The Haarlem Bloggers (THB) got together again. Misja wanted to take photos and we all agreed. I decided to wear my wide cream skirt by Marella again. Wel.. again. that is a bit much as I only wore it on the blog twice: when I bought it in Turin (almost last picture of this post) and later, after I styled it with the fun leopard sweater and the bright blue silk top.
I really wanted to style it with a tight top, but because of the fashion these last years, I only have wide tops. I remembered a trick and tied this transparent blouse to create the waist.
As it is hot here in The Netherlands and especially in my little work room, I will make this post with little text and lots of photos. After all it is holiday time. Is anybody reading this post anyway?
Oh… and the outcome of my little survey: text above the photo won. Really, no lie. I don’t ever lie.
Let me introduce the THB again.
Below(grin): Anja, the Curly Traveller. We all met for … (NO, you are wrong, not for lunch)…. tea and coffee, before we headed to an industrial site for the photos.
Below: Sylvia of 40+Style.
Below: Misja, our photograper, whose blog carries her name: MisjaB.
Below: And me. (Josep-Maria, this one is especially for you.)
Below: As I said we started at an industrial area. A little run-down.
Below: As Dutchies we were all on a bike, except Anja, who walked. Blazing sunshine.
Below: This photograph was the first one Misja shot of the four of us. She made such a nice blogpost about it. See her story and great photos here.
Below: Misja knew this wall with graffiti. Anja, graffiti lover, is inspecting the works.
Below: What do we think? Will it work? (photo Misja). I am wearing my Essentiel Antwerp sneakers here. Easier to walk around in. The blouse is by Spijker& Spijkers (Dutch designers).
Below: Setting the scene.
Below: Director at work. Misja is not only a good photographer, she is also a blessing for fashion bloggers. She pays attention to details like a stylist would do. Normally photographers hire a stylist to make sure the clothes are straight, the collar is up, the hair isn’t being funny etc etc. All these things of which my husband Ron says they are my responsiblity. I don’t have a mirror in front of me when we do a photo shoot!!!
This time Misha brought a tripod as she wanted pictures of the four of us. Have you already spotted her new glasses?
Below: Ta-da! Or is this blocking the graffiti too much?
Below: How about this?
Below: Hey… cute guy popping out of the building behind us. Hellooooo!??!
Below: Checking the results.
Below: Again.. checking the results. (I brought my camera too.)
Below: We decided to move on to a park just above the main railway station of Haarlem.
Below: Trying to pose naturally. Failed as usual. Peeptoe pumps: Sergio Rossi (very old).
Below: Anja checking with Misja again. See how yellow the grass is? That never happens in The Netherlands. It is so hot and dry here and has been for months.
Below: Here is good impression photo, made by Anja on her mobile phone. The next morning she sent me this photo and a couple of others with the title: “I am a starr..”.
Below: This is how it goes for a photo with the four of us … Misja is setting the camera on the tripod and we adjust clothes etc…
Below: And then she dashes to be in time for the photo. This one is particularly nice.
Do check out Misja’s post about this afternoon. She made such good ones. You can hire her to do a photo session. Details and price on her blog.
Greetje
This ‘behind the scenes’ look at blog photography is entertaining. AND true. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been enthusiastic about a location for photos only to find that the photos looked horrible, LOL. There is a real art to finding the balance between a background that supports the model, without taking over the picture. I often see industrial backgrounds in style photos and they look super cool but it really is a challenge to make them look good. Recently, when G and I were going out to take photos ironically, we saw a stylish young woman being photographed at an old gas station. It all looked so fabulous….but when we considered using the same location, it felt like it wasn’t going to work. I need a Misja!
I’d love to work for you Sue, please keep it in mind!
I bet the photos would have looked great at the old gas station but you saw that young woman and probably a good photographer and started comparing in your mind. Wrong. As Melanie says: comparison is killing creativity. Ron often finds me backgrounds where my heels sink in the sandor where the wind blows fiercely. Doesn’t work either.
You’re right. And…it certainly doesn’t hurt to try. The gas station is on the way to a ‘usual’ photo site so we will definitely give it a go!
