It was a stroke of luck that the Paris post was published last week as this outfit and the one of two weeks ago were created with the same pair of cream trousers and boots. Although this time with a blouse and a blazer, the accompanying colour choice is again navy blue. It shows how you can wear the same clothes while creating a totally different vibe by changing one or two items. But posting them successively, might have been boring.
The delightful set of earrings above is from Lara Design (link to the earrings). They are called Paris. I should have taken them with me last week. LOL
Below: The entire outfit. The blouse being longer than the blazer is a deliberate styling choice. You either like it or you don’t. I am standing in front of a newly opened shop, hence the balloons.
The blouse is Ganni (see original post).
Loes took the photos and before we got started we had cappuccino at Vascobelo.
Below: Sitting in front of Vascobelo. The bag is Demellier London (see original post).
Below: Tucking one side of the blouse into the trousers is another option. I should have done it better than in the photo below. More gradually. I changed footwear.
Below: In the restaurant I took a photo of Loes.
Below: Then I said: “Give me a smile!” Ahhh…sweet.
Below: We proceeded to the market where they sell a lot of flowers. Behind the stalls you see part of the town hall of Haarlem, recently renovated.
Below: Colourful flowers in the background are always nice. Throwing in a couple of green plastic bags too 🙈😱. I thought plastic bags were banned in the Netherlands.
No idea what I was on about, but I do like my blue suede high heeled pumps so much more than flat shoes or boots. Alas, it doesn’t match my lifestyle any longer.
Below: The Saint Bavo Church in the background is a good shot.
The blazer is new and I bought it at LAB Women’s Clothing just as my navy blue jumper in the post of two weeks ago. I so like that shop.
Below: Daphne, the owner of LAB Women’s Clothing. Like most women she is not keen on being photographed haha. But she was a good sport and let me publish this one.
Below: Loes and I had lunch at Metzo in the Warmoesstraat. Lovely restaurant, lovely food.
As we were finished and walked out, the sun had reached Metzo’s terrace and it was nice to eat outside. We were just a bit too early for that.
Below: Next-door to Metzo is this magnificent building. The door leads to the almshouse courtyard Den Groenen Thuijn. If you ever want to visit the courtyard, here is some information.
The building and garden were open until 12 o’clock and it was way past that. We didn’t know about opening hours and were just admiring the building when the door opened and a sweet old lady invited us in. We were very pleased with the opportunity to see more.
Below: Behind the front door, a corridor leading to the garden/courtyard.
Below: I took a peek up the stairs.
Below: And there was the garden, a tranquil heaven. Sitting in the sun was a lady who lives there and who informed us about the opening hours. When we mentioned that we were invited by this nice lady, she told us that the lady didn’t have all her marbles. We never noticed. So we took a few quick photos and swiftly went on our way.
Below: It must be nice to live there.
Below: On our way out we saw the rules and regulations (sorry they are in old Dutch). It turned out you had to pay quite a large sum of money to be allowed to live there. And when you died, everything you still owned, went to the foundation who ran it and you were not at liberty to spend much of the wealth you possessed when you entered. And there were fines on all sorts of things. Hmmm. doesn’t sound like charity to me.
Below: As we headed home, we passed kpa.haarlem where I bought the cream trousers by Just. We tried to take a photo of Karlijn, the owner, but more than her back was not allowed that day haha. She said she didn’t feel well and that she had a bad hair day. We have to respect that.
Perhaps it is a good idea not to wear high heels anymore. If I look at the photo above, I see I do bend my knees a lot. Or was that because Karlijn is more petite and standing on flat sneakers?
Below: At first I wore the jacket with my striped jumper and flared jeans but somehow it felt old-fashioned. Is that because I was around the first time flared jeans were “in”? Also my tummy was showing a bit as I didn’t tuck in the jumper. Something was off.
(I blurred the background…experimenting here.)
