Sometimes I devise an outfit to purposely avoid bright colours, such as the styling of this monochrome cream outfit. It appeals to me because of its sophisticated vibe. Couldn’t resist to throw in the bright green earrings though. The green/purple/yellow scarf around my waist is a trick I use often (thank you Misja for this tip).
I arranged to go to an exhibition at the Hermitage, a beautiful building in Amsterdam. They are linked to the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg and most of their exhibitions are items on loan from them. Only that Russia and Russian things are not very popular these days, to use an understatement. Which is why they now exhibit more than 100 portraits (paintings, photos and sculptures) with the theme Love Stories, on loan from the National Portrait Gallery in London.
Of course I didn’t go on my own. Ineke who lives in Amsterdam and majored in art history, accompanied me. We have been friends since 1981.
Below: Ineke performing a curtsy.
Before we went to the exhibition, Ineke took photos of me and my outfit for you guys to see.
Below: The Blauwbrug always makes a magnificent background.
Below: Blauwbrug pillar. I admit deleting some things from this photo, like scaffolding and high-voltage cables. They so spoil a picturesque photo.
Below: View from the bridge.
Below: View on the other side of the bridge.
Below: We walked towards the museum over this drawbridge.
Below: Would I pass up a background opportunity like that without using it? Don’t think so.
Everything I am wearing was already in my wardrobe, although the bag is very recent. Links to the original posts: jumper, trousers and boots, bag, earrings.
Below: Arriving at the Hermitage. The gentry would go up the stairs through the main front door. Deliveries would go through the door underneath, which is also the entrance for the museum public.
Below: When you enter the courtyard of the Hermitage, this is your view on the right.
Below: And this is your view on the left. Very tranquil.
Below: I think you should see the exhibition for yourself. I photographed a few items, like this painting of Mathilde Willink, painted by her husband. She was famous in the seventies (well, she was in the Netherlands), very much a society figure. Always wore very expensive gowns created by designer Fong Leng, as seen in this painting. She died in 1977 and it has never been clear whether it was suicide or murder.
Below: Photos of David Bailey and Jean Shrimpton. I also posted the story that was next to the portraits.
Below: Here is Ineke again (in case you missed this photo last week).
Below: On the wall near the stairs. Stairway to heaven?
Below: After seeing the exhibition we had lunch in the adjacent garden at the back.
Below: Walking back from the restaurant we spotted art in the garden. Art as in rusty stakes of iron. Too difficult for me to appreciate.
Below: I mean, what is this supposed to be? I used it to showcase the green Lara Design earrings.
Below: Another iron statue was a dog with a ball. At least I can relate to that. Tried to pick up the ball, which, to my surprise, wasn’t nailed to the ground. Pretty arse picture haha.
Below: Ineke pointed out, I’d better not bend over like that LOL.
Below: And an exit photo.
Below: Back in the centre of Amsterdam, near one of the big canals, I spotted this beautiful house.
Below: Close-up of the front of the house with the elephants.
Below: As often when I am in Amsterdam, I use the stairs of such a beautiful house for my sitting pose.
Below: And how about this “house”, across the canal?
Below: Two houses down, are these two blue buildings. The right one is crooked. It is not very visible in this photo but in reality they need to level the floors or the soup won’t stay in the bowls.
Below: Building called “de Bazel”, built between 1919 and 1926, after its architect although the people called it the “layer cake”. It was home to the ABN AMRO Bank until 1999. If you want to read more about this building or see photos, click here.
Below: We ended the day on a café terrace. When I asked the waiter to take a photo of the two of us, he pointed out that it was a shame our glasses were already empty. I made a completely innocent remark and then someone on the terrace (Ineke? The waiter? One of the other 4 people sitting next to us?) made a remark along the lines of “you’d better rephrase that” and immediately my remark became raunchy. All seven of us on the terrace killed ourselves laughing. Look at Ineke and me below; we had tears of laughter streaming down our cheeks. I would love to laugh like that every day.
Great day, great photos, great company.
What happened in my life this week
Saturday mum and I went out to a restaurant for pancakes. They were pretty big and even though mum always eats very little, she managed to gobble down the whole thing. Look at the size of it. For Americans this might not look big, but for Dutch people it does.
Below: I wore this.
Sunday I was supposed to attend an outdoor photography course but every inch of my body said NOOOOO. So I didn’t go. Terrible. The fee was already paid, it wasn’t raining, I can use some tutoring on my camera and I still didn’t go.
Below: I wore a casual and warm outfit as Ron wanted to turn the thermostat down in order to save on gas, now that gas is so expensive. (That intention lasted one day LOL.)
Monday Marcella came to our house and we made a video for Lara Design’s social media. The tops (buttons) of these earrings are velvet.
Tuesday was a busy day starting with Kitty and me doing a photo shoot while it was pouring with rain. You’ll see next week.