You are such a styish and attractive group! Having someone who pays attention to details like the placement of hands and body, etc. is so important when it comes to getting photos that are flattering. You are very lucky to have Misja’s talented eye!
I agree we are lucky with Misja’s eye for (fashion) details. Unfortunately I cannot afford her to take all my blog photos, but my neighbour across the road is getting better and better in this as well. So I am lucky to have her. And of course, my dear husband, who makes good photos but never pays attention to such details. He now warns me when my hair is awkward. Big plus.
Thank you Shelley!
Love your blog it is so nice to see all your friends,isnt it funny how whenever you see a group of people I always can say “Oh isn’t that lady just like so and so”. We have the very hot weather here also, short break at the moment with rain but set to come back this week. By the way how exactly do you pronounce your name.
We all try to be unique, but there are a lot of people just like us haha.
How do you pronounce my name? As if you have a throat disease. It is like Great, but with a very profound gggggrrr as if you want to warn off the enemy.
I always love your blog and especially all the outfits with so much color! I check it out every week and enjoy seeing the Netherlands a place I have never traveled too, but now I plan to visit. The settings you choose are delightful.
I live in Northern California, part time in the Sierras, the rest of the time near San Francisco. It is hot here also and very smoky, your blog is a wonderful distraction. Yes, there are people reading your blog and enjoying it.
San Francisco always struck me as a beautiful place to live. However, wouldn’t be to keen to go up and down hill all the time. But lots of lovely buidlings. I remember it well from the songs in the seventies. Hippie Mekka.
Usually it rains a lot in The Netherlands which is why it is so green here. You can be lucky and unlucky when you come over. It is like a lottery.
And I am very glad I can amuse you with my posts. Thanks for letting me know.
Another great post and terrific photos. Coming from the other side of the world – Australia – it is good to see your country featured on your blog.
What is the beautiful building with the glass room behind it? (Featured at the top of your post and the bottom.)
Keep up the great work 🙂
I will keep up the “work”. Glad you find it great!
The glass room behind me is a conservatory and part of a beautiful villa, a manor. From the old days when rich families had such estates. They still do, but there are less wealthy families. I have no idea what it is now? An office? A home for elderly? No idea.
Hi Greetje
I read your blog every Monday morning here in Australia and it always brings a smile to my face! Absolutely charming ladies and wonderful pictures. Keep it coming.
Cheers, Doreen
Thanks for taking the time to let me know Doreen. Much appreciated. Who wouldn’t like such compliments? And I will keep the blog posts coming, rest assured.
What a great time and you gals all look so lovely! I really like the way you styled your skirt with the button up top tied in the front. That is very flattering and you look very pretty. Great looks for all of your friends! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
The only “difficult” part of our styles, is that they are so different. When we come together it isn’t very harmonious haha. But unique we are. And our clothes reflect how we are. Which is a very good thing.
Kudos to the Haarlem bloggers! Fabulous photos of all four of you. I think it is funny that you chose your social destinations as an industrial site, so it would be good for your photos. Smart actually. The proof is in the pudding as well as these pictures did come out very well against the graffiti wall .
Love your polkadot shirt and how you tied it at the waist. This is a very pretty combination with the cream skirt .
Misja’s first shot of you four is my very favorite.
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
When you are with friends it doesn’t matter where you are. You will have fun with each other. And we had had drinks in a restaurant to start. Did you click through to Misja’s blog? More great pictures there.
Totally agree. I did not yet, it has been so busy here. I feel like I’m in the middle of a ping-pong match and I am the ball. I will check it out though, sounds like a great tonic.
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
Good combination of classic style with a twist ie the yellow polkadot blouse with the Essential sneaker shoes. Loved Sylvia’s graffiti dress it looks like it could be from Sportmax. You all look as if you’re having a fab time together.
Thanks Elaine. I am slowly getting used to wearing sneakers with dresses and skirts. Very slowly though. That is the upside of the knee problem, I am accelerating in this department because of it haha.
Sylvia’s dress reminded me of Pucci, but it is actually Zara. I was very surprised. It is lovely.
Lovely post!
Thank you Dan. It was a pleasure making it.