What happened in my life this week
Not much. Covid had me down for a couple of days but wasn’t affecting me too badly. So apart from reading, sleeping etc. there isn’t much to tell. Did a lot of phoning on behalf of my mother. Even though we have a good health care system, you have to keep yourself on your toes.
Tuesday I was fed up with dressing gowns, PJ’s, jeans and T-shirts and I got fully dressed. Nobody was home and of course nobody could visit, so this is clear proof that I dress for myself. (Dress by 2nd day.)
Wednesday Ron was still Covid negative so he took my mother to her hospital appointment. We had my brother lined up as well, just in case Ron tested positive all of a sudden. Luckily my brother’s help wasn’t necessary, as he lives 2 hours’ drive away from mum. To Dutch standards that is very far.
As there isn’t that much to say about my life this week, I am giving you a couple of photos I should have posted but forgot.
Below: A magnolia in full bloom. Grand.
Below: My friend Misja (blog MisjaB) who took the “Haarlem promotion tour video” in this post. Of course I should have included the photos I took of her when I showed the video. Forgot (I am so self-centred…)! Doesn’t she look smashing?
Below: Close-up of her bag and jewellery.
Below: I saw this on Instagram and laughed my head off.
Thursday at the end of the day, Ron gave me this lovely bunch of flowers, saying: “That is for your birthday tomorrow”.
I replied: “Thank you darling, but that is the day after, on Saturday the 16th”. Haha. He is very romantic and attentive, quite the opposite of me. I am neither of these. I told him he’d have done better waiting until Tuesday as the flowers would be much cheaper after Easter than before. I am sooo my father’s daughter. He used to give my mum chrysanthemums for her birthday, …”as they lasted so long”. A very practical man he was.
Below: My little Easter corner.
Below: Marianne sent me this gorgeous bunch of flowers for my birthday. Our house looks terrific.
Below: The weekly video. I remembered to take it in landscape format, so just click the play button.
Greetje
68?? Dammit, what’s your secret, woman? You are just getting better every year! I love the suiting pieces, and like you, I long for heels, but they are just not working for me like they used to.
Lovely pics!
Don’t forget I had a bit of plastic surgery done to my eyelids (at 40) and to the lower part of my face and neck (at 50). My genes made sure I had a wrinkly skin at an early age (thanks dad). But thank you very much for the compliment.
Oh and I am glad that your friend Yvonne snapped up the crushed velvet jacket. That way it didn’t have to travel far.
Happy belated birthday, Greetje.
The blue and cream outfit suits you very well, each styling ist so beautiful and half tuck is more flattering. The earrings are stunning. Well done. For the shoes: I could not agree more. They look wonderful but at a certain age and lifestyle they should be a bit lower heeled. What I sometimes wear is block heel at 4-5 cm. Believe me, it is good for knees and the posture (though yoga works also well for both).
Have a great week and a speed recovery.
Thank you for the birthday wishes.
I have a lot of boots with a 6 cm heel which are very comfortable. The ones in this post are an example of them.
The earrings are indeed stunning, I totally agree.
I like the look with the blazer and the blouse, and that this one is longer seems even chic to me. With heels I like the look much better. I love your dress and how I am always moved by photos of your beautiful country. I see you gorgeous in the video, I love these 68 years.
You are the best friend to a woman who loves clothes. Always generous with compliments but still very honest and truthful.
Happy belated birthday, Greetje. I’m catching you up and heading for 67 but, like you, feel somewhere in my 30s in my head. I really like the navy jacket and cream trouser combo, especially with the booties. I can’t wear high heels anymore and prefer wearing sneakers or pumps but also wear booties with a smaller heel too.
I’m not so keen on the flares though. I never thought I would give them up, first time around, but now that I am used to slimmer trousers, flares just look dated. I’m obviously not on trend!
Like you, flares take me back so many years. Funnily enough, I own a pair of flared blue jeans which I don’t mind. Not that I wear the enough, but still.
