Those of you who love Dutch buildings are in for a treat as there are many of them in this post. Naturally, the orange leather skirt is the main feature, combined with a bright pink jumper and toned down with black accents. I got the inspiration from Marc Cain (see below).
I looked at the advertisement and thought: “orange skirt, check, pink jumper, check, black boots, check”. All these items are in my wardrobe; easy peasy to recreate it. After featuring so many pairs of trousers, it is time to show you a skirt again.
My friend Marjolein was my photographer as we wandered through the beautiful city of The Hague. She took so many good photos that it was very hard to choose. Which is why you are about to see MANY photos. I am not good at “killing your darlings”.
Below: Marjolein in Hotel Des Indes where we started the day. A very posh and old hotel. The cappuccino was expensive, perfect and came with two luxurious cookies for each of us. (We Dutch have a reputation of being tight. We want our money’s worth haha.)
Below: A couple of interior photos of Hotel Des Indes, part of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World‘. If you want to read a little bit about the history of the hotel, click this link. I especially liked the story of the white or red feather signals in the doorknobs.
Below: I had to be photographed on these stairs. The warm light didn’t create as good a photo, but it shows that I was wearing sneakers until we arrived at our destinated spot. Black sneakers are definitely an option.
Below: On our way we passed little picturesque streets around the Denneweg. If you are ever in The Hague, do visit this area. This link shows you what to expect there. (I am like a tourist guide LOL.)
Below: Marjolein popped into a shop and bought a T-shirt. (Not this one, but the same in teal.)
Below: Before we continued I asked her to take a photo of the Lara Design earrings I was wearing. You have seen them before. I let the pendant hang low, so it would peek out beneath my hair.
Below: This photo (and the first photo above) is taken at the Hofvijver (Pond of the Court), in front of the Government buildings.
I used a bit more black than Marc Cain did. They only had black boots. I added the belt, earrings, bag and hold-ups (thigh highs). The boots are new and bought to replace my high heeled ones, which I still hold on to as well. These new ones are more comfortable of course.
Below: These boots are by Officine Creative. Their price was rather out of my league, but they fit like a glove and I bet they will last a life time. They have a low heel but still look elegant. Totally suited for my new way of living.
Below: As I said, I couldn’t kill all my darlings. It is the third photo in the same spot but I love that tree and the building in the background. Such a pretty picture.
We passed Mauritshuis which is lovely but had scaffolding in front of the building. They are decorating the building with flowers, which is the theme of their 200-year anniversary. We were just a day too early. The famous painting of Johannes Vermeer, Girl with a Pearl Earring, is on display in Mauritshuis. If you look at the first photo at the top of this post, you’ll see the back of Mauritshuis, the yellow building to the left.
Below: This is a see-through on the left of Mauritshuis, with view of the Hofvijver which you saw above.
Below: Entrance to the government buildings’ courtyard.
Below: A ‘rear view’. The jumper is bright pink at the front and pale pink at the back. Link to original post of the jumper (sweater) in combination with cream trousers. And this is the link to the original post of the orange leather skirt and the link to the post about this skirt with a black jumper at the docks.
The skirt has a zip at the back.
Below: Time for lunch in Restaurant Luden. Definitely ‘Instagrammable‘ as they say these days.
Below: Marjolein had bread with ‘kroket‘, which is a deep-fried ragout filled ‘snack‘ coated with breadcrumbs. Very Dutch. This time there was shrimp in the krokets.
Below: Me likey as well LOL, but I chose white bread.
And we continued.
Below: Statue of King Willem II.
Below: The Hofvijver and the Government buildings viewed from the bridge. I will do another photo shoot here when the trees are green again.
Now for some random buildings.
Below: The Prison Gate Museum. You will never see me in there as they show you torture devices. If I’d see that, I’d probably throw up.
Below: Around the corner of the Prison Gate Museum. No idea what this building is or was, but it is pretty.
Below: Department of Justice building.
Below: We also visited the Passage. This is a large gallery in the centre of The Hague and one of the few in the Netherlands that survives all the time.
Below: I was trying out the light by photographing Marjolein. With the fourth photo I noticed that the waitress of the ice parlour behind Marjolein moved out of sight every time hahaha. Poor soul. We had a little laugh with her.
Below: Some stunning mosaic work in the middle, underneath a dome.
