- Style Nudge, hosting the The shoe and Tell Fashion Link-up
- Not Dead Yet Style with Visible Monday
I am sure she is! I love giving clothes away to someone else when I am either tired of it, or think it will be better suited for that person !
Love the red dot analogy!
❤️
Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/
I always forget those virtual red dots. I had forgotten Marianne’s dot on this white top as well. But all is well that ends well.
I love these photos, they tell a story and show some super chic ladies! I like, too, the indoor phtotos. The lighting is adequate, the background not perfect but I think the clothes and facial expressions are well captured: so I really enjoyed seeing these, and candids are fun.
I am glad Marianne has that lovely blue dress now.
I love your new kimono blouse, but also did love that Boho blouse, but if were were not enjoying it, it is right to give it away.
Such fun you had, thanks for sharing all of these!
Xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/
Marianne is very pleased with the boho blouse. She had put a virtual red dot on it (as in sold paintings at an exhibition).
What lovely pictures! Your friends are very trendy, everyone seems to be carrying one thing cool .I love each of your blouses ! They’re pretty and suit you well.
My friends always take good care of themselves. Like me, they love clothes. I did not “select” them for this reason on purpose, but perhaps subconsciously?
This is great – I feel like I’m getting to know your friends and everyone’s unique style after seeing them several times. And I’m glad that this bunch agreed to having their photos taken. I don’t want to be left out of your shopping/social adventures! Heh.
Good bye beautiful top. It looks good but I do feel a small battle between you and all that lace. I’m glad you found a new home for it with Marianne. Everyone is wearing something cool. I’m glad you’re keeping the kimono top. So good.
Kimono tops and I are great friends. I have several as you might know. Including an antique one from beginning previous century. Silk and in mint condition. I might have to clean it now and I dread that. In the old days they used to take the whole thing apart. Clean it and sew it back together (by hand). Which is out of the question for me. I wonder how it will turn out after a dry cleaning job. So far I have been postponing it.
I love both your blouses ! They are very pretty and suit you well. The second one, for its colours and shape is very your style
I think that a day with friends is a gift from life….and you have so many of them!!
I totally agree with you. A beautiful way of expressing it: a gift from life.
The white blouse is now with Marianne where it found a good and loving home.
I always enjoy your posts with friends! And I like you in the Boho top, but I totally understand that you have to feel comfortable in what you wear! I’m glad the top found a new home!
Not just a home. The top found a home where it is loved.
I just love seeing the photos of you and your friends. Reminds me of the great Bette Midler song “Friends.” You’ve got to have friends! I love your blog. A fun Sunday read and always puts a smile on my face. Thanks.
I started singing “You gotta have friends!” as soon as I read your comment. Bette Midler is my favourite comedienne. I adore her, her shows, her movies. She made me laugh so loud so many times. I can do pretty good imitations of her dirty Sophie Tucker jokes: “My boyfriend Ernie said to me… he said Soof…”
What fun. Lovely settings and the clothes are great. Oh those sneakers.
Oh yes those sneakers… they are so good. I am so glad I bought them. And the first half year I didn’t have any purpose for them. Strange.
I love what you are all wearing – and also I love that you have such different styles so that when a something you really like doesn’t suit you you can find a lovely friend/new home for it and therefore you can keep on admiring it (just on someone else) – genius!!! You are all looking quite wonderful
I am getting to know myself better and better, so I am hoping to reduce the mistake purchases. Although… I probably never learn haha. And I get bored with things too, so my friends need not worry. Enough coming through 😊
Anja s Hair is gorgeous! And your kimono top too!
Oh, how I whish I had Anja’s hair. It is indeed gorgeous. Difficult to handle, but a friend of ours with the same kind of hair found this amazing hairdresser in Rotterdam who can do curls properly. I was gobsmacked when I saw her yesterday. Anja was so enthousiastic when she saw her friends photo. They now have a double appointment at that hair dresser in January.
My kimono top is a keeper for ever.
I love how you guys swap clothes!! Or is it just you giving everyone the things you buy, but end up not loving, Greetje??
