Last week I spent an afternoon with Sylvia of 40+Style in Haarlem as she is back in the country! What a joy. She is a friend and my blog mentor. She kicks my butt when I am lazy. Naturally I reserve time to meet her in the weeks she is here. This day we had lovely sunshine and we went for lunch, like we often do. We have to eat, right? So why not do it together. The weather has been so good here in The Netherlands, really warm (29º C/84ºF) with rainstorms because of the same warmth. Not too bad in this west part of the country but causing floods in the south. Back to my Wesnesday with Sylvia.
As the food is so nice at restaurant Meneer Frans, where the Shopping Saturday girls and I went last week, Sylvia was keen on trying the restaurant as well. We sat in the front part of the restaurant with a view on the little alley.
Below: Sylvia, wearing a lovely jacket/blouse/tunic.
Below: She has had another haircut and although I was a fan of her longer hair, I have to admit I really like this.
Below: A head to toe shot of Sylvia, showing her hairstyle from another angle. Taken in the alley of the restaurant.
Below: We walked on. You see, I am covering all angles of her haircut and outfit.
Below: As Haarlem is an old town, many spots serve as a great background for photographs.
Below: My turn. I was wearing a G Star Raw jeans jacket with J Brand dark blue jeans (fantastic jeans by the way). The boots are by Fly London and you have seen them many times before. These heels were actually quite comfortable for my knee. (Knee is on the mend but will take at least another 2 months to fully recover I reckon. Definitely better though.)
Below: Red mini bag Zara. Not difficult to spot which knee is on the blink.
Below: T-shirt by Paala and designed by my niece or somebody from her company. The brooch is from Bella’s Etsy shop Citizen Rosebud.
Below: Our walk led us to Kat & Co, the vintage shop where I have found a few nice things, like this green leopard dress and orange bag.
Below: I had to take a picture of that left coat I saw in the street. It reminded me of the parka husband Ron pushed me to buy (which I didn’t) when we were in Paris.
Below: Every time you want to take a picturesque photo, there are bicycles in your view. Always bicycles, everywhere.
Below: Sylvia wanted some new sneakers and we visited Lab Women. A great place with high end clothes. This is Daphne, the owner. She is very good at styling and always honest (at least to me). She gently nudges me to be more daring, especially in shoes and I need and want that. But she never pushes a sale. She values a long term relationship, not a quick sale.
Below: She hates being photographed but still gave permission to use the photos I took. Mwah. Loved her outfit. Talking about daring. Fantastic. And see those yellow trousers in the window on her right? Bought those… heh heh.
To end the afternoon we had tea and coffee on the roof terrace of the new department store in Haarlem: Hudson’s Bay. Yes the Canadian one. It is much more upmarket here in The Netherlands but the word is that they want out again because nobody buys anything from them. Such a shame. I really like their shop.
Below: It was a bit windy for a roof terrace that day so we sat inside but I took a couple of (lousy) photos for you to see the view from up there.
See you next week.
Greetje
Are you kidding about those roof photos being lousy? They’re incredible!
Actually all of the photos are lovely. I adore Sylvia’s hair short (I’ve told her before) every time I see it I think of cutting mine. Her jacket is lovely, reminds me of a Pucci print.
As for your fresh & funky look Greetje, it’s two thumbs up from me. Naturally as a big fan of JBrand I like your jeans a lot! Nice butt babe 😉
The view from the roof was incredible (although Paris from the roof terrace of Lafayette beats this easily). But my photos could have been sharper. Never mind.
I thought the same thing about the Sylvia’s jacket: Pucci print.
Thanks for the “nice butt” haha, although it is hardly in view. I take good care of covering it.
Great outfit, and the red bag is so much fun, such a bright accent! Love the pictures of the street and buildings, as well as the shops. Always interesting, thanks.
All these old towns are great for a photography background. I am lucky in that respect. Just very difficult when you cannot shoot outdoors because of the weather. And that happens a lot in The Netherlands as well. You have to take the good with the bad I suppose.