Dear Greetje. Another blogpost of you and a group of friends. I always like reading these as well as looking at all the different outfits shown. Having 4 bloggers together is lots of inspiration! I love the variety of the outfits and had a look at Misja’s blog too. She is indeed a very gifted photographer (as these photos show as well). Being a lover of dresses and skirts, I loved seeing you in this white skirt Greetje (and seeing even more variations of it on your Insta account). You wear skirts as well as skinnies! Love, Lieske
I should really focus more on skirts and dresses as I like them. The Knee is a spoil-sport in this quest though.
Usually, when I go to Turin, I am inspired (and guided) by my friend Daniela and I come home with lots of skirts and dresses. Alas, I haven’t been there for more than a year. I was going to see her this summer.
LOVE IT!
As I said on Insta, You are the original Girl Gang but I’ll go further to say the most stylish, original Girl Gang!
Btw I prefer you in “tight” tops. Just my two cents 😉
Thank you. As long as the tight tops are not too tight 😉. Hard to find though these days. Oversized en then tucked in is the rage. Fine by me but not with wide skirts. Although that is an old-fashioned thought as well.
This ‘behind the scenes’ look at blog photography is entertaining. AND true. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been enthusiastic about a location for photos only to find that the photos looked horrible, LOL. There is a real art to finding the balance between a background that supports the model, without taking over the picture. I often see industrial backgrounds in style photos and they look super cool but it really is a challenge to make them look good. Recently, when G and I were going out to take photos ironically, we saw a stylish young woman being photographed at an old gas station. It all looked so fabulous….but when we considered using the same location, it felt like it wasn’t going to work. I need a Misja!
I bet the photos would have looked great at the old gas station but you saw that young woman and probably a good photographer and started comparing in your mind. Wrong. As Melanie says: comparison is killing creativity. Ron often finds me backgrounds where my heels sink in the sandor where the wind blows fiercely. Doesn’t work either.
You’re right. And…it certainly doesn’t hurt to try. The gas station is on the way to a ‘usual’ photo site so we will definitely give it a go!
I’d love to work for you Sue, please keep it in mind!
You are such a styish and attractive group! Having someone who pays attention to details like the placement of hands and body, etc. is so important when it comes to getting photos that are flattering. You are very lucky to have Misja’s talented eye!
I agree we are lucky with Misja’s eye for (fashion) details. Unfortunately I cannot afford her to take all my blog photos, but my neighbour across the road is getting better and better in this as well. So I am lucky to have her. And of course, my dear husband, who makes good photos but never pays attention to such details. He now warns me when my hair is awkward. Big plus.
Thank you Shelley!
Dear Greetje. Another blogpost of you and a group of friends. I always like reading these as well as looking at all the different outfits shown. Having 4 bloggers together is lots of inspiration! I love the variety of the outfits and had a look at Misja’s blog too. She is indeed a very gifted photographer (as these photos show as well). Being a lover of dresses and skirts, I loved seeing you in this white skirt Greetje (and seeing even more variations of it on your Insta account). You wear skirts as well as skinnies! Love, Lieske
I should really focus more on skirts and dresses as I like them. The Knee is a spoil-sport in this quest though.
Usually, when I go to Turin, I am inspired (and guided) by my friend Daniela and I come home with lots of skirts and dresses. Alas, I haven’t been there for more than a year. I was going to see her this summer.
LOVE IT!
As I said on Insta, You are the original Girl Gang but I’ll go further to say the most stylish, original Girl Gang!
Btw I prefer you in “tight” tops. Just my two cents 😉
Thank you. As long as the tight tops are not too tight 😉. Hard to find though these days. Oversized en then tucked in is the rage. Fine by me but not with wide skirts. Although that is an old-fashioned thought as well.
Lovely post!
Thank you Dan. It was a pleasure making it.
Good combination of classic style with a twist ie the yellow polkadot blouse with the Essential sneaker shoes. Loved Sylvia’s graffiti dress it looks like it could be from Sportmax. You all look as if you’re having a fab time together.
Thanks Elaine. I am slowly getting used to wearing sneakers with dresses and skirts. Very slowly though. That is the upside of the knee problem, I am accelerating in this department because of it haha.
