The first appearance of my new black blazer, the first of my 10 new items this year. This is a landmark moment.
The blazer is by Joseph, a flipping expensive brand, offering top quality so you get your money’s worth. Question remains, can I afford it? One of my favourite shops in Haarlem, LAB Women’s Clothing, sells Joseph and as I told you two weeks ago, this blazer was now half price (come to mama, baby). Daphne, the owner is a sweet lady and a good stylist. She is in for the long term relationship and not for a quick sell, which means she is honest.
The white shirt I am wearing with this blazer (here in its full glory), also came from LAB Women’s Clothing. As I was contemplating buying the shirt or not, Daphne sent me home to check first how many white shirts I already had. How about that? I had a few but none were as modern as this one. It turned out to be a good investment as it fits with newer jumpers and with this blazer.
(You know I don’t get paid for good reviews, don’t you?)
Marjolein took the photos in old The Hague, where our government resides. We went to a tantalizing shopping street called Frederikstraat. We managed to go in and out of shops without buying anything. The 10 new items a year strategy is working well for me so far.
Below: The Netherlands have a strong connection with Indonesia (once our colony – shame on us). A lot of Indonesian people came to live in the Netherlands, many of them in The Hague. Which is why you see a riksja (rickshaw) behind me. It is meant as advertising for an Indonesian restaurant.
The scarf I am wearing is blue with red dots. Bought it years ago and never wore it. But I knew it would come in handy one day. I like this flow.
Below: I also fastened the scarf with a diamond brooch but didn’t like that in hindsight. The flow is gone. (Close-up of the brooch underneath this photo.)
Below: Diamond brooch.
Below: Another option is my Max Mara necklace. I bought it after my dear friend Pat’s funeral. She was such a good friend. I specifically bought it to remember her every time I wear it, although I don’t really need a momento.
The boots are quite old.
Below: The sun was out and the temperatures were high enough to leave my coat in the car. YAY. Sunglasses out, flowers blooming.
Below: Nature is art. Great photo by Marjolein.
Below: A closer look at the necklace.
Below: Marjolein, who was nearly mirroring me with blue, red and black and white (boots). Coincidence.
Below: Close-up of her boots.
Below: Marjolein painted her nails in different colours. Fun.
Below: Behind Marjolein was a beautiful old building with many original ornaments. We had coffee and lunch here (Barista Café, Frederikstraat, The Hague).
Below: We saw this little ‘plant library’, which I have never seen before. I know the cabinets as a free book library where you can leave a book you are finished with and take out another book that somebody else left there. These book cabinets / libraries can be found everywhere (at least in cities). The idea of this little cabinet apparently is to put plants there you don’t want anymore for anyone to take who needs a plant. Looks authentically wonky.
Below: We started to shop after lunch and I am really sorry but I don’t know the name of this gorgeous shop. The owner designs clothes, shoes and does interior decorating. We were very tempted and if they had had the green shoes we were eyeing, in our size, we would have bought them. They would have been worth to be the 2nd item of the 10. Alas.
Below: If you are ever in The Hague and you want to visit this shop, it won’t be hard to find. The Frederikstraat is not a long street and it is on the side with even numbers.
Below: Two more great buildings.
What happened in my life this week
Brought mum another top and a cardigan to try. She liked them both and kept them. After all, why not enjoy clothes even when you are 95?
Though it is hard to believe for most people, I am not good at styling. I don’t have the eye. Even worse, I look at a rack of clothes and my mind goes blank. As I have to create a lot of outfits just from my wardrobe, I asked Misja (blog MisjaB) to help me. I like her style and her eye for details, colour and her ability to avoid frumpiness. We know our tastes are somewhat different and Misja takes that into account when she advises something. I think it is really sweet when Misja says something is no good and then I say I really like it…she starts to apologize and is all “Oh dear, what did I say? It is of course, a matter of taste as well”. So sweet.
Anyhow, we (she) created quite a few new outfits with clothes I already have. The thing for me is, to embrace the fact that when I change a belt, or a necklace or a shirt, it counts as another outfit, another styling. I am so used to creating an outfit with (nearly) everything new, that it will take some getting used to. And for you too, dear readers.
