Continuing with second-hand shopping, both the batwing jumper and the suede leggings are second-hand from Today’s Vintage. A few months back I scored well in that shop. The batwing jumper is by Maje, a French brand and the suede leggings are by Pauw, a posh and expensive Dutch brand. My golden boots are a couple of years old and you have seen them many times. Still going strong. And of course, as promised, here is the golden crossbody bag, gifted by Marianne.
The jumper is great for my figure, hiding all the things I want to hide and with my height, easy to wear. Being cotton is a huge advantage as wool makes me itch. But… there are two things wrong with it. One, the front of the jumper tends to ride up. Solution: pin it in place with a brooch on the Uniqlo heattech shirt underneath. The second flaw are the sleeves. They also ride up. Not too much of an issue when you are wearing a black top underneath, but it is not what I really want. So I have to watch the sleeves. Which, of course, I don’t. The brooch is from the Max Mara outlet in Turin.
I wore this outfit to go shopping with my friends Anke and Sabine, the Shopping Saturday girls. In Utrecht again. We have been here before. Utrecht is a nice town, with a compact centre. We really only did one street. Thoroughly though. Knee is still not up to walking a lot; this one street was perfect.
Below: Anke on the left and Sabine on the right. We exchanged a few good stories and laughed our heads off.
Below: Close-up of the brooch in charcoal, brown, burnt orange and chrystal. I also wore a purple cowl to brighten things up a bit, but the girls dismissed it as “not nice”. My husband had said the same that morning. I still disagree with them all and I think I am going to be pigheaded. You will see the cowl further down.
Below: Coffee, always the start of any girlfriend meeting. This place was particularly good in extras and their cakes were delicious. It is called Hop & Stork, Lijnmarkt 1, right in the centre; they have a huge selection of chocolate too.
Below: Actually that statement about “coffee first” is not entirely true as we passed a shoe shop on our way to the restaurant and just had to go in. These tall black boots were in the sale and absolutely perfect for Anke. She bought them.
Below: Sabine found these boots by Miu Miu in the sale and is still contemplating. They are very nice, but she had already ordered a pair of black boots online which were on their way.
Below: I wore my kimono coat with long black leather gloves and the purple cowl (soft as a kitten). Camera and other stuff are in my checked shopper (a present from Marianne as well, a couple of years ago). In the third bag is a pair of low heeled ankle boots which I scored in the shoe shop. They were heavily reduced from € 325 to € 75. I admit, I haven’t gone cold turkey with “No Shopping”. There is a little room for allowance when such a bargain comes along.
Below: Close-up of the golden crossbody bag.
After the coffee we took some outfit shots outside. COLD.
Below: This is a different restaurant than our coffee one. The seats outside made for a good background.
Below: As I said: COLD. The suede leggings fit like a glove and are really comfortable. I think they go well with this batwing jumper.
Below: And this is how the outfit looks with the purple cowl. Taken a couple of days later. What do you think? With or without?
Below: Ankie was wearing a beanie and a thick jacket. If she ever wants to get rid of that jacket, I’ll be first in line.
Below: Sabine was also cuddly and cosy. Being fashionable with her cowboy boots and wearing a new green leather skirt. She is “in her green phase” haha.
Below: We really got started in the shop of Essentiel. Those coats were so cuddly…
Below: And one with the three of us…
Below: I did think about this coat (in the sale) but decided it was too wide on the shoulders which I don’t want to emphasize. When I kept the lapels more together at the top it did look really cute though. As you know I like a bright colour. Ron liked the cream one better on me. Alas, the coats wardrobe is chockablock.
Below: Sabine tried on this dress, but because it was too high necked, it was dismissed.
Below: Anke looked great in this cap but she didn’t buy it.
Below: Another item that did not leave the store, was this jacket. Lovely as it was, Sabine wanted a cardi not a jacket. Which is why she looks so sad.
Below: The pièce de la résistance for me were these cream white boots. I adore white boots. Why? I don’t know. Because Barbie had white boots? Because I thought those majorettes looked so good in their white boots? Both are reasons why most women detest white boots, but I love them.