In the afternoon I drove to mum’s house and we went to the hospital for her monthly eye injection. In and out of the hospital in 15 minutes.
Wednesday I spent a lovely afternoon with Marianne but I haven’t got a photo to show you.
Thursday the company which is going to install the new sunblinds came to measure everything again to make sure they got it right. In the afternoon I picked up my new reading glasses.
Below: My very ostentatious reading glasses. You will get to see a photo of me wearing them some other time.
Friday Ron and I had pizza at our neighbours’ (Froukje and Petro) house. Seeing friends and sharing a meal is always great. One of my favourite pastimes.
In the afternoon I got a huge vase with a big bouquet of flowers for my “interviewing job” last week. Below: See how big it is?
And that concludes this week. Till next week.
Greetje
I really like the monochrome outfit, Greetje. It’s quite elegant. I’d quite like to try and recreate this look too, but I don’t own much cream. I look awful in beiges, but I might be able to carry off cream lol. I will give it a try!
I particularly love the photo of you laughing so much!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
Cream is so much easier than beige. And even wearing cream from head to toe, I couldn’t resist to sneak in the bright green earrings and the green scarf.
It is an unusual outfit for me, but I do like it.
The photo where I am laughing so loudly with my friend is dear to me. Gosh, I haven’t laughed so much in a long time.
Again, a wonderful visit to Amsterdam with you!
I will have to remember my trip with my three little Dutch houses in a row on the mantel, and a print of old townhouses that I found in an art shop across from the flower market, and my delft blue glass case. All small and easy momentos to bring home.
Presently, I am enjoying the newer version of Van Der Valk on local PBS with Mark Warren. Lots of lovely canal- side older locations, but also scenes in the outer fringes of Amsterdam with modern apartments, which just reminds me that all cities have to evolve to house the expanding population.
Love the monochrome outfit with the pop of colour. And is that apricot jam or chocolate spread on your Mum’s thin pancake…yummy!
It is sirup on mum’s pancake. I have no idea what ‘Van der Valk on local PBS’ means. A series? A film? On a USA network?
Of course we have modern houses too, but usually they don’t appeal as much as the older buildings because modern buildings are everywhere in the world.
The cream outfit is very elegant – I like the wee pops of colour from the scarf and earrings. I don’t think I would wear an all-cream outfit myself.
Loved the pics from that exhibit and the blurb about Jean Shrimpton, thank you!
Your mum ate that whole pancake? It’s massive!
You never know Sheila…a monochrome cream outfit isn’t exactly my usual style either.
I was quite surprised when your site loaded as I was expecting a colour bomb as usual! I love colour too (we 16th April girls like to stand out lol). But the mix of textures is really interesting and I love the little touches of colour.
Where did you get those purple or burgundy trousers (Saturday pic)? They go really well with the bright pink jumper; love that look.
Your A’dam pics are stunning, especially the Blauwbrug. I’ve been to A’dam loads of times but have never seen it (was usually there in a corporate context though). Have a lovely week. x
I know…monochrome cream is not really my style. But then again I like all sorts of styles. There will be colour bombs in the near future but I might keep it toned down for a couple of weeks.
Those burgundy trousers came from kpa.haarlem, one of my favourite shops. They are fro Samsoe & Samsoe.
What a shame you couldn’t explore Amsterdam properly. You have to come back as a tourist or twist your boss’arm to give you a couple of days extra just for yourself.
Wonderful outfit in cream! I love a monochromatic look. Also your new specs are very retro-chic!
I’m impressed with your tiny mum for finishing that pancake! I love the idea of pancakes, but the reality often feels like I’ve swallowed a bowling ball.
I know what you mean with the bowling ball. I had trouble finishing it too. How my mother managed it I don’t know. Usually she eats very little.
My new specs are met with mixed comments haha.
I really like the monochrome cream outfit, especially paired with the pale green coat.
Many years ago, my boyfriend and I were driving through London docklands early one Sunday morning and saw David Bailey, on his own, busily taking photos. We took a sneaky photo of him through the back of our car window.
If you had been living in this day and age, you would have posted it on Instagram haha.
Really like the cream outfit with the added scarf. Nice! The trip to the Museum looked so interesting. And how nice to have your friend with an Art background go with you. I have not thought about Jean Shrimpton in ages but she was so pretty. Blast from the past.
p.s. Good for mom eating her big pancake!
Glad you liked the post. You know me, always trying to entertain.
I LIKE THE MONOCHROME AND THE COLOR COMPLEMENTS GIVE IT A PERFECT AIR. The sweater is beautiful. What a marvel of urban landscapes and how lucky to be able to visit the Hermitage
Thank you. I love your ‘approval’. As for the Hermitage, it might be beautiful, but I know dazzling museums in Barcelona, so you are just as lucky.
As always, your blog is pure entertainment. I so enjoy reading about your outings and outfits. The cream outfit is very elegant indeed. And thank you once more for letting us see a bit of your life.