It is a strange thing. Thanks for your best wishes. Let’s be thankful sneakers and flat shoes are so fashionable these days.
You’re looking fabulous at 68, Greetje….and after a stint of covid too! So glad it didn’t affect you too much, apart from the boredom!
I really like the blazer with the striped top and flares, but I can understand why you think it might look old fashioned just because you’ve seen the trend come and go a couple of times!
Have a fabulous week!
Hugs
Suzy xx
To my surprise quite a few readers liked the flares and striped top outfit. Perhaps I think it is too obvious? I don’t know.
Having a busy week actually. And thanks for the compliments.
Happy birthday, Greetje! Sixty-eight doesn’t sound so terrible when one considers the alternative, eh? I’m only six months behind you, and I try to keep that in mind always. 😉 I suspect your fabulous outlook, wonderful friends, and loving family keep you feeling young.
I think the striped sweater (jumper) and flared pants look amazing on you! I recently bought a pair of flared jeans but have been timid about wearing them (old lady aspiring to relive her youth, blah blah blah) but you have inspired me! Thanks!
You are right, the alternative isn’t very appealing. In my mind I am 33.
Funny that the flared trousers go down so well, you are the third woman commenting positively about them. Just goes to show how much I know haha.
Love your sense of humour, Greetje, which no doubt helps you deal with the frustration of Covid keeping you inside.
Even though I do not enjoy long legs…5’3” and soon to be 72…I like seeing your style and how you include so many outdoor photos, with your friends.
I am presently away from my early blooming garden … on Vancouver Island ,BC ,Canada … sailing with PONANT along the coast (Lisbon to London) . Hopefully by early May, when I return from the UK , my flowering cherry trees will still have some blossoms. Rhododendrons and azaleas will certainly be colourful, but bulbs may have had their day.
Happy wishes for a young 68 ! You look fantastic! 💐
Thank you very much for your compliments. Feeling a bit shy here.
When we were still working, we used to go on holiday for two or three weeks at the beginning of June. Benefits: not too expensive and a big chance of sunshine plus hardly any kids or crowds. Which meant we never saw our hydrangea, climbing against the wall in full bloom.
Enjoy your holiday.
Happy 68th birthday. That is my age too although I will be 69 in June. Still feel good so not a bad thing. I need to find a navy blazer as sharp as the one you are wearing. Very attractive.
p.s. the cat photo is so funny!
Thank you Linda. As long as there are not too many things wrong with our health, we should be very happy and thankful.
The navy blazer is by Drykorn. Here is the link to it as I don’t think you will be in Haarlem too soon, to visit LAB Women’s Clothing:
https://drykorn.com/nl-nl/888-82-105617-82221-GOLDERS-31-2
Dag Greetje
Gefeliciteerd omg ik dacht echt dat jij jonger was! Vrouw wat zie je er geweldig uit!
Ik ben ook blij dat je niet erg ziek was van de COVID
Ben jij nou blij dat dat niet meer boven je hoofd hangt? Of is dat mijn ding? Ron nog steeds niet gehad! Bij ons andersom: Hubert heeft het gehad, ik (nog) niet.
Last but not least: wat ontzettend lief de foto van @and.bloom te posten op jouw feed.
Ik heb het je wel verteld hoor, ik doe nooit geheimzinnig over mijn leeftijd. En…ik ben gepensioneerd.
En ja, ik ben blij dat het niet meer boven mijn hoofd hangt. Maar ik zou me niet expres hebben blootgesteld aan het virus. Je weet tenslotte nooit hoe het bij jou verloopt. Ben ook in een andere kamer gaan slapen.
Die foto van jou plaatsen is mijn hele kleine bijdrage aan de verandering die hopelijk doorzet.
Happy Birthday, Greetje! Hope it was a good one.
Have a great week.
