Isn’t this polka dot co-ord lovely? I think it is very feminine and so does husband Ron. He saw it on me when Kitty took photos of me in the shop of kpa.haarlem. It was the post with my multi-coloured knitted cardigan. Ron was so taken with it, that he paid for the blouse and skirt. Bless him. I liked it very much on Karlijn (the shop owner) and on me as well. I was just very concerned it would be too short and too young for me. Kitty, Ron and Karlijn all said I was nuts and I chose to believe them.
Below: As tried on in the shop of kpa.haarlem. I would have preferred to buy those boots as well because they are suede which I find a bit more elegant. Plus the heel is lower. Only they were sold in my size the next day after I tried them.
Below: We started the shoot outside a parking garage where Kitty spotted this scooter. I had said I wanted a red background for this black and white ensemble (co-ord is short for co-ordinate, a matching set of separates). A red scooter would do the trick. No idea who the owner is, but we ‘borrowed’ it for the photo. I am wearing a blazer with the blouse and skirt as it was cold. The only two hours that week when it was cold. Just our luck.
Below: We headed over to the ‘Waag’ (weigh house) as this historic building has red doors on the side of the Spaarne canal. My red leather bag is ancient; about 25 years old I think. I always kept it as I think it is cute. It was at the back of a closet and as we are ‘Marie Kondōing’ in Covid times, I found it again.
Below: A black and white outfit is tricky for me, so I chose my red and pink earrings from Lara Design to add some colour near my face. My black leather belt is ancient as well; thirty years old. I could do with a replacement but cannot find a similar belt.
Below: Walking on to the next red door. The co-ord from the side.
My hair was behaving reasonably well, considering it hadn’t been cut in 11 weeks.
Below: And a view of the back (well…nearly). The skirt is lined but the blouse is transparent. I am wearing a silk-like camisole from Bellamy Gallery underneath it. The camisole is such good quality, it wears like a dream and they come in 10 colours. So I ordered it in lime as well.
Below: The camisole by Bellamy Gallery.
Below: Oh goodie, goodie…steps where I can sit on. Making sure nothing indecent was exposed haha. Normally I wear hold-ups but with this short, playful skirt I opted for tights. Much safer.
Below: To give you some more lovely backgrounds, we walked on to the Gravestenenbrug.
Below: We are talking about this bridge, with those lovely houses on the other side of the canal. The two houses on the left are newly built and they were designed to resemble a sailing ship. Good architecture.
Below: Of course I had to be photographed on the bridge. I had put my blazer on again to stay warm(ish). The boots are about 15 years old. I think.
Below: But the jacket had to come off…so cold. Great shot by Kitty.
Below: I think this is my favourite pose and favourite photo of this shoot. Or the one above.
Well, a lot of photos and all of 1 outfit. Hope you didn’t get bored. There were many cyclists and pedestrians on the bridge. So it took some time before Kitty had photos of me without other people in it. And all this time I was standing there in my transparent blouse.
What happened in my life this week
Not much. Just walking with husband Ron and dog Watson. During the weekend it was nice and warm, we walked along the beach a lot. A nice perk of living at the coast. I still needed my winter coat, but at the end of the walk, as we went for cappuccino take-away, it was lovely and warm and I took my coat off. We did have French fries as well, which was reflected in my weight.
I did my utmost to lose the extra kilo which had secretly found a place on my body. Lots of water and saying no to alcohol, sweets, cake and cookies. Very hard but as it is only a kilo, I don’t have to do this for very long.
Tuesday was a nice day with my friend Marjolein visiting me. As the shops and restaurants were still closed, we just walked through town for a couple of hours, drinking take-away coffee.
Below: Marjolein was wearing that gorgeous coat she bought with me, last time she came to visit. She is very happy that we found a particular cookie she was after. That shop was open. I stayed outside and said no to all the cakes and chocolates.
Resisting all sweet helped as I lost that darned extra kilo by Wednesday. That day I got all dolled up as Ron and I went to a shop in another town to get him some nice clothes. The shops were open for visits by appointment. It was such a break. High heels, pencil skirt, the works and it felt great. He found some good items.
Then on the subject of jewellery cabinets (because my mind goes from one thing to another in nano seconds) …my friend Sylvia of 40+Style wanted to get rid of this jewellery cabinet. And it was exactly what I had been looking for. I thought it would be too big to fit into my tiny room, but it did fit. The other cabinet (with the shelves I put in), is still in use but divided over two cabinets, everything is so well-arranged now, so accessible. Each drawer of cabinet 2 is different in height, in layout and in size of compartments. Ideal for the smaller stuff.
Below: This is my little room with my desk and the tall jewellery cabinet on the right.
Below: Photo taken from the doorway.
