Peggy and I used to be colleagues until about 8 years ago. We became friends but don’t see each other much as Peggy has a full-time job and three children. More than enough on her plate. This Wednesday however was OUR day. In the sense of sustainability, we went horribly wrong. As little clothes addicts we both had gone cold turkey for quite a long time and… fell off the wagon. Like any addict who gets his drug, we were ever so happy with what we bought. And of course we talked and talked.
Below: Having lunch at Koffiehuis De Hoek, Prinsengracht 341. The place looks as if they still live in the fifties, but they are good. Great food, lovely and fast service. Took a bit of a distorted photo of Peggy. She’s got sparkly eyes and is sensible so she wore sneakers for our shopping outing. Which is very uncommon for her. Like me, she loves high heels.
Below: One of the 9 Streets, the loviest area of Amsterdam. It looks like a grey day but it wasn’t. Plenty of sunshine. It won’t be long until all the big chains have taken over the small quirky shops and the area will be spoiled. So get there while it is still nice.
Below: We were game for nearly every shop we saw. Here Peggy is at OU. in Reestraat. We decided that the colour of the blouse was perfect but the shape wasn’t flattering enough. But I found another yellow jumper by American Vintage, citrus yellow this time. Told you I would be buying endless amounts of yellow jumpers/sweaters to replace my borrowed one. I will show you the jumper in another blog post.
Below: As we went from shop to shop, we wanted to have a photo taken outdoors as the light is so much better. We just happened to see a professional photographer setting up his tripod. So I asked him “Could you please take a photograph of us together with my camera?”, tilting my head and giving him my best smile. He was kind enough to do so. The photo below and the one at the top of this post were taken by him.
Below: As our lovely photographer missed our feet, Peggy took a head-to-toe shot of me on one of the many bridges. Bright, blazing sunshine. The red belt is by Max Mara and a gift from my mum (seen before in this post). The red bag is by Midlifechic. You have seen it before in this post. They are currently being restocked, so you will have to wait a while if you want one. The green linen coat looked much better in the photoshoot for magazine Margriet, when I was wearing high heels. Of course it would be ridiculous to wear those heels for a shopping day. The flat, pointy shoes by EIJK Amsterdam, are like slippers, so soft (seen before here). The jeans are new, sort of replacing my beloved skinnies. I was going for a less skinny look but decided that this one pair was enough. I am not done with skinnies yet. They are by Denham jeans, my favourite brand. The necklace is Murano glass and is best worn on a white shirt. You can see a better example of that in this post. I bought it at the Noordermarkt in Amsterdam from Akelei and it is a gift from my mum (again). I still need to learn not to slouch.
Below: Hester van Eeghen, the best Dutch designer of bags and leather accessories at Hartenstraat 37. I once gave a Hester van Eeghen bag away beause I thought I liked my new bag better. What a stupid mistake. Never give away a Hester van Eeghen bag.
Below: I loved this beauty. My friend Sylvia of 40PlusStyle has this one in black and white. As you can see in this post, scroll to half way.
Below: You can wear it by the handle, but I prefer to wear it with the strap. As I have really been going wild on little bags this past year (gifted and bought) and as this bag isn’t cheap, I resisted it. Don’t know for how long though. Isn’t it cute?
Below: The chandelier in Hester van Eegen shop.
Below: Passing a lovely house on a canal. Typically Amsterdam although they modernised the windows.
Below: Peggy found this blouse at Summum, Hartenstraat 6. Heavily reduced in the sale and it came home with her. At another shop she found a bright pink jumper and a bright blue jumper. Very colourful purchases.
Below: Those Amsterdam steps are such great background for photos.
Below: We chose another one for Peggy’s photo and she suggested to put all our shopping bags in sight haha. Essentiel at Hartenstraat 8 provided a few good items as well. No pictures. Sorry. Here is a link to their online shop.
Below: When you are in this area, go into this vintage shop. Laura Dols at Wolvenstraat 7 is a treasure trove. You are bound to find a quirky, one of a kind item.
Below: This is a new phenomenon in Amsterdam. It is the Biro. You can park it on the pavement and it is powered by electricity. (Apparently legislation is coming up forbidding them to park on the pavement… oops.) Very popular with rich city people. It costs about € 15.000 and it is the alternative for a scooter. Dryer and warmer. Of course you cannot drive it on the motorway (highway).
We loved our day together and our purchases. We talked so much about so many subjects, not the easiest ones either. We sort of squeezed half a year into half a day.
Below: It was the end of the day and time to say goodbye to the 9 streets of Amsterdam.
What happened in my life this week
Saturday was lovely, having coffee down-town with Ron and some lovely shopping with him. Our lovely Froukje (neighbour and friend) visiting us.
I met Lydia of Birabiro jewellery in Amsterdam. She is a laywer from the USA but also designs lovely modern jewellery. If you click on the link, you will find her work on Etsy. Lydia is in Amsterdam for a week and our mutual friend Sylvia of 40PlusStyle brought us together. Lydia wanted some outfit photos and I was more than happy to oblige. Only it was raining all day!!! We found 10 minutes with a dry spell and quickly did the shoot. I was so happy I could deliver 6 photos which were sharp.