Dear Greetje, what a great blazer you show us this week. A very versatile one I can imagine, to go with a pair of jeans and more posh outfits as well. Reading your and Sylvia’s comments on the workout might explain why you have got such a wonderful figure: cutting down on sweets and doing workouts. Wow! Have a great week. Hope the weather stays as summery as it has been over the last couple of weeks. Love, Lieske
Blazers are my friend. If they are fitted, they can create an hourglass figure of my inverted triange body shape. I don’t use this blazer much on other trousers than jeans, which is not very clever.
The cutting down on sweets etc and the fitness twice a week is the bare minimum for staying healthy and keeping the same size. Just imagine what would happen if I change size… all these clothes in the closet which wouldn’t fit any longer. Believe me, it is a great “stok achter de deur”.
Always such a joy to spend time with you Greetje and you looked wonderful that day. As you have done every time I see you really.
You are right. The Netherlands is so lovely in the summer when the sun shines and Haarlem (and many other cities) are so pretty.
The sweets are so delicious and the sandwiches so good. I don’t want to do anything but eat at the moment which is why it’s good that I will be seeing you again tomorrow morning for our workout!
Hahaha.. the work-out is one thing, but you will have to cut down on the sweets as well my dear.
By the way, on a Monday I am training in the evening: 19.00 – 20.00.
Oh thanks for reminding me. I would have been there at 9 am haha
Hi Greetje,
Another nice pair of jeans you have there if I may say so ! You suit that jacket too, smart but not smart and I can imagine it going with a few other pieces too.
Agree about your friends hair, its gorgeous but I am happy to keep mine like yours as I find going that short nerve wracking ha ha !!!
Pleased to hear your knee is on the mend.
I have had my hair short a couple of times and it wasn’t a success. I have broad shoulders, a long neck and a tiny head. You draw the picture. The J Brand jeans are worth their money I can tell you. As are the Paige jeans.
As you know I also really love Sylvia’s new hair. I didn’t expect that at all, but it is the best haircut I saw on her so far!
Glad that you are enjoying each others company so much!
I must admit, I really like her haircut as well. And I didn’t expect that either. Although… a little part of me is still liking the long(er) hair as well.
I had hair like Sylvia’s when I lived in Japan many years ago, except my hair was platinum and my cut was slightly more chunky. It’s such a fun style. Sylvia looks fantastic in it and you got some great shots. I love her blouse/jacket. And so happy to see you in heels. It’s great working back in your posts so there is more suspense. Heh. Why do I take the hard route? Hahaha! I recognized the Paala T-shirt. Looking good, Greetje.
You are very busy, which is why you have to “do” three post in one go. I am always glad when you stop by, but I can fully understand it if you ate too busy.
I love Sylvia’s haircut – it looks wonderful on her! You two are both looking very chic on your outing. You both look very fit and trim. I like Daphne’s outfit a lot – I would definitely wear it!
I am sorry to hear that Hudson’s Bay isn’t doing well there. I don’t shop much at the one’s here in Canada except for basics like underwear.
I gather that the Bay here is quite different from the Canadian Bay. Far more up market. I have purchased 5 things at their store since I discovered them in September last year. Not enough? Daphne’s outfit is great. She really knows how to dress and style.
Sylvia and I both looking fit? Hmm.. as far as I am concerned: looks can be deceiving haha. Fortunately the healing of the knee is progressing. So slowly though and I am such an impatient person.
It seems as though you are having great weather in The Netherlands!! ( lucky you, I am a bit envious!)
Nice day out with your friend…I love your floral t-shirt, it has a beautiful floral print
My niece and the people in het company design prints on T-shirts. I agree with you, this is a very nice design.
And yes the weather here is gorgeous and has been for a long time. Still, I wouldn’t mind coming to Turin end of August 😊🙃😉. Provided my knee is well enough.
