This is my new polka dot top. As in new to me / second-hand. Do polka dots always have to be completely round? Are the ones in my top more like snowflakes? Perhaps they are, but I’ll stick with polka dots and wear polka dot tights with it. Both the top and the skirt are second-hand from Today’s Vintage. We might not have estate sales in the Netherlands and very few good second-hand shops, but Today’s Vintage supplies me pretty well.
Kitty was my photographer again and she suggested going to go a playground where there is a big silver ball. To make it a theme: dots and balls. I had never seen either the playground or the silver ball. Not having any children there is no need to know this. Turned out to be just across the canal near my house, a hop and a skip away. I had my doubts when she suggested this but she is the one holding the camera, she is the creative one. I do not argue.
It was lovely in the sunshine and there weren’t many children playing. In between two loads of children we could do our shoot.
Below: Getting ready. I wore my old flat shoes, carried high heeled boots in my bag and brought a mirror. I came prepared.
Below: OK… are we ready??
Below: Ta-dah… me in Max Mara coat from the outlet in Turin. The scarf is from Jacket Society, a very reasonably priced online clothes and scarves shop run by Nora, a skilled fashion designer and a nice lady too. She doesn’t sell this particular scarf anymore as it is a couple of years old, but she has similar ones. Mine is black and white houndstooth on one side and fuchsia on the other side.
Below: It was clear that the theme of the playground was balls.
Below: Weeee!!! When in a playground… play. The skirt totally amazed me. It doesn’t show any tummy and believe me I have rather a … ball (pun intended). I am very proud of myself for coming up with the fuchsia accessories. An outfit with 4 colours. My styling is improving.
Below: I admit, trying to climb this thing with Knee, a skirt and high heels? Never. Just for show. Even lifting my leg like this took a lot of effort and lasted 5 seconds. Long enough for Kitty to click.
Below: Sunglasses Dior (I know.. ridiculous, forgive me). The bright green python print earrings were a gift from Marianne.
Below: The fuchsia mini bag by Manoukian is also a gift from Marianne. She spoils me rotten. The small belt has been in my closet for ages; cannot remember where I bought it. The fuchsia bracelet has been on my blog many times and is a gift from Klára (Strawberry bags).
Below: How did Kitty make this photo???
Below: By climbing up there. Kitty is a little camera shy, which I find highly amusing.
Below: We went over to the silver ball. Me and my shadow. Kids climb up and down this slippery thing.
Below: And I did my best to “sit pretty”.
Below: Better shot of my earrings. And my wrinkles. Oh well, it is what it is, I am not that bothered anymore.
Below: I got instructions to walk around the ball. And I am very obedient.
Below: Kitty asked me to lean against the ball. It was rather a challenge not to slide off.
Below: Outfit: polka dot top: Pinko; knitted black skirt: Wolford. Both items bought at second-hand shop Today’s Vintage. You’d think I have shares in this company but no, I don’t. Just found a lot there. Normally I would never try such a skirt. Too afraid my tummy would show. Which it often does, especially in anything tight and/or knitted. This skirt does the opposite. YAY Wolford. The polka dot tights are from Stemm Voetiek, who provided me with even nicer ones: black with big silver dots (that was after the shoot). The boots are by IRO and I have never been worn them yet, because of Knee. I am having high hopes for this winter.
Below: What’s that??
Below: The plane… the plane. Remember that series Fantasy Island?
Below: Time to leave.
What happened in my life this week
There was the hectic weekend. Friday afternoon it started with the 25th anniversary of an advertising agency. My company used to work with them and they invited me to the celebration. So nice. Hadn’t seen them for at least 10 years. There were a lot of “Oh hello! How nice to see YOU here”-kinda things going on. They had two key speakers who were brilliant. The weekend was off to a good start.
At half past 8 in the car and on to the birthday party of my friend Helga (see more of her in this post).
Below: Helga is the one on the left, Merle, one of her friends, on the right. The theme of the party was black and white with a touch of red. Or such….
Below: Ran into my neighbour Monique who is also friends with Helga. When I heard what the theme was, I immediately knew what to wear. (More of my fab suit in this post, in case you missed it.)
