The world is on fire and talking about outfits seems trivial. On the other hand I want to provide some light entertainment for all the women keeping social contacts to a minimum. As I am housebound, I have nothing better to do than to create blog posts anyway.
The minute my friend Marjolein drew my attention to this bright red and pink mini bag, I was sold. Such eye candy, such a chocolate box bag….it immediately made me think of an outfit styled by another blogger, Eugenia. I loved her outfit and wanted to “recreate it” (nice way of saying copying). I had all the items besides a beautiful little red bag. And here was that missing piece. I did think about it, I did walk a few streets before I headed straight back and bought it. All sustainable conscious women are frowning now. I know, I cannot restrain myself.
Below: Let me show you Eugenia’s outfit. See how it is almost identical? More photos of it on her blog, Age of Grace. I love Eugenia’s style. She is sophisticated, modern, elegant with quirky details sometimes. Of course I owned up to her.
Loes and I took the photos in the old town of Haarlem.
Below: Swirly skirt (from the Max Mara outlet in Turin). You saw it before with a white top and python print boots in this post. The jumper (sweater) is very old and still one of my favourites. The red belt is Max Mara and my mum’s birthday present last year. The ankle boots are the Essentiel Antwerp ones. The ones I could use with so many outfits but which are still difficult to wear because of their height.
Below: I do wear a slip underneath the skirt, just in case the swirly skirt does a “Marilyn Monroe act”.
Below: We tried to take shots showing the outfit and the bag properly. The neck of the jumper has widened on the hanger. I am laying it flat on a shelf now.
Below: We found a beautiful house with this old silversmith sign. The sign might be an old design, the silversmith and his phone number are current.
Below: I sat myself down on the bench in front of the house, absolutely unaware of the resident who was joking behind the window. I am going to show you several almost identical photos. Loes was killing herself laughing and pointed out what was going on above my head.
That was funny!!
Below: Loes photographed the street we were in. Such a shame that the house at the end of the street was being renovated and had scaffolding plus a hideous toilet box in front of the house.
Below: We encountered a woman with a cute dog. Loes in her yellow coat.
Below: Cute dog. He is smiling for the photo.
Below: Note the striped cuffs of Loes’ jacket.
Below: Walking towards the restaurant for some warmth and coffee, we spotted this French bulldog standing in the window of the shop, being cute. He is a real dog, I saw him move.
Below: Lovely coffee at one of my favourite restaurants: Meneer Frans. When we chose this lovely restaurant as background for my long green skirt in January 2019, they opened an hourly early to let us do “our thing”.
Below: This lady came into the restaurant, dressed so cleverly. By wearing a bright yellow top underneath a basic black outfit and adding the bright coloured scarf, she achieved a big impact. As I saw her passing, I thought she was striking. When I asked, she agreed to being photographed for my blog.
Below: Her daughter wore these great earrings.
Below: Close-up of the sweet bag.
What happened in my life this week
Saturday: Loes and I did another photo shoot and had lunch. Another pleasant way of spending the day.
Sunday: bridal dress shopping with stepdaughter Nicky. That was fun. We all kept our distance and didn’t shake hands. Saying goodbye by blowing kisses from afar (more than 2 metres).
Monday: working from home, which I will be doing for the remaining two weeks until retirement. I have hardly any tasks anymore, so why go to the office and be among people? I have voluntarily confined myself in lock-down for 14 days. Cancelled all dates with friends, even my photo shoot with Kitty (help!!).
I read the interview with trend watcher Lidewij Edelkoort and I think she is right. She has been right many times before. Click on the title:
Tuesday: again, working from home. Received all kinds of jokes and videos in Whatsapp groups. Although the virus is very serious, I think it is important to keep on laughing when you can. Even in wartime they did that. The camaraderie is big. Creativity as well.
I put together an outfit from my wardrobe and even wore high heels. As Kitty isn’t going to do the shoot, I asked Ron to take photos of my outfit in our garden, like in 2012 when I started this blog. Although he swore never to photograph my outfits again, he complied. These are difficult times haha.
