In the post about my visit to Lisa in London, I told you she gave me two dresses. The long blue one you saw last week and here is the other floral summer dress, both by Cabi. I like the bold colours and the contrasting pattern on neck and sleeves. To me this is a pretty dress rather than a modern or architectural dress which I prefer. On the other hand there is nothing wrong with being pretty for a change.
Which brings me to a (very small) dilemma: shall I continue wearing oversized jackets with sequinned sleeves and boyfriend jeans? Or will I slowly transform to more elegant clothes? I think it will be the latter. I am a bit scared that with boyfriend jeans and such I will look as if I am trying to stay young. And at 65 I am not. Age is just a figure and young is relative but still. We’ll see.
Back to this floral summer dress. It has a belt. Where you might ask? Hanging from the neck down; a Greetje trick again. I prefer the dress with the belt worn as it was meant to be, but then the dress is too short to my liking. It is short enough without the belt. A pity, as wearing the dress loose, makes it a bit of a maternity dress, even though I don’t think anybody will think I’m pregnant haha. To my surprise husband Ron preferred loose over belted. Men! So hard to understand.
Below: OK, loose then. As I have bags in many colours (…), I found this fuchsia mini bag which my friend Marianne gave to me. You have seen it many times.
Another thing with this dress is the neckline. It has a rather plunging neckline, which would reveal all the wrinkles I have in that place due to sun tanning. There is a price to pay for everything. So I pinned the belt in such a way it covered my neck wrinkles.
Below: Can you see what I did?
Below: Here is a closer look at the neckline. I had little time to solve the wrinkly neck matter and quickly sewed the belt to the dress with two little stitches on either side and put my fuchsia pin on it for extra support. Some dress tape behind it to stick it to my body and I was ready for the photo shoot.
Below: When I came home I took the alteration a bit further and created a bow. Stitched everything together at the back with big stitches and ironed a stick-on patch on to it.
Below: This is the dress with the bow and with sneakers. The bow makes the dress even “prettier” while the sneakers add a bit of edge. I still had my ironing board out.
Back to the photo shoot. Loes and I chose a pretty neighbourhood with pretty houses to match the pretty dress.
Below: Three of the houses. Back in 1994 we looked in this area to buy a house and actually found one which needed a lot of renovation. We backed down because we figured that the cost for doing up the house, would make it too expensive for what we wanted. In hindsight I am not so sure whether this was a good choice as we spent just as much money on the house we are living in now, which is a lot smaller. Oh well, no use crying over spilt milk. Plus, the estimation of the cost for doing up the house in this area, might have been way off. Perhaps it would have been much more.
We started the shoot in the garden of a house which was being renovated. No owners in sight.
Below: A shot of Loes in her new dress. Isn’t it lovely? New haircut as well.
Below: In the same spot she took a photo of me and suddenly this cat lay near my feet.
Below: Closer look at the cat. Isn’t it beautiful? Adding to the theme “pretty”. Never seen such a gorgeous pattern of the fur.
Below: The cat was still young and playful. And curious. “What’s in that bag?”
Below: There was a little patch of grass in the middle of the square. This pink tote works very well. It cost next to nothing from the market and holds my stuff, like flat shoes.
Below: Sitting on a fence. Left knee still more swollen than the right one. This just drags on and on.
Below: We crashed another front garden when we saw a bench in the shade, assuming nobody was home. Immediately the door opened and a man came out. Loes started explaining: “Just taking some pictures, nothing will be on Facebook or the internet, just for a small blog”. I thought that was funny. It will be on the internet for sure. There was a little gate blocking a good photo, which is something that doesn’t stop Loes. She kept on taking photos. Here I am saying to her: “At it girl… just keep going”!!
Below: Pretty Volkswagen bus in the street. You hardly see these anymore and certainly not such a pretty one as this. It was fully equipped for a long stay.
Below: The patent leather slingbacks which I love. You saw them in this post with my white trousers and blue jacket. I was still wearing hold-ups (thigh-highs) then and the shoes were murder for my knee. Luckily they are no problem with bare feet (and a tiny piece of sock, covering my nails).
Below: Details. The fuchsia mini bag and my plastic fantastic lavender ring.
Below: You probably already discovered my pink flat ballerinas in the photo with the cat. Of course I wasn’t really wearing these high heels all day. I can in the office where there are flat surfaces. But outside I don’t last very long. Here is a shot with the flat shoes, demonstrating the puffy sleeves.
Below: We had sneaked into another garden because we loved these pink flowers together with the dress. Nobody appeared in the doorway this time.
After the shoot, Loes and I sat in my garden for a cup of coffee (for her) and a glass of water (for me). It isn’t easy going without coffee, but I definitely have less headaches, so it is for a good cause.
Below: Two photos of what seems to be a bracelet but is actually a watch. There is a little cover over the glass which you can open. Very vintage and still working. First photo shows the watch with the cover closed and the second one with the cover opened. I am also showing the underdress which comes with the dress.
