Although I really like this red and white striped jacket, I am not able to style it in a way that screams wow. Jeans are the only trousers that springs to mind. The last time you saw this jacket (I think) was in February 2020 with my boyfriend jeans and flat booties.
Ron and I went into Haarlem for a coffee so I needed flat shoes. My white baseball trainers are the best for that. Thinking of all these posts I had to plan ahead, I asked Ron to take iPhone photos while we were out. They aren’t the best quality pictures, not like the ones with my proper camera, but at least I had stock for another post.
Below: Hmmm…not really that flattering but still. Cappuccino at Vascobelo’s.
Below: After the photo above, Ron took the photo below. When I asked him why on earth he did that, he answered: “You’re always asking for head-to-toe photos. If you combine both photos, you’ve got a head-to-toe shot”. Honestly…that man!
Below: We didn’t take many photos, so I am using this one as well, though it is very similar to the first one. The blue with gold bag is by Dries van Noten (sale item). The earrings are of course Lara Design.
Below: When I got home, I tried the jacket worn open with the belt tied at the back, my flared jeans and red booties. Looks pretty good to me.
Below: But…this is what the belt looked like at the back. Really messy. And even if I could have straightened it, I think I still wouldn’t like it. This shot gives you a closer look at the earrings and the fabric of the jacket.
Below: In the end I pulled the belt through the loops at the side twice, thus making sure it stays put. It creates less waist but I liked it best.
So much for the jacket.
What happened in my life this week
Lovely week with many friends visiting me, starting with Marita (below) on Saturday.
She brought me flowers and chocolates in a chocolate flowerpot. At the end of the day my husband came home with more chocolates and a couple of meringues (which I love). This has got to stop. I know it doesn’t matter as far as my weight is concerned but the last time I ate a lot of chocolate (December) my face broke out in spots. And all these presents make me so shy.
In the weekend my BVA friends kept me in the loop by sending videos of their goings-on in Maastricht. They were in such a lovely boutique hotel that they are already planning another visit next year (then I can be with them).
To get stronger I still walk twice a day and while walking you see so many things, like this cute neighbourhood with blossom trees.
Below: In another neighbourhood a magnolia tree, ready to burst into full bloom.
Below: I even saw a gnome village.
Below: I finished the puzzle that Loes gave me. It is a wooden owl. Just goes to show I have a lot of time on my hands.
Below: Marjolein came to see me on Monday, bringing sweets and home-made jam. The weather was bright and sunny. I love her jumper. We do share a love for clothes.
Below: The outfit I created for Marjolein’s visit. The black and white blazer, my leather jogging trousers, my hairy Harries. (Link to 2016 post with the boots and a nice photo of Misja. Gosh, my (front) teeth were really sticking out back then and I never noticed it.) The bright blue top has been in my wardrobe for ages (see at the bottom of this post with my wide fuchsia skirt).
Below: Tuesday I met Misja on a lovely sunny terrace looking out onto the market and with the big Saint Bavo church in the background. We found a spot in the sun with no wind and it was lovely. I had forbidden her to bring me flowers or chocolates, but I should have extended my restrictions. She brought me the British Vogue. Luckily I hadn’t read that one yet.
Aren’t her glasses the bomb? With sparkles in the corners.
Below: I brought the easter bunny downstairs. It looks as if it is made of chocolate with a wrapping, but it is actually a little stone statue. Ron gave it to me years ago. One of these things that take up space in your closet and only comes out for a month (max) a year, but it is nice.
Below: Ron put a chair out in the garden with a little side table for me to sit in the sun. Well, it made a pretty picture, but I will leave it till next week as it is still too cold in our garden at the moment. Watson wanted to photobomb.
(Link to original post in 2017 wearing the dress with cognac coloured knee high boots.)
Below: Eefje is another friend who paid me a visit and we also went to town to have a drink and a chat. Gorgeous woman with a big heart. We’ve been friends for about 38 years now. We don’t see each other much, but we just pick up where we left off. I had also forbidden her to bring chocolates or flowers. She found a way around it and brought me a big bottle of olive oil from their own olive trees.
Thursday was a day of rest. No sunshine, no visitors.
Below: On one of my walks I saw these beautiful houses.
Friday it was Helga’s turn to look me up (see Helga below); she always looks great. I feel so blessed to have so many wonderful friends.
Late that afternoon Ron and I went to check out a new restaurant in the neighbourhood. They offer coffee (and sweets), lunch, drinks and a simple evening meal. Yay.
Below: I wore this outfit, which appalled Ron. He nearly didn’t want to go out with me. Thought I looked ridiculous. Oh well, tastes differ. It is the tiered ruffle skirt from Hope Fashion UK (which company is regrettably out of business), worn with combat boots, a dress (you can only see the top bit of it) and a black top for warmth.