Wednesday: did a couple of grocery shopping, trying to be as careful as I could. Did the shopping by bike in order to get some exercise. Tuesday I was dressed to the nines, Wednesday I didn’t even shower. I just threw on some clothes which were lying around and didn’t even put any make-up on. If this is what retirement is going to be like, it would mean the end of my blog. I have to fight this.
Thursday: got properly dressed again and felt good. Our help came to clean the house but Ron has said she cannot come anymore because of the contamination hazard. Aaaagghh… I detest cleaning the house. To make matters worse: many hairdressers have closed shop. Mine hasn’t yet, but I bet by the time I have my appointment (April 5) they will have. But open or not, with all that blow drying going on, it isn’t wise to go, so I won’t. That will change the outfit photos quite a bit, dear readers. Never mind: these are such minor inconveniences compared to the misery others have…forget I said it.
Friday: started to read a thick book: ‘Most people are good‘. It is a Dutch book and it comes highly recommended. I needed some positivity as I thought more people are basically bad rather than good. Even at page 30 my spirits were lifted. By that time I already knew ‘Everybody (or nearly everybody) thinks people are bad and will behave badly in crisis situations. Solid research has proven the opposite’. Honestly, I am so glad I bought this book.
Greetje
It is a lovely outfit – I love silky pleated skirts! The bag is very sweet, but I could never carry something that small; I always have too much stuff with me. I try to find cool knapsacks to take the place of a purse.
Well… I will let you in on a secret. Most of the times, I carry a tote with me as well. For the rest of the stuff. Although I have learned how to squeeze the essentials into such a small bag. I can do it.
After 15 minutes of reading on line about grim reality in the New York Times, I came immediately to your blog for some lighthearted fun. And of course, your post lifted my spirits!. That little red purse is magical. Like you, I just “retired”, although it’s a temporary retirement as I will begin a new career in a year. I had envisioned spending my break traveling and visiting friends, but the virus has other plans. Interestingly, I have found that I enjoy putting together stylish outfits at home. I know that you, who are perennially stylish, will continue to be fashionable while retired. And you will continue to inspire us with your fashion insights, even if your blog posts do not contain the same content as before.
I was thinking of a new career as well, but the virus is stopping that for the time being. The funny thing is that I do not like putting stylish outfits together at home. I always have to clean up the mess afterwards myself. Plus, I think one will together with another and then I look in the mirror and it is awful. I am not a good stylist. I achieve things through blood, sweat and tears haha.
How my style is going to develop when retired is all down to what I can find to interact with people.
Greetje
I love your post – we need lightness and brightness in our lives,, those who want to be miserable ALL the time can just move right along as for most of us that is not sustainable. On another – just as important note to people who blog about fashion and life etc – please keep doing so, that way we know you are doing OK, if you aren’t doing OK and can tell us then please do, we need to find a way to hold people up together
I totally agree Juliet. Don’t worry I will keep on blogging. The photography will probably become a lot less interesting, but I will try and make up for it in writing.
Greetje
It will still be interesting – as the opportunities for big expansive posts diminish temporarily), I KNOW you will find loads of wonderful detail and quirky charm to share )
You set the bar pretty high haha. I will do my best to live up to it.
I totally agree that we need some entertainment and blogs and whatever keep ourselves in a good mood, so it’s lovely to read (and see) you!
And these pictures are so fabulous, love the background you picked, your magnificent pleated skirt and those boots and love your cute bag!, it’s a stunning piece!. Also love your friend Loe’s outfit, her yellow coat and elegant jacket, so cool!
I’m glad that you’re trying to keep a routine and dressing up (almost) everyday, I think it’s important. I’ve spent a week at home (and I will spend a few more weeks here, apparently) and still dress up to have lunch/dinner, as it makes a difference!. Practicing pilates is being also helpful!
besos
I totally agree. Dressing up makes you feel better. Even my mother who is 91 and on her own for the past 14 years, dresses up every day even if she isn’t expecting anyone. She is my example. I think and hope that we will get a complete lock-down this week as people are still so stupid. Now that the weather is finally sunny and without rain, everybody goes to the beaches and parks. No 1 1/2 metres distance anywhere.
But I will keep you entertained every Sunday with lighter subjects and a bit of humor if I can.
