This is a special post, one by request. About meeting Karen (above) in The Hague. Karen and I would never have met if it wasn’t for Elizabeth and her Instagram account: the Antique Goddess. Elizabeth also has a blog called: The Vintage Contessa. I first “found” her on Instagram and started following her, reading her blogpost off and on. We commented on each other’s blog and Instagram photos. And Karen, born in California and living in The Hague (The Netherlands), did the same. Karen’s Instagram account is Karen Persson.
Elizabeth “knowing” the both of us, insisted we’d meet and that we would send her a photo of the two of us as proof. For her birthday, which is today. We thought it was a charming idea. So one Friday morning when I had the day off, I drove to The Hague which is only 45 minutes by car, door to door. Everything is close by in The Netherlands.
Above: here we are… Karen and me. Me in a red and white outfit, she in a blue and white outfit. As if we deliberately choose the colours of The Netherlands and the USA haha. We did not. Pure coincidence.
We agreed to meet in a coffee shop: Vascobello. This is the link to Vascobello with nice photos of the place. A Belgian chain in The Netherlands. Really good coffee and perfect chocolate.
Below: Karen walking into the coffee shop wearing a cute jeans jacket by Sandro Paris with a collar full of pearls, very nice. Top: Max Mara Weekend, sunglasses: Chanel. This woman appreciates the good stuff.
Below: We immediately asked the waiter to take our picture on the stairs for Elizabeth. He did an exellent job, even though we look a bit dopy in the picture below.
Below: I took pictures of Karen who is very good at posing. I could learn a thing or two from her.
Below: Of course she took pictures of me too. The white top with the bow at the bottom you have seen in this post with my lemon yellow trousers. The red skinnies were in this post, Shopping Saturday in Haarlem. I bought both items at Levv in Haarlem. The off white patent leather wedgies are very old. The brooch is a very special birthday present from my mother and husband last year. It is paint and made by Xenia Walschikow.
Below: With my bag I added another red. A bit of orangy-red as is in the brooch. The fuchsia pink of the brooch is also in the bracelet (Klára –Strawberry bags).
Below: Didn’t pull my top down properly, but it is a good close-up of the brooch.
Below: Close-up of the bag. Brand Marck & Mo.
Below: And a close-up of Karen’s hand painted Golden Goose Designer Brand sneakers. Aren’t they lovely?
When we finally sat down for coffee it was so easy to talk to each other. Elizabeth was right, we got on really well. Karen is a fine artist specializing in portraits, landscapes and illustrations, mostly in commission. This is her Facebook page: Karen Persson Art.
I admire artists and envy them for their creativity. Never been very good in that department. We did have common ground as she also has a very big interest in clothes and such. That’s me. And of course we exchanged stuff about our lives. Which I will keep private.
We didn’t have much time that morning because Karen had two other appointments on her agenda, plus work. Busy lady.
Before she went off to her next appointments, we shot these photos below with beautiful The Hague in the background. I thought her seemingly casual outfit was gorgeous. Loved all the items with which she created this outfit. Wearing an expensive Coach bag (cute!!) is always a good idea. Hat: Peter Grimm, jeans: 7 for all Mankind, belt: Bands of LA.
Below: Yes, they have canals in The Hague as well. Not as many as in Amsterdam, but still they have them.
Below: She does know how to pose…
Below: Two shots of The Hague from the bridge where we were taking our photos.
Below: Then I got home and decided I really didn’t like the combination of the top with those red trousers. Changed into my favourite skinny jeans, put on my red high heels and peeked into my street to see whether anybody was there. Sure enough, a girl who lives accross the road just arrived, and she took some quick pictures. Such good neighbours in my street.
Below: I tied the ends of the top in a proper bow just above the belt. I think this outfit looks much better.
Below: As this is a post about Karen and me, I like to end it with two selfies of us. Happy Birthday Elizabeth.
I love all the unexpected interactions through blogging. The lovely people I meet. It is a great hobby.
Greetje
…of course I meant sneakers…very bad eyes indeed!!
I corrected it 😊😉😘.
it took me time to find the bow in your top … very bad eyes!! 🙂
it’s nice to meet your friend Karen, I popped over to her blog and liked it, especially for the photos…
Is it Golden goose the luxurious Venicen brand? Her sneakers look very nice!
I think the sneakers are indeed that same Golden Goose brand.
Thank you, Dan, for the compliments! Yes, the sneakers are Golden Goose Designer Brand.. So comfy and beautiful. Too expensive, though! Thanks for also checking out my art page on Facebook (It’s not a blog although I should start a blog sometime or a vlog!).
