Another example of an outfit I don’t really love. Again created with clothes already in my wardrobe, but the result is not particularly striking. The brown patterned skirt is one that I bought some time ago, when a friend of mine was trying it on. Once a garment is on a person, I get an idea whether I want it or not. If it is on a hanger in a rack, it will only catch my eye when it is, well…an eye catcher.
You have seen the skirt before in this post with a neon green top. I liked it better that way.
The brown jumper I am wearing (really soft) you have seen in this post with patterned trousers.
Anyway, Loes photographed me even though her time was limited. Luckily we didn’t have to drive too far as I had discovered this entrance to a little car park nearby, with mural art.
Below: As the outfit is a bit drab, it works well with colourful backgrounds.
Below: I admit, I did some photoshopping to get rid of grates and electricity boxes, spoiling the art. The tan belt is ancient, the boots you know by now (still favourites) and the Furla bag is also old. My cobbler gave the bag a good clean and repaired a few things. It is a light-coloured summer bag and it suffers from my sweaty hands.
Below: Pretending to dance with this fellow.
Below: Loes was holding hands with him.
Below: I give you the murals without me standing in front of it. The artist Phylos Donkertino has a website (https://www.phylosdonkertino.com/).
Below: And a close-up of the necklace. A friend of mine who passed away, made this necklace (in 2009 I think). See my post with Chunky necklaces (15 of them).
That’s the outfit for this week.
What happened in my life this week
Of course I visited mum and Ron came with me. The three of us sat on a terrace and had a drink but only for a short while. The sun was out and so was the wind.
Ron and I saw the film Wicked little letters. Good one! I really enjoyed it.
My half-year visit to the dentist brought me nothing but compliments. Yay. As it happens, my dentist is only one street away from the house of my friend Nicoline. So I phoned her and she was home. Not in a state to be photographed so you only get a photo of me this time (below). The colours of my Essentiel Antwerp jumper match splendidly with the painting.
In the afternoon I popped by Wil, my former help, who is now retired. I tried to fill in her tax form, but she missed the essential “key”. Better luck next week. We had a good chat.
My friend Anja facetimed me for one and a half hour from Spain. Always great to catch up. Next time we will both have a cup of coffee while we chat, just like we did in real life when she was still living 2 houses down from us.
I had to do a lot of shopping and cooking and fetching and lifting as Ron still cannot use his right hand too much. He is fine with getting dressed and driving his car, which is already a huge relief.
Marcella came round for a cappuccino. Below a hazy “David Hamilton” photo.
Below: Wore this outfit this week. It is the same as in this post with the Shopping Saturday girls, only now I am wearing the right trainers with these flared jeans. (I washed them and rinsed them with vinegar. Hopefully they don’t stain my trainers anymore.)
Been very busy trying to create new outfits with stuff from my wardrobe. Succeeded once (the rest wasn’t up to scratch). And I succeeded in creating a good outfit with my new black blazer. You will see that next week.
Marjolein (below) took the photos of the new black blazer in sunny The Hague.
Below: This week’s flowers…tulips again.
Greetje
Actually, I think you look good in that outfit! And brown is having a moment…
That is very sweet of you to say but it doesn’t feel like me. Brown might be having a moment, but not with me haha.
I think that brown is a classic color and the combination was very nice. That said, I would probably like it best in fall. In spring I want bright colors and you look so good in them. Would the brown skirt work with a pink sweater? I think that you have one.
Also, the skirt might look great with a cream colored silk blouse. Not a bright color, but again a classic look.
Loved the murals!
Yes, the skirt would work with a pink sweater and yes I have pink tops. I just don’t love the skirt anymore. And I only like classic looks if there is a modern twist to it.
I love how authentic you are! Willing to show yourself on best days and the not-so-best ones. I enjoy all of your posts and you continue to inspire me.
What a nice thing to say. It all stems from not taking yourself too seriously. Looking at yourself and have a laugh or a giggle now and then. Besides, this blog’s main goal is to entertain and bad outfits can be very entertaining haha.