What happened in my life this week
Saturday: quiet day with a visit to my seamstress to pick up the altered trousers and have a chat. Plus a barbeque at Ron’s allotment or rather in his neighbour’s garden. It was perfect weather and there were 11 people enjoying the very good food. Lively, lovely and delicious.
Sunday: after another quiet day we were out for dinner with neighbours and friends Froukje and Petro. This time we had dog Watson with us. Although he was still too lively for comfort, he did behave rather well, considering he is still a puppy of 7 months. Ron handles him well. Needless to say it was a very enjoyable evening.
Monday: gosh I worked so hard at the office. I am working on a new advertising campaign which must be finished by August 9. Still so much to do. Physiotherapy in the evening as I am developing RSI (repetetive strain injury) in a muscle that runs behind my right shoulder blade. It is becoming a problem and is caused by operating my mobile. I know, I know….don’t say it, I know.
Then something strange happened. I was waiting to cross the road with a leg on the street at each side of my bike. I felt myself and the bike shifting to the left and FELL, bike and all. I mean, come on! I am 65, not 91. Falling with a bike when you are just standing? No idea what happened but I wasn’t drunk as the man who helped me up, asked. Big bruise on my thigh. Good thing I don’t wear short skirts.
Tuesday: worked even harder and did overtime. Pffff.. that salary is really earned.
Wednesday: overtime as the work is far from finished. Also met my IT-lady. Stephany maintains my blog on technical aspects since September last year and we never met.
Thursday: again working hard.
Friday: work. Nothing worth mentioning to report.
Greetje
what an amazing look! i love it!
Not my usual style but I like it as well. Easy to wear dress and beautifully finished.
Greetje
What a great way to use the belt! Clever! That is one pretty dress!
OUCH! The bike fall probably hurt your ego as much as your leg! I think you always look great in jeans and jackets. They fit you well, and you accessorize them beautifully. The dress is very pretty, and I like what you did with the belt to fill in the neckline. Shelley
I might buy skinny jeans less skinny as I begin to not like the really skinny skinnies. But I got so much reaction to my pondering, that I won’t abandon them haha.
The bike fall had to do with the fact that one foot wasn’t on the street but on the pedal, and wearing high (block) heels plus a one-sided loaded bike bag, this all caused the fall. The bruise on my hip was BIG.
Greetje
Both dresses look lovely but I prefer this one, I think you look particularly gorgeous in it, the print is fabulous and the colours are so joyful!. And love the way you fixed the problem with the neckline!, great idea! and the brooch adds more colour too!
Lovely bag and lovely shoes, so cool!. But I love your white sneakers too, they look adorable with dresses!.
And such fabulous gardens!, you always have beautiful backgrounds!
besos
I try to find nice backgrounds as I get so many compliments about them. Apparently, like you, more readers appreciate this. It will be hard in winter though.
This dress isn’t my usual style but I still like it. And why not diverge for a change?
Greetje
I wish this looked as good on me as it does on you! I really thought I’d wear it more, but I feel so out of place in flowers, as you well know. The colours are gorgeous, but again, just not MY colours. The mix of patterns and the sleeves sucked me in… I love. xx
I can imagine someone being overwhelmed by the bold pattern, design and colours. I am very glad you gave it to me. Mwah.
I absolutely love the print and length of that dress! Looks like it was made for you. 🙂
Thank you. I wasn’t too sure about the length as I usually wear skirts and dresses about an inch or two lower. And floral isn’t my style either, so I am out of my comfort zone. Still I like the dress too.
Greetje
Hello Greetje, don’t change anything about what you wear (unless you really feel uncomfortable/uneasy in something) because of your age. You have a great ‘look’ and I think you can wear what you like at any age now. It’s the first time in your blog I felt sad about one of your comments…….keep on blogging and don’t mention aging, please! Best Wishes Gillian
Oh dear, you felt sad about me contemplating abandoning boyfriend jeans? I promise I will never say anything like this again. You are right of course, wear what you want.
Please write this comment off as a moment of relapse.
😊😉
Greetje
This CAbi dress is a beauty. They always have some of the !ist unique prints. This one is splendid! I also like Loe’s dress very much!
WEAR WHATEVER YOU WANT FOR AS LONG AS YOU WANT! You have wonderful, elegant taste Greetje. Don’t deprive yourself of the joy you get from fashion!!
Thanks Jude. You are right of course, I will never be this foolish again and just wear what I want. Whether it is a Cabi dress or boyfriend jeans.
Greetje
Is it Jude or Judy? Forgive me for not knowing.
My friends call me Jude. I’d love it if you called me that Greetje!
I will continue to do so.
Such a flattering dress. Ideal for this hot and humid weather we are having. Loving the different shots in ‘the Netherlands’ as much as your clothes. Regards – Jill stylishatsixty
http://www.stylishatsixty.wordpress.com
Thanks Jill. I have no idea why I have to keep on approving your comments. That is not how I programmed Disqus. I will look into it.