Sylvia’s dress reminded me of Pucci, but it is actually Zara. I was very surprised. It is lovely.
Love your blog it is so nice to see all your friends,isnt it funny how whenever you see a group of people I always can say “Oh isn’t that lady just like so and so”. We have the very hot weather here also, short break at the moment with rain but set to come back this week. By the way how exactly do you pronounce your name.
We all try to be unique, but there are a lot of people just like us haha.
How do you pronounce my name? As if you have a throat disease. It is like Great, but with a very profound gggggrrr as if you want to warn off the enemy.
I always love your blog and especially all the outfits with so much color! I check it out every week and enjoy seeing the Netherlands a place I have never traveled too, but now I plan to visit. The settings you choose are delightful.
I live in Northern California, part time in the Sierras, the rest of the time near San Francisco. It is hot here also and very smoky, your blog is a wonderful distraction. Yes, there are people reading your blog and enjoying it.
San Francisco always struck me as a beautiful place to live. However, wouldn’t be to keen to go up and down hill all the time. But lots of lovely buidlings. I remember it well from the songs in the seventies. Hippie Mekka.
Usually it rains a lot in The Netherlands which is why it is so green here. You can be lucky and unlucky when you come over. It is like a lottery.
And I am very glad I can amuse you with my posts. Thanks for letting me know.
Another great post and terrific photos. Coming from the other side of the world – Australia – it is good to see your country featured on your blog.
What is the beautiful building with the glass room behind it? (Featured at the top of your post and the bottom.)
Keep up the great work 🙂
I will keep up the “work”. Glad you find it great!
The glass room behind me is a conservatory and part of a beautiful villa, a manor. From the old days when rich families had such estates. They still do, but there are less wealthy families. I have no idea what it is now? An office? A home for elderly? No idea.
Hi Greetje
I read your blog every Monday morning here in Australia and it always brings a smile to my face! Absolutely charming ladies and wonderful pictures. Keep it coming.
Cheers, Doreen
Thanks for taking the time to let me know Doreen. Much appreciated. Who wouldn’t like such compliments? And I will keep the blog posts coming, rest assured.
What a great time and you gals all look so lovely! I really like the way you styled your skirt with the button up top tied in the front. That is very flattering and you look very pretty. Great looks for all of your friends! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
The only “difficult” part of our styles, is that they are so different. When we come together it isn’t very harmonious haha. But unique we are. And our clothes reflect how we are. Which is a very good thing.
Kudos to the Haarlem bloggers! Fabulous photos of all four of you. I think it is funny that you chose your social destinations as an industrial site, so it would be good for your photos. Smart actually. The proof is in the pudding as well as these pictures did come out very well against the graffiti wall .
Love your polkadot shirt and how you tied it at the waist. This is a very pretty combination with the cream skirt .
Misja’s first shot of you four is my very favorite.
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
When you are with friends it doesn’t matter where you are. You will have fun with each other. And we had had drinks in a restaurant to start. Did you click through to Misja’s blog? More great pictures there.
Totally agree. I did not yet, it has been so busy here. I feel like I’m in the middle of a ping-pong match and I am the ball. I will check it out though, sounds like a great tonic.
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
Ha! So much fun, Greetje! I love all your behind-the-scenes shots, and the lovely backdrops. Tying your blouse at the waist is a great way to add shape when all you have is shapeless in the closet. Happy week to you!
I am trying to find more fitted tops now (not easy). But not so tight that they show lumps and bumps. It is a bumpy road, getting older haha. And I am glad you like my behind-the-scenes shorts, as I love doing such posts.
Great post! Love your addition of humor and details about posing (adjusting clothing, etc) and how the photos were taken! Great colors you all wore! These photos were taken a few days ago? Hopefully not on Friday when it was 37C!
xoxo
These photos were taken on the 14th. It was hot but not as hot as it got after that. Better temperatures at the moment. Still hot but not insanely.
I am still surprised when I read compliments about my humour. I probably have that as everybody says it, but it comes so naturally that I never notice it.