Either way, it’s a wonderful way to pass on clothing. My mom and I do that quite a bit too, and one of my friend’s is constantly giving me items shes outgrows!!! I love it!!
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
As I am the one with this obsessive hobby of buying clothes, I am usually the giver yes. But I will say they are equally generous. Got lovely items from them as well. But you give because you want to make somebody happy. That is enough reward. As it really makes me happy. No lie.
As always, enjoy seeing your photos of your friends.
I personally love the white blouse, but understand when it is not your style. The kimono top looks fantastic on you!
I loved the white tunic top too. Thought it was really pretty. The fact my husband hated it, didn’t add to the joy but sometimes we just have different taste. It didn’t bother me that much although he asked me the first time I wore it, from whose windows I had stolen those curtains….
And I can see now, it is not me. So let somebody else enjoy it.
I love how so many women now wear comfortable shoes that are also still stylish.
Even though I am a lover of high heels, I know I cannot always walk on them. Just too impractical and painful. And then it is very nice to have such a great choice of stylish comfortable shoes. Next week, I will report on that even more.
Misja always has the coolest eyewear! The white blouse is pretty, but I agree, not your style. Glad you found it a new home.
The blue kimono top with the bold colors and patterns is definitely a good choice for you.
I agree. By trial and error I am getting to know myself more and more. Especially what I am not and what suits me not. Now on to “what am I” and “what suits me”. 😊
You have many wonderful and stylish friends Greetje. Which makes life rich and interesting. It looks like you had a fantastic holiday.
I love your kimono and the photos show that you love wearing it! You are very generous to share the pieces that don’t suit you with your friends!
I don’t know whether it is generosity Judith. I often feel guilty for leading such a good life. Why do I have that and others not? Most of my good fortune has nothing to do with me but with genes, parents, environment… Don’t get me started or I will get philosophical.
Love these happy photos (And Claudia is picture perfect as well as peach perfect).
What a good idea to pass on your holiday love outfits to those to whom they are better suited. I don’t think any of my friends are the same size as me (I’m tall for a Brit) or I would be thinking of doing the same. That said, my daughter does pass things my way (but she is 15cm shorter and decades younger so I have to have a strict mutton debate with myself before I take them out for a spin)
I like your mutton debate haha. I have those debates with myself sometimes when I buy stuff. “Can I really wear this?” “Look at me… 63 and in boyfriend jeans!” I hope I still now where the line is…
When my friends are not the right type for my clothes or it is not the right size, I make the circle wider. And somewhere at the edges of the circle are single mothers and so, who have my size. So one way or the other, somebodys always pleased.
What beautiful pictures! M’encanta your blouse of style boho, romantic, ibiza! And I love, as always, the style of Anja. Beautiful photos, beautiful looks, women with personality and style. A great compilation.
Ah, I look for women with personality to be my friends. Makes things soooo much more interesting. Glad you like them. The Ibiza blouse is now leading a new life with Marianne.
OK… When I have a ruffly pretty top that I decide just isn’ t me, I immediately turn it into a nightgown or pyjama top!!! You’re more thoughtful in giving that oh so pretty and romantic top to your good friend but somtetimes we just need to repurpose those items!
I love you in that kimono top! The colors and patterns are terrific on you! It’s so cool to be able to recognize these wonderful girlfriends of yours Greetje. I love seeing you all having fun together!
A PJ top could also have been a solution, but this was too new. It would have been such a pity not to let somebody else enjoy it. I always feel very fortunate in leading such a rich life. I know I work for it, but still, so do others. when I can share with others, it makes me feel good too. Win win situation. Glad you still like my stories with my friends. Next week a bit of a different story and all about shoes.
I completely understand wanting to share the fun of a great top that just isn’t working for you. I do this all the time and like you I’m fully aware of which friend would love it most or be better suited to each piece. You’re absolutely right that it makes you feel good as well!
Cool holiday pics with even cooler friends! 🥂
Thanks Paula. It is a different kind of holiday but one I really like.
How fun to see Anja!