Sorry, not a fan of the brown outfit. I think it hides the light and energy that shine out of you in your other more colorful outfits.
I read this article in today’s New York Times about getting rid of clothes and thought you might enjoy it. The books mentioned sound interesting too.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/18/style/keep-clothes-too-small.html?unlocked_article_code=1.dk0.ZHkZ.ka-t5RBkpzXu&smid=url-share
Have a good week!
I am not a fan of the brown outfit either but the photos were taken and I don’t mind sharing my lesser outfits. It shows I am a normal human person and not a stylist and perhaps you can pick up a few tips from my mistakes.
I read the article in the New York Times. It was solid advice, that’s the way I do it as well. Give away or have a seamstress alter it. I definitely am not quilting haha.
I love that you post not just the ensembles that you deem successes. Helps me to assess my own choices as I “shop my wardrobe” . For what it’s worth I like you in browns for a change.. I think the cool toned pale boots and bag are the problem.. if they were warm toned cognac/tan like the belt then they wouldn’t compete with your hair. But yes, I agree with other correspondents that you always look most cheerful in brighter colours..
My husband suggested tan boots as well. I do have tan boots but they are flat riding boots and it really didn’t look nice. I am afraid this skirt is going to a new home.
There’s something a bit “English aristocratic countrywoman” about your outfit! I agree with Susan that a pop of colour would help (or a completely different top, as you did before). The necklace is a real stand-out piece, it’s gorgeous. Love the murals too!
Hahaha, “English aristocratic countrywoman”, that is so not me. The murals saved this post.
For me, I am not attracted to many clothing items that are shades of brown. I agree that bright colors are your forte. I am glad your husband is doing well.
I am not keen on brown either. I now have a few items of it in my wardrobe but it will never get my love.
Hello, You
Ha, I like that outfit in its entirety! I do agree though with the other ladies who say it needs a pop of colour so I would add a bright lipstick and increase the bling. Keep your late friend’s lovely necklace of course, but I’d put on an extra bracelet and several rings. I know less is more usually, but I believe that with a one-tone outfit you can up the ante and get away with it. I’d call that outfit dark academic style – and it would certainly suit me!
Glad Ron’s hand is improving, and that you both enjoyed time with your Mama. Watch out for that wind!
Have a good week.
Gee x
Whatever I will add to the outfit, it will never be “me”. I liked it better in the original styling with the neon green top but still find it not good enough.
I think, Greetje, you are not a lover of classic clothing on yourself. The brown outfit, was classic dressing. Classic does not have enough pizzaz for you, hence why you liked the classic skirt paired with the green top, which adds the pizzaz.
You nailed it Marianne. A very good analysis.
Greetje,
Wonderful blog! I really like that skirt! I noticed on the side seam they appeared to match all of those lines! Very nerve wracking! That necklace is the prefect accessory and trending right now! I agree that A different color would pop that skirt! I would put the blue in that bird’s head in the muriel. Blue and brown are a good combination. I think the skirt needs bright saturated color. If you want a light top, your cream top with the ribbons that I love would be good. The ribbon top would make a wonderful black and white outfit too.
Nice to hear your mom is doing well. Please tell Ron we send him good wishes for a speedy recovery for his hand, give a Watson a pat on the head for me and take care.
Ron is doing absolutely fine and Watson runs so much and so recklessly that he sprains one of his legs regularly. It is always better the next day.
I gave a link in the post to the first styling of the skirt with a neon green top. I think that was much better.
The combination is really a bit muted in tone and the animal print is not my favorite. But I love the paintings that adorn your post and also your friend’s necklace. I do like the multicolored sweater and the green one with jeans, too.
Was this an animal print? Hadn’t noticed that.
I promise I will try and do better with the next posts.
Choosing the mural background was inspiring…do you suppose Phylos Donkertino is a real name…Donkers is a Dutch name ,right?
Greetje, I choose those frilly tulips too if I can find them.Such a spring treat!