Below: To complete the impression of my room, here is the other side of it, with my 4 closets (I have more closets in the bedroom). The room is only 2 metres wide and 3 metres long but it suffices.
Below: Part of the drawers of the jewellery cabinet (number 2). Eight drawers with compartments and two deep drawers at the bottom.
Thursday was a day of running errands, blogging and reading. And admiring the new shoes my neighbour bought for her wedding. I immediately wanted to buy them myself (I won’t do that) as they were beautiful. She will be borrowing a pair of earrings from me. We now have something new, something borrowed and something blue. We are a bit stuck with the ‘something old’.
I managed to create two new outfits with items in my wardrobe. Just one item in each outfit is new. I am getting better.
One of the BVA girls (my group of friends) got married a couple of weeks ago, so the rest of us (5) were very busy in a WhatsApp group to decide on the wedding gift. We succeeded and it is on its way to the bride and groom.
Friday, the day of the hairdresser. YAY. This is what I look like now; it still has to ‘settle’ as it is always a bit ‘done-up’ when it is fresh out of the hairdresser’s chair.
My friend Helga came for a visit and a chat which is always nice. Forgot to take a photo of her.
Greetje
Oh girl, I said it before and I’ll say it again: what a wonderful life you have, with so many great people in your life!
Love the outfits, pictures and locations!
I hope that you can continue leading a life like this for many more years to come!
I wish myself the same dear. And you too. Hope you get many more friends there in that nice and warm land. The great house is your base.
I’m a bit late to the party, but yes, this outfit is so good on you! The red accents are perfect too. I’m a fan of polka dots but they’ve been hard to find in recent seasons. Hope they’re making a comeback!
And that jewelry cabinet is fantastic!
I am lateto the party most of the times haha. I have seen quite a lot of polka dot items in the recent 6 months so I think you are in luck. Or perhaps it is a European thing? The jewellery cabinet gives me joy every day.
Oh the polka dot outfit is delectable! So want one myself. Where can I get one please ?
The polka dot blouse and skirt are by a brand called French Petite Mendigote and the name of the skirt is Victoire, but I am afraid it is sold out.
Kpa.Haarlem hasn’t got any left and the brand itself neither. This is the link to the brand: https://www.petitemendigote.fr/fr_fr/pantalons-jupes-75.html
Your “coords” are beautiful on you, Greetje, and I agree, not too short (or sheer!). You can’t go wrong with polka dots! I love your boots – they are very much on trend again. Fabulous pictures with the red scooter and red doors!
I hear you on the extra kilo(s). Sigh. Still working on this…
I love your jewelry cabinet! What a lovely piece and it looks like it holds a ton. Hi to Sylvia!
Marjolein’s coat and boots are fabulous – such stylish friends you have. Great photos from Kitty!
Here’s to a warmer week! Hello to Ron (are we going to see his new clothes?) and Watson!
Isn’t it wonderful that such old boots are on trend again? I always regarded them as classic, as evergreens. As just black and white was a bit too boring for me, I wanted the pop of colour, preferably red. The red doors were scouted, the red scooter a matter of luck.
Yes, I am still monitoring my weight meticulously: 1 kilo extra? Then back on water and no sweets until it is gone.
I will say hi for you to Sylvia. I talk to her regularly these weeks.
My friends are stylish, I will admit.
Cheers to warmer weeks.
You already know that I was going to love this dress, we know each other well. I love polka dots and I love your dresses, therefore total success. I also love the simplicity in the design, the originality, the delicate fabrics, the flight when walking … this dress is great for me. And you add beautiful red accessories, something that I also like and you get a wonderful outfit, which the blazer makes even more elegant and feminine. The camisole is cute, a total success in the outfit. Suede boots would surely have given the look more strength, but the ones you wear work perfectly. Greetje, I really like it.
Yes, I knew this polka dot set would please you. It is not a dress but a blouse with a skirt, so I can wear the items separately too. You pay me many compliments over this outfit. Thank you very much.
Suede boots will enter my wardrobe next year, I am sure.
Your polka dot ensemble is charming and so very versatile – a dress, a blouse, a skirt. Yes, it is short, but not too short. I agree that a lower heeled boot or shoe or sandal would be ideal. The red, pink and orange are lovely accents, but your options are abundant! I think you’ll enjoy these 2 pieces – so timeless. So sweet of your husband to treat you to them. Beautiful shots of Haarlem. Lovely haircut. Yay! for another jewelry cabinet.
When I wear something black/white, I will always add a pop of bright colour near my face. It makes me look better and it adds interest to the outfit. My husband is a darling who often spoils me with gifts.
Very cute polka dot outfit. The red accents were a good idea. Wouldn’t it be fun to buzz around on the red scooter? You do such a good job. Love your blog.