Below: We had cappuccino in the Passage and I wanted to photograph Marjolein wearing her earrings. She disagreed, so here are just her earrings.
Another joyful day in my retired life. Never thought I would say this, but I am having the time of my life.
What happened in my life this week
Saturday we visited friends who had moved to a new house which was custom-built for them. I was in awe; what perfection. I think it would be too invasive to show you photos of their home. Anyway it was a lovely afternoon as they are lovely men.
What I can show you are the earrings I ‘found’ at Lara Design, the Friday before and which I wore that Saturday. As I put on this Sportmax dress (original post here), I thought the neck was a bit bare and those earrings would be perfect. And I was right.
Sunday I went to mum and we had a cosy afternoon. Forgot to take a photo. Next time I will show a photo of her again.
Monday the weather was very windy and dreary in the morning. Particularly disappointing as Kitty and I went out on a photo shoot. I was freezing and my hair was totally wrecked. I wonder how the photos will turn out. You’ll see them next week. Sure enough, as we left, the sun came out.
Ron was out for the day to help his daughter and son-in-law with their new house (exciting) and I had to walk dog Watson. As I had Ron’s car, it was easy to put Watson in the back and go to a park.
Tuesday there was a hoo-ha at the optician and apparently I cannot have new glasses during the time I am not wearing my contact lenses as my eyes change all the time. And I am not wearing my contact lenses for six weeks, leading up to the measuring for my cataract operation. Fortunately I still had old glasses which are reasonably OK for now.
I went to Marcella’s house just as I did last week. Her atelier is like a candy store to me. She has walls and walls like this with all different earrings.
Below: Marcella took this photo of me with two pairs of glasses on my head. One for the distance and one for reading. I so hope they can fit me lenses with the operation in such a way I only need reading glasses. That will be bad enough.
Wednesday was a quiet day with a nice phone conversation with a friend. I started to create my blog post. Ron was helping his daughter with the house again that day, so I had to walk Watson. Better put, Watson walked me. That dog is so strong and when he hasn’t been able to stretch his legs for a couple of hours he is not very good at walking beside me. Mind you, if I keep the leash really short, he does obey. But he knows I am a push-over. I didn’t have Ron’s car and I cannot transport Watson safely in mine, so I had to go to a nearby field. That field was one muddy place. At one time I nearly lost my boot as it got stuck in the mud. When Ron returned he had these two ‘portraits’ with him (see below). Presents from our son-in-law for helping him and his wife. So sweet and funny.
Thursday my dentist appointment was fine, only I missed the appointment with the dental hygienist, an appointment which I always have before seeing the dentist. There had been a mix-up with the agreed times. No idea whether it is my fault or theirs. Doesn’t really matter, only the next opportunity to see the dental hygienist is in JUNE. They are having staff problems due to Covid. I made the June appointment but also had myself put on a (long) waiting list. Just in case some appointment gets cancelled.
Had a walk to town and chatted with Karlijn of kpa.haarlem. It was another quiet day but nice.
Friday I was supposed to meet my friend Lia, but we postponed our date as there was a storm that day, storm Eunice. We thought it might not be safe to travel or even simply be outside. Neither of us want a tree on our head. A shame but it meant I had time to gather all the information for the tax forms. It was the right decision to postpone as it was brutal weather, some people even died. I only stepped outside to rescue my bicycle. Ron was very careful in walking Watson.
As I did the last two weeks, I am giving you a video at the end of each post. So you can see whether I am making progress in creating videos. Spoiler alert: there is another mini video at the end of video 1.
Greetje
Nice combo; I like pink with orange.
Wow, you had to take care of Watson a lot. Good of you to do that!
It is a good combination, pink and orange, isn’t it?
As for walking Watson… I am standing by my man LOL.
Swooning over the architecture while I check out your gorgeous orange leather skirt – I love that you got inspired from Marc Cain’s adverts. I think your version is all the better from adding more black accents – well done.
Love the portrait of you, Queen Greetje!
What? I outdid Marc Cain? Hah, that’s a good one. You can get inspired by a lot of things, right? In first instance it were the colours that drew me and then I realized I had all the items. “Cat in the box” as we say in Holland (with a slang accent).
Lounging on my sofa on a dreary, drizzly day, I am distracted from the gloom by your fun post! Beauty in every photo! The buildings, the interior decor, you and your lovely friend, delightful baubles, your video and the star – your Pink & Orange Outfit! Those colors are so good on you and the combo makes me think of Lilly Pulitzer whose clothing is so very “American Summer” and “Cheerful Feminine”. And yes – you are having a very good hair day. Thanks for it all.
