Remember this houndstooth blazer? The first time you saw it on my blog was with a pair of cream trousers. You weren’t impressed. At least that was my conclusion from comments on the blog and on Instagram. Perhaps you thought it was too formal? You suggested jeans.
Of course jeans are the obvious choice, especially for me. Too obvious really, which is why I had opted for a different pair of trousers. Nevertheless, I agree that anything will look good with jeans (in any case on me) and it would take away the formality of the jacket.
Ron was my photographer and he had chosen Rembrandt’s house in Amsterdam as background. This time the pandemic did us a favour as the streets were deserted. We could even park in front of the building (although slightly illegal). You are about to see a lot of photos of the same outfit (sorry, it is difficult to kill your darlings), but all with a different background.
Below: Rembrandt’s house in the middle with its pretty green shutters, which are red when they are open. I was very enthusiastic as green doors and blonde hair make a very good combination.
Below: There was still traffic and Ron didn’t want to step into the road and be hit by a car, so he couldn’t get me and the entire building in one shot.
As we were busy with the photo shoot, a couple passed us and the woman said: “He isn’t at home, you know.” (It took me a few seconds to realize she was talking about Rembrandt). Ron replied quickly: “Never mind, as long as Saskia is there to make me a cup of tea.” This is typical Amsterdam wit. Commenting on everything you see and in a joking way. I love it. It is the main reason why I miss living in Amsterdam so much. That and the feeling of freedom the city gives me. Alas, houses are too expensive there.
Below: The building, like the majority of old houses, has a basement. Very handy to supply the kitchen.
Below: We popped across the road and looked for some shelter from the wind behind Café de Sluyswacht. (Try and pronounce that when you aren’t Dutch haha; it is a real tongue twister.)
Below: Right… after fixing my hair and clothes. it was possible to take a nice photo. My beloved Dries van Noten bag is fine with this outfit in my opinion. I am blessed with many beloved bags.
Below: I had to do some editing with this photo as the ground was covered in litter. I do not photoshop my face or hands or such; they remain wrinkly, but litter on the floor spoils the photo.
Below: Great view across the canal from here. Use your imagination to see sunshine and green trees. On the day of our shoot, the weather was grey and cold. That didn’t stop people from cruising the canals in their boat. Brrr… cold.
Below: Jeans getting stuck behind that piece of leather at the back of the boots. Why do they make them like that? What is the idea behind it? Don’t they do research?
Below: Ron tried his hand at a “bird’s eye view” photo. No need to explain, the word phrase says it all. The boat you see behind me, is a houseboat.
Below: Another “bird’s eye view” photo. Quite a good photo, Ron didn’t even give me short legs, which is the danger with such a shot.
Below: We crossed the bridge over the canal to do a shot in the entrance of an alley with great ornaments. As I look stupid in these photos I didn’t include them. Call me vain.
Below: Ron spotted these mannequins behind a window. Humour.
What happened in my life this week
Not an awful lot. Life is getting duller and duller. Ron tried to spice things up and invited me to do a black and white shoot in a Second World War bunker. Not really my cup of tea. As a child I lived near the coast so bunkers were everywhere. We were warned never to go into them as the sand around them might shift and block the entrance. This happened once to a kid. So, the fear of bunkers was installed in my brain at a very early age.
We didn’t really know how to use the equipment as we are amateurs. After 20 minutes we decided to practice more at home before we try this again.
Below: The grainy and spooky result.
Below: Wore this outfit again. (Link to original post with the story who made this vest, first creating the pattern from a photo and then knitting it. What a monk’s work.)
Below: This must have been the photo.
Below: I do rather bend the back of the chair haha.
Below: At the back is the text: “How can I be useful. Of what service can I be? There is something inside of me. Whatever, whatever can it be?” Which is a quote by Vincent van Gogh.
Sylvia of 40+Style came round for tea. It was our last get-together for a while as she is now back in Portugal. I wore my Hope Fashion fuchsia poncho to brighten up the grey days. (Link to original post.) I really like their stuff.
As a few readers suggested to try my gold and black jacket on jeans, I gave it a try. Even got a tip from reader Lauren to wear my golden boots with it. So here it is:
I say, it is better, but I am not convinced yet. Bloody comfortable though.
The Christmas tree is down and all other Christmassy things are put away as well. Took me 1 1/2 hours of hard work. To fill up the void of cheerful colours and lights, I went straight out and bought flowers.
I wore my sequinned jumper that day. Well…I took it off while taking down the decorations and put slippers on, but for the rest of the day I wore this. (Link to original post.)
In the morning I cycled and because this jumper has 3/4 sleeves, it is pretty cold on a bike. Even with gloves on, the wind blows right into the sleeves of my coat. I fixed that by putting leg warmers on my arm. Ron burst out laughing and said: “Why don’t you just put another sweater on?” While I thought it was rather nifty.