Below: I thought they looked super on me, but Knee did not agree. Reason prevailed over emotion and I did not buy them. A week later I tried them on in a smaller size and they felt fine. Well… as far as a heel of 10 cm can feel fine… Still contemplating. Two centimeters lower would be perfect.
We had received such a good service at Essentiel and we left the shop after trying so much with… nothing. We just couldn’t find the right thing. Sorry Essentiel, I will make it up to you.
Below: We even got offered prosecco by the really helpful sales lady. Anke was game.
Below: In another shop, Sabine found this sporty cardigan. It came home with her.
Below: In the last shop I tried on this green dress. The face and hair are bewildered, but the dress looks nice. That is to say.. the elastic in the waist was riding up which gave me an odd shape. In theory a good dress, in reality I can do better. No purchase.
Below: Sabine found the trousers of my red suit with tigers. She liked them very much and bought them. The matching jacket got a no from her. What amazes me is that her belly is a lot flatter than mine and she has had two children and I have had none.
If you compare the trousers on her and on me, you will see that they are a lot shorter on me. The green top in this photo was a dress she tried on.
Below: One last photo of pretty Utrecht and we went home.
We hadn’t overspent this time, which left us content and puzzled haha.
What happened in my life this week
Strange (holiday) week of course. Saturday: hairdresser. My hair was cut and the outgrow dyed. At lunchtime I moved a couple of metres further down the street to meet Sylvia of 40PlusStyle. Unfortunately, the photo I took of her turned out to be a video. So no photo.
On the last day of 2018, we went back to the furniture shop to close the deal for two new easy seats. The fabric of the old ones is really threadbare. Knowing how important the seats are for the look of our living room, I had bought and stored extra fabric to re-upholster them when necessary. However, the old seats are lovely to look at but not comfortable to sit in, so we decided to buy new and different ones, and still use the fabric we had. It will take a couple of months, but the deal is done. If you want to know what our colourful living room looks like, just hit the link.
New Years’ eve we spent with friends, a couple we know a long, long time. We played Pictionary and roared with laughter. What a splendid way to end a year.
Quiet blogging days followed and back to work on Thursday.
I want to end with a tip for those who would like to find their signature style or want a little style refresh. My friend Sylvia is hosting a “Find Your Style Challenge” for free starting January 14. I think you’ll love it and I am sure you will learn a lot from her, as I have done. Here is the link to join for free at 40PlusStyle.
Greetje
Linking up (again) with Patti (Not Dead Yet Style)’s Visible Monday.
Another no for the cowl with the outfit but I’m sure you will find a way to wear it. The whole outfit I love as well as the cream coat. Not keen on the orange ones though. The Maje sweater is to die for. Lucky girl.
Well, my husband dislikes the Maje sweater and you and I like it a lot. Most people dislike the cowl on the sweater, but I do and two or three other people too. The majority though is against the cowl. I give in. No harm done. I appreciate your honest opinion. With that I can work, flattery gets me nowhere.
I love your shopping posts! All three of you are so stylish and fabulous, I almost can’t take it. I will dream of Sabine’s boots tonight. AND those white ones you showed, they are the perfect shape and height, who makes those? I love the cream coat on you, not so much the orange one. I REALLY don’t like the green dress on you, so I’m pleased that didn’t make it out of the shop :-).
Your outfit looks fabulous, and what a clever girl you are getting PAUW leggings (love them) AND a MAJE jumper second hand? I love the gold boots and bag but no surprises there.
These photos made me miss the Netherlands; the atmosphere, and the laid back and stylish chic of the shops and restaurants. I hope I get there this year at some point!
PS: another vote for no on the purple cowl with the sweater, although I do love it with the coat.
I give in with this overwhelming amount of no’s to the cowl on the jumper. Tsss, how wrong can one be?
I do hope you will come to Amsterdam this year. My knee is still not completely cured. But better than a year ago and of course I will go shopping with you, one way or another.
The white boots are from one of your favourite suppliers: Essentiel Antwerp. collection spring 2019.
You’ve brought back memories…I adored Barbie’s white boots and I remember being so thrilled when I got a pair of fitted white rainboots when still young!
Love the newsy catch-up. I gotta say that the street-style photo of Anke is everything! She looks super cool!
As I’m behind in reading your posts, I didn’t read the comments as I usually do. I vote no to the scarf. What was the consensus?