It must be great to be the same size as you when you are handing off so many barely worn clothes.
When I see these posts I really wish some of my friends lived closer.
bisous
Suzanne
I can so understand your wish my dear. I think you are very brave living without many friends around you. And you are really making an effort to connect with like-minded people. It will pay off my dear. It might take a while but it will pay off. Having friends living close to you is so much easier in The Netherlands as it is such a small country. That has it disadvantages (not much living space) and it has it advantages (everything within 20 minutes by car or 15 minutes on foot).
You make me feel homesick with your remark how close everything is in The Netherlands. Loving all the flowers on your photos and the diverse outfits. It’s so summery. Just great. Already looking forward to next week’s post. Your posts with all these lovely friends are absolutely fantastic. It is a nice way to remind one what’s important in life (no matter how much you like great outfits, having good friends beats any outfit there is).
Love,
Lieske
I couldn’t agree more. I know how firmly I am rooted in The Netherlands, so I couldn’t do what you did, emigrate. I will probably miss out on things, but hey… there is always something.
I wish that Europe was not such a long and expensive flight away. I would love to meet you and your friends! Most of my friends live quite a distance from me so get-togethers are infrequent.
The kimono top is definitely a keeper!! I have purchased clothing items when I was on holiday and ended up giving them away. I’m not sure what it is, but I seem to think I have a different style when I’m on vacation and end up with pieces that don’t work in my day to day life. The white lace and ruffle-trimmed blouse is very pretty, but I agree that it’s not “You”.
Because the white blouse was so pretty, it was difficult to say goodbye. But not me, means I don’t feel right in it and that will show.
I agree that vast distances suck. Which is also why I love The Netherlands so much. Overcrowded but nobody is far away. It was a shame you couldn’t come to Vancouver two years ago.
Yeah, I thought the same thing when I saw our pictures trying to pose in a fun, different slash casual way. Epic failure. Hahaha….
But it was a fun meeting that we had. My reportage about it appears on my blog in a couple of days.
Friends are so important in one’s life; I see that exactly the same way that you do.
Friends: salt of the earth. I have said it before and I will always say this.
Yeah, I thought the same thing when I saw our pictures trying to pose in a fun, different slash casual way. Epic failure. Hahaha….
But it was a fun meeting that we had. My reportage about it appears on my blog in a couple of days.
Friends are so important in one’s life; I see that exactly the same way that you do.
Friends: salt of the earth. I have said it before and I will always say this.
I wish that Europe was not such a long and expensive flight away. I would love to meet you and your friends! Most of my friends live quite a distance from me so get-togethers are infrequent.
The kimono top is definitely a keeper!! I have purchased clothing items when I was on holiday and ended up giving them away. I’m not sure what it is, but I seem to think I have a different style when I’m on vacation and end up with pieces that don’t work in my day to day life. The white lace and ruffle-trimmed blouse is very pretty, but I agree that it’s not “You”.
Because the white blouse was so pretty, it was difficult to say goodbye. But not me, means I don’t feel right in it and that will show.
I agree that vast distances suck. Which is also why I love The Netherlands so much. Overcrowded but nobody is far away. It was a shame you couldn’t come to Vancouver two years ago.
What lovely pictures! Your friends are very trendy, everyone seems to be carrying one thing cool .I love each of your blouses ! They’re pretty and suit you well.
My friends always take good care of themselves. Like me, they love clothes. I did not “select” them for this reason on purpose, but perhaps subconsciously?
This is great – I feel like I’m getting to know your friends and everyone’s unique style after seeing them several times. And I’m glad that this bunch agreed to having their photos taken. I don’t want to be left out of your shopping/social adventures! Heh.
Good bye beautiful top. It looks good but I do feel a small battle between you and all that lace. I’m glad you found a new home for it with Marianne. Everyone is wearing something cool. I’m glad you’re keeping the kimono top. So good.
Kimono tops and I are great friends. I have several as you might know. Including an antique one from beginning previous century. Silk and in mint condition. I might have to clean it now and I dread that. In the old days they used to take the whole thing apart. Clean it and sew it back together (by hand). Which is out of the question for me. I wonder how it will turn out after a dry cleaning job. So far I have been postponing it.