Speaking of Ron, here he is with Watson on his lap. That dog is such a lapdog and he is far too big for that. Look at him, spilling over on both sides haha. He is keeping an eye on me.
I have been sorting my pre-digital photos, selected the ones I liked most, categorized them and put them in an album. They only need sticking with glue. Although it was quite a fun job to do, I feel very old because of this. If you have anything of a life, you are not sorting out old photos. But alas.. retirement combined with Covid lock-down makes me an old fuddy duddy.
Below: Wore this outfit with my high heeled boots. Here is the link to the original post, which I quite liked.
Below: Because I didn’t want to wash the yellow jumper after one day of wearing (I wear a top underneath it as well), I decided for this variation with boyfriend jeans and sneakers the next day. My knee said Thank you for the sneakers. Apparently I had been wearing high heels a bit too often. If you want to see more of the unusual sneakers, hit the link to the original post.
I am currently going through one of Sylvia’s book on photography and fashion poses. See a little difference in the photo above? Not all poses are to my liking. Being hunched with saggy shoulders might be very arty but doesn’t do me any favours. There are a lot of poses left to master though.
I cannot wear rings at the moment as I have to moisturise my hands a couple of times a day and that makes my rings greasy. My hands are like sandpaper now that the temperature is around zero.
Besides that one hour with Sylvia, I haven’t seen any friends this week and it is driving me nuts. So I sent some messages for dates, at the appropriate distance of course. I want to be very careful but at the same time remain my sanity.
Let’s hope the vaccine can be administered to everybody soon.
Greetje
Let’s face it. You could put on a burlap sac, add a smart belt and look chic!! The checked jacket is a keeper!! Not crazy about the gold/blk one combo with the gold boots. It doesn’t click! You can do better.
Love, just love your country and superb cities. Considering whats happening here at the moment I suggested to my partner a change of air, by returning to Europe for a while to get away from identity politics a la Americana!! I think Amsterdam and the Netherlands would be a refreshing thought. Waiting to get the vaccine and then will reconsider. Ron looks like the ultimate Bonhomme and Watson, well, un Bonchien!!
That is very kind of you to say (the burlac sac) but I am afraid it isn’t true. I need to emphasize my good points and ‘hide’ my lesser points. Like 98% of all women. I agree with you about the two jackets.
Amsterdam is a great city to live in but when the tourists come back it is crowded in the inner city, like all lovely European cities. Before you decide, have a look at the weather. After all, you could also choose Italy or France or Barcelona, where the historic buildings are just as nice, even better and the weather is better. Not that I want to knock my country as I love it. Good social system as well.
I LOVE the black and gold jacket with jeans or whatever, but the boots don’t help the outfit. I’d just go black and let the jacket be the star! And she’s right, you do look great in everything!😉
I am afraid I disagree, I don’t like the black and gold jacket and I gave it to my friend Marianne. If you don’t love an item, it shows. And for the record, I certainly do NOT look great in everything. But I have learned what to emphasize and what to avoid. For instance, you will never see me in a jumpsuit, no matter how much I like them.
The houndstooth blazer looks very good with the white shirt and jeans. The white lace-up boots add a trendy touch. Very nice style. Love the photo of Watson on Ron’s lap. Fun!
p.s. So glad to have Round 1 of Covid vaccine behind me. My arm was a little sore later but nothing bad. I get the final injection Feb.5. Yes! Such a relief.
I like the blazer on jeans as well. It is a different style from the cream trousers, but to me equally nice.
Great that you already get the vaccine. I don’t think it will be my turn until summer.
Amsterdam looks so beautiful – hopefully one day I will visit there in person. It certainly provides lovely backdrops for photos. I really like the knit “Van Gogh” vest. The jeans you are wearing with it are perfect – a nice darker wash, and the slight flare makes your legs looks miles long, and are a very flattering shape overall.
I have worn socks (with the feet cut off) as arm warmers in the winter.
Life is very dull here – I get to see my one friend on Saturday when we go grocery shopping, but otherwise, it’s just me and my cat.
Clearly you and I think alike. And not only with legwarmers. The Van Gogh vest is unique but with my bodyshape rather risky. It is so straight.
I have been able to score some appointments with friends for coffee at their house. And we will keep a safe distance, not longer than 2 hours and a lot of hand washing.
Your photos bring back so many great memories of my trips to Amsterdam. I have visited Rembrandt’s house twice, and I have even had a cup of coffee from that cafe. It was a much nicer day as I remember sitting at an outside table to drink it. The jacket does look great with the jeans. I liked it with the white trousers too, but it does look more formal styled that way, and there are not many formal events any of us are attending at the moment!