Greetje
I think that last outfit is absolutely FAB, Greetje!! Men can be funny, sometimes, right?! lol As for the first outfit, I reckon that striped jacket would look very cool with a pair of wide-legged white (?) trousers. I do like it with the jeans though.
It’s so sweet how all your friends brought you gifts. even when you told them not to. Shows how much they love you!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
Oh, I do have a pair of wide-legged white trousers but I think I have tried it on that and it was too wide on wide?
But I also have a pair of off-white high rise jeans. They will probably work as well.
I am so glad you are recovering, Greetje, and my apologies for not commenting for the last couple of posts (life has been busy) – I did read them!
Yay, your friends love you and spoiled you, that’s awesome. Just accept the love.
Love all your outfits, in particular the last one! That’s very much in my style wheelhouse – I’d wear my Adidas tulle skirt and plastic jacket and walk alongside you! L is not a fan of this sporty look on me either, lol.
I enjoyed your reminisce of the Vancouver meet-up – can you believe it’s 8 years ago? I’m planning on a trip to Europe within the next 5 years, btw – going to be visiting your area!
Never apologize for not reading or commenting. Believe me, I know that life gets in the way of reading blogs. And you even read them!! It is fine, whatever you do. I present the post, but I am not offended if you don’t read it.
I am accepting the love of my friends in gratitude.
The last look with the tiered ruffle skirt I would adjust a little. I don’t like the black top sleeves peeping from under the orange dress. For the rest it is just a matter of taste.
Coming to Europe? Wow. I would love, love, love to show you around in my neck of the woods. My favourite country in Europe is Italy. One big open museum with fantastic food.
Looking at these pics, no-one would ever think you were recovering from major surgery – you look fantastic. I’m Team Open Jacket too with a man’s tie knot or a soft knot at the back. Misja looks great too, the sparkly glasses and especially the coat/jacket – that colour really suits her. Wishing you a continued rapid recovery!
Ah..thank you Liz, but never be deceived by a photo. It is just the capture of one moment and can be deceiving. But I do agree, I am recovering pretty well. A bit better every day.
I was so in love with Misja’s coat when she first had it, that I ordered it too (in orange). I am a copycat. Unfortunately it didn’t look half as nice on me as on her, so I sent it back.
Love the jacket worn open with the flares and red booties! I would tie the belt in a square knot (right over left, left over right) in back. But mostly I love seeing that you’re getting out and about a bit, on the mend, and being cared for by your wonderful funny husband and fabulous chic friends.
I think the knot at the back wouldn’t be comfortable if you sit down on a seat with a back.
My health is improving a little bit every day.
I think I like the jacket best open too. Here’s a trick I saw recently for tying the belt in the back: do it like a man’s tie. I’ll see if I can find the video again and send to you.
I’ll say it again, but your friends are a mighty stylish bunch! Love Misja’s eyewear.
I agree with you, I should wear the jacket open. Looking forward to receiving the video.
I agree about the man’s tie knot at the back – was just thinking the same. I used to do that with a trenchcoat I had years ago. Looks really neat (in both senses of the word!).
As I said to Sarah, because the fabric is quite thick, I think a knot at the back, however neat, will be uncomfortable when you sit down. It will be quite bulky.
I like the red and white jacket. I think it looks fantastic with the jeans and red boots. Have you also tried it with your cream pants?
Keep walking; hoping the temperature warms up a bit soon.
Aren’t friends the best? I don’t know what I would do without mine. They make everything better. (Love their gifting creativity too!)
Onward you go.
Oh of course, my cream trousers…totally forgot about that possibility. Thanks for reminding me.
As I always say, friends are the salt of the earth. Like you, I wouldn’t know what to do without them. I could never move to another country for that reason (and other reasons).
This week the temperatures are still going to be blah.. I have so many more options to get dressed with my sensitive tummy when the temperatures are higher.
I love this blazer, with this delicate and beautiful print, the outfit with the jeans is very nice and the sports shoes look great on it. I love your earrings. I like to see you with these informal looks but with a touch of class,
Oh hello my friend. Glad to “see” you again. Thank you for your kind words. Especially “a touch of class” makes me sing.
Greetje, you do just crack me up! …and Ron has a great sense of humour too! You two are well matched.
My guy doesn’t take the most flattering shots either, but I’m happy just to be in some of our various holidays…sometimes when later going through the photos, it’s like I wasn’t there !
You have lovely friends… they’re like gold…and of course they want to bring you some sort of cheer when visiting. But I do understand about chocolate spots! I had one at Christmas too…chocolate the culprit of course! Maybe that shows we are still young… to get a pimple in our later years! Ha!
I have had the same challenge with belts on a trench coat and jacket.
I found tying a soft knot at the back worked, and with the coat that way, I look slimmer and a wee bit taller without a cinched in waist…at 5’3″ every little bit helps…not your worry!
You are looking much better, so those treats and walks are working their magic.