An overwhelming consensus of NO to the scarf. Which is very disappointing for me as I still like it, but I give in. I will tell Anke you think she looked super cool. She’ll like that.
Sorry, but I will have to add my name to the list of the commenters who say “No” to the cowl. It looks nice with the coat, but I prefer the outfit without it. The suede leggings are very cool, as are the metallic accessories.
I so enjoy seeing what you and your friends find when you go shopping. The furry coats look so cozy, but they are rather bulky which isn’t flattering to most of us. Love Sabine’s leather skirt and cowboy boots, and Anke’s coat.
I agree with everything you say. Also on the cowl (finally). Only the white near my face is not such a good idea in winter. Still looking for another scarf to bring some colour near my face.
Sabine’s boots are awesome!!
I’ve become a fan of white boots. They really “pop” an outfit. Could you have a cobbler remove a bit of the heel on the pair you liked? They do really look good.
Yes Sabine knows her shoe and boots stuff. She has an impressive collection. The white boots are definitely OUT. I have had a cobbler remove about a centimetre off a shoe before, but it is risky and it didn’t always work. As these heels are sloping the risk is even higher. And I think I would have to lose 2 centimetres which is too much to take off.
I am getting to the stage where comfort is prevaling over looks. I will be on the look-out for similar ones which do feel nice.
How fun to see the three of you trying on all that stuff!
Not a fan of that batwing sweater, by the way. Just saying;-). Not flattering on you. But hey, what’s one opinion…, right?
You and Ron think alike. He doesn’t like it either. I say tough.
I’ve never had a stomach that flat! Even when I was 12! Ha!
Not a fan of that scarf but I can see that it brought some colour towards your face.
Aren’t those orange teddy bear coats adorable? Might make you want to curl up in a corner and have a nap : )
Suzanne
Those teddy bear coats were adorable, but wrong for my body shape, my wallet and my chockablock full wardrobe. I will have a nap in my bed haha.
Nice shopping day! I visited some second hand shops in the past but rarely found something good . Luckily the end -of-the-season sales prices are very low here…
About your question I prefer the outfit without the cowl…the shape of your batwing jumper is peculiar and looks better alone.
New colourful furniture ? I am sure it is perfect in your beautiful home
I am bad at shopping end-of-the-season-sales. My mind is already focussed on the next season. Stupid of course, as the really good stuff isn’t for just one year or one season. You are doing much better in this department. I remember your astoundment when you found out I had bought a Sportmax dress in a shop instead of the outlet.
The new seats will have a different shape, but they will be upholstered with the same fabric as the seats we already have. So no big changes.
Like Jeanette, I think the bulk of your lovely purple scarf goes well with your coat but not as well with the white sweater ( which it overpowers a bit) There’s nothing wrong with the purple or any other bright fun Greetje color!!!
It’s wonderful seeing you find HOT deals in thrifted fashions. I like those leggings on you A LOT!! I also like your strategy for keeping a sliding sweater in place!
Yep, the purple cowl will remain with the coat and for the batwing jumper I will find another, less bulky, scarf.
Things like fashion tape are typical for me. I always have smart (or less smart) solutions for clothes “errors”. Like a little piece of fabric with ties just to cover the cleavage bit. And more.
Funny to read about your “belly-hiding” jumper. I have realised I wear a lot of clothes hiding my Xmas extras these days too…..I love how well the shape of the jumper in combination with the skinny trousers suits your length and suits your style. Love, Lieske
This is my go-to outfit. Nothing pinches, no shoe difficulties (as in high heels) and I still have the illusion I look polished. With me the belly is not just Xmas extra kilos. I have had a belly since I was 18 years old and as thin as a stick. Apparently my body decided there was not enough room in the hip or bum area so the food has got to go somewhere. A bit similar to what Van Speijk said: “dan maar de lucht in”. (Actually he seemed to have said: dan liever de lucht in.)
Fabulous finds – I am never so lucky. Your jumper looks great and I just love comfort from a jumper. I also think your gold boots are a great addition to the whole outfit.
Note to self – take time to browse more charity shops.