I do like the brown outfit, but Susan B’s suggestion about a pop of colour is correct. The bag and boots, as lovely as they are don’t do what’s needed. I also think your body shows the flared skirt off very well.
I love your collection of chunky necklaces. What a talented woman your friend was! You have reminded me , seeing the little drop cameo, that I have a beautiful cameo brooch of my Mum’s that Dad had bought while in Italy during WWII. The Three Graces … I must remember to wear. A lovely lady who makes her own “beads of love” into chunky necklaces has developed Parkinson’s, which is now impeding her kiln work, and actions that require fine dexterity. Such a cruel disease. Happily , spring is showing up with daffodils, hyacinths and flowering plum trees here on Vancouver Island. Not long before the rhododendrons and azaleas make a long show of colour throughout my garden. 🌸🪻🌷.
Yep Phylos Donkertino apparently is his name. Here is a link to his website https://www.phylosdonkertino.com/
I will add that to the blog post.
The skirt tends to show a belly so I am not that keen on it. Of course I am only showing you the photos where this isn’t that obvious. And yes, in the original styling I used a neon green top which was much better.
Do wear that cameo brooch or if you don’t wear brooches much, ask a jeweller to make a pendant of it and wear it as a necklace.
I saw all the beautiful flowers on Vancouver Island in Sheila’s (Ephemera) blog post.
I liked the outfit Greetje, especially that stunning necklace. Nice you have something so lovely to remind you of your friend. I understand why you might not like it much as you love color yet you are right on trend with quiet luxury. I have some great jeans that impart blue on my hands so vinegar is the trick, eh? Love seeing photos of your friends who always seem to dress so smart. Thank you for your blog.
I agree about the necklace. That is a really nice one. Quiet luxury is something I like, but I want it with an edgy twist.
Add half a cup of vinegar to the last rinse of the wash and that should do it. I am not certain yet that it really helped but on the other hand, I did wear them with white trainers and didn’t see blue on them.
As soon as I saw the title, I thought this is an outfit that Greetje won’t like! You are always happier with vibrant colour and even I, who likes the colour brown, find it a bit drab. I agree with Susan that adding a pop of colour somewhere in the outfit would probably make you happier.
I was happier with the first styling of this skirt (with a neon green top), so yes, colour would help, but it is just not a good outfit for me. Funny that you already knew from the title.
It’s a fine outfit, but more subdued than what you usually like. There’s no “wow” factor, which I think is what you feel is missing. Adding some color in the bag & belt might get it to where you’d want.
Love the murals!
I am not going to try to improve this outfit. It just isn’t me.
Not a fan of the brown outfit — but I love the one you wore to the dentist, LOL. And — what incredible tulips! Wow! I had no idea they even came in that shape and color — absolutely beautiful.
The tulips are so-called double tulips. Tulips come in every colour of the rainbow and always have names.
yes, I agree. Not my favorite outfit for you. I don’t like it because I hate the brown color. I never wear that color. I looked at the other post with the green top and I like that better. It livens up the skirt. It’s warm here again in Florida so I am now wearing shorts and tee shirts. But our “winter” was 3 months long this time so I got to wear a lot of sweaters and pants. I was very happy!
Your winter was 3 months long haha. Ours usually stretches from October to April. Not exactly true as the real winter is from December to the end of February, but we might wear shorts and tee shirts for three months.
Whilst your jumper, skirt and necklace are lovely, I’m feeling too much brown. The outfit doesn’t do you justice, not your normal pizzazz. Fun location!
I totally agree with your comment.
I like this outfit Greetje. Lovely skirt.
There isn’t much wrong with the skirt but I like the original styling of it more.
I think you are getting some great outfits from your wardrobe. Eye-catching spontaneous buys are often not so successful.
They can be successful but often not easy to combine or not at all. Which means you’ll get little wear out of them.
Looking gorgeous Greetje!!! The colours work so well together and are only complimented by your lovely boots hun!!!! Thank you for posting!!!
Hugs and Kisses,Paula,XXX
Funny as I really am not fond of this outfit. But I’ll take your compliment with gratitude.