Don’t I look like Little Red Riding Hood in the woods? Even though the hood is missing from this red jumper. Dog Watson will protect me from the big bad wolf.
Ron took the photos of this outfit. It was really cold and damp outside and my hair still hadn’t recovered from the Sunday photo shoot in the damp weather. To me, this is not my best outfit, but you can be the judge.
Below: Ron made me stand in a mountain of leaves with my high heels.
Below: And he made me stand in the sand on a very windy spot.
I don’t know why I don’t like this outfit. I think the boots underneath a (long) skirt are not my taste.
Below: A lovely little dog joined me to look at…no idea what was so interesting. It seems that my attention span is short and my memory full of holes.
Below: I gave up the photo shoot and put my coat back on.
Below: When I sat down for a minute, Watson started to dig a hole underneath the table. Can you see his head peeping from under it?
Below: One last good shot even though I am rather white faced because of the harsh light and feeling so cold. I can still smile.
Below: Close-up of the dollar brooch by Essentiel Antwerp (current collection).
That was the shoot. No beautiful buildings, no great story. What I do want to show you is one of my try-outs. You see, the jumper has a long “tie” on each side which you can knot at the front or the back. It is rather good on trousers, but not really on a skirt.
Below: My try-out with the ties knotted at the front of the skirt, fighting for attention with the belt. And with different chunky ankle boots. One tries and one often fails.
What happened in my life this week
A mixed week. It all started with fun as my friend Misja (MisjaB) and I visited an artist who makes (a.o.) beautiful brooches: Sylvia Blickman. Needless to say, I got one…oops…two as I couldn’t choose. (Further down you will see one of them.) We wore masks and kept our distance but had fun as well. After the brooch purchases, it was cappuccino time (take-away).
Below: Misja, enjoying her cappuccino on a bench outside. It was nice weather.
Misja was looking for another lime shirt to go with her lovely dress. And we found it in the second shop we went in. See below. Misja is a person who loves details, hence the lime yellow socks, peeping out of her boots.
Below: I went to the hairdresser, dressed like this. Any occasion where you can meet people is a reason to dress up these days. Link to original post with peeptoe shoes instead of boots. It wasn’t the best choice as all those tiny bits of hair got stuck in my neck.
Flu vaccination
We oldies (above 60) were all due to have our flu vaccine shot. Only three days prior I got a message from the government, asking healthy people between 60 and 69 not to go. They were afraid there wasn’t enough vaccine as the demand was high this year. They did order quite a lot more than last year but feared it might still not be enough to protect all of the vulnerable people. I was a good girl and didn’t go. A few days later I phoned and said: “If you have some left, I would like to be vaccinated”. Sure enough, I was invited the day after to get my injection.
Covid test
The day after my flu vaccination I got quite a cold. I am sure the two things are not related. Sneezing the whole day, working my way through a box of tissues, meant I had to be tested for Covid. Such are the rules. I phoned at 2 p.m. and they could make an appointment for me at 10.15 a.m. the following day. Ten minutes’ drive away. Amazing. You hear stories about people having to drive to the other side of the country or having to wait days for a test. It also meant I was house bound until I got the result and had to cancel my date with a friend plus a photo shoot with Kitty. And it was beautiful weather. Damn. The result came in 26 hours later: negative. No Covid. It didn’t come as a surprise as I stopped sneezing and blowing my nose the day after it started. It was intense but short.
Outfit from clothes in my wardrobe
I failed (again) trying to create a new outfit with clothes from my wardrobe. Misja to the rescue. I sent her some photos of my “creations” and asked for help. She kindly gave me suggestions through Whatsapp for a whole hour before we were satisfied. Is it an outfit which makes me really happy? Nope. It is nice but not fabulous. Perhaps I am too tough on myself, perhaps the skirt is from a fashion style too long ago. I will show you the process in a couple of weeks. Which means a lot of boring shots of the same outfits, a little different each time. Perhaps you will be disappointed, we’ll see.
And the rest of the time I read and blogged and spent time indoors, being quarantined until the result of the test came through.