I love both your blouses ! They are very pretty and suit you well. The second one, for its colours and shape is very your style
I think that a day with friends is a gift from life….and you have so many of them!!
I totally agree with you. A beautiful way of expressing it: a gift from life.
The white blouse is now with Marianne where it found a good and loving home.
I always enjoy your posts with friends! And I like you in the Boho top, but I totally understand that you have to feel comfortable in what you wear! I’m glad the top found a new home!
Not just a home. The top found a home where it is loved.
I am sure she is! I love giving clothes away to someone else when I am either tired of it, or think it will be better suited for that person !
Love the red dot analogy!
❤️
Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/
I always forget those virtual red dots. I had forgotten Marianne’s dot on this white top as well. But all is well that ends well.
I love these photos, they tell a story and show some super chic ladies! I like, too, the indoor phtotos. The lighting is adequate, the background not perfect but I think the clothes and facial expressions are well captured: so I really enjoyed seeing these, and candids are fun.
I am glad Marianne has that lovely blue dress now.
I love your new kimono blouse, but also did love that Boho blouse, but if were were not enjoying it, it is right to give it away.
Such fun you had, thanks for sharing all of these!
Xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/
Marianne is very pleased with the boho blouse. She had put a virtual red dot on it (as in sold paintings at an exhibition).
You have many wonderful and stylish friends Greetje. Which makes life rich and interesting. It looks like you had a fantastic holiday.
I love your kimono and the photos show that you love wearing it! You are very generous to share the pieces that don’t suit you with your friends!
I don’t know whether it is generosity Judith. I often feel guilty for leading such a good life. Why do I have that and others not? Most of my good fortune has nothing to do with me but with genes, parents, environment… Don’t get me started or I will get philosophical.
What beautiful pictures! M’encanta your blouse of style boho, romantic, ibiza! And I love, as always, the style of Anja. Beautiful photos, beautiful looks, women with personality and style. A great compilation.
Ah, I look for women with personality to be my friends. Makes things soooo much more interesting. Glad you like them. The Ibiza blouse is now leading a new life with Marianne.
Love these happy photos (And Claudia is picture perfect as well as peach perfect).
What a good idea to pass on your holiday love outfits to those to whom they are better suited. I don’t think any of my friends are the same size as me (I’m tall for a Brit) or I would be thinking of doing the same. That said, my daughter does pass things my way (but she is 15cm shorter and decades younger so I have to have a strict mutton debate with myself before I take them out for a spin)
I like your mutton debate haha. I have those debates with myself sometimes when I buy stuff. “Can I really wear this?” “Look at me… 63 and in boyfriend jeans!” I hope I still now where the line is…
When my friends are not the right type for my clothes or it is not the right size, I make the circle wider. And somewhere at the edges of the circle are single mothers and so, who have my size. So one way or the other, somebodys always pleased.
I love how so many women now wear comfortable shoes that are also still stylish.
Even though I am a lover of high heels, I know I cannot always walk on them. Just too impractical and painful. And then it is very nice to have such a great choice of stylish comfortable shoes. Next week, I will report on that even more.
I love how you guys swap clothes!! Or is it just you giving everyone the things you buy, but end up not loving, Greetje??
Either way, it’s a wonderful way to pass on clothing. My mom and I do that quite a bit too, and one of my friend’s is constantly giving me items shes outgrows!!! I love it!!
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
As I am the one with this obsessive hobby of buying clothes, I am usually the giver yes. But I will say they are equally generous. Got lovely items from them as well. But you give because you want to make somebody happy. That is enough reward. As it really makes me happy. No lie.
What fun. Lovely settings and the clothes are great. Oh those sneakers.
Oh yes those sneakers… they are so good. I am so glad I bought them. And the first half year I didn’t have any purpose for them. Strange.
As always, enjoy seeing your photos of your friends.
I personally love the white blouse, but understand when it is not your style. The kimono top looks fantastic on you!