Greetings from South Dakota. Love your blog and style. Your shopping expeditions look like lots of fun!
Thank you Linda, yes they are indeed a lot of fun. It doesn’t sound very intelligent but I do love shopping 😎😊.
I am also loving Sylvia’s hair; it really suits her! I wish I was there to go shopping and talk shop with you two! I still love those white boots of yours. xx
I second Sylvia’s suggestion as I don’t think my knee will be well enough in July to travel to London. Alas. I cannot walk a lot in The Netherlands either but it is easier to solve.
Thanks so much Lisa. So why don’t you come? I will be here for most of July and it would be so much fun to catch up with you! Let hubby babysit for a few days… Have you discovered Haarlem yet?
The first photo of you in this post….you look like you’re in your twenties! You can wear skinnies effortlessly.
I am just now beginning to see the need for supportive footwear. Can you tell right away if a pair bothers your knee, or do you have to wear them a while? I think my boots are good and many of my brogue style shoes are good too, but now that summer is here, sort of, I’ve been wearing flat, FLAT, sandals and they are not being kind to my legs. sigh
The bikes may be an annoyance to you, but to me they are one of the charms of your country.
I am glad rhe bikes don’t annoy you.
Support soles… just had a word with my specialist and she said I should really break them in gently. First day wear them for one hour, second day two hours and so on to let your body adjust to the soles. But perhaps wearing flat shoes with a little bit of a heel is already the thing you need to solve the problem. My advice would be try that first. I know somebody for whom that works perfectly.
And me looking 20? Great photo, great distance… I bet a young guy would get the shock of his life if he comes up close. That is called mutton dressed up as lamb if I am not mistaken 😂.
So nice to see Sylvia! I love her short hair. Both of your casual looks are stellar!
Gah, the Bay…
The Bay is really nice here. With lots of different brands I like. I missed a department store like this, so I am glad.
Love the Netherlands and loving your blog. What a fabulous day you had and the weather is great just now. Even here in the NW of the UK.
LOOKING forward to your next post.
Our countries would be soooo good if there was more sunshine. They are beautiful and green. On the other hand, they are so green and lovely because we have so much rain haha. Cannot be solved. If the sun is out, there is no better place to be. Thank you for your kind words.
Lovely seeing you and Sylvia out and about together.
Sylvia’s hair looks smashing.
You are both doing well to rock the casual chic style.
I’m saddened to learn that Hudson’s Bay couldn’t make it work out there.
Suzanne
Sylvia, Anja and I have the save melancholy feeling about you not joining us as I have when I see you and Melanie, Sue and Patti together. Oceans apart… alas.
And I am trying to keep the sales of Hudson’s Bay at an acceptable level. Singlehandedly.
We miss you Suzanne. We always think of you when Anja, me and Greetje are together and about the good times we had 🙂
Your friend Sylvia looks cute and spunky in her new short haircut. Her jacket is also very cute. The two of you are enviably chic as you visit the shoppes of Harlem.
Looks like you have a wrap or brace on your troublesome knee but it really wouldn’t be noticeable if one isn’t looking for it. I’m so sorry that healing has been such a long amd sometimes painful task for you Greetje.
Spunky is a very good word for Sylvia’s haircut! As for the “chic”…We do look better than a lot of people in town. It is as if people don’t care anymore what they look like. Throw on a non-descript T-shirt and jeans or non-descript trousers, easy shoes and that is it. Such a shame.
I had hair like Sylvia’s when I lived in Japan many years ago, except my hair was platinum and my cut was slightly more chunky. It’s such a fun style. Sylvia looks fantastic in it and you got some great shots. I love her blouse/jacket. And so happy to see you in heels. It’s great working back in your posts so there is more suspense. Heh. Why do I take the hard route? Hahaha! I recognized the Paala T-shirt. Looking good, Greetje.