Didn’t stay as long as I wanted to at Helga’s party as the next day Loes and I were to take blog photos. I didn’t want to look like something the cat dragged in. The shoot was wonderful. You will see photos next week.
In the evening my friend Jeanne was celebrating her 65th birthday. She lives an hour’s drive away. I had a weekend as if I were in my twenties. Pfff..
Below: Crappy iPhone photo of Jeanne. She is a very helpful and kind person.
Also had lunch this week with my friend Eefje whom I hadn’t seen for ages. It was thoroughly enjoyable but trying to take her picture with my iPhone failed. She looked lovely but disapproved of all the photos.
When I got home from my lunch with Eefje, Ron offered to take some blog photos as the weather was nice and both “my” photographers were unavailable for a while. Such a lovely man. He hates it but wants to do me a favour. We chose a park with fall leaves as background. He is going to do another shoot this weekend to tie me over till Kitty or Loes is available again.
One little bit of office humour: my colleague Rose (not her real name, for privacy reasons 😎) walked in front of me in our department and I said (out loud): “Hey Rose, you know you have an awesome bum?” She looked over her shoulder and said: “What was that?” So I repeated: “Hey Rose, you know you have an awesome bum?” After which she grinned and said: “I heard you the first time, just wanted to hear it again”.. 😂😂😂.
Greetje
PS Linking up with Patti’s Visible Monday at her blog Not Dead Yet Style.
PS2 Also linking up with Catherine’s Not Dressed as Lamb.
Great ‘theme’-post, with matching outfit and location! Kitty took great and fun pictures!
It was Kitty who came up with the location. I love it when people add such help.
Great ‘theme’-post, with matching outfit and location! Kitty took great and fun pictures!
It was Kitty who came up with the location. I love it when people add such help.
You can definitely be a “fashionista” in secondhand clothing! You have been having very good luck with the secondhand stores lately. I really like the hot pink accessories with this outfit.
I am doing well aren’t I? In secondhand clothing I mean. Adding the hot pink accessories was my own idea and I am so proud of that haha. Finally starting to learn?
You can definitely be a “fashionista” in secondhand clothing! You have been having very good luck with the secondhand stores lately. I really like the hot pink accessories with this outfit.
I am doing well aren’t I? In secondhand clothing I mean. Adding the hot pink accessories was my own idea and I am so proud of that haha. Finally starting to learn?
Wow, you go to lots of parties, Greetje. Clearly you are much fun to be around – as I know first-hand. But a caring person too, which is part of the whole package. Kitty, Monique, Helga, Merle, Jeanne – I’m meeting so many cool people from The Netherlands here.
The playground was a great idea for a shoot. I love your outfit with the dots. Looks great with the ball. Hahaha. I would have loved to hear the conversation – “Greetje, just climb up there and dangle!” “Now lean back, more, MORE!” Heh. The close-up portraits are so good in particular.
And I listen and obey Melanie. Isn’t that odd with my character haha. I know she wants the best for me, so I comply. There are months on end when there is not a single party in sight. But lately it is crazy. I do not complain though. The time when nothing happens in your life will come soon enough.
Wow, you go to lots of parties, Greetje. Clearly you are much fun to be around – as I know first-hand. But a caring person too, which is part of the whole package. Kitty, Monique, Helga, Merle, Jeanne – I’m meeting so many cool people from The Netherlands here.
The playground was a great idea for a shoot. I love your outfit with the dots. Looks great with the ball. Hahaha. I would have loved to hear the conversation – “Greetje, just climb up there and dangle!” “Now lean back, more, MORE!” Heh. The close-up portraits are so good in particular.
And I listen and obey Melanie. Isn’t that odd with my character haha. I know she wants the best for me, so I comply. There are months on end when there is not a single party in sight. But lately it is crazy. I do not complain though. The time when nothing happens in your life will come soon enough.
Great boots. They really finish off the outfit. That skirt is fab and love the pink bag and belt. I’m 71 and despite having an ‘annus horribilis’ am finding my feet again, as you say the alternative is not one I want. Following you in controlling my spending as well. If I can’t afford it i don’t buy it. Onwards and upwards.