Happiest of birthdays! Say 68 with more pride, you gorgeous you! You have someone in Texas over 24 years your Junior trying to live your example half as well as you do it! You look smashing, you dress smashing, and the love in your life for husband, family, and friends are smashing!
I must say though- the pumps look to be from another time at this point… they are, to my eye, aging you as they don’t fit your current lifestyle and it’s obvious! You look youthful and current when you’re in stompy boots and I’m trying to emulate you for those styles over here! I’d say (not like you must feel obligated to me or anything) is that you should lean into layering more and more and more of accessories and architectural pieces- leave office appropriate stuff to those still in offices!
Happy Birthday to you from Texas!
Thank you for your wonderful compliments and great suggestions. You are right, pumps do age although I still see many on the catwalk and in magazines.
I always think: “Why can they wear it and look good and I look from another era?”
Boots and sneakers are the things I have to embrace anyway as we have cobble stones in the historic townS (like Haarlem). So great change I will look current haha.
If you want to enlighten me further on the layering bit, the accessories and architectural pieces, I’d be grateful. As I sense I did something wrong with “office appropriate stuff” (you mean the blazer? Or the pumps? Or both?).
All my birthdays are good ones. After all, I made it every time. I am grateful for all the healthy and happy years in the past and hope there are lots more to come.
68 and you look amazing! Although you say the striped jumper with the blazer is old fashioned I really like it, I guess I’m old fashioned ☺️
Thank you for the compliment. You are not the only one liking the striped jumper with the blazer, there are two more readers who say so. I either have no clue what people will like in an outfit. Or I have a different taste from most people. It doesn’t have to be old-fashioned even though it feels like that to me. It could also be that it is not quirky enough for me.
Happy birthday! As always I love to see the scenery in your posts and of course your lovely outfits! 🙂
I am very happy to hear that. Your comment tells me I can entertain you, which is the primary goal of my blog.
Greetje,
Happy birthday! Love your blog! I agree with Cynthia, the outfit with the navy blazer and flared pants is très chic.
Thank you Laurie. So you like the outfit with the flared pants as well…just goes to show I don’t really know what works. Or…I have a different taste from most people.
Happy Belated Birthday!! You look great!! Love reading your blog on Sunday morning!
Thank you very much. And I love reading your comment. It means I can entertain people, which is the primary goal of my blog.
Belated birthday greetings. I admire you for wearing high heels. I can no longer walk in them. Enjoy your posts, your voice and humour are very strong.
Happy belated birthday.I celebrated! my 69th birthday on the 15th. It’s only a number (albeit a large one 😂) You’ve a great attitude to life, inspiring many women to do the same.
Ah, we are both Aries (I am a full-blooded one), so happy birthday to you too.
If I can inspire other women, I would feel very thankful and humble. I never forget that I have been very lucky in life. Not everybody is.
I loved your pumps. Always classic and elegant, but I get that they can be uncomfortable or tricky to walk in. The longer blouse under the blazer looked good to my eye. Interesting and sleek
I think I preferred the longer blouse under the blazer because it looked different and (as you say) interesting and sleek. The striped jumper was more classic.
Luckily for me, sneakers and stompy boots are in. I can be very current haha.
I can still walk in high heels and I keep my feet and legs accustomed to them, but not for long. Certainly not for walking 15 minutes to town and trod around there on the cobble stones (historic Haarlem…). Thank you for the lovely compliments. As English is not my native language, compliments like this are precious because it means that despite my limited vocabulation, I can get across what I want to.
I love your outfit with the navy blazer, striped jumper, and flared pants. Tres chic! A belated happy birthday, Greetje.
Which just goes to show, I never know what will resonate. Or…I have a different taste from most people haha.
Happy Birthday! You seem to be holding up fairly well…;D
Best wishes for a fabulous year!
~Rona
Getting older is sometimes a bit scary. You get more and more ‘ailments’ and the time you have left on earth is getting less and less. So I try and make the most of the time now.