Tell me about it… I really struggle not to live in my boyfriend jeans all the time. For this week I have made a few appointments with girlfriends to have a cup of coffee at their house. At a safe distance of course and with a lot of hand washing.
It would have been great if the weather had been sunnier the day we did this shoot, but it is winter. At least it was dry, for which I was grateful. It rains a lot in the Netherlands. Which is why it is so green.
I love those pics of you around Amsterdam — it’s such a beautiful city, isn’t it? I think I need to add it to my bucket list! Love the outfit too, the casual boots look great with the sophisticated jacket and shirt 🙂
I also LOVE your genius way to keep your arms warm when you wore the bling jumper. Legwarmers!! That’s the best tip ever lol!
Hugs, and Happy New Year, Lovely!
Suzy xx
In two weeks you will see some more Amsterdam photos as we did 2 shoots in one day.
My husband still shakes his head in disbelief when he sees me putting on my legwarmers haha.
Happy New Year to you too Suzy. May your book sell well.
My skin is very dry and so in the Winter I put Rosehip Oil on my hands and feet before bed then wear socks and gloves. That works well for me
Good tip. Thanks. I have white socks and white gloves and some thick cream especially for this purpose. I will try it tonight.
Hi Greetje, yes we’re all desperate to get the bloody vaccine, although I imagine Dutch people are loving having their capital to themselves for a while?!
Lovely colorful blog this week. We are all sooo in need of a bit of brightness at the moment. Keep up the good work!
Yes, it is really nice not having so many tourists in Amsterdam. Only that pleasure is drowned in the sorrow that every day life is gone too. All shops closed etc. Last summer it was pretty OK. We just heard that our lock-down which was supposed to end January 19, will be extended with at least three weeks. AAGHH. Oh well, better now, than more contamination. The vaccine will not be administered to me very soon. Firstly the nurses, doctors, police etc etc. Which is totally fine with me. And I will keep the blog posts coming. No worry there.
Love the white boots with the houndstooth jacket outfit. Also the purple sequin top, that’s a stunner. And I agree with everyone else that yellow is a great colour on you and so cheerful. I’m also fed up with not really being able to see anyone except distanced and outside (and it’s cold here at the moment). Hope you can get vaccinated soon (and us here too!).
We are all in the same boat I am afraid. It does give some comfort, knowing you are not alone in this. Luckily I have a lot of yellow jumpers (sweaters), because I agree it is a cheerful colour which suits me.
Hello You
Sorry, my dear, but have to say that I agree with Linda V. She’s right. Less is more, remember! And Susan B is also right, the tabs are there to help pull the boots on – today’s fashion boot is the love child of yesterday’s workmen’s footwear and those tabs were necessary to haul them over thick socks, and doubtless sweaty feet!
Love the first pic of you in that yellow sweater, and the VVG one. See? Less really is more!
It was so nice to see Rembrandt’s house again – and the canals – and those masked models (and pink beret) made me smile. And we need things to make us smile right now.
Have a good week, and stay safe
G
Hmm.. I hadn’t thought about the cuffs of my boyfriend jeans before. Because my legs have been too long to fit trousers in the old days, I have a chip on my shoulder about it. Which is why I always choose my jeans (too) long and reverse the legs to a cuff. I will look into that.
My fashion boots are the love child of yesterday’s workmen’s footwear… how beautifully put.
Glad I put a smile on your face.
The houndstooth jacket works really well with the jeans, and I think the white boots are a great “finisher.” (Those little tabs are supposed to help you pull the boots on, but I agree, they can be annoying.)
That yellow sweater is still one of my faves on you. Such a great color! And I love the Van Gogh vest. It’s such a unique and interesting piece. (Love the quote, too.)
Watson in Ron’s lap is too funny!
Thanks Susan, for all the compliments. The Van Gogh vest is unique, but the shape isn’t right for me. I have to think of another way of wearing it. Or give it away, I never wear it really.
I like the jacket with both looks, and also appreciate seeing the architectural beauty of your city! I laughed out loud (and read to my husband) at your leg warmers with the sequined jumper. The yellow jumper at the end is perfect…and very flattering…on you.
I good… I had you laughing out loud! You cannot pay me a bigger compliment. Glad I found another fan of the jacket with the cream trousers. Yellow suits me well, which surprised me when I coloured my hair from brown to blonde. But there you go, it is still a good colour.
You are such a cutie Greetje. I love the photos of your yellow sweater and of course the pictures with Ron and Watson – they really brought a smile to my face.
xoxo Yvonne
What a nice compliment: being called a “cutie”. Thanks. Nobody ever said that to me. Probably beause I am tall; that usually diminished the cuteness factor. And I am pleased my little blog brought a smile on your face. That’s what I want with this blog: to entertain.