Oooh…more cute guys popping out of buildings please ; P
Loved these photos of you all. Looks like a beautiful day spent with people you enjoy.
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
Didn’t I do a good job, snapping that picture of cute guy? He was in and out of the building in a very short time. Probably looked up, saw these women and my camera going click and thought: AWAY, I MUST GET AWAY! haha
It was indeed a lovely afternoon with the four of us.
I’m getting to know your charming and fashionable girlfriends a bit better each time you take us along for one of your fun adventures. You were quite busy on this one. It’s so nice that you can assist and advise each other on the photos.
Misja’s blog did include some great photos of the 4 of you and it was fun to see her approach to the same subject matter.
That Dutch dude is quite a handsome fellow !!! Thanks for sharing him! :-):-):-)
I am glad you clicked through to Misja’s site. I didn’t want to “steal” her work although she kindly shared the photos with all of us. The Dutch dude would have had my full attention, had I been a hell of a lot younger and single haha.
Hi Greetje,
I so enjoy your posts, as much for your style as for your delightful sense of humor and your sharing of adventures with your friends. Glad to see your knee is behaving and healing nicely! Sometimes your writing is so comfortable it makes me feel like surely we have met before, and in a way we have because occasionally we both leave comments on Sheila’s blog posts. I love the interconnectedness of the bloggers I follow!
Anyway, just thought it would be nice to let you know you have a reader in New York (about 25 miles NE of the city) who enjoys your blog!
Cheers,
Laurie
The interaction between bloggers and blog readers is amazing. Sheila is a gem. Such a daring person and often I am in awe over her outfits. The fact that she can find these beautiful clothes second hand makes me envious (bad, bad). We don’t have such good second hand shops. Although… I just scored very well.
I have met Sheila a few years ago in Vancouver and she was a blast. If my writing makes you feel we have met before, then I am doing a pretty decent job. Thank you for the compliments.
Just wanted to let you know that I do read your blog here in Wisconsin USA. I enjoy it very much and love to see how women in our 50s can still be fashionable.
How wonderful. So not everybody is on holiday. And women across the world read my blog post. Makes me humble. Thank you for your kind comment.
You all look fabulous! What fun to have a group to take photos with! That last photo with you all together is just so good. I actually like your skirt outfit better with the sneakers; they add such a fun and modern touch.
I don’t mind the sneakers with the outfit, but I am still struggling with the concept haha. Which is why the skirt with the high heels was at the top. Old habits die hard.
Susan B. – I agree with you about the sneakers!
Oh… are we ganging up on me? Haha.. just a joke. My old brain needs time to adjust to sneakers with skirts. But I’d better hurry before that style is over again.
Super fun and colorful (great graffiti)! I loved seeing the ladies photographing — a peek inside your day, from your viewpoint, so interesting! Clothes were fun too, and so individual.
That is the strangest thing with fashion bloggers (better said: style or outfit bloggers)… when they get together, it is never harmonious. We are all so outspoken and we all have developed such a unique style, that it is rather a chaotic image haha.
And I love to do a reporting blog post.
Ha! So much fun, Greetje! I love all your behind-the-scenes shots, and the lovely backdrops. Tying your blouse at the waist is a great way to add shape when all you have is shapeless in the closet. Happy week to you!
I am trying to find more fitted tops now (not easy). But not so tight that they show lumps and bumps. It is a bumpy road, getting older haha. And I am glad you like my behind-the-scenes shorts, as I love doing such posts.
Great post! Love your addition of humor and details about posing (adjusting clothing, etc) and how the photos were taken! Great colors you all wore! These photos were taken a few days ago? Hopefully not on Friday when it was 37C!
xoxo
These photos were taken on the 14th. It was hot but not as hot as it got after that. Better temperatures at the moment. Still hot but not insanely.
I am still surprised when I read compliments about my humour. I probably have that as everybody says it, but it comes so naturally that I never notice it.
Oooh…more cute guys popping out of buildings please ; P
Loved these photos of you all. Looks like a beautiful day spent with people you enjoy.