My pleasure entirely, as always. This blog is such a fun hobby for me. I learn all kinds of new things, meet interesting people and all by doing what I love. I looked up Lilly Pulitzer as I didn’t know about her. She is very cheerful indeed in her choice of clothes and prints.
Where do I start, for the beauty of the photographs or for the beauty of your leather skirt? I love that you are my guide through the Netherlands… and I love your skirt! What a dilemma, what do I say? In short, I really like your skirt and, as you told me in other places, it can be combined with almost everything. And how pretty with the boots and how fashionable the way you wear the sweater around your waist. Your coat is also very cute and very elegant. And also your earrings. And, of course, your portrait as a queen, my queen of fashion!
I think I’ll frame that and hang it above my mirror: “Queen of fashion” haha. Thank you for the many compliments.
Love the pink and orange combo!
And the portraits of you and Ron are delightful!
Let’s catch up once I’m back in my own time zone… 😉
I am even surprised that you read this post, being as busy as you are. Thanks and yes, let’s catch up when you are back. You will have so much to tell.
Gorgeous architecture, yummy food, and a fabulous outfit, Greetje!
The mix of orange and pink is delightful.
I’m loving the “state portraits” and Marcella’s atelier does indeed look like a candy store! xxx
I once had a thin cardigan with a matching top that was red, orange and bright pink. Loved it. Alas, it became too tight so I had to let it go.
Wonderful colour combination.
This wasn’t the last visit to Marcella’s atelier, I am sure.
That’s an epic combination, pink and orange! Love it.
You and Ron as royals just might win this Yankee over on the benefits of a monarchy.😉
I have had a thin cardigan with a top that was bright red, orange and pink and it was lovely. Alas I “grew out of it” (it was very tight).
Ron and me as royals, I wouldn’t want that. The lack of freedom would kill me.
The photos of The Hague are wonderful. Adding it to my travel bucket list. The pink and orange is very attractive. Looks good on you. I would love to have lunch where you and Marjolein did. Looks so pretty and delicious. The King and Queen photos are so fun!
The Hague is an old town and although not the capital of the Netherlands, it has always been the residence of kings and queens and of the government. Therefore very rich buildings. As soon as I saw the advertisement of Marc Cain I jumped. My kind of colours. As for such lunch places, they are everywhere. I was blown away by a restaurant in Utrecht. If you scroll down in this post (the restaurant is at the bottom), you will see why.
https://www.nofearoffashion.com/2021/06/13/an-atypical-trouser-suit/
Love your royalty portraits – you make a lovely Queen! I really like the pink and orange together. The beautiful scenery and locations in this post made me feel like I had a mini vacation.
A lovely queen? Wouldn’t I just haha! I am glad I could give you a mini vacation haha. This is the kind of posts I would always like to create. Alas, as you know, that isn’t possible.
You look great as a Queen, but also in the pink orange outfit! This post is so inspiring!
I very much loved this post and wished they would all be like that. Alas, having to deal with the weather, with time, with who can help me with taking photos etc etc limits the option. Never mind, a high is only possible when there are lows as well, right?
Nice to see photos of The Hague where I was born. No recollection whatsoever as I left when I was 2. I do like the pink/orange combination and really liked the orange coat, with the black casual shoes and the scarf. Smart, modern and fun!
You were born in the city that has always been the residence of our kings and queens and of the government. Loads of rich, historic buildings.
Thank you for all your compliments on my outfits. Love that.
I love the pink and orange combination. It looks very fresh and modern. I have never visited The Hague, but the buildings look fabulous, even on a winter’s day. Yes, your hair does look fabulous in the video!
Have a lovely week!
The Hague didn’t suffer from bombardments during WW II, so all the historic buildings were preserved. It isn’t the capital of the Netherlands, but has been the residence of kings and government since the middle ages.
Next week you will see a post where my hair does not look like I want it to be.