Dag Greetje
Fijn dat je ons weer bijpraatte en je looks liet zien van afgelopen week
Ik moet ook snel kijken wat Sylvia adviseert kwa fashionposes.
Welk boek van haar inspireerde jouw daarbij
Ik wens je een fijne week!
Hi Truus, ik zal je een foto sturen van het boek dat ik van Sylvia heb gekregen. Ik geloof niet dat ze zelf fashion poses adviseert. Jij ook een lekkere week.
Hi Greetje, You have amazing taste so with that said, I prefer the original outfit with the Houndstooth blazer. Love those white pants, love the whole outfit. Sadly I am not a fan of those baggy jeans. Just my taste. I love, love love the jeans with the knitted sweater vest, you look slim as an arrow and very tall in that outfit. I also love the sequined top look. Trust your instincts about what looks best on you as they are spot on.
Oh how lovely, somebody else who likes the original outfit with the houndstooth blazer. Thank you. I got pretty low response on that outfit which surprised me. But my husband said, it was pretty formal, more an office look and I thought, perhaps my readers aren’t office people? I can totally understand you don’t like baggy jeans, it is indeed an acquired taste. The reason I choose them a lot, is because they tone down a look in an instant and they are sooo comfortable (roomy). I get that the flared and straight jeans are more polished and compliment my legs a lot more.
we are friends aren’t we? I have some gentle criticism of your first outfit. I think the cuffed pants and the white boots compete with each other, making the look just too busy. The boots make a statement all by themselves, and the cuffs just look untidy. I hope you find this helpful. otherwise, I like all of your other outfits!!!
You can be as critical as you like. I very much appreciate honesty. I will certainly look into the cuff/boot thing. In the old days my legs were too long to fit trousers. I have a chip on my shoulder about it. Which is why I always choose my jeans (too) long and reverse the legs to a cuff. But you may be right and I will look into it. As a matter of fact, I am wearing this same outfit as I type this and will have a look in the mirror to see whether I can solve it.
I like this outfit. It’s a very greetje look. Jeans appear, that perfect garment for your beautiful legs and also introduces the ekegance of a blazer, a perfect casual and formal outfit. I also love houndstooth and white shirts with jeans. We add some beautiful photos of the canals and the city and everything is perfect.
The vest is beautiful and the other looks with jeans I also like a lot. Today the foreground is a bit gloomy, my friend has much more color!
Jeans with a blazer is pretty much my signature style. It is so easy for me. Thank you for all the wonderful compliments.
And yes, that day the sky was grey, but as you rightly noticed, I am not haha.
I love all your outfits here today! Absolutely LOVE the white boots with the boyfriend jeans!!!
I am pleased you like all the outfits of last week. Sometimes I haven’t got that many. Because I am trying out something new which hasn’t been on the blog, or because I am just wearing something very simple (which doesn’t happen too often). The white boots turn out to be good with a lot of (jeans) outfits.
Love the green houndstooth jacket and the black and gold one with jeans – you look great! I love the scenery too – I always learn something historical and/or architectural from your photos. And the picture of Ron and Winston is hilarious. Thank you so much for making my day.
You are returning the favour of making the day with your comment. Did you get who Saskia is, who gets mentioned in the joke on the street?
Yes, definitely got the Saskia reference. The whole exchange was very funny!
Oh good !
I think we can all relate to life being much duller than before, even the ones that aren’t retired yet 🙂
You do not look like someone who retired with all your colourful outfits and great shoes/boots/trainers Greetje. They are very youthful and energetic as are you I assume.
Love, Lieske
Well thank you Lieske. I do hope that I am youthful and energetic. Although deep down I am pretty lazy, which I am fighting. I really need to do something useful with my life as soon as Covid isn’t a threat anymore.
Thanks for the new post again. I know how much work it is. The loops in boots at the back are meant to put your finger in so that the back stays up when you put your feet in.
I thought that was the reason for the loops but I still find them pretty annoying.
You are very clever with your outfits. More than me, anyway. About the first one, have you thought about wearing blue or black boots rather than the white ones? With the boyfriend jeans, I think that would emphasize your wonderfully long legs more than the white.
I think the yellow in the final shots is a perfect color for you. So cheery in this dreary January.
Thank you for the compliments. As a matter of fact I think I am rather bad at creating more combinations with the same clothes. But as I blog on, I am getting better. Practice makes perfect? (Long way to go though.) I thought the white boots would make the outfit less formal. Black or blue boots will indeed emphasize the length of my legs, but I squander my wealth. When you have something, you don’t need to emphasize it all the time. However, most of the time I do.