Below: A crappy iPhone photo with my new bag from Nikki of Midlifechic Boutique. She also had this bag in black mock croc and chocolate mock croc. Both were really nice but I have both colours. The bags were sold out within a week. She is now waiting to see whether she gets enough pre-orders (back-orders?) to make it worthwhile ordering a new batch which then hopefully will arrive before Christmas. A blue croc version is added. So, if you want one, be quick. I think she decides this Sunday.
Below: My pewter crossbody bag. I had to look up the word pewter as it wasn’t in my vocabulary. It is a very handy colour. Like most metal shaded shoes and accessories, it goes with everything. Beautifully finished.
To cheer me up I wore my new brooch on Thursday while being chained to the house.
Below: Close-up of the brooch.
Below: And this is the whole outfit (link to original post with orange top and lime rubber necklace.
The next day I decided to wear the brooch again, this time on my green co-ord. For warmth I wore an olive/gold speckled top underneath.
Update on the smear and losing a little blood
The echo (transvaginal ultrasonography) revealed that the biofilm of my uterus was thin as it is supposed to be at my age. And indeed, I have myomas. As long as I don’t get any more complaints or blood loss, this is no big deal and they will not operate. Standard procedure. However, at the first sign of trouble I must call the doctor immediately.
The doctor couldn’t give me any results on the smear as there weren’t enough cells to go by. In a couple of weeks I have to go back and have it done again. Just to be on the safe side.
It has been a strange week.
Greetje
Wow Greetje you got style and class and a good taste for fashion and looks, love to admire your beauty
Thank you very much. Hope you enjoy my posts.
I like them both but not together. The black skirt would look good with trainers (not chunky ones & leather jacket with leopard print fitted top). And the red top would be gorgeous with a pair of slim velvet or leather trousers & high sandals & your new pewter bag. So many ideas from everyone – you could do more posts trying out everyone’s suggestions. I really look forward to your posts. X
I will do a post on my trials. I bet you will find it as tedious as I do, but we’ll see.
Of course I will use all the ideas. Some are really good but some of them however, don’t take into account the shape of the jumper (as only the top bit is showing) nor my body shape. Tricky, you know.
The jumper is rather fitted, which is why I bought it for a wide skirt. On trousers, especially slim velvet ones, it would emphasize my inverted triangle shape. Not something I like.
You’ve received lots of comments on the red and black outfit, and I would agree that the sweater is a great colour on you, it just doesn’t work the best with the pleated skirt – perhaps a pair of fitted trousers and then you could put the tie on the sweater at the front? You always look so well put-together so you wear what you like, and just ignore what we say 😉
I really like the orange sun-shaped brooch – it looks great against so many colours.
The funny thing is that on Instagram nearly everybody raved about this outfit (but I was sitting down in the photo). On the blog most people don’t particularly like it (nor me). I think it must have something to do with the boots although a few readers mentioned that the jumper was voluminous and so is the skirt. Never regarded them as voluminous. I will have another go at the jumper. As it is rather fitted it leaves my bum/hips and tummy area rather exposed and I don’t have to tell you why that is not to my liking.
The orange sun brooch is a treasure.
I’m very glad to hear you are okay, Greetje! Phew!
I love your red jumper and pleated skirt – I think the ties hidden and just the big belt is the best look. I struggle with skirts that long, as they can be hugely overwhelming. I like the booties with it, but I think you would like pumps more?
Your pewter bag is lovely. Pewter is the best metallic for leather!
They are promoting flu shots here, but I’ve never done one (I rarely get sick). Knock on wood! Again, very glad you are all clear for COVID! Take care!
Yes, I would like pumps more but I have grown wiser. I know it would make this combination look dated. I will just have to try harder (hate shopping my wardrobe; quite contrary to you).
I did flu shots when I worked at the bank. They did them during working hours, so it was really easy. And I never got sick. Then I stopped for a few years, but the last two years I am back on the wagon again.
I love my little pewter bag, it has proven to be very versatile.
Hi Again Greetje, reading your comment that you determined to style this jumper right (before you give it away :)), I want to add that I think it would look really good with either white, olive green or dark wash denim, and either straight jeans (not skinnies) or a straight skirt, and curious to know how it will look with your tiger pants too. Gosh you could make an entire style-lab post with this jumper! 🙂 By the way I believe you know this red is a wonderful colour on you.