Such a nice idea of Elizabeth to insist the two of you should meet and how nice the way Karen and you have made a great day out of it, even wearing the most spot-on colours! I love the brooch you are wearing Greetje, what a statement piece! And the sneakers of Karen are absolutely adorable. I agree with you that the combination of your top with your jeans is an even better one, although I do like the first one too. Amazing how cool the two of you look in these photos…I keep reading about a heat wave in Holland! Love, Lieske
We did match very well, didn’t we? I thought that was funny. Great minds etc etc.😉😉
The brooch is indeed a statement piece. A conversation starter. In winter it brightens up all the black I am wearing.
Heat wave in The Netherlands? Oh yes indeed. Very difficult for us, for the gardens, for the farmers etc. we are not prepared for this weather.
I agree with you that the outfit with the blue jeans is better – you and your long legs look so good in jeans! I have connected with some very cool women via Instagram, who I’m hoping to meet when I’m in New York this Fall. How did we meet kindred spirits before the internet??
We didn’t. We had friends all right and some of them shared our interest but most of them found the enthousiastic stories about clothes and great finds really boring haha. Made me doubt myself at times. Hope you will have a wonderful time in New York this fall.
HERE I AM AGAIN!
First off you met at an ITALIAN CHAIN for a coffee?
VASCOBELLO???WE all know what BELLO means but I’m not sure what VASCO means?
YOU both LOOK FANTASTIC and in THE RED WHITE AND BLUE………………OF COURSE!!!
This was SUCH A GIFT FOR ME YOU HAVE NO IDEA!I love matching people………..
GREETJE………THANK YOU for writing a BLOG POST On this!!!!!!IT will now go under my PRESS and PUBLICATION up TOP on my HOME PAGE so I can re-visit from time to time!
I ADORE YOUR WAY OF LIFE and HUMOR!!!!!!!
I’m the same way about the CROTCH!
Now, tell me this did you speak in ENGLISH or DUTCH???????
I MUST KNOW!!!!!
XX
What do you mean? I wrote Vascobello is Belgian, not Italian. You read what is most on your mind haha.
We had a great time together although short. We will meet again for sure.
We spoke Dutch. She started! I know how difficult it is for English speaking people to get any practice as all Dutch people want to practice their English, so I kept it Dutch. Besides, Karen speaks Dutch so well.
YOU are a GOOD PERSON!!!!!!!
XX
Ha ha ha ha… Elizabeth you always make me chuckle. Thanks again for introducing Greetje to me! We had so much fun together (btw, I taught Dutch to myself, first with comic books. Greetje has also now agreed to correct my grammar when needed). Greetje’s English is amazing!
Thanks again, Greetje, for all your efforts and inspiration!
xoxo
What a fun post! You both look so fabulous! Blogging is such a fun job and hobby; we meet amazing supportive women with similar interests. Off to look at her Facebook page
Indeed blogging comes with these perks.
Thanks for creating such a beautiful and inspiring blog, Greetje! You took such great photos (and so did the waiter in the café)! It was such a delight meeting you and thanks to Elizabeth we connected on Instagram! Now I need to come visit you in Haarlem! Soon… for sure! xoxo
Creating a blog and blog posts is pure joy for me. Not a chore or work. I cannot paint or do anything as creative like you do, but blogging is my passion and my creativity.
You’re very creative with your stylish way of dressing and with creating this blog!
DITTO!!!
I MUST MEET YOU!
XX
I bet you will come to Europe before I ever to to California.
I love this, so much fabulousness and glamour! and you look so gorgeous in your cool summery outfits! and so beautiful smiles and fab attitude!
besos
Ah the smiles are necessary to look good haha. Thanks for the compliments.
I like both iterations of the top, with the different looks of the skinny jeans and the red trousers – that paint brooch is amazing!
What fun that you were introduced by someone who knew both of you! Isn’t it amazing how we connect through blogging?
I love the word iteration…The paint brooch IS amazing. On white but also in winter on black. Bring a real pop of colour.
And yes I am still amazed by the blogging community and how we connect and meet. If I win a million I will let you fly over to The Netherlands, together with the others.
Hi Greetje,
I thought you looked great in the red skinnies, they really pop and so “Greetje.” 🙂
What a fun meetup!
Thanks Donna. To tell you the truth, the jeans with the top and the high heels is even more Greetje. Although I do agree with you that I like a bit of colour. You will see the red trousers again. I promise.