I never have been that lucky with second-hand either and I always envy women living in the USA and Canada. For their vast second-hand stores and their estate sales. Fortunately I have now found a shop that stocks very well. You can imagine I love shopping there. It is not a charity shop, it is a consignment store in high end clothes and just under high end.
I just swoon over your suede leggings, Greetje – you look so fantastic in them. I’m afraid I have to say “thumbs down” to the cowl as well – the colour is not right with this outfit, and it’s too bulky up around your face. I get the allure of all that cuddly warmth, though!
Adoring Sabine’s boots. I would have bought the orange coat!
You and the rest of the world don’t like the purple cowl with the jumper. But at least you got why I like it so much. I will replace it with another, less bulky scarf.
Sabine is always very up to date with fashion and has an impressive shoe and boots collection. Like you haha.
The orange coat is nice but it was too pricey for what it offered (not quite right).
Love love love your lovely living room!
Since you asked: I like the purple cowl with the coat but outfit looks better without.
Our living room is finally how we want it. There were a lot of trial AND errors before this look. The purple cowl will stay with the coat but I will look for a scarf in my wardrobe.
I like the purple cowl with this sweater. Maybe a scarf that is not quite so bulky would work better. I think your outfit needs some color around the neck. Otherwise it looks dull.
Without a bright color on, I would’t think it’s you! Color suits you and your personality.
There are very few fans of the purple cowl on my batwing jumper, so I think I have to give in. I do have a nice scarf in yellow gold with black. That will probably do better.
Just to let you know that when I make it to your side of the world I want to go shopping with you …and your friends! I love all the trying on and deciding yes or no, the coffee, the Prosecco, all of it!
Hahaha, yes the Netherlands are famous for this. We have very little distances as the country is small and crammed. Which means it is easy to main friendships, to shop, to meet and there are still lots of shops, restaurants and cafés in the centres of the old towns. That is what makes it all so pleasant. We have a word for it: “gezellig” and no translation is completely right. The words that come near are: convivial, sociable, social, cozy, cosy, snug, pleasant, chatty, enjoyable, homy, close, intimate, attractive.
How fun to see the three of you trying on all that stuff!
Not a fan of that batwing sweater, by the way. Just saying;-). Not flattering on you. But hey, what’s one opinion…, right?
You and Ron think alike. He doesn’t like it either. I say tough.
Sorry, but I will have to add my name to the list of the commenters who say “No” to the cowl. It looks nice with the coat, but I prefer the outfit without it. The suede leggings are very cool, as are the metallic accessories.
I so enjoy seeing what you and your friends find when you go shopping. The furry coats look so cozy, but they are rather bulky which isn’t flattering to most of us. Love Sabine’s leather skirt and cowboy boots, and Anke’s coat.
I agree with everything you say. Also on the cowl (finally). Only the white near my face is not such a good idea in winter. Still looking for another scarf to bring some colour near my face.
You’ve brought back memories…I adored Barbie’s white boots and I remember being so thrilled when I got a pair of fitted white rainboots when still young!
Love the newsy catch-up. I gotta say that the street-style photo of Anke is everything! She looks super cool!
As I’m behind in reading your posts, I didn’t read the comments as I usually do. I vote no to the scarf. What was the consensus?
An overwhelming consensus of NO to the scarf. Which is very disappointing for me as I still like it, but I give in. I will tell Anke you think she looked super cool. She’ll like that.
Nice shopping day! I visited some second hand shops in the past but rarely found something good . Luckily the end -of-the-season sales prices are very low here…
About your question I prefer the outfit without the cowl…the shape of your batwing jumper is peculiar and looks better alone.
New colourful furniture ? I am sure it is perfect in your beautiful home
I am bad at shopping end-of-the-season-sales. My mind is already focussed on the next season. Stupid of course, as the really good stuff isn’t for just one year or one season. You are doing much better in this department. I remember your astoundment when you found out I had bought a Sportmax dress in a shop instead of the outlet.
The new seats will have a different shape, but they will be upholstered with the same fabric as the seats we already have. So no big changes.
I’ve never had a stomach that flat! Even when I was 12! Ha!
Not a fan of that scarf but I can see that it brought some colour towards your face.
Aren’t those orange teddy bear coats adorable? Might make you want to curl up in a corner and have a nap : )
Suzanne
Those teddy bear coats were adorable, but wrong for my body shape, my wallet and my chockablock full wardrobe. I will have a nap in my bed haha.