Way to go Marilyn. I am being truly tested this month, both on spending and on keeping to my “diet” of losing 2 kilos. 6 diners and a lunch will try and test me on the eating front. And as for spending… gosh so much temptation… And thank you for the compliments. (I was proud that I knew what “annus horribilis” meant. Not nice for you though.)
Great boots. They really finish off the outfit. That skirt is fab and love the pink bag and belt. I’m 71 and despite having an ‘annus horribilis’ am finding my feet again, as you say the alternative is not one I want. Following you in controlling my spending as well. If I can’t afford it i don’t buy it. Onwards and upwards.
Way to go Marilyn. I am being truly tested this month, both on spending and on keeping to my “diet” of losing 2 kilos. 6 diners and a lunch will try and test me on the eating front. And as for spending… gosh so much temptation… And thank you for the compliments. (I was proud that I knew what “annus horribilis” meant. Not nice for you though.)
When I see people saying I’m 50,60,70 etc inside I feel 20 think you are living proof, love your blog.
How kind of you to say this. And make the effort of commenting. Thank you very much. When you come up close you will have your proof I am 64 haha. Which I don’t mind. It is what it is. If you don’t like getting old, there is really only one alternative. One which I don’t like. I am happy, that probably shines through.
This outfit is fantastic on every level!! I love how you’ve added the tights with dots to call back to the sweater, and the coordinated fuchsia accessories. Well played, madame!
I am starting to learn hah? Finally 😂😂.
When I see people saying I’m 50,60,70 etc inside I feel 20 think you are living proof, love your blog.
How kind of you to say this. And make the effort of commenting. Thank you very much. When you come up close you will have your proof I am 64 haha. Which I don’t mind. It is what it is. If you don’t like getting old, there is really only one alternative. One which I don’t like. I am happy, that probably shines through.
This outfit is fantastic on every level!! I love how you’ve added the tights with dots to call back to the sweater, and the coordinated fuchsia accessories. Well played, madame!
I am starting to learn hah? Finally 😂😂.
Love the way you are bold with colour. The pink scarf give the outfit such a lift.
I love colour and colour loves me. Any bright colour near my face, makes me look so much better. And to know that my biggest love is black and white haha.
Love the way you are bold with colour. The pink scarf give the outfit such a lift.
I love colour and colour loves me. Any bright colour near my face, makes me look so much better. And to know that my biggest love is black and white haha.
I like the playground location a lot and Kitty came up with some fun angles and interesting photo composition. I’m also impressed that Ron was so kind to offer to help you out with some photos even though he’s not always so thrilled with that role.
This is a really cute dress Greetje! You’re getting better at thrifting and it shows! The colors are bright but pretty subtle so I think you were wise to emphasize the bright pink/fushcia. Tights are the BEST and you look so cute in your polka dot ones!
I was very surprised that Ron offered to do my photos again. Even twice this week. I thought that door was closed forever. We even managed not to fight.
As for the outfit, I am trying to focus more on dresses and skirts as I think my jeans look is too predominant at the moment.
Until I had this tights shop in my home town, I never knew what a difference they can make to an outfit.
Ooh, I love seeing the tiger suit out in the wild – you wild woman, you! Sounds like a wonderful weekend! Love your photo shoot with that gorgeous Wolford skirt. Brava on all those colours, Greetje!
I am so proud of myself although adding a fourth colour in accessories is not a major achievement haha. But I am not a stylist by nature. Only hard work will get me somewhere. With lots of trials and more errors. I love the tiger suit very much.
How amazing that you’re doing so well thrift shopping now! This is a great look on you.
I am amazed myself. This particular second-hand shop is pretty darned good. In went in twice this fall and came out with loads of good stuff. And I am trying to focus more on skirts and dresses as I think the jeans look is too predominant.
How wonderful that you were able to find some more great pieces that are secondhand. Bravo!
I love those polka dot tights. I have some I never wear and need to get them out.
Your friend did a brilliant job of the photos.