Yes, I do know red is a good colour for me, that is why I bought the jumper in the first place. You have given me a lot of options which I have to explore. It is not so much the colour i can combine it with as the style of the bottom. But you have given me pointers on that as well, do once I take a deep breath, I will plunge into this task.
I like the skirt and red sweater. Very attractive. Red is another pretty color for you.
Thanks. There is a big difference in the “rating” haha. Most people don’t like the combination (me included), others rave about it. Strange.
I do agree with you that red is a pretty colour for me.
I like the red sweater a lot, and both the brooches! I’m not completely sold on the skirt in that combo. Though it is a good skirt on you.
Loved Misja’s lime socks and top combo!
I know, it is not my best combination. I just cannot put my finger on it WHY it is no good.
Misja is always well styled.. Sigh.
Normally I only read your blog. It ist wonderful. Seeing you with this skirt and shirt is like looking in a mirror. I recently found out, that this is not my best fashion choice and I gave the shirt away. The red colour looks really good on you though. Thank you for your weekly updates.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. And with such lovely praise ! It is funny that I mirror you with this outfit. As red in indeed a very good colour on me, I am determined to find a good combination with the jumper (before I give it away haha).
And I am glad to write these blog posts every week. It is a hobby.
LOOKING SMART AND OH SO HOLIDAYISH!!!!!
LOVELY TO SEE YOU CAN STILL GET INTO SHOPS…………XX
It is the red, isn’t it? That makes it so “holidayish” haha.
Yes it is indeed, nice to still go into shops, although I don’t do it often.
I quite like the outfit as it is, although I agree with Lauren that you do maverick/quirky better :-). Also wanted to thank you for introducing me to Essentiel – didn’t know them before but there are a couple of sites here in France that sell their stuff. I bought a black jumper with neon stripes and love it. I always enjoy your blog and especially your great sense of humour!
Yes, it is a bit too goodie goodie. Essentiel is much edgier. Glad you found some sites in France. They do also ship from Belgium to France, so you could look at their own site as well.
I am glad you enjoy my blog, I aim to entertain. And I am always a little surprised to read that I have a great sense of humour. Of course I love such a comment, but it makes me go back to the post to see what was funny haha.
Seeing that you asked, I agree with Linda V, too much fullness in both items, ie the billowing sleeves with the full skirt. My rule is one piece must be fitted. Nothing wrong with the boots with the skirt.
Funny, because the jumper is fitted around the body I didn’t consider the sleeves to make the jumper look big (full). And I thought the wideness of the skirt could handle the sleeves anyway.
I was wrong.
I know that a lot of women wear such ankle boots with midi skirts. As a matter of fact I bought them while wearing this skirt, thinking it looked good. No idea what has happened in my mind since the purchase.
I’m not a fan of the short boots with the black skirt. I think those boots would look better with a casual/bohemian style skirt. What about wearing your taller black boots underneath or some black flats? The skirt looks sophisticated and needs a more polished shoe. I love your pins and that purse is a keeper. Hope you continue to get good news on your health.
I have great difficulty accepting such boots with midi skirts as well, but I think it is an age thing. Younger women think it is marvellous. And I only own 1 casual/bohemian style skirt. A little mistake from the past haha. Wearing my taller black boots is certainly an option. I wanted to make the outfit a bit more modern which is why I chose the ankle boots. It is a polished shoe with a high heel. You cannot see it very well as Ron put me in leaves and sand.
I am pretty confident I will get good news on my health, but you never know.
The pleated skirt/red top is not my favored and it does not do you justice. The red is too screaming, the belt too wide for a shorter torso, etc…. perhaps a more muted tone (wine/bordaux) on top may not be so competing with the bottom. All the other outfits are great! Love the pins, love the purse. Your friends Misja outfit and neon green accents are working well. they show a lot of pizzaz! It’s exactly what we need now while Covid is still raging here and our new, feeble, president elect’s mental ability is fading quickly!!!😩
I don’t mind the red being too screaming as I like any bright, screaming colour. But I agree it doesn’t work on this skirt.
The belt is wide but it is cut in such a way, it creates hips and it is below my waist, so I don’t think it is shortening my torso, but perhaps I should always wear a top over my skirt when the skirt is this long. That could be it.
