When you read this post, the baby blue midi skirt is already gone. I gave it to Marjolein because after seeing the photos, I didn’t like it on me. It is by a good brand but it isn’t a big loss as I bought it in the King’s Day sale, which means it didn’t set me back much.
Below: When I tried different tops with the skirt, I soon figured out that it is not an easy skirt for me. It gives me a short upper body and a big belly.
I first tried it with high heeled sandals, which I still think is nice but also a little bit old fashioned.
Below: I sent the above photo to Marjolein and she replied: “Might also work well with trainers.” Of course it would. More modern and more comfortable. Especially because we were going to do a photo shoot in Leiden, which means a lot of walking.
As you can see above, I had elongated my short upper body by tying the belt of the dress around my waist. I thought it looked fine, ready to do the shoot.
We wandered through Leiden, which is a lovely old town with no shortage of picturesque backgrounds. I have done more photo shoots here (see this post and this post).
Below: A red door is too good to pass up. It took a while to get a decent photo though as the light kept hitting my belly and when the wind blew against my skirt, that belly became even more pronounced.
Below: Marjolein, my friend and photographer of the day. She looked very stylish, as always, I might add.
Below: Just walking around, you’ll pass many buildings like this. Old and well maintained. See how the top is supported by an iron bar at the back? And the black lines on the building are bars to fortify the structure.
Below: As we turned around we saw a row of old ships, which are monuments. People actually live in them and the same rules apply as for a monument house.
Below: The weather was beautiful and many people were on the canals with their boats. Barges are used to expand café terraces.
Below: Lovely to sit on one of those terraces and watch the boats go by.
Below: We went shopping (we always do and there are so many shops in Leiden…). Marjolein did not buy these trousers but was tempted. I bought a top (in the sale) which you will see next week.
Below: Leiden’s magnificent buildings. I am showing a few in one go, as there will be people who are bored with watching photos of old buildings. They can skip them.
Below: The above building was too good a background opportunity to pass up.
Below: I took this photo with my iPhone on Panorama mode. Worked out well. It is the old Town Hall, built in the 16th century. In 1929 the whole building burned to the ground except the facade. They preserved the facade and built a whole new building behind it. Several Pilgrims were married here, like William Bradford and Dorothy May.
Below: Cute corner at the top.
Below: Little alleys and terraces everywhere. Across the road was a lovely vintage store.
Below: At the vintage store, Marjolein found these silver sandals by AGL, a pretty expensive brand. You can tell the quality when you look at the inside of the straps across the toes. So cleverly done. Although vintage they weren’t cheap, but they fitted her so well, the heel is a good heel to walk in and they were never worn. What a find.
Below: The sitting pose.
Below: Against an ancient door with the wind billowing the skirt.
Below: “Now, where did I leave my marbles???”
Below: Sun damage on my skin is clearly visible in this close-up. But it is what it is. The earrings are corrugated cardboard by Dorisse of Paper Statement. She has a shop on Etsy. Marcella of Lara Design changed the upper part of the earrings for me.
Below: And this is Marjolein’s earring.
At the end of the day we sat down on a terrace of an Italian restaurant called City Hall or Trattoria Italiana City Hall. Fantastic cappuccinos and they weren’t funny about serving it in the afternoon. The tiramisu cake was delicious. The service was personal, very friendly and impeccable. I wouldn’t mind eating there one evening.
Below: At the side of the terrace is the main entrance of the City Hall. This is the newly built part behind the old facade (see photo Town Hall above).
Below: Our view from the terrace. The only thing marring the view are those bicycles.
Marjolein and I had a wonderful time. We know each other so well, that it happened more than once that she said something which I was thinking exactly the same at the same moment. Like when we saw this fountain below. She said: “We have our very own Trevi Fountain.” I was thinking the same sentence at the same time she said it. Spooky.
Pretty as this fountain may be, it is a far cry from the Trevi Fountain in Rome but still.
We laughed so much that day, that one moment I even wet my pants a little. I am not finished with the pelvic floor exercises yet haha. Never mind that, it is sooo nice to laugh together so loudly.
Below: As we walked back to the station, we saw this sign on a shop window saying “Closed today for a photo shoot.”. Very fitting.
What happened in my life this week
Again, like last week, shenanigans around mum’s rented house and some hard work to clear this house. Ron got help from my brother last Sunday. They were both shattered. Anke and I helped as well but we mostly reorganised mum’s clothes in her new place as she got an additional wardrobe.