Ha! Your co-workers are funny ; P
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
There are many reasons why I like to keep on working and laughing with my colleagues is one of them. Showing my outfits is another reason haha. Yes I am doing pretty well on second-hand these days. Great finds. I am also doing fine in the spending area. I stopped spending (as much) two months ago, when I still had money in the bank and in my savings account. These past two years I only stopped spending when I had no savings left and was grossly overdrawn. I am finally learning, yay.
I like the playground location a lot and Kitty came up with some fun angles and interesting photo composition. I’m also impressed that Ron was so kind to offer to help you out with some photos even though he’s not always so thrilled with that role.
This is a really cute dress Greetje! You’re getting better at thrifting and it shows! The colors are bright but pretty subtle so I think you were wise to emphasize the bright pink/fushcia. Tights are the BEST and you look so cute in your polka dot ones!
I was very surprised that Ron offered to do my photos again. Even twice this week. I thought that door was closed forever. We even managed not to fight.
As for the outfit, I am trying to focus more on dresses and skirts as I think my jeans look is too predominant at the moment.
Until I had this tights shop in my home town, I never knew what a difference they can make to an outfit.
Hahaha you crack me up Woman! Unsurprisingly your girlfriends are just as funny😉
By the way, I think you’re doing pretty bloody well on the second hand shopping Greetje. I might have to lift my game!
Also I have to tell you, as you rarely wear sunglasses in photos, it’s a great look on you. Although I love seeing your beautiful eyes in the following shot, it’s a nice mix.
Sometimes the sunglasses are necessary when the sun is too bright and you have to squint. But I usually try not to wear them. I fully agree with you that I am doing pretty bloody well on the second-hand shopping haha. I went twice this fall and both times came home with loads of good stuff. Glad I made you laugh. My major goal.
Great boots Greetje. I would not wear them under a skirt, like you do here, since I have this thing of legs needing to look as long as possible (I am soooo petite, that’s where this long-leg-thing comes from), but I love them. Simple with original en thoughtful details. I am also totally in love with your little pink bag. Such a bright colour that can be combined so well with lots of outfits and that shouts out positivity and power!
As for your colleague “Rose” and her wish to hear a compliment twice…I have to admit I looked a few times at a certain photo of myself on Insta with a similar remark of yours regarding my…..😂
Love, Lieske
I always have great difficulties with shoes and boots underneath skirts and dresses. I want to look modern and my preference is pumps all the way. Which is a risk to me. I often do not look up to date when I use pumps. Luckily I have long legs, but I still struggle what to wear. These boots save me.
The little fuchsia bag is from a site called vente-exclusive.com They are a sort of an auction I think. Prices go lower and lower. Don’t know exactly how it works, but if you are patient you can get a beautiful leather bag for a very low price.
As for your bum.. oh yes, you were blessed with a good one. Capitalize on it haha.
Hi Greetje
You look so chic, love the color combo and that shawl still looks fab on you. Thank you so much for mentioning where it is from and your sweet write up about my company. I hope you are having a great start to fall.
Nora
My life is usually pretty good, thank you. Hope you can say the same. And about me linking to you.. I believe in credits where credits are due.
Ooh, I love seeing the tiger suit out in the wild – you wild woman, you! Sounds like a wonderful weekend! Love your photo shoot with that gorgeous Wolford skirt. Brava on all those colours, Greetje!
I am so proud of myself although adding a fourth colour in accessories is not a major achievement haha. But I am not a stylist by nature. Only hard work will get me somewhere. With lots of trials and more errors. I love the tiger suit very much.
How amazing that you’re doing so well thrift shopping now! This is a great look on you.
I am amazed myself. This particular second-hand shop is pretty darned good. In went in twice this fall and came out with loads of good stuff. And I am trying to focus more on skirts and dresses as I think the jeans look is too predominant.
Now that’s a compliment every woman loves to hear….over and over 😂
And I love that you have on polka dot tights. I’m working on a blog post about interesting tights….they mAke the cold weather fun!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle com
I love interesting tights. Next week you will see my floral tights! Having the stock and the advice of Stemm Voetiek, my tights supplier, is so good.
How wonderful that you were able to find some more great pieces that are secondhand. Bravo!