You are not only a welcome distraction, but we are glad to hear you are well and so are our other virtual friends (and dogs). We take heart from these friends around the world who keep reminding us of what we have in common and all the delightful ways we differ!
I have also committed myself to dressing up every day. My mother is 91 and many days she doesn’t see anybody, but she still dresses up. For herself. And so will I.
And of course I will continue blogging. My hobby, my passion. Only the photos will be of lesser quality in two weeks. Small price to pay.
Don’t stop blogging, a sense of normalcy is important right now. We need to keep doing the things we enjoy. As we shelter in our homes for the next few weeks we shall find out everyone’s true hair color 😃
My true hair colour is grey haha. I still have a spray to hide my outgrow. If the outgrow becomes really wide, that might not be an option anymore. And I will continue blogging. It is my hobby, my passion.
Greetje
Great photos of the man looking out his window! I just kept watching for him to pop out of his door and you 2 sharing a laugh! This book sounds very helpful. But, may I say this (here I go, without permission!): I would never, never imagine you thought that more people are bad than good. In fact, the opposite. In your writing and photos, you seem so welcoming and friendly with people and about the people you know or meet. I bet you brighten the day of people you encounter in shops, restaurants, at work, etc. You certainly provide an uplifting blog. And, to me, this translates to looking for good in others and bringing it out. Thanks for the bright spot on the internet!
You are accurate in your assessment of me. Just not the translation of my actions haha. It is because I am really, really sensitive. I stopped reading newspapers and watching the news because the messages made me sick to my stomach and stay with me for the rest of my life. I cannot handle all these bad things and it made me believe that there were (too) many bad people in this world. Of course I banned all bad people from my life haha, which kept me cheerful. Now I read in the book that newspapers and rulers of f.i. countries benefit from negativity and spreading bad news. In the sense of: “See? People are bad and you need to be protected. Which can only be done if you let me/us handle it. You need a leader”. And that apparently isn’t true. People are inclined to work together, to be nice to each other. They even found out (with sound research) that 80% or more of the soldiers all over the world, hate killing and try to minimize it as much as possible. I so hope the book will be translated into English.
The book makes me feel so much better and yes, I do try to entertain people anywhere. On my blog, in the streets and at work. I dish out compliments as soon as something nice pops up in my head. It doesn’t only brighten up somebody elses day, their reaction also gives me great joy.
Thanks for some entertaining distraction. We need to keep our spirits up, and everything doesn’t have to be serious all the time. Besides – what a great outfit! Thanks from north of San Francisco for cheering me up!
If there is anything I like it is entertaining. So I am glad I succeeded with you. Thanks for letting me know.
Greetje
Here’s little something for you from the Rotterdam Philharmonic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eXT60rbBVk&feature=youtu.be
Someone posted it on our neighborhood NextDoor blog. It made me tear up quite a bit, but I love it!
Thank you so much Anne, it is beautiful. The first 45 seconds were a bit boring with the introduction of all the orchestra members, but I get why they did it. After that I was tearing up as well. It is such a good music piece especially in these days. And the fact they did this in such a way, all playing from home, is so warm and loving. It also reminded me about the best flash mob I have ever seen. also very sweet:
https://youtu.be/GBaHPND2QJg
Have a look at it, it gets better and better.
Greetje
Thanks, Greetje – I love it! Also pretty exciting to see a crowd of people standing together which is something we’re not currently allowed to do here. Social distancing, you know!
Yes bizarre. You don’t know what you’ve got until you have lost it.
That’s really a cute bag! The bright color is such a nice pop. And what a cute doggo! I love the smile. It was so nice to talk to you yesterday, let’s do it again soon (hopefully without the technical problems!)
Talking with one another through video connection is so much better than it used to be.
Especially Facetime with Apple devices is really good. “See” you again this week.
Such a gorgeous outfit — love the skirt and the new bag. You make me wish I had bought white boots but I never found any that fit. Oh well. Thanks for providing us with this lovely distraction. Stay well, dear Greetje.
And I do have the best white boots I ever found, but can hardly walk on them. Such a shame. I thought it would be all right when my knee was healed, but I start doubting that now. Party boots.