Below: Misja.
One day this week, Ron asked me to come with him to the Teylers Museum, the oldest museum of the Netherlands. It was a bright and sunny day and I was wearing a newly created outfit by Misja. Going somewhere nice like the museum, usually makes for fun photos. Would Ron be so nice to take photos of me for the blog?? (He hates that.) And yes, he was kind enough to do a photo shoot. To make the day even more perfect, he invited me out for dinner that night.
Below: Of course he enjoyed it as much as I did. Lucky for him, I hardly drink alcohol so he could enjoy a drink because I drove home. He was drinking jenever and a beer, called a ‘kopstoot‘ (literally translated a ‘head butt’ but I think it is actually called a shot and a beer).
It was a terrific day. With all that warmth and sunshine, nature is awakening. See the magnolia tree below.
My friend Jeanne (below) came over and after a short while, the rain stopped and we went into town for lunch. It was good to catch up. She looked good.
Did the tax return for a friend. Even though it was super easy, I wanted to check what the tax computer had (pre) filled as I am a control freak. Only, my friend doesn’t have a computer, only iPads and that caused loads of difficulties in uploading documents. In the end we had to accept two figures that were already filled in.
In cases of computer/iPad/iPhone problems I get very angry and say words I shouldn’t. Sigh. My friend said it wasn’t that bad.
Loes and I did a photo shoot for the blog with afterwards a tea for her, a coffee for me and a chat for us both. Below: Loes with Watson who wouldn’t sit still because he is wagging his tail like mad.
Below: Great photo by Ron of Watson standing guard (or more likely, looking for birds).
Greetje
I’ve really enjoyed your blog today both your fashion and buildings too. Your weather is like ours in Wales.at the moment daffodils, magnolias and trees and shrubs bursting into life. Also photos of your canals we have them here but not like the Midlands and Northwards. I do like the blazer but not the flared trousers perhaps they will grow on me !!!!
Thanks Jacqueline. I bet these jeans will grow on you. They are more wide than flared as they are wide at the top of my tighs as well as the bottom. I wonder what you think of my man repeller jeans LOL.
Apologies– I have just found that Misja B also has a blog for English-reading followers! It came up on google.
These fashions uplift my day.
I am so glad to hear that. The goal of this blog is to entertain, to make people smile or even make them laugh. And ‘uplifting someone’s day” is just as good. Mission accomplished LOL. Thanks for letting me know.
Misja B is terrific (too)! I wish I could read her blog but unfortunately don’t understand Dutch. However I can enjoy the pictures…
I was telling you about the translation option on Misja’s blog, when I saw your second comment haha. Problem solved.
I really like this outfit Greetje – very cute!
xxx Yvonne
Thanks. I am trying to avoid frumpiness without buying a lot of new clothes and I don’t like a lot of the clothes that are already in my wardrobe. Challenge.
Hey Greetje! Sorry I haven’t been over for a while. You look absolutely fabulous in this outfit, in fact I think it might be one of my favourites! I’ve always been a fan of jeans, white shirt and blazer but I’ve never had a white shirt that I love. sigh. I hate it when they’re too stiff, it irritates me lol. One of these days, I will find one!
I also love the addition of the scarf or the necklace, they both look fab. And the red boots are the icing on the cake! Gorgeous!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
PS I’ve changed my blog back to the old, so you can find me (again) at http://www.suzyturner.com x
I should apologize for the same reason Suzy; haven’t been to your blog for a while either.
Isn’t it funny how a simple thing like a good white shirt, can be so difficult to find? I had the same problem, but this one is perfect. I will change your blog name on my list.
I really like this outfit: simple, sharp and modern. I think the scarf really makes it.
Watson is such a handsome boy, can’t wait to meet him!
I got it right then, with this outfit. Simple, sharp and modern are words that sing to me.
Watson is an enthusiastic boy. He will be all over you haha. Don’t worry, he listens very well so we can direct him to his “bed”.