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
Didn’t I do a good job, snapping that picture of cute guy? He was in and out of the building in a very short time. Probably looked up, saw these women and my camera going click and thought: AWAY, I MUST GET AWAY! haha
It was indeed a lovely afternoon with the four of us.
I’m getting to know your charming and fashionable girlfriends a bit better each time you take us along for one of your fun adventures. You were quite busy on this one. It’s so nice that you can assist and advise each other on the photos.
Misja’s blog did include some great photos of the 4 of you and it was fun to see her approach to the same subject matter.
That Dutch dude is quite a handsome fellow !!! Thanks for sharing him! :-):-):-)
I am glad you clicked through to Misja’s site. I didn’t want to “steal” her work although she kindly shared the photos with all of us. The Dutch dude would have had my full attention, had I been a hell of a lot younger and single haha.
Hi Greetje, wonderful post again, lovely pictures and you all looked fabulous -especially liked the last picture of you all together…you look like you are on the cover of a record album !!! Also thought the photo of you by the canal in your ‘pose’ was a great shot too. The grass in the UK is yellow too, its been a long time since I have seen our countryside look so parched. However, as I am typing this our weather has ‘broken’ and we are getting rain and some thunder storms too.
We got rain as well, but not nearly enough to save crop and plants. However we are back to 26C, which is lovely. You don’t hear me complaining.
If you click through to Misja’s blog, you will see more great photos. Didn’t want to “steal” too many of hers.
Cover of a record album hah? Why not?
Hi Greetje,
I so enjoy your posts, as much for your style as for your delightful sense of humor and your sharing of adventures with your friends. Glad to see your knee is behaving and healing nicely! Sometimes your writing is so comfortable it makes me feel like surely we have met before, and in a way we have because occasionally we both leave comments on Sheila’s blog posts. I love the interconnectedness of the bloggers I follow!
Anyway, just thought it would be nice to let you know you have a reader in New York (about 25 miles NE of the city) who enjoys your blog!
Cheers,
Laurie
The interaction between bloggers and blog readers is amazing. Sheila is a gem. Such a daring person and often I am in awe over her outfits. The fact that she can find these beautiful clothes second hand makes me envious (bad, bad). We don’t have such good second hand shops. Although… I just scored very well.
I have met Sheila a few years ago in Vancouver and she was a blast. If my writing makes you feel we have met before, then I am doing a pretty decent job. Thank you for the compliments.
Just wanted to let you know that I do read your blog here in Wisconsin USA. I enjoy it very much and love to see how women in our 50s can still be fashionable.
How wonderful. So not everybody is on holiday. And women across the world read my blog post. Makes me humble. Thank you for your kind comment.
You all look fabulous! What fun to have a group to take photos with! That last photo with you all together is just so good. I actually like your skirt outfit better with the sneakers; they add such a fun and modern touch.
I don’t mind the sneakers with the outfit, but I am still struggling with the concept haha. Which is why the skirt with the high heels was at the top. Old habits die hard.
Susan B. – I agree with you about the sneakers!
Oh… are we ganging up on me? Haha.. just a joke. My old brain needs time to adjust to sneakers with skirts. But I’d better hurry before that style is over again.
Super fun and colorful (great graffiti)! I loved seeing the ladies photographing — a peek inside your day, from your viewpoint, so interesting! Clothes were fun too, and so individual.
That is the strangest thing with fashion bloggers (better said: style or outfit bloggers)… when they get together, it is never harmonious. We are all so outspoken and we all have developed such a unique style, that it is rather a chaotic image haha.
And I love to do a reporting blog post.
Hi Greetje, wonderful post again, lovely pictures and you all looked fabulous -especially liked the last picture of you all together…you look like you are on the cover of a record album !!! Also thought the photo of you by the canal in your ‘pose’ was a great shot too. The grass in the UK is yellow too, its been a long time since I have seen our countryside look so parched. However, as I am typing this our weather has ‘broken’ and we are getting rain and some thunder storms too.
We got rain as well, but not nearly enough to save crop and plants. However we are back to 26C, which is lovely. You don’t hear me complaining.
If you click through to Misja’s blog, you will see more great photos. Didn’t want to “steal” too many of hers.
Cover of a record album hah? Why not?