Buzzing around on the red scooter…? Only if I could wear a thick coat. Besides, I would have (and want) to wear a helmet. That would spoil the hair in a big way.
I am very pleased with your compliments about my blog. It is such a pleasure to read this.
I don’t think the skirt’s too short – you’ve got such good pins 🙂 And the red bag and earrings really bring the outfit to life.
As far as scenery goes, I think this is one of my favourite posts, especially the old and new buildings on the Gravestenenbrug. They sort of echo each other although the styles are very different. I like your office decor too, especially the colourful dog on the jewellery cabinet; reminds me a bit of Niki de Saint Phalle. Also envious of Marjolein’s purple and pink boots! You and your pals are all so stylish!
Thank you for all your compliments. I agree about the old and new buildings near the Gravestenenbrug. They did a good job.
The dog on the cabinet and the two paintings in my room were made by mentally challenged people. I think they created such good art.
Greetje, you look fabulous! I can certainly understand why your husband wanted to buy the outfit for you. Shame about the boots though, but the ones you’re wearing are great too. I can’t believe they’re 15 years old; they look almost new!
It must’ve been so nice to finally get a haircut. My last haircut was probably nearly a year ago. Not that it matters too much with my long hair now. I just miss the act of going out and having a natter with my stylist!
Have a fabulous week, my friend!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Because I have a lot (and I mean A LOT) of shoes and boots, they don’t really age very much. And I keep them very well in boxes with paper stuffed in them. So they keep.
Having been to the hairdresser certainly was a treat. Much nicer look in the mirror now.
Love the polka dot outfit and the earrings are just perfect to lift it to something inspired. Amsterdam is beautiful – hopefully you didnt get too cold whilst taking such lovely photos and that cabinet!!!!! Oh that cabinet is just adorable, how pretty and how fantastically useful for treasures
Little correction, the polka dot post was shot in Haarlem not in Amsterdam. Although the two cities are very similar. Haarlem is just a lot smaller.
I did get very cold but somehow it didn’t bother me too much. All for a good cause.
The jewellery cabinet is a daily joy.
Lovely outfit, smart poses, and beautiful scenery. Thank you for all the care you take with crafting a beautiful blog post.
I should be thanking you for all your compliments. (Which I do.) Creating the blog posts is a hobby, not work.
I just love polka dots and I really, really like your polka dot dress Greetje and the red handbag looks great with it!
My polka dots look like a dress, but actually they are a blouse and a skirt. More combination possibilities. With black and white I always add a pop of colour.
Love you in this outfit, and agree on the favorite. Nice styling / poses and photography. And backgrounds. Very creative. Well done!
Thank you Linda. Thanks to Kitty’s creative eye, the photos are getting better and better. We both love this proces.
Dag Greetje
Wat heerlijk weer om met je bij te kletsen door je blog!
En die Look echt Prachtig,
Mooi vrouwelijk, speels en ook chic
Gr Janna
Dank je wel Janna (Truus?). Oh de dag nadert dat we ingeënt zijn en de restaurants weer open gaan. Dan zien we elkaar weer he?
You look lovely in the polka dot outfit — great photos and backgrounds as always!
And as always: thank you very much Cynthia. You are a very loyal follower.
You look fantastic in that polka dot outfit. I love it. As always enjoyed the scenery and your lovely comentary of your days out. By the way, that jewellery cabinet is divine. I have so much collected over the decades that I need a few of those.
Thank you very much for the compliments. I still hesitate sometimes whether the skirt isn’t too short for me, but I will have to get over that.
As for jewellery, it is amazing what you collect over the years. Now that I have sorted it all and it is (nearly) all in two places, I got to think that some of my older jewellery is perhaps a bit outdated and in need of replacement. Modern is the word now.
I love seeing the old buildings and the canal. I hope to travel to Amsterdam and tour the area when travel becomes welcome again. We are finally seeing a little spring like weather here in Northern Canada- only -10C and I have started to put away winter coats! Might be a bit early but fingers crossed. You look lovely as always
If and when you come to Amsterdam, do schedule a day trip to Haarlem as well. It is a beautiful little town.
Minus 10C is spring in your book?? Plus 14 Celcius is beginning to look like spring to me.
A fab. polka dot ensemble. And yes, i think that the suede boots are a better choice, perhaps you may find a pair that goes over the knee!! You are very much “a la mode” since i saw on TV a shot of the duchess of Cambridge, wife of prince William of England, wearing a similar black/white polka dot ensemble!! very royal!!
Your ‘study” room is cozy, love the jewelry cabinet and the art work!!
Have a great week!!
I have a pair of suede over-the-knee boots but they were too chunky, not elegant enough, to go with the delicate fabric of this ensemble.
Being in the same league as Kate, well… not bad, not bad at all.
The art work in my little room is made by mentally challenged people and I love it. They create such good work.