Below: Before we headed back to her hotel under a big umbrella, I took her to the Essentiel shop which was close. I knew she would love the colours and she did. The stylist took our picture. Lydia is a warm person to talk to and we had a lovely time together.
Then the dreaded message arrived. My best friend Pat has died. I am only telling you this, because that is what I do in this section of my blog. But if you express sympathy, I cannot reply to that. This hurt is so big, my tears are running every day.
Greetje
Love that zebra in purple. It’s calling my name. LOL. That store with the ballroom gowns looks really like a treasure box. Thanks for sharing these great photos of your shopping trip!
The purple is actually red. Your computer and colours… something strange going on there. it is a pretty bag, I agree… sigh..
Laura Dolls is in fact like a treasure box. You never know what you will find.
This post was so much fun to read and review. I must say that I really love your olive green duster coat with the crisp white shirt as a contrast. The Murano glass pendant is gorgeous. How much fun you and Peggy must’ve had at all of those stores. !!!
I often asked strangers to take my pictures and I also find them to be very amenable.
And finally it is wonderful to see you and Lydia together. You both look very chic.
We all fall off the wagon sometimes. ..
Oh and that handbag. I do love it. But I don’t want to be an enabler. ….
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
When I am in an emotional state like this, I usually say: “Oh what the heck, why not buy that bag? I might be dead tomorrow.” At the same realizing that buying stuff can only satisfy so much. It is never the solution.
Greetje
Very true, It is a fabulous bag…why don’t you start a Pinterest board for all of the things you want.. The emotions will change- back and forth— but your wallet will thank you!
I often shop without my credit card btw.. too many temptations… so no impulse buying .. lol..
hahaha… no this wouldn’t work for me at all.. I would just buy more.
You will do a beautiful job speaking tomorrow. .. save your speech…
again.. so sorry.. know that your friends do feel your sadness,
I will admit that the speech went very well. It was very gratifying to be able to do this for Pat and her loved ones.
It is good for you to have a great day shopping after wearing your closet for so long. Such a sad ending to your day but your b.f. is now pain free. Take care and sending love – Jill
http://www.stylishatsixty.wordpress.com
Thank you Jill. Falling off the wagon was bound to happen. Let’s see whether I can climb back on.
Greetje
Awww. So sorry to hear about your friend. Hugs to you. You looked fabulous during your shopping trip. Glad you girls had fun. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Thank you Amy. We both tried to look good inspite of wearing flat shoes, which would never be our first choice.
Greetje
A BEAUTIFUL POST AND HERE YOU ARE IN MY INBOX TODAY!Well, a few days ago!
Looks like you are off the NO MORE SPENDING MODE!
SO, many people are slipping away this year and it has just begun!!!
XX
Yes 2019 is already a black year. And yes, I am off the No More Spending Mode. Everything becomes very relative.
Greetje
I know how much you treasure your friends Greetje. This day with Peggy is proof of that. The joy you have being together is evident and is clear with all of your friends. You include friends in a meaningful way in so many of your posts and we love being with you and them as well!!
Your loss of Pat is heartbreaking. Because she lived far away may make her loss even more difficult for you in some ways. I’m guessing there was a time when you saw each other far more often so I’m sure you both spent time missing each other more in recent years.
I lost a very good friend just as we were making our final preparations to move to South Dakota (9 hours away). Now all of my friends, from a whole life lived in Minnesota, are all that same distance away.
You’ve had many difficult days recently Greetje.
If I was there I’d give you a big hug and ask if I could buy you Pat’s favorite coffee and treat. I’d love to hear stories of you and Pat when you’re ready.
I made a blog post about Pat but decided not to publish it. It is too personal and Pat would have hated it. Instead I have used to content to create the speech I am going to hold at the service tomorrow. Scary but also nice to be able to say goodbye like that.
I’m certain that Pat would love your honest and heartfelt eulogy Greetje.
The love within your bond with her will take away any anxiety that we’d all have when speaking to a group.
My sincere condolences Greetje.
So sorry……😢
Thank you Kristine.
I was going to comment on that super cute electric car. Saying how much I’d love one and that it reminds me of an over-sized rollerskate. But that just seems stupid now. I’m so very sorry your friend died Greetje 🙁
These things exist at the same time. But death does make everything seem trivial, I agree.
So true, you’re very wise.
I’m so very sorry ..
Thanks Nancy.
Oh Greetje, I am so sorry for the loss of your friend! I am so glad you have the pup and family to comfort you. But that is a very hard thing.
It is a hard thing Roberta. Thank you for your kind words.
Greetje
It is Roberta. Crying a lot.
I am terribly sorry for the loss of your friend. It has been a hard few weeks for you.
(((((( Greetje ))))))
Oh yes it has.
Hi Greetje, I love the olive and read combo you’re wearing in your shopping day photos. It’s one of my favorites.
I’ve been enjoying the videos and photos of your new pup! Watson seems to have a big personality. And I just love that fuzzy face!
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend, and you don’t need to respond. Just wanted to tell you.
Funny, I thought that this combination wasn’t anything to write home about. And here you are telling me it is one of your favourites. Tsss.
Greetje