You both have such cute outfits and I love all your pictures. What a fun meet up! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
We hadn’t told each other what we were going to wear, but it looks very harmonious. Indeed a fun meet-up.
It’s fabulous that you both managed to get together. I am new to this world but really enjoying myself. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. By the way your top looked great with both red trousers and also with jeans. It was just one way was more dressy than the other. Jill x
I will admit that this is true, a very helpful and friendly community. On the other hand I am cynical enough to think: then again, you hardly know each other and only meet briefly. Again, I am cynical, it is my nature but it doesn’t stop me from enjoying the time with new people I meet through blogging.
As for the red trousers… I needed to hide the crotch part (in my eyes) which meant I had to wear the top lower than was intended by the designer. And that look also cut me in half.
So fun you got to meet someone new!
Love her cheeky cowboy hat : )
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
It is amazing how the heart is always big enough to embrace another person without taking any love away from the ones you already know.
Ha ha ha ha… Thanks for the great compliment. I bought my cowboy hat in Murphys, California. It was so much fun to meet Greetje!
I Love this‼️Thank You for LISTENING to me‼️
Now it’s my turn to come meet You and visit Karen‼️Xoxo
Now there is an excellent idea if I ever heard one.
I have put this link on my BLOG today in the comment arena in reply to KAREN’s comment!!!
I hope a few will FOLLOW YOU!
XX
Yes, Elizabeth! You must come and visit us in the Netherlands! You’re always welcome! xoxox
I too follow The Vintage Contessa. Love her garden and the pig and her cool but ernest California lifestyle. I rarely comment but love her posts.
What a wonderful of meet-up she inspired between you lovely ladies!
As you know, it is such a cheerful happening, meeting like-minded people. Like you did when you met Suzanne and the others. Chances that I will meet Elizabeth are small, but who knows?
WE WILL MEET!!!!!!
XX
OH THANK YOU!!!
I will be WATCHING FOR A COMMENT FROM YOU NOW AND THAN!!!!!!!XX
I too follow The Vintage Contessa. Love her garden and the pig and her cool but ernest California lifestyle. I rarely comment but love her posts.
What a wonderful of meet-up she inspired between you lovely ladies!
As you know, it is such a cheerful happening, meeting like-minded people. Like you did when you met Suzanne and the others. Chances that I will meet Elizabeth are small, but who knows?
WE WILL MEET!!!!!!
XX
OH THANK YOU!!!
I will be WATCHING FOR A COMMENT FROM YOU NOW AND THAN!!!!!!!XX
…of course I meant sneakers…very bad eyes indeed!!
I corrected it 😊😉😘.
it took me time to find the bow in your top … very bad eyes!! 🙂
it’s nice to meet your friend Karen, I popped over to her blog and liked it, especially for the photos…
Is it Golden goose the luxurious Venicen brand? Her sneakers look very nice!
I think the sneakers are indeed that same Golden Goose brand.
Thank you, Dan, for the compliments! Yes, the sneakers are Golden Goose Designer Brand.. So comfy and beautiful. Too expensive, though! Thanks for also checking out my art page on Facebook (It’s not a blog although I should start a blog sometime or a vlog!).
Such a nice idea of Elizabeth to insist the two of you should meet and how nice the way Karen and you have made a great day out of it, even wearing the most spot-on colours! I love the brooch you are wearing Greetje, what a statement piece! And the sneakers of Karen are absolutely adorable. I agree with you that the combination of your top with your jeans is an even better one, although I do like the first one too. Amazing how cool the two of you look in these photos…I keep reading about a heat wave in Holland! Love, Lieske
We did match very well, didn’t we? I thought that was funny. Great minds etc etc.😉😉
The brooch is indeed a statement piece. A conversation starter. In winter it brightens up all the black I am wearing.
Heat wave in The Netherlands? Oh yes indeed. Very difficult for us, for the gardens, for the farmers etc. we are not prepared for this weather.
I agree with you that the outfit with the blue jeans is better – you and your long legs look so good in jeans! I have connected with some very cool women via Instagram, who I’m hoping to meet when I’m in New York this Fall. How did we meet kindred spirits before the internet??
We didn’t. We had friends all right and some of them shared our interest but most of them found the enthousiastic stories about clothes and great finds really boring haha. Made me doubt myself at times. Hope you will have a wonderful time in New York this fall.
HERE I AM AGAIN!
First off you met at an ITALIAN CHAIN for a coffee?
VASCOBELLO???WE all know what BELLO means but I’m not sure what VASCO means?
YOU both LOOK FANTASTIC and in THE RED WHITE AND BLUE………………OF COURSE!!!