I love the black blazer with the white shirt, scarf, wide trousers and boots. It’s a smart and stylish outfit. A bold and confident outfit.
It’s always nice to see the buildings and canals. What an appealing area.
You are ahead of us with spring. Our magnolias are not yet out in my town. Which turns out to be a good thing, because we’ve had very cold weather with freezes at night, which would ruin the blossoms. We’ve also had a lot of rain. It’s a bad combination for spring blooms.
As with many people, I cannot get enough of spring flowers. After we come out of winter, I enjoy every flower I see. I’m pulling together a post of flower photos for my own blog. I think that everyone is in the mood for spring!
Glad you like the outfit. I am quite pleased with it. And you are right, everybody is so keen on spring to start. I too enjoy every flower I see.
Ek lief jou Rooi stewels… pragtig..en ook jou Swart blazer…Ek is van Suid Afrika en die Taal is Afrikaans…naby Nederlands.
I can understand most of what you’ve written as Afrikaans is indeed very similar to Nederlands. I did look up rooi stewels haha.
Thank you for the compliments and I hope you don’t mind that I reply in English.
Oh yes! I like the beautiful black blazer with a white shirt and jeans. The boots add a nice touch. You look great! Beautiful Spring photos and of course I love photos of Watson. Thank you.
After this long winter and in my case (the Netherlands) endless periode with rain, rain and rain, I was so happy to feel the warmth and see the sun. I was also feeling happy about the outfit.
Yes! You’ve got the Zing! Love it.
The Zing is back and hopefully I will be able to keep it.
Wow. How creative you are with the red dotted scarf … the straight lines of the scarf and jacket mirror your height and length of line beautifully. The looser jeans and buttoned up blouse give this a modern touch. Maybe it was the warm weather, but you look especially happy and relaxed.
You phrased that analysis about the scarf beautifully. It sounds very scientific.
I was indeed happy because of the outfit, the new blazer and the gorgeous weather.
Great shot of Watson! I LOVE your new blazer and white shirt, especially with that loose tie and red boots (I’m not a fan of the necklace with it). This menswear-inspired look really suits (ha, pun!) you, Greetje! I fully approve of the new pieces.
The funny thing is that I am not really that keen on menswear-inspired outfits, but I seem to be doing well with them.
I both like the loose tie (scarf) and the necklace. It is good to have a choice, right?
And Watson is such a good model.
Delightful read! I smiled the entire time I was reading and looking at the photos! So good! Love the blazer and the discussion about not being able to put together outfits. I am in the process of working through my closet and only keeping what is really the best and that I like and wear! It is hard for me to do this! Thank you for sharing with us!
Thank you for your comment. That is exactly the goal of this blog…to make you smile or perhaps even laugh. To entertain. So I am glad I succeeded with you.
Getting rid of clothes is indeed a very hard thing to do. I hear you.
Thank you Greetje for entertaining me each week.
I am also in the same situation of looking at a full closet with not knowing how to create excitement with what I have. That’s how I end up with 5 grey and 5 black sweaters that are too expensive to get rid of. When I read the 10 rule for you (5 for Misja), bells rang. I still love shopping but now I have a rule to follow for this stage in my life
Many thanks to you and your friends for sharing your stylish wisdom.
I bought the second item today. A less expensive item, an off-white pair of wide trousers. I looked in the mirror and repeated the magic sentence…”Is this item worth to be one of the 10?” The answer was yes, but I will hold back for a while now, not go into shops until September (I hope). Because September, as the fall and winter clothes start coming in, is the month when I always, always buy a lot of clothes. So I’d better save up for that.
What an interesting post! You and friends all look SO good. I loved the amazing light fixture in the shop, and the little plant library you found is the sweetest idea. Thank you for posting!
I am glad I was able to entertain you. That is the main goal of this blog. I didn’t pick my friends because they look good, but they do haha.