Love, love, love this post! This outfit seems very YOU and is one I would absolutely wear, if I had your lovely figure. It looks fashionable and cheery, but comfortable. Thanks for all the pretty scenery and pretty photos. ❤️
It was indeed a comfortable outfit, even though you wouldn’t think so with a pencil skirt. I loved this post as well and wished they were all like this. Alas, I depend on people, time and weather. If I had a large budget I could buy all of that and fly to a warm city and do my reports from there LOL.
sorry, not fond of the combo hot pink and orange. Escada used it to her advantage being very careful of the shade of pink. A less invasive one just like your pictures of the models. Fabulous city pictures and of the hotel and restaurant. The croquette is popular everywhere.
You and husband look smashing as royals!!!!!
It is quite all right with me if you are not fond of everything I wear. After all, I cannot please everyone all of the time. And we all have our preferences. It was Marc Cain who advertised the less invasive pink sweater with the skirt. For me, bright pink looks better near my face, so I adjusted that.
I never knew that the croquette was known outside of the Netherlands. That is quite a surprise.
Ron and me as royalties…we are awaiting the invitations LOL.
I agree with everyone else… please don’t kill too many darlings! As you probably know, one of the things that first drew me to your blog and keeps me coming back is all the wonderful surroundings that appear in your photos. Especially in these times when we aren’t able to travel, they give me a tiny glimpse of a very different environment from my own.
And here I was, thinking it were my dazzling outfits that drew you to my blog LOL. It doesn’t matter. My first goal with the blog is to entertain. Any way is good.
I love seeing your outfits too!
Big grin…I am so glad you do.
Having enjoyed your written “voice” for several years, hearing your spoken voice, complimented by your facial expressions, is a treat. This week’s post was exceptional.
I was very pleased with this week’s post as well. They should all be like that, but unfortunately I haven’t got the money to make that happen. Money you need to go to a city in a warm country when it rains here, having a staff with you for wardrobe, make-up, styling, photography etc.
The magazine work, you know what I mean.
I love the pink and orange combination. Lively and bright. I also loved your expression ‘Killing my darlings’ as this are exactly the words I used in another context (when I was editing my thesis) and no one here in England had heard it or knew what I was talking about. But please don’t kill too many of your darlings. Your tours of Dutch cities are so interesting.
You are kidding..? Nobody in England knew the expression Killing your darlings? I thought it was an expression for photos only, but of course you can use it for anything. I was pretty pleased with this post. I wish they could all be like that.
Great post! I love all the photos of the buildings and your outfits. The orange and pink reminded me that, when I was in high school, in the late 1960s, the two trendy color combos were pink and orange, and cobalt blue and spring green. So it must be coming around again.
I love the royal portraits of you and Ron, especially your tiara – very regal! I think my husband and I need ones too!
Have a great week.
I never knew that pink and orange have been combined before and even were a trend. I missed that one. The same with blue and green. I thought those colour combinations only became popular in the last 10 years. The tiara does suit me, doesn’t it? LOL When I was a child I sometimes had the idea (or dream) I was adopted and I was really a princess.
You’re looking great and thanks for posting the photos of such lovely buildings.
As always Flora, it is entirely my pleasure. I love doing “reports” of a city.
What a treat! I’m reading Katie Kitamura’s Intimacies, which is set in The Hague. So wonderful to have a few photos to go along with this novel. Yay!
I love the pink and orange combo — very chic.
The book Katie Kitamura’s Intimacies sounds exciting. I read a review and there were so many words in that review I had never heard that I was stunned. The English language isn’t hard to learn but it has many, many different words for different things, most of them not deriving from another word.
I love your little videos at the end. Your pictures of the architecture are gorgeous and give me some insight to your beautiful country. I may never get there so it is wonderful to see. I think your new boots are perfect. I have finally found a pair of flat grey ones that I have been searching for. Your portrait blend is really pretty, and that colour looks lovely. Such a fun item to have. I would have a real hard time leaving that atelier of earrings without spending a small fortune, I love earrings.
I know that I need to keep up to date with technique which is why I create these videos. It is teaching me skills that I can use with other devices, apps or whatever. As for the atelier, I know I can return any time and will and I already spent a small fortune on her earrings haha.
What a delightful post! I enjoy seeing all the gorgeous buildings, and your orange and pink outfit is so striking. I think my favourite photo this week is the “portrait” of you in the stunning gown and diamonds! Now I’m going back to listen to your video 🙂
As you read, it wasn’t me who came up with this combination. Inspiration you can get from anyone. Those portraits were such a kind gift and so funny.
I do think mine is best because the angle of my head is exactly right for the body.