Below: One day I decided to dress up nicely again, but it was only for two hours. Then I had to change again into something more sensible for doing chores. When you have to bring a carload of wood and iron to the waste disposal site, you dress differently.
I had a nice evening, dining out with Helga (below). Good food, great company.
Below: And I wore this that night (link to original post). It was clean when I took it out of my wardrobe, but not for long. I stained the vest during dinner. I am hopeless.
The rest of the week was quiet.
Below: Relaxed Friday outfit. Link to original post.
Note
Due to various reasons I have taken the decision not to feature mum on my blog anymore, I am sorry.
Greetje
I love it when you share photos of the old buildings because they are always so beautiful. And this certainly looks like a gorgeous old town. I giggled when you said you laughed so much you peed your pants a little! The wonders of getting older, eh?!
Such a shame you decided you didn’t like the skirt. I’m like that with skirts. I have to love it otherwise it’s going. And I don’t wear them very often anyway. I much prefer trousers or dresses. I don’t know why. Probably because I’m only 5ft 3 and a half!!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
I still have to continue my pelvic floor exercises. It isn’t bad but I want zero accidents.
With skirts I have problems with foot wear and with tops. Trousers are easier, although I have to find my perfect top again for high waisted wide trousers. Problems: short torso, fat waist which is only 2 cm high.
I love the different shoes you paired with the baby blue skirt. The outfit was refreshing. You and your friends have good figures and it inspires me. Thanks for the pics of the local sites. I enjoy seeing the architectur, designs and paint colors.
Glad you enjoyed the post Lisa. I wasn’t really happy with the skirt, so it found a new home.
Echo everyone else… love the architecture, canals, parks, boats and your photo shoot excursions with your many good friends… and your writing… will miss seeing you mom, and wish her all the best in her new home! Life has its seasons…wish we could stay in spring much longer : )
Every season has its merits, you just have to be able to recognise them. But then again, spring has always been my favourite season haha.
I started my blog with only outfit photos. Most of my friends were kind enough to agree to be featured. And then I noticed that a good background creates a nicer photo and the canals, architecture etc. became a must. My blog evolved.
Hi Greetje,
I just had to leave a comment (my first one) on your site today. I love all the photos of your outfits, friends, and also the town and building photos. Please tell your mother how much I will miss seeing her beautiful smiling face on your blog. I hope her new home works out for her!
Hi Lois, thanks for your comment and all the lovely compliments. I very much appreciate them. Mum reads my blog so she will also read your comment. I might show a photo of her now and then in the future but not on a weekly basis anymore.
I am pleased that you like my blog so much.
I really look forward to seeing your blog. I particularly like the buildings and canals which are totally beautiful, Holland and the Dutch people are so blessed. Your clothes combinations give me ideas for myself. It is such a happy blog – lovely scenery, lovely friends and I will miss your Mum. I hope she stays happy and well. Thank you for your entertaining diaries. Barbara
Holland may be beautiful, but on the down side of things we have our fickle weather haha.
I am glad you enjoy my blog. My intend is happiness, making people smile, perhaps even laugh. It all started with outfits as I am mad about clothes as you will have noticed. Slowly the old buildings and surroundings crept in.
I am a longtime reader( seldom comment) of your vlog. I really enjoy your pictures of scenery and old buildings.
Kindest wishes to your mother from Tasmania.
Thanks for the good wishes Anne. My mother reads my blog, including the comments, so she will see yours too.
I am glad you enjoy my blog. It started with only outfits, but as a nice background makes a picture better, I started to look for old buildings. My posts evolved.
I like the blouse with the blue skirt. Very cool and attractive. Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos.
Sorry Linda, but the blue skirt found another home. On the photos that I didn’t use, you could see my belly too much. I deleted them.
I love the skirt, it is very pretty. I like the delicate color, the flow, the length… everything is very feminine and elegant. The blouse is beautiful, very elegant, and it looks great in this look to give it more strength. Sandals or sports? Two options and both pretty, each one has its function, but I love sandals. Some beautiful urban photos. I like your printed dress, it is very original.
I know that you love these feminine skirts, but in all other photos (which I deleted) the skirt shows my belly. Not flattering.
My printed dress from RIXO is still a favourite.