As always, such a delight to read your post on this rainy Saturday morning. 😀 Lots to take in and enjoy. I also went to the other links you highlighted, which are fun to explore. Your Joseph blazer reminds me of my 2 Max Mara coats…both discounted and much loved for their style and timeless appeal. I like your outfit , and I think either pop of red accessories works…depends on your mood and what you wish to wear…scarf or necklace? As always, I love seeing the older buildings in your photo shoots. I do plan to revisit Amsterdam eventually…so much in the Netherlands to enjoy and learn about. I think we shall meet, Greetje. A favourite book of mine…which has gone missing…is about the Golden Age of Holland, and Amsterdam in particular. Some movies have somewhat captured those times well . There are splendid magnolia trees in our neighbourhood, but what I have learned from many owners, it’s a love/hate relationship with these trees. Beautiful when in bloom and then continual cleanup the rest of the time. I love my star magnolia shrub which is just about to bloom. Easier for this aging gardener. Love that last photo of regal Watson…what a dog ! Reminds me of our past Bouviers…Zoe and then Sophie.. different personalities…but could they ever look magnificent in some photos! Happy weekend…spring is nearly here 🌷
I read your comment with great pleasure. Thank you. I know what you are saying about the magnolia tree and cleaning up. We have a so-called summer magnolia. It is meant to grow in sunny, warm areas but we planted one in our Dutch garden. To our surprise it survived as a young tree and grew into a big tree. Because it is so cold here, we only get about 5 flowers in summer and you have to be on the first floor to see them. All summer long you are clearing away fallen leaves which are like leather. About 100 a day !! The good thing about the tree is that it remains green during winter.
Wow – great outfits, great post! You and your friends are so chic. I love your new blazer and like it with the scarf, and also with the necklace.
Have a good week.
Two great options, scarf and necklace. Styling my new blazer might have to wait until autumn/winter. Or perhaps I can squeeze one other post in before Spring. We’ll see.
My opinion is different from others. Your necklace is lovely, but I prefer this outfit with the scarf. I think the pop of red close to your face is flattering and coordinates so well with your boots. I do love the blazer with jeans look.
I get what you are saying and that is why I loved the scarf more than the necklace in the beginning, but I now lean towards the necklace. It doesn’t matter really, does it? I like them both.
Beautiful blazer! I personally preferred the necklace with the outfit versus the scarf. Loved the pics of your sweet dog and scenery of The Netherlands! Happy Spring! 🎉❤️
I first loved the scarf more but in hindsight, I am with you and favour the necklace.
Love the jacket — keep! But I don’t understand the “buy only 10 new things” school of thought. I assume it’s some kind of experiment to buy fewer items, of higher quality — or to spend less? I’m sorry if I missed a previous explanation.
The 10 new items a year is a challenge my friend Misja set herself last year. Actually she opted for 5 (!!). One of the things she said in her blog struck a chord with me: “Every time I want to buy a garment, I think to myself..’Is this item worth to be one of the 5?” I never think anything like that, but it made sense to me. I often buy the wrong things because I never think it over. And buying less is not only sustainable, it is also good for my full wardrobe, for my creativity and for my wallet. Win, win, win. Whether I will sustain?? We’ll see.
I love this androgynous proposal, I have always liked to see men and women with blazers and jeans, I think it is a casual, informal and at the same time elegant combination. The tie or scarf, I don’t know, I think it’s very pretty and it looks great on the look. And your red boots give it the necessary touch of color in every outfit. As always, some beautiful photos to show me all the beauty of your country.
At first, I thought I liked the scarf best with the outfit, but now I think I favour the necklace more.
I like your outfit with the necklace better than the scarf. and do I see boots with heels? Just Love the red boots with that outfit. how is your knee? Also, the jacket is beautiful. well worth the price I think. I looked at their site and yes they are expensive! And I have to mention that chandelier in that shop you showed. wow. gorgeous!
The heels of the boots aren’t that high or they are just easy to walk in. The knee is fine with them.
A little pop of colour always has my preference, especially with a black and white outfit.
Yes, Joseph are really expensive.
The chandelier wasn’t the only thing in the shop that was gorgeous.
Love Watson ! And you of course
So lovely to hear from you. Thank you for your compliment. Hope to see you once more in Amsterdam. Who knows…