You are very busy, which is why you have to “do” three post in one go. I am always glad when you stop by, but I can fully understand it if you ate too busy.
As you know I also really love Sylvia’s new hair. I didn’t expect that at all, but it is the best haircut I saw on her so far!
Glad that you are enjoying each others company so much!
I must admit, I really like her haircut as well. And I didn’t expect that either. Although… a little part of me is still liking the long(er) hair as well.
I love Sylvia’s haircut – it looks wonderful on her! You two are both looking very chic on your outing. You both look very fit and trim. I like Daphne’s outfit a lot – I would definitely wear it!
I am sorry to hear that Hudson’s Bay isn’t doing well there. I don’t shop much at the one’s here in Canada except for basics like underwear.
I gather that the Bay here is quite different from the Canadian Bay. Far more up market. I have purchased 5 things at their store since I discovered them in September last year. Not enough? Daphne’s outfit is great. She really knows how to dress and style.
Sylvia and I both looking fit? Hmm.. as far as I am concerned: looks can be deceiving haha. Fortunately the healing of the knee is progressing. So slowly though and I am such an impatient person.
The first photo of you in this post….you look like you’re in your twenties! You can wear skinnies effortlessly.
I am just now beginning to see the need for supportive footwear. Can you tell right away if a pair bothers your knee, or do you have to wear them a while? I think my boots are good and many of my brogue style shoes are good too, but now that summer is here, sort of, I’ve been wearing flat, FLAT, sandals and they are not being kind to my legs. sigh
The bikes may be an annoyance to you, but to me they are one of the charms of your country.
I am glad rhe bikes don’t annoy you.
Support soles… just had a word with my specialist and she said I should really break them in gently. First day wear them for one hour, second day two hours and so on to let your body adjust to the soles. But perhaps wearing flat shoes with a little bit of a heel is already the thing you need to solve the problem. My advice would be try that first. I know somebody for whom that works perfectly.
And me looking 20? Great photo, great distance… I bet a young guy would get the shock of his life if he comes up close. That is called mutton dressed up as lamb if I am not mistaken 😂.
Greetings from South Dakota. Love your blog and style. Your shopping expeditions look like lots of fun!
Thank you Linda, yes they are indeed a lot of fun. It doesn’t sound very intelligent but I do love shopping 😎😊.
It seems as though you are having great weather in The Netherlands!! ( lucky you, I am a bit envious!)
Nice day out with your friend…I love your floral t-shirt, it has a beautiful floral print
My niece and the people in het company design prints on T-shirts. I agree with you, this is a very nice design.
And yes the weather here is gorgeous and has been for a long time. Still, I wouldn’t mind coming to Turin end of August 😊🙃😉. Provided my knee is well enough.
I am also loving Sylvia’s hair; it really suits her! I wish I was there to go shopping and talk shop with you two! I still love those white boots of yours. xx
Thanks so much Lisa. So why don’t you come? I will be here for most of July and it would be so much fun to catch up with you! Let hubby babysit for a few days… Have you discovered Haarlem yet?
I second Sylvia’s suggestion as I don’t think my knee will be well enough in July to travel to London. Alas. I cannot walk a lot in The Netherlands either but it is easier to solve.
So nice to see Sylvia! I love her short hair. Both of your casual looks are stellar!
Gah, the Bay…
The Bay is really nice here. With lots of different brands I like. I missed a department store like this, so I am glad.
Lovely seeing you and Sylvia out and about together.
Sylvia’s hair looks smashing.
You are both doing well to rock the casual chic style.
I’m saddened to learn that Hudson’s Bay couldn’t make it work out there.
Suzanne
We miss you Suzanne. We always think of you when Anja, me and Greetje are together and about the good times we had 🙂
Sylvia, Anja and I have the save melancholy feeling about you not joining us as I have when I see you and Melanie, Sue and Patti together. Oceans apart… alas.
And I am trying to keep the sales of Hudson’s Bay at an acceptable level. Singlehandedly.