No idea why I made you crack up, but that is most of the times when readers tell me that. I’ll go back to the part that they laughed over and often think “Was that funny?”
I do have lovely friends, I agree.
Women are often not in family holiday photos; usually because they are knocking their own figure and don’t want to be photographed. Such a shame.
I am still getting a little bit better every day, but I have lesser days too. As I don’t have any patience at all, it is hard. Especially because I cannot wear 95% of my wardrobe because of the sensitive tummy.
Love jacket open, dark jeans and red boots.
Hahaha Linda, I bet you were in a hurry when you commented. Thank you, I agree.
Hello You
You’re looking better than ever so the recovery must be going well. Good.
Now, I reckon the red jacket looks best undone and paired with your flared jeans and red boots. I’m not a fan of breast pockets but it (the jacket) seems to hang better when unbelted and the unflattering pockets aren’t so noticeable then. I see that your split personality jacket’s had an outing again – okaay – but I’m saying NOTHING about your going-out-with-Ron outfit! Now, Helga’ dress…lovely!
Don’t you just love having friends like me?!
Seriously, I’m so pleased that you’re out walking and doing all the right things. You take care…
Hugs
Gee xxx
Whahaha… I take it you agree with Ron. I don’t mind. I love the skirt, but I didn’t style it all that well this time. Trying to keep warm and keeping my sensitive tummy in mind, is limiting my options.
I also like the red and white jacket undone more. Glad I found this option.
I think sometimes you’re too hard on yourself, Greetje! I think that first outfit looks fantastic on you. Comfortable, casual, yet so put together. I know that you have to like what you see in the mirror though, so you should always wear what you like (even if Ron doesn’t really like it!)
I do listen to Ron as he is a good stylist but sometimes our tastes differ. I love that tiered ruffle skirt, but I will admit that the black sleeves underneath the orange sleeves is not something I like, so I would combine it differently next time. I just don’t have many options post-operation.
I love the jacket with the dark jeans and red booties! I admire you for getting fully dressed everyday. If I am not going anywhere, it is hard for me to get out of sweats, a very bad habit! Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Believe me, I really have to fight walking around in sweats and slippers. It is so much more comfortable. Which is why I am so pleased if I have something on the agenda. A visiting friend or a place to go to. It means I have to dress up.
But I will also admit that I don’t like myself if I look in the mirror and I am walking around in my sweats yet again. So it pleases me to get dressed (up).
Glad you’re recovering. Summer is on its way which will improve things too. Don’t overdo anything. Better to go slowly. You can speed up later. Looking good
I am trying not to overdo anything as I am fully aware that will only set me back, but patience is not a virtue I possess. Warmer weather would be so welcome as I have several summer dresses I could wear with my sensitive tummy. In winter I always have to use thick tights or skirts underneath a dress or skirt, which is highly uncomfortable at the moment.
I like that red and white jacket. What about your leather pants and a red shell underneath the jacket? Or dressy navy slacks with the jacket? You can do a lot with it! Even gray slacks.
My leather trousers (sorry, I am always using the GB word for pants), are jogging trousers and they are not easy to style because of the footwear and the cuff. Besides, I think black leather trousers might be a little too harsh with the summery red and white of the jacket. Dressy trousers I have not tried yet, so I could try that. I only have blue and green trousers that fit that description.
Glad to see that you are feeling better. Love all your outfits and those of your friends. Have a great week!
Thanks Anne. Most of the outfits in this post you have seen before, but I bet you will not remember all of them. (At least I hope so.)
I have a similar jacket in red and the long material belt bugs me. So now I either wear it without a belt or with a different ‘proper’ belt. I got this idea from Sheila of Ephemera as she always ditches material belts and adds her own. I gather the belt bugs you too so maybe try a wide white belt (that fits in the loops) if you have one. I love Marjolein’s jumper too. Your flower pot chocolate is so cool, as is the owl puzzle. I love walking. Once one develops the habit it is difficult to stop. Take care Greetje.
Wide belts are no good to me as I have a short upper body and my waist is only an inch or so high.
But I am fine with wearing the jacket open. It is all about feeling good in an outfit, right?
I could easily see how you can get used to the habit of walking. Unfortunately that won’t happen to me as long as I have my knee trouble.
I have that same tiered skirt ! I have worn it with a sequin tshirt but this gives me more ideas
Thank you
I need to buy more fitted tops to go with this skirt, but that is tricky. They cannot be body-hugging as that would reveal a bulging stomach. And they cannot be wide because then the proportions are wrong and everything gets wide. Any fun T-shirt would do really, only I don’t wear T-shirts because I don’t want to show my upper arms anymore. I know I shouldn’t care but I really don’t like that wrinkled skin.
I am very happy you are doing well. You look great! And aren’t your friends marvelous? Good times with good friends.
Indeed, with a lot of boredom in between haha. No, just kidding, I am doing fine and I am getting better every day.