Another no for the cowl with the outfit but I’m sure you will find a way to wear it. The whole outfit I love as well as the cream coat. Not keen on the orange ones though. The Maje sweater is to die for. Lucky girl.
Well, my husband dislikes the Maje sweater and you and I like it a lot. Most people dislike the cowl on the sweater, but I do and two or three other people too. The majority though is against the cowl. I give in. No harm done. I appreciate your honest opinion. With that I can work, flattery gets me nowhere.
Love the colours in your outfit ( though like everyone else…..definitely ditch the purple scarf !) Happy you didn’t get the green dress, just wasn’t you !!! The cream faux fur coat was though ! Thanks again for sharing your outing with your friends, hope you have a good week
My husband liked the cream one to but I have enough coats and it wasn’t right for my body shape. The purple cowl is dismissed on the sweater. You readers were almost all against it haha. Should have listened to husband, Sabine and Anke.
Yes rather like the purple cowl with the grey coat.
That is very nicely put Pauline. In a positive way you say you like it on the coast but not on the sweater haha. Thank you. Many readers agree with you. I decided to give in and take another scarf which is less bulky.
Friends are the spice of life! You have lots of spice.! How wonderful that you’ve found a second-hand store! And I adore the white boots.
Yes, that second-hand shop has provided me with lots of good stuff. And I agree that my life is full of spice with so many friends. I am blessed.
Love the colours in your outfit ( though like everyone else…..definitely ditch the purple scarf !) Happy you didn’t get the green dress, just wasn’t you !!! The cream faux fur coat was though ! Thanks again for sharing your outing with your friends, hope you have a good week
My husband liked the cream one to but I have enough coats and it wasn’t right for my body shape. The purple cowl is dismissed on the sweater. You readers were almost all against it haha. Should have listened to husband, Sabine and Anke.
Yes rather like the purple cowl with the grey coat.
That is very nicely put Pauline. In a positive way you say you like it on the coast but not on the sweater haha. Thank you. Many readers agree with you. I decided to give in and take another scarf which is less bulky.
Fabulous finds – I am never so lucky. Your jumper looks great and I just love comfort from a jumper. I also think your gold boots are a great addition to the whole outfit.
Note to self – take time to browse more charity shops.
I never have been that lucky with second-hand either and I always envy women living in the USA and Canada. For their vast second-hand stores and their estate sales. Fortunately I have now found a shop that stocks very well. You can imagine I love shopping there. It is not a charity shop, it is a consignment store in high end clothes and just under high end.
Friends are the spice of life! You have lots of spice.! How wonderful that you’ve found a second-hand store! And I adore the white boots.
Yes, that second-hand shop has provided me with lots of good stuff. And I agree that my life is full of spice with so many friends. I am blessed.
Just to let you know that when I make it to your side of the world I want to go shopping with you …and your friends! I love all the trying on and deciding yes or no, the coffee, the Prosecco, all of it!
Hahaha, yes the Netherlands are famous for this. We have very little distances as the country is small and crammed. Which means it is easy to main friendships, to shop, to meet and there are still lots of shops, restaurants and cafés in the centres of the old towns. That is what makes it all so pleasant. We have a word for it: “gezellig” and no translation is completely right. The words that come near are: convivial, sociable, social, cozy, cosy, snug, pleasant, chatty, enjoyable, homy, close, intimate, attractive.
I love your shopping posts! All three of you are so stylish and fabulous, I almost can’t take it. I will dream of Sabine’s boots tonight. AND those white ones you showed, they are the perfect shape and height, who makes those? I love the cream coat on you, not so much the orange one. I REALLY don’t like the green dress on you, so I’m pleased that didn’t make it out of the shop :-).
Your outfit looks fabulous, and what a clever girl you are getting PAUW leggings (love them) AND a MAJE jumper second hand? I love the gold boots and bag but no surprises there.
These photos made me miss the Netherlands; the atmosphere, and the laid back and stylish chic of the shops and restaurants. I hope I get there this year at some point!
PS: another vote for no on the purple cowl with the sweater, although I do love it with the coat.