It is for comments like this that I create blog post after blog post. I just love to entertain. Thank you very much.
Like the outfit. Always happy to see your mom is well. I am an American and have NEVER seen such a pancake.
I must have the wrong idea about food sizes in America LOL. Or some people bake small pancakes and eat a lot of them.
Another neutral / mono look that I love. What catches my attention are the different textures and patterns (sweater & boots) and even dimension. Accent colors are perfect. It’s all so interesting.
And I tell you, I haven’t got a clue about different textures and patterns. I know they can make a huge difference but I just never crasped it. This outfit is just a lucky shot haha.
P.S. I was so intrigued by the portrait and story of Mathilde Willink that I did some digging (I’m a librarian after all) and found a website about Mathilde and Fong Leng, the designer. If you scroll down through the page, there’s a dress that looks very much like the one in the portrait. What a fascinating story. It definitely would make a great book or movie! Thanks.
https://agnautacouture.com/2014/04/13/homage-to-mathilde-willink-fong-leng/
You are right, it is the same dress. They were both quite characters.
I love your monochromatic look! And always enjoy your photos and descriptions when you post at various locations. The event at the Hermitage looks very interesting, but it appears it only runs through Jan 2023. I can check the site later, but do you know if there are other events to follow? I’ll be visiting Amsterdam for the first time in late March/early April (a few days prior to taking a river cruise that begins and ends there).
I am so looking forward to exploring Amsterdam with my husband and adult daughter! While I’ve always wanted to visit while tulips are in bloom, your posts have really sparked more interest in your country…thanks!
The tulip fields are most beautiful half April, but I bet you can see enough early April. Only, that is not in Amsterdam but a good trip into the country. Mind you, distances in the Netherlands are short.
I am sorry, I cannot tell you anything about any upcoming exhibtions at the Hermitage. Their website isn’t clear on that point.
If you are in Amsterdam, you should visit the Nine Streets. That is a really nice area in the centre. Also the Lindengracht and the Noordermarkt are nice on a Saturday when there are markets. Or the Noordermarkt on a Monday.
I love the cream outfit! That’s definitely something I would wear. I’m not as bold with colour as you usually are.
The only time I’ve ever seen a pancake that big was when we were in Amsterdam a few years ago. Here in Canada, you would be served two or three smaller ones, so I guess it’s really the same amount of food!
I think if you’d made them at home in the Netherlands, they would be smaller. I really like the thinner French crepes but they are hard to get here.
My mom always made pancakes like that. They actually were crepes filled with jams, rolled and sprinkled with powdered sugar. It wasn’t until much later in my life – maybe a teenage – that I saw and ate an American style pancake. They are smaller, round and thick. My own family has been glad that I can make the crepes.
Your crepes are the French pancakes. They are even much thinner than the ones mum and I had.
I prefer them, but they are hard to get in the Netherlands. Not like in Paris, where you’d find them on every street corner.
Love the cream outfit – the textures really make it. That looks like a fantastic exhibit – I really enjoy looking at portraits. I remember a wonderful visit to the National Portrait Gallery when we were in London years ago.
Thanks also for the photos of Amsterdam. They always make me want to go there!
Have a good week.
Amsterdam is an attractive city, like most old European cities.
I wonder whether you might have seen all the portraits on display at the Hermitage if you have visited the National Portrait Gallery. After all, they are on loan from them.
>>they need to level the floors or the soup won’t stay in the bowls
LOL.
Hartstikke mooi, zowel jouw outfit als de foto’s van Amsterdam!
Hartelijk dank. Ik doe iedere week mijn best LOL.
But it is actually true haha.
I think the earrings and scarf add a touch of creative flair to an already elegant outfit. Those shades of cream and tan remind me of a beautifully crafted cafe latte. What would be the Dutch name for the drink made of steamed/frothed milk and espresso?
Can’t believe the size of the pancake your mom finished. Good for her!
What a stunning gown Mathilde Willink is wearing in that portrait. Sounds like the story of her life would make a fascinating book.
Yes, it is probably a café latte. Personally I prefer cappuccino, but I bet you already know that.
I was even struggling with the size of the pancake.
And yes, there is a book published about Mathilde Willink’s life.
I love your blog and am now thinking about visiting your fair city on my next trip across the pond! Thanks!
We already get more tourists than we can handle otherwise I would ask the authorities to pay me a fee haha.
You’re very welcome.
I love this all-cream outfit on you! The color with the earrings and scarf are a nice touch, and don’t detract from the elegance of the look.
You’ve given me an idea for another outfit… 😉
That pancake is HUGE!! I’m impressed that your Mum could finish it…I’d never be able to.
I am glad you said the the scarf and earrings don’t detract from the elegance of the look. As I did wonder about that.
Glad I could inspire you for a change.
I thought that the pancake might be small to American standards as every sort of food and drink is so large over there. But you are right, even I had trouble finishing it.