It is always a pleasure to see lovely dutch towns in your blog. The light blue skirt is nice but hard to keep clean I presume, so very good to give away , haha.
I am sorry to hear about your mum. It is hard when parents are getting old and need more attention from ‘mantelzorgers’ . I wish you strenght!
Keeping things clean has never been a reason for me not to want or keep something (I am thinking silk ecru blouses…). But showing my belly is a no-no. Of course I deleted all those photos LOL.
My mum reads my blog and the comments so she will see your good wishes.
Actually, now that she has moved into a nursing home, I have less worries, as I know there is always someone there to help her. I am an hour’s drive away. So nothing changes much for me. I still call her every evening and I still visit her every week. And gladly. But knowing she is safe is great. Now I am hoping that she will settle in and is going to like it.
Always enjoy the staged city photos, but my fav outfits are the last two – the very stylish green vest/slacks and cute coral pink top with rolled white pants. I’ll miss hearing about mum in your weekly blog, wishing her much happiness as she settles into her new home. 💗
That green vest/trousers combination gets a lot of approval. I should wear it more often.
I don’t always get it right, outfit wise. Sometimes I get it wrong. Oh well, we live and learn as they say. Only I never seem to learn LOL.
I think all your outfits were fabulous, including the blue skirt. Never saw the belly. You are such a joy to me. On Instagram the most real person I follow.
xo
Lynda
Ah…you didn’t see the belly because I deleted all the photos that showed the belly LOL.
Funny that you mention Instagram. I only post on IG to advertise my blog and because “you need to be there”. It doesn’t have my love as I can be far more honest and real on my blog.
Thanks for another wonderful post. The buildings in Leiden are really lovely, and oh, how I wish I was relaxing on the water at the outdoor cafe. I will miss seeing your Mother but time and circumstances change us all and we must adapt. I agree with your opinion of the blue skirt but the rest of your outfits looked great, especially the green vest and pants. Here’s to another good week!
I don’t mind showing outfits which are not so good because I cannot always get it right. Although with all the experience, you’d think that by now I know what to do/buy and what not to do/buy. Alas. I am still making mistakes.
The green vest and trousers should get some more outings.
I’m sorry to hear that we won’t see your mum on the blog any more – please wish her all the best for her new home!
Mum reads my blog and the comments so she will see your good wishes.
The blue shirt was not you. Not dramatic enough I think. I have the belly problem too. Never tuck anything in. Yuck! Sorry to hear your mum won’t be on the blog. By the way, how if your knee? You still wear a lot of flat shoes. I always also love to see what your friends wear.
Well, the blue skirt found a nice new home. I agree on your analysis.
I can tuck things in at the front, but it is much easier with mid rise trousers/skirts than with high rise.
The knee is still bothering me a lot. I go to the physiotherapist every week for treatment. Sometimes it keeps me from sleeping. Both my doctor and physiotherapist advise me not to get a new (artificial) knee, unless I really cannot walk anymore. Apparently it often goes wrong. I need flat shoes now because my life style has changed so much. I now have to walk a lot more and then high heels are really too uncomfortable. But I miss them.
I love the photos of old buildings in places I’ll never visit.
My blog has become an odd combination of outfits and old buildings. They have little to do with each other but that is the way my blog developed.
Not a fan of the skirt, but absolutely love the look of Leiden!
I totally agree with you. The skirt found a good home and Leiden is just one example of the many old towns we have in the Netherlands.
Greetje,
I really loved that blue skirt, especially with the tie but you have to be happy with yourself! Everyone looked so very nice, and I want Marjolein’s white eyelet tunic! The shoes she got were darling too!
The buildings are fantastic as usual. So much beautiful architecture!
Please tell your mom that I hope she enjoys her new home.
I agree, no matter how many people say you look good in something, if you don’t feel good, it will shine through and ruin the look.
Marjolein knows how to dress and is just as crazy about clothes as I am.
Hi Greetje…you are right – the blue skirt is most definitely not “you”. It seemed somehow to cut you in half.
The green vest and trousers look stunning though…much more your style.
What a brilliant example of finding the right style for your body type.
You’d think that by now, I know what suits me and what not. That I won’t come home with bad purchases anymore, but no, I still make mistakes. Strange.
Really liked all the outfits, but I’m sure you won’t miss the blue skirt. And the “travel”photos are always so lovely. I just loved each part of the Netherlands I was able to see.