Greetje
I’m really happy that you’re not seriously hurt after falling with your bike. I hope you get checked out.
That cat’s coat is spectacular!
I actually liked the dress better with your flats. Probably because it is shorter than what you normally wear. Your solution with the belt was very creative.
I believe people should wear whatever they want no matter their age. Age shouldn’t come into it at all. I hate it when someone judges someone else for, “trying to look young”. It is a very antiquated perspective. Personal style is simply about trying to dress in a way that best expresses who we are as people, not how old we are.
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
I agree with your attitude that age judging is an antiquated perspective. My generation and the next ones are redefining this look on matters. However, I am still influenced by those antiquated perspectives. Trying to free myself from it.
Every time you comment I have to approve the comment. That is a strange glidge as I didn’t set Disqus to do that. You and Jill are the only two people I have this “problem” with. I am not really happy with Disqus. I am opening guest replies in Disqus as well and if I am not satisfied then, I will give in and install Jetpack.
The dress is more modern with the sneakers and indeed better in proportion.
The falling with the bike was just a matter of a one sided loaded bike and leaning on one leg while the other one was on the pedal. (I thought about that in hindsight.)
Greetje
I am really enjoying your dresses and this one is quite different – great colors and pattern combination, and definitely ‘wafty’. It does mean light and floaty. Your use of the belt to cover the crepy skin was genius, but at your young age, I can’t believe it’s that bad. At 74, I really work to hide mine. I like the simple hanging style more than the bow. I am concerned about your falling incident. I have a friend who had that happen recently, but she’s 78 so it’s more understandable. If it happens again, I hope you will get yourself checked-out. Love seeing the VW bus; I had some wonderful times in them in my hippie years. Be well, @sheilamerle1
I agree with you that the simple hanging style is nicer than the bow. Only it was hard to get that fastened and the top bit fell over all the time (hence the dress tape). The bow is solid but adds to the prettiness.
As for the wrinkles.. just bad genes. I have the arms and neck of a 90 year old woman. Thanks to my dad.
The falling with my bike was probably due to the fact I was standing on my left foot and had my right foot on the pedal while wearing heels. And one side of my bike bags was heavy. So I am not really worried. Just bruised haha.
Saying hi from one former hippie to another.
Greetje
I’m really happy that you’re not seriously hurt after falling with your bike. I hope you get checked out.
That cat’s coat is spectacular!
I actually liked the dress better with your flats. Probably because it is shorter than what you normally wear. Your solution with the belt was very creative.
I believe people should wear whatever they want no matter their age. Age shouldn’t come into it at all. I hate it when someone judges someone else for, “trying to look young”. It is a very antiquated perspective. Personal style is simply about trying to dress in a way that best expresses who we are as people, not how old we are.
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
I love the print on that dress! And how you’ve tied your flower jewelry pieces into it. I like it unbelted, or as you’ve worn it here. I think that lets the print be the focal point rather than the shape or details. And I don’t think it looks “maternity” at all, just summery and “wafty” as Alyson would call it.
I had to look up wafty. I suppose it means something like breezy? Light?
You are always so quick to comment on my Sunday posts. Thanks.
LOVE that dress, and your trick with the belt is amazing. I never would have thought of that in a million years. Thanks for sharing just how you did it. Love the cat too, with those distinctive markings. He or she obviously felt pretty enough to be part of a fashion shoot!!!
I had the belt as an extra. To me this was extra material with which I was going to close the plunging neckline, covering my neck. How I was going to do that, I didn’t know yet. Then I saw the brooch and one thing led to another. As I was sewing the bundled material at the back with great big stitches I was laughing. Thinking about what my mother or my seamstress would say if they saw this shoddy work of mine haha. I was taught better at school and by my mum.
As for the cat, we seem to attrack them with more photo shoots.
Greetje
I think you are BRILLIANT to tie the belt this way Greetje!! It’s totally something my mother would do, and I have yet to learn all her tricks!! It’s the advantage of being creative or having a couple of birthdays under your belt!!
And I’m all about flowy in the summer.
Absolutely gorgeous!!
XOXO
Jodie
Thanks Jodie. Yes, it is handy having learned to sew. Not that I am any good at it, but I do know the basics. Better ask your mum to teach you while she can still put a thread in the eye of a needle (hell of a job with elderly eyes).
I am not really very creative, but from necessity all sorts of good things can come.
Do you know my mom’s sewing machine basically threads the needles for her?? She may even pass it down to me, and I’ll be one happy camper then. Luckily she has taught me some basics. I love being able to alter my own things…at least for the basics. It’s so freeing to be able to just do it yourself.
XOOX
I fully agree it is freeing to be able to sew yourself. The real alterations I leave to my seamstress as I am not good enough and have too little practice. But just a hem or things like this is fine. Your mom’s sewing machine sounds like a miracle. I am still fiddling with the thread.