This was SUCH A GIFT FOR ME YOU HAVE NO IDEA!I love matching people………..
GREETJE………THANK YOU for writing a BLOG POST On this!!!!!!IT will now go under my PRESS and PUBLICATION up TOP on my HOME PAGE so I can re-visit from time to time!
I ADORE YOUR WAY OF LIFE and HUMOR!!!!!!!
I’m the same way about the CROTCH!
Now, tell me this did you speak in ENGLISH or DUTCH???????
I MUST KNOW!!!!!
XX
What do you mean? I wrote Vascobello is Belgian, not Italian. You read what is most on your mind haha.
We had a great time together although short. We will meet again for sure.
We spoke Dutch. She started! I know how difficult it is for English speaking people to get any practice as all Dutch people want to practice their English, so I kept it Dutch. Besides, Karen speaks Dutch so well.
YOU are a GOOD PERSON!!!!!!!
XX
WHY am I a good person? Thank you for the compliment but WHY haha.
Ha ha ha ha… Elizabeth you always make me chuckle. Thanks again for introducing Greetje to me! We had so much fun together (btw, I taught Dutch to myself, first with comic books. Greetje has also now agreed to correct my grammar when needed). Greetje’s English is amazing!
Thanks again, Greetje, for all your efforts and inspiration!
xoxo
What a fun post! You both look so fabulous! Blogging is such a fun job and hobby; we meet amazing supportive women with similar interests. Off to look at her Facebook page
Indeed blogging comes with these perks.
I love this, so much fabulousness and glamour! and you look so gorgeous in your cool summery outfits! and so beautiful smiles and fab attitude!
besos
Ah the smiles are necessary to look good haha. Thanks for the compliments.
Thanks for creating such a beautiful and inspiring blog, Greetje! You took such great photos (and so did the waiter in the café)! It was such a delight meeting you and thanks to Elizabeth we connected on Instagram! Now I need to come visit you in Haarlem! Soon… for sure! xoxo
Creating a blog and blog posts is pure joy for me. Not a chore or work. I cannot paint or do anything as creative like you do, but blogging is my passion and my creativity.
You’re very creative with your stylish way of dressing and with creating this blog!
DITTO!!!
I MUST MEET YOU!
XX
I bet you will come to Europe before I ever to to California.
You both have such cute outfits and I love all your pictures. What a fun meet up! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
We hadn’t told each other what we were going to wear, but it looks very harmonious. Indeed a fun meet-up.
I like both iterations of the top, with the different looks of the skinny jeans and the red trousers – that paint brooch is amazing!
What fun that you were introduced by someone who knew both of you! Isn’t it amazing how we connect through blogging?
I love the word iteration…The paint brooch IS amazing. On white but also in winter on black. Bring a real pop of colour.
And yes I am still amazed by the blogging community and how we connect and meet. If I win a million I will let you fly over to The Netherlands, together with the others.
Hi Greetje,
I thought you looked great in the red skinnies, they really pop and so “Greetje.” 🙂
What a fun meetup!
Thanks Donna. To tell you the truth, the jeans with the top and the high heels is even more Greetje. Although I do agree with you that I like a bit of colour. You will see the red trousers again. I promise.
It’s fabulous that you both managed to get together. I am new to this world but really enjoying myself. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. By the way your top looked great with both red trousers and also with jeans. It was just one way was more dressy than the other. Jill x
I will admit that this is true, a very helpful and friendly community. On the other hand I am cynical enough to think: then again, you hardly know each other and only meet briefly. Again, I am cynical, it is my nature but it doesn’t stop me from enjoying the time with new people I meet through blogging.
As for the red trousers… I needed to hide the crotch part (in my eyes) which meant I had to wear the top lower than was intended by the designer. And that look also cut me in half.
So fun you got to meet someone new!
Love her cheeky cowboy hat : )
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
It is amazing how the heart is always big enough to embrace another person without taking any love away from the ones you already know.
Ha ha ha ha… Thanks for the great compliment. I bought my cowboy hat in Murphys, California. It was so much fun to meet Greetje!
I Love this‼️Thank You for LISTENING to me‼️
Now it’s my turn to come meet You and visit Karen‼️Xoxo
Now there is an excellent idea if I ever heard one.
I have put this link on my BLOG today in the comment arena in reply to KAREN’s comment!!!
I hope a few will FOLLOW YOU!
XX
Oh how nice! Thank you very much.
Yes, Elizabeth! You must come and visit us in the Netherlands! You’re always welcome! xoxox