There are many more beautiful old cities but they are a few hours’ drive away, which is a bit much for a blog post photo shoot.
The blue skirt has found a good home and you are right, I won’t miss it.
Aw, I understand not featuring mum anymore, that’s cool. Sending her good vibes for her new home!
I love the multi-print dress. I am in agreement over the midi-skirt – it’s rather bleh and doesn’t really do anything for you. Not dramatic enough for you, Greetje!
I never tire of the lovely old buildings. So nice to see you and your friends.
The skirt found a good home. The multi print dress is from RIXO London. I fell so in love with it, years ago. I used to wear it with really high red patent leather peep-toe shoes. You know the kind, the Fxck me Shoes. I still have them but they are really too high for my life style now.
I so enjoy visiting your city with all the lovely photos of buildings, it’s like a mini holiday in my inbox. Also love the honesty in how you explain your outfits. It’s like talking to a friend. Thanks for all the effort you put into these wonderful posts.
It is an odd mix, isn’t it? Old buildings and outfits. That is just how it organically came about.
Love those old buildings! Pretty ladies too.
Always when I am photographing old buildings I say to my friend: “My readers love them.” LOL
What lovely buildings you always find! I love being an armchair tourist on your photo shoots. You wear such gorgeous clothes in this post; my favourite is the matching vest and pants. So chic and flattering.
Sending positive thoughts that soon your mom will be happily settled and the house issues settled.
Thank you for your good wishes. I agree with you on the green vest and trousers. That is a nice set. Luckily I could get the stain out on the vest. The Netherlands has a lot of old towns and of course I choose them for their picturesque settings.
Hello You
I know just how you felt in that skirt as I often have the same problem. A big tummy can be a real nuisance! I reckon you cracked it though by putting your blouse’s belt around your waist. It made all the difference, clever girl! That said, I’d go for your Friday outfit every time; it’s just right for relaxing.
Lovely pics of your country as usual. Who wrote the quote on the building opposite the Two Cups cafe? I feel I should know, but I don’t and I can’t quite read the name shown at the end. Put me out of my misery, if you can!
Have a good week
Gee x
I can put you out of your misery. The text on the building opposite the Two Cups cafe is The Universal Declaration of Human Rights – the United Nations, article 1. I just typed in the whole text in Google and got the answer. Google can be very annoying and too nosy but it can also help a lot.
As for the outfit, yes I think the belt was a good idea as it elongated my short upper body. But my friend is now happy with the skirt.
Thank you for the tour of Leiden – it’s beautiful and your pictures make me want to visit! I love old buildings so I’m happy to look at photos of them.
I’m not a fan of the skirt on you, and you have so many other wonderful clothes! I’m glad you passed it on for Marjolein to enjoy.
Have a good week. Hope you are winning the war against your mother’s landlords!
You’d think that by now I know what clothes to buy and what not, but no, I still come home with things that just miss their mark. I decided to show the outfit anyway. It cannot always be a hit. Just as some posts will be better than others.
The last day of July we will see what will happen with the landlords.
I loved the pictures of the old buildings. Magnificent! And I never saw that “belly” that you mentioned. Loved the accents off red with the light blue skirt.
Ah…I carefully selected the photos where the belly isn’t showing haha. Deleted the rest. The accents of red started with the red lips which are on the polka dot dress (it is not a top but a dress). I always like to add a third colour.
Comment * So wunderbare Bilder aus Leiden! Die niederländische Touristik-Agentur sollte Ihnen unbedingt eine Bonuszahlung oder einen Zuschuß für Ihr Bekleidungs-Budget oder mindestens den Kaffee für Sie und Ihre Begleitung bezahlen!!!!
Ich finde “wohlfühlen” in unserer Kleidung ist ein wichtiges Kriterium, deshalb gefällt mir Ihr Freitags-Outfit auch sehr gut!
Liebe Grüße und alles Gute für Sie und die Familie und besonders für Ihre Mutter! Lassen sie Alle sich nicht Ihre Lebensfreude von unfreundlichen Menschen und Vermietern nehmen!!!!
Thank you for your comment Marie. I hope you don’t mind that I reply in English as my German is terrible. I can read and understand it, speak it a little “mit einem schrecklichen Akzent” but writing is another thing.
The Tourist Board is not going to pay me for my efforts as they all think we get too many tourists anyway.