I love those polka dot tights. I have some I never wear and need to get them out.
Your friend did a brilliant job of the photos.
Ha! Your co-workers are funny ; P
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
There are many reasons why I like to keep on working and laughing with my colleagues is one of them. Showing my outfits is another reason haha. Yes I am doing pretty well on second-hand these days. Great finds. I am also doing fine in the spending area. I stopped spending (as much) two months ago, when I still had money in the bank and in my savings account. These past two years I only stopped spending when I had no savings left and was grossly overdrawn. I am finally learning, yay.
Great look, great photos, great background. I so love your red tiger suit!
So do I Nicole, I could wear that red tiger suit every day.
Hey, kiddo, you look good! Love the colour combinations. You see, you ARE a fashionista after all!
Have a good week, x
Haha, how can I be a fashionista in second-hand clothes? Doesn’t that imply that I am not on trend? Not that I care, but a fashionista to me is somebody who wears clothes that are on trend.
You can be a fasionista in second-hand clothes simply because you’re fashioning your own, unique style from them. Just because it’s a second-time round thing doesn’t mean you’re not on trend. You ARE the trend by blending ‘old’ into a new ensemble. So there! 🙂
Hahaha you crack me up Woman! Unsurprisingly your girlfriends are just as funny😉
By the way, I think you’re doing pretty bloody well on the second hand shopping Greetje. I might have to lift my game!
Also I have to tell you, as you rarely wear sunglasses in photos, it’s a great look on you. Although I love seeing your beautiful eyes in the following shot, it’s a nice mix.
Sometimes the sunglasses are necessary when the sun is too bright and you have to squint. But I usually try not to wear them. I fully agree with you that I am doing pretty bloody well on the second-hand shopping haha. I went twice this fall and both times came home with loads of good stuff. Glad I made you laugh. My major goal.
Great boots Greetje. I would not wear them under a skirt, like you do here, since I have this thing of legs needing to look as long as possible (I am soooo petite, that’s where this long-leg-thing comes from), but I love them. Simple with original en thoughtful details. I am also totally in love with your little pink bag. Such a bright colour that can be combined so well with lots of outfits and that shouts out positivity and power!
As for your colleague “Rose” and her wish to hear a compliment twice…I have to admit I looked a few times at a certain photo of myself on Insta with a similar remark of yours regarding my…..😂
Love, Lieske
I always have great difficulties with shoes and boots underneath skirts and dresses. I want to look modern and my preference is pumps all the way. Which is a risk to me. I often do not look up to date when I use pumps. Luckily I have long legs, but I still struggle what to wear. These boots save me.
The little fuchsia bag is from a site called vente-exclusive.com They are a sort of an auction I think. Prices go lower and lower. Don’t know exactly how it works, but if you are patient you can get a beautiful leather bag for a very low price.
As for your bum.. oh yes, you were blessed with a good one. Capitalize on it haha.
Hi Greetje
You look so chic, love the color combo and that shawl still looks fab on you. Thank you so much for mentioning where it is from and your sweet write up about my company. I hope you are having a great start to fall.
Nora
My life is usually pretty good, thank you. Hope you can say the same. And about me linking to you.. I believe in credits where credits are due.
Now that’s a compliment every woman loves to hear….over and over 😂
And I love that you have on polka dot tights. I’m working on a blog post about interesting tights….they mAke the cold weather fun!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle com
I love interesting tights. Next week you will see my floral tights! Having the stock and the advice of Stemm Voetiek, my tights supplier, is so good.
Great look, great photos, great background. I so love your red tiger suit!
So do I Nicole, I could wear that red tiger suit every day.
Hey, kiddo, you look good! Love the colour combinations. You see, you ARE a fashionista after all!
Have a good week, x
Haha, how can I be a fashionista in second-hand clothes? Doesn’t that imply that I am not on trend? Not that I care, but a fashionista to me is somebody who wears clothes that are on trend.
You can be a fasionista in second-hand clothes simply because you’re fashioning your own, unique style from them. Just because it’s a second-time round thing doesn’t mean you’re not on trend. You ARE the trend by blending ‘old’ into a new ensemble. So there! 🙂