Your friend Sylvia looks cute and spunky in her new short haircut. Her jacket is also very cute. The two of you are enviably chic as you visit the shoppes of Harlem.
Looks like you have a wrap or brace on your troublesome knee but it really wouldn’t be noticeable if one isn’t looking for it. I’m so sorry that healing has been such a long amd sometimes painful task for you Greetje.
Spunky is a very good word for Sylvia’s haircut! As for the “chic”…We do look better than a lot of people in town. It is as if people don’t care anymore what they look like. Throw on a non-descript T-shirt and jeans or non-descript trousers, easy shoes and that is it. Such a shame.
Great outfit, and the red bag is so much fun, such a bright accent! Love the pictures of the street and buildings, as well as the shops. Always interesting, thanks.
All these old towns are great for a photography background. I am lucky in that respect. Just very difficult when you cannot shoot outdoors because of the weather. And that happens a lot in The Netherlands as well. You have to take the good with the bad I suppose.
Are you kidding about those roof photos being lousy? They’re incredible!
Actually all of the photos are lovely. I adore Sylvia’s hair short (I’ve told her before) every time I see it I think of cutting mine. Her jacket is lovely, reminds me of a Pucci print.
As for your fresh & funky look Greetje, it’s two thumbs up from me. Naturally as a big fan of JBrand I like your jeans a lot! Nice butt babe 😉
The view from the roof was incredible (although Paris from the roof terrace of Lafayette beats this easily). But my photos could have been sharper. Never mind.
I thought the same thing about the Sylvia’s jacket: Pucci print.
Thanks for the “nice butt” haha, although it is hardly in view. I take good care of covering it.
Dear Greetje, what a great blazer you show us this week. A very versatile one I can imagine, to go with a pair of jeans and more posh outfits as well. Reading your and Sylvia’s comments on the workout might explain why you have got such a wonderful figure: cutting down on sweets and doing workouts. Wow! Have a great week. Hope the weather stays as summery as it has been over the last couple of weeks. Love, Lieske
Blazers are my friend. If they are fitted, they can create an hourglass figure of my inverted triange body shape. I don’t use this blazer much on other trousers than jeans, which is not very clever.
The cutting down on sweets etc and the fitness twice a week is the bare minimum for staying healthy and keeping the same size. Just imagine what would happen if I change size… all these clothes in the closet which wouldn’t fit any longer. Believe me, it is a great “stok achter de deur”.
Always such a joy to spend time with you Greetje and you looked wonderful that day. As you have done every time I see you really.
You are right. The Netherlands is so lovely in the summer when the sun shines and Haarlem (and many other cities) are so pretty.
The sweets are so delicious and the sandwiches so good. I don’t want to do anything but eat at the moment which is why it’s good that I will be seeing you again tomorrow morning for our workout!
Hahaha.. the work-out is one thing, but you will have to cut down on the sweets as well my dear.
By the way, on a Monday I am training in the evening: 19.00 – 20.00.
Oh thanks for reminding me. I would have been there at 9 am haha
Love the Netherlands and loving your blog. What a fabulous day you had and the weather is great just now. Even here in the NW of the UK.
LOOKING forward to your next post.
Our countries would be soooo good if there was more sunshine. They are beautiful and green. On the other hand, they are so green and lovely because we have so much rain haha. Cannot be solved. If the sun is out, there is no better place to be. Thank you for your kind words.
Hi Greetje,
Another nice pair of jeans you have there if I may say so ! You suit that jacket too, smart but not smart and I can imagine it going with a few other pieces too.
Agree about your friends hair, its gorgeous but I am happy to keep mine like yours as I find going that short nerve wracking ha ha !!!
Pleased to hear your knee is on the mend.
I have had my hair short a couple of times and it wasn’t a success. I have broad shoulders, a long neck and a tiny head. You draw the picture. The J Brand jeans are worth their money I can tell you. As are the Paige jeans.