Misja is great at styling. I envy her ability. I still suck at it.
I love that red sweater- but agree its not quite working with the black. I love when you wear a color with a color- maybe the black skirt is too “safe” and not maverick enough? What about with your pink skirt, or the orange or yellow pants? Or with your tiger pants? I love the new brooch by the way!
I already have a red jumper with my pink skirt (I am covering my head in shame now..). But I agree that the outfit is too safe, too “well-behaved”. I prefer being maverick (nice word, thank you).
My yellow trousers are high summer trousers and this is an autumn jumper. The tiger trousers might do the trick. I will try that.
Glad you like the new brooch. I presume you mean the “sun”.
So happy to hear that you are feeling better!
I really like your pewter purse. And the pins are fun and brighten up any outfit. The red top and pleated skirt are great, but each one is voluminous. Maybe a slender fitting pair of pants for the red top to balance it out? And a body-skimming top for the pleated skirt?
I look forward to your weekly posts, they brighten up my Sundays. Thank you for all the work you put into them.
Take care, Greetje!
I agree with you about the red and black skirt outfit. Only if the jumper is voluminous (hadn’t looked at it this way, as it is fitted in the body) then a slender fitting pair of trousers is bad for me. It will emphasize my body shape of an inverted triangle. The jumper is trickier than I thought.
Creating the blog posts is my pleasure entirely. Indeed, I put in quite a bit of time, but it is not work, it is hobby.
Hello You!
You know, for me, you look the best in that casual outfit of jeans, pretty top and shoes and your new bag. And the sweater with the green cuffs is also spot on. I honestly think in the woodland pics you’re trying too hard.
So glad you’re okay. Waiting for any medical results is horrid.
Have a nice week.
Gee
It is funny, on Instagram and Facebook women are raving about this outfit but on my blog the majority agrees with me: not that good. A bit of a shame really, I was so pleased doing a skirt again instead of jeans again.
I didn’t really wait for my medical results too long as I got the echo two days after visiting my GP, so that was soon. During the test, I already had the idea it wasn’t to bad.
Hmmm, I like the red sweater and skirt, but not necessarily together. I think both have fullness to them. I think red sweater would look better with pants. I love your pins!
I share your opinion: both items are nice but together.. so so. I did buy the jumper to wear with a skirt as it is more fitted than my usual oversized ones.
And I have tried it with trousers too, and that isn’t that good either as my bum and hips are so small. It appears to be more tricky than I thought.
The outfit gets quite good reviews, but there are one or two readers who agree with you and me.
Allerbeste Greetje
Yes must be strange week relating what you wrote us.
I love you share your styling experiences, we all recognize the try-outs!
In a couple of weeks the try-outs will be all that will be in the post. I hope you still like it then.
And I am not sure whether everybody recognizes the try-outs. Some people are just very good at this.
Greetje – Glad you’re feeling better!
I really like the red sweater and the black pleated skirt, but not sure I like them together. Maybe try a narrower belt?
I do love your at home outfit with the sun brooch – it’s very cheerful.
Speaking of cheerful, today is a much happier Sunday than we’ve had for four years. Joe Biden is our president – no more horrible, disgusting Trump!
I am like you, I like the red jumper and the pleated skirt, but together…? Hmm, it isn’t my finest outfit, but I get really good reviews on it. So strange.
I tried a narrower belt but it made my upper body even shorter than it is.
The sun brooch is a nice addition to my brooch collection. I have worn it three times in one week.
I am very pleased with Joe Biden being elected, but I don’t dare to celebrate yet. You never know what horrible tricks Trump has up his sleeve.
Love your opening outfit. Red suits you so well and I liked the boots, belt, the whole enchilada !!
I still am not too pleased about the boots with this skirt. But the stupid thing is that I bought them wearing this skirt and thinking “Oh that looks good together”. What happened?
Love the word enchilada haha.
Love all your outfits – that black skirt looks great with the belt and boots. Also loved the olive co ord. Dreamy!
Glad you’re healthy! Thank you for sharing your life us.
I should be thanking you for all these compliments and I do. I just love creating these blog posts. Totally a hobby.