I give in with this overwhelming amount of no’s to the cowl on the jumper. Tsss, how wrong can one be?
I do hope you will come to Amsterdam this year. My knee is still not completely cured. But better than a year ago and of course I will go shopping with you, one way or another.
The white boots are from one of your favourite suppliers: Essentiel Antwerp. collection spring 2019.
Love the color of the cowl so I’m thinking it’s the bulk of the knit that doesn’t flow. Thank you for all the photos of your shopping day and the items your friends tried on..great post!
Glad you like the post. It is always so nice reading approval in a comment. It is my hobby and I do it for myself, but like any “artist” (haha), you want to be read and liked. So the pleasure is all mine. The cowl will be replaced by a less bulkier scarf. I give in.
Sabine’s boots are awesome!!
I’ve become a fan of white boots. They really “pop” an outfit. Could you have a cobbler remove a bit of the heel on the pair you liked? They do really look good.
Yes Sabine knows her shoe and boots stuff. She has an impressive collection. The white boots are definitely OUT. I have had a cobbler remove about a centimetre off a shoe before, but it is risky and it didn’t always work. As these heels are sloping the risk is even higher. And I think I would have to lose 2 centimetres which is too much to take off.
I am getting to the stage where comfort is prevaling over looks. I will be on the look-out for similar ones which do feel nice.
I just swoon over your suede leggings, Greetje – you look so fantastic in them. I’m afraid I have to say “thumbs down” to the cowl as well – the colour is not right with this outfit, and it’s too bulky up around your face. I get the allure of all that cuddly warmth, though!
Adoring Sabine’s boots. I would have bought the orange coat!
You and the rest of the world don’t like the purple cowl with the jumper. But at least you got why I like it so much. I will replace it with another, less bulky scarf.
Sabine is always very up to date with fashion and has an impressive shoe and boots collection. Like you haha.
The orange coat is nice but it was too pricey for what it offered (not quite right).
Like Jeanette, I think the bulk of your lovely purple scarf goes well with your coat but not as well with the white sweater ( which it overpowers a bit) There’s nothing wrong with the purple or any other bright fun Greetje color!!!
It’s wonderful seeing you find HOT deals in thrifted fashions. I like those leggings on you A LOT!! I also like your strategy for keeping a sliding sweater in place!
Yep, the purple cowl will remain with the coat and for the batwing jumper I will find another, less bulky, scarf.
Things like fashion tape are typical for me. I always have smart (or less smart) solutions for clothes “errors”. Like a little piece of fabric with ties just to cover the cleavage bit. And more.
Love the color of the cowl so I’m thinking it’s the bulk of the knit that doesn’t flow. Thank you for all the photos of your shopping day and the items your friends tried on..great post!
Glad you like the post. It is always so nice reading approval in a comment. It is my hobby and I do it for myself, but like any “artist” (haha), you want to be read and liked. So the pleasure is all mine. The cowl will be replaced by a less bulkier scarf. I give in.
Love love love your lovely living room!
Since you asked: I like the purple cowl with the coat but outfit looks better without.
Our living room is finally how we want it. There were a lot of trial AND errors before this look. The purple cowl will stay with the coat but I will look for a scarf in my wardrobe.
I like the purple cowl with this sweater. Maybe a scarf that is not quite so bulky would work better. I think your outfit needs some color around the neck. Otherwise it looks dull.
Without a bright color on, I would’t think it’s you! Color suits you and your personality.
There are very few fans of the purple cowl on my batwing jumper, so I think I have to give in. I do have a nice scarf in yellow gold with black. That will probably do better.
Funny to read about your “belly-hiding” jumper. I have realised I wear a lot of clothes hiding my Xmas extras these days too…..I love how well the shape of the jumper in combination with the skinny trousers suits your length and suits your style. Love, Lieske
This is my go-to outfit. Nothing pinches, no shoe difficulties (as in high heels) and I still have the illusion I look polished. With me the belly is not just Xmas extra kilos. I have had a belly since I was 18 years old and as thin as a stick. Apparently my body decided there was not enough room in the hip or bum area so the food has got to go somewhere. A bit similar to what Van Speijk said: “dan maar de lucht in”. (Actually he seemed to have said: dan liever de lucht in.)