I loved the white tunic top too. Thought it was really pretty. The fact my husband hated it, didn’t add to the joy but sometimes we just have different taste. It didn’t bother me that much although he asked me the first time I wore it, from whose windows I had stolen those curtains….
And I can see now, it is not me. So let somebody else enjoy it.
I love what you are all wearing – and also I love that you have such different styles so that when a something you really like doesn’t suit you you can find a lovely friend/new home for it and therefore you can keep on admiring it (just on someone else) – genius!!! You are all looking quite wonderful
I am getting to know myself better and better, so I am hoping to reduce the mistake purchases. Although… I probably never learn haha. And I get bored with things too, so my friends need not worry. Enough coming through 😊
Misja always has the coolest eyewear! The white blouse is pretty, but I agree, not your style. Glad you found it a new home.
The blue kimono top with the bold colors and patterns is definitely a good choice for you.
I agree. By trial and error I am getting to know myself more and more. Especially what I am not and what suits me not. Now on to “what am I” and “what suits me”. 😊
OK… When I have a ruffly pretty top that I decide just isn’ t me, I immediately turn it into a nightgown or pyjama top!!! You’re more thoughtful in giving that oh so pretty and romantic top to your good friend but somtetimes we just need to repurpose those items!
I love you in that kimono top! The colors and patterns are terrific on you! It’s so cool to be able to recognize these wonderful girlfriends of yours Greetje. I love seeing you all having fun together!
A PJ top could also have been a solution, but this was too new. It would have been such a pity not to let somebody else enjoy it. I always feel very fortunate in leading such a rich life. I know I work for it, but still, so do others. when I can share with others, it makes me feel good too. Win win situation. Glad you still like my stories with my friends. Next week a bit of a different story and all about shoes.
I completely understand wanting to share the fun of a great top that just isn’t working for you. I do this all the time and like you I’m fully aware of which friend would love it most or be better suited to each piece. You’re absolutely right that it makes you feel good as well!
You make me feel homesick with your remark how close everything is in The Netherlands. Loving all the flowers on your photos and the diverse outfits. It’s so summery. Just great. Already looking forward to next week’s post. Your posts with all these lovely friends are absolutely fantastic. It is a nice way to remind one what’s important in life (no matter how much you like great outfits, having good friends beats any outfit there is).
Love,
Lieske
I couldn’t agree more. I know how firmly I am rooted in The Netherlands, so I couldn’t do what you did, emigrate. I will probably miss out on things, but hey… there is always something.
Cool holiday pics with even cooler friends! 🥂
Thanks Paula. It is a different kind of holiday but one I really like.
Anja s Hair is gorgeous! And your kimono top too!
Oh, how I whish I had Anja’s hair. It is indeed gorgeous. Difficult to handle, but a friend of ours with the same kind of hair found this amazing hairdresser in Rotterdam who can do curls properly. I was gobsmacked when I saw her yesterday. Anja was so enthousiastic when she saw her friends photo. They now have a double appointment at that hair dresser in January.
My kimono top is a keeper for ever.
I just love seeing the photos of you and your friends. Reminds me of the great Bette Midler song “Friends.” You’ve got to have friends! I love your blog. A fun Sunday read and always puts a smile on my face. Thanks.
I started singing “You gotta have friends!” as soon as I read your comment. Bette Midler is my favourite comedienne. I adore her, her shows, her movies. She made me laugh so loud so many times. I can do pretty good imitations of her dirty Sophie Tucker jokes: “My boyfriend Ernie said to me… he said Soof…”
How fun to see Anja!
It must be great to be the same size as you when you are handing off so many barely worn clothes.
When I see these posts I really wish some of my friends lived closer.
bisous
Suzanne
I can so understand your wish my dear. I think you are very brave living without many friends around you. And you are really making an effort to connect with like-minded people. It will pay off my dear. It might take a while but it will pay off. Having friends living close to you is so much easier in The Netherlands as it is such a small country. That has it disadvantages (not much living space) and it has it advantages (everything within 20 minutes by car or 15 minutes on foot).