The struggle of styling. I will show you a few photos of this outfit, taken by my friend Marita and then I will show you how this puffer vest outfit came together. This post is slightly different from my usual offering.
Below: Marita wore a smashing jumper, with little pleats at the bottom. Love the scarf as well.
The weather wasn’t friendly so we did a quick photo shoot. Ron thinks this blog post is dull, but I let you be the judge of that.
Below: We found a little alley with flowers and a yellow door. How nice to serve as background. Don’t know what I did to the camera settings but the colours of the bag and the vest don’t correspond with real life.
Below: The gold-plated earrings by Lara Design, echoing the chains of the necklace.
Below: As you like the scenery of Haarlem, we took a photo of this street.
Below: Of course, there is a sitting-down photo.
Below: A good looking house.
Below: A good looking building.
Below: And a good looking church.
Outfit Styling
As you might know, my friend Misja (blog MisjaB) came over to help me style clothes I already have. She was quite taken with this puffer vest (link to original post).
I told her, I only wore it a couple of times as I cannot style it. She said: “Wear it on these olive coloured trousers you have on! Looks great.”
I was still in doubt, but if you seek advice, it is not wise to be pig-headed.
In her pursuit to give me several options, Misja asked me the following questions:
“Do you have a pink top?” Yes, check.
“Do you have a bright green top?” Yes, check.
“Do you have a striped top?” Yes, check.
It was rather embarrassing as I had it all.
Below: I was holding everything for future reference.
Below: Misja continued: “Do you have a pale blue silk blouse?” Yes, check.
“We need a necklace to go with it.” No problem.
Below: This is the outfit with a pink top. I don’t think it is worthy of a whole blog post as the only differences are the top, the earrings and the belt. Although, perhaps, with 37 blog posts still to go this year, I should be more economical with every created outfit haha.
Below: When I came home after the photo shoot, I turned the collar up to see whether that would have been nicer than turned down (and fastened with two safety pins). I don’t know.
I wore the vest open at first but that made me look even broader than I already am, with a long neck rising in the middle, and balancing upon it, a small head. Not flattering.
I hope you found my styling dilemmas interesting. If not, let me know in the comments and I will refrain from it in the future.
What happened in my life this week
Ron took me to the fabric (or cloth) market in Amsterdam (Noordermarkt), which is always on a Monday. Again he offered to take photos for the blog. I love that man. You will see the photos in two weeks’ time.
Below: We had cappuccino and apple pie at the best place for it in Amsterdam (Café Winkel 43) and after that we walked around the market.
Below: I scored two bracelets at the market (only € 3 for both; what a bargain). The structure is raised in a conical shape with a silver rim (only slight usage damage). And no, they don’t count for the 10 items a year challenge LOL.
In the afternoon I went to the pedicure for the first time this year and she put bright red nail polish on my toenails. A good day.
On Tuesday morning I saw Marcella (below) in town for a tea/cappuccino and a shared lemon cake. She looked ever so nice with the orange belt and the peach top. I would never have thought of wearing this golden scarf with it, especially not positioned trailing at the back. It works like a dream and the scarf stayed put as well. My silky scarves always slide away.
Had the dentist take a look at a gum problem. He gave me tips and a few tools and it should be fine in less than two weeks.
We took dog Watson to a park where we met a friend who is recently retired and she is willing to ‘babysit’ the dog whenever we need to go away. It was a first test to see whether Watson would listen to her. Luckily he did.
Below: While she was walking Watson, we sat on a terrace in the sun. As long as you were shielded from the fierce wind, it was nice. Life is good for us.
This week I have been busy preparing a room for a guest. Susan of the blog Une femme d’un certain âge is coming to stay with us for a couple of nights. It is so nice that she is coming to Amsterdam before travelling on to Paris.
As spring is nearly here, I like to share an old post which will make you roar with laughter, for sure. It is a story about trying on bathing suits in spring by an unknown (to me) writer. Readers who have read my blog for a number of years, might recognise it as I have linked to it a few times. The title of the post is ‘Just for a laugh’. I read it again and again and it never fails to make me laugh.
Greetje
A very clever styling of a puffer vest! You look good. I like the pink with it. Have fun with Susan.
Yes, Misja knows how to style. The pink top is more me as I love bright colours near my face, but it is good to change up once in a while. Susan and I had lots of fun, she is now in Paris.
I like hearing about others’ issues with styling difficult items (like that puffy vest), as sometimes outfits are just so effortlessly presented, and seems so easy for them. It’s nice to hear that others struggle with what to wear with that F&%%$$ing thing, ha ha!
I really like the end results, Greetje – keep trying new things! You can do it!
Unfortunately Sheila, I really need help from my friends. I suck at it. Sometimes I hit the jackpot and come up with a really good outfit, but most of the times I am so disappointed when I try an outfit and then look in the mirror. When you buy new stuff, the stylist of the shop can help you, but I cannot buy new stuff with my 10 items a year challenge.
Love the outfit, so fun! How exciting that Susan will be staying with you! I follow you because of her. Looking forward to some photos of the two of you!
My husband and I and our friends enjoyed apple pie at Winkel43 before embarking on a river cruise in 2019. We loved Amsterdam!!
Next post will be containing some photos of Susan and me. Of course she will post photos as well. Just have no idea when. She is now in Paris. World traveller that woman.
Unfortunately I couldn’t let Susan taste the apple pie at Winkel43 as we had so much rain the days she was here. Such a pity. So we visited the Rijksmuseum instead as that was on her list as well. She did taste apple pie though, just not at Winkel 43.
What a gorgeous photo/smile of you in the close up of the earrings! And what a cool down vest. I live in mine in the winter but it is boring in comparison. But then you are the style maker. You have a gorgeous country and gorgeous friends and I look forward to your weekly missive.
“I am the style maker”… whahaha. You made me laugh out loud. But thank you very much for your comment. It made me happy.
thank you for the laugh, esp. because I need to buy a new suit this spring. at least we can laugh at ourselves and the universe! The pink shirt and the styling was really terrific, although all looks were good.
That’s what this blog is here for…to make you smile and even laugh if possible. So I am glad with your comment.
I think your posts are always fun to read. The outfit is great. I think you look swell in it. I also liked the pink it gives so much color to your face. Maybe with different accessories it could make for another post. Have a splendid time with Susan.
Yes, normally I would only choose bright colours near my face, but this makes a change.
How lovely that you and Susan get to spend some time together! I love the outfits you created with that vest and I see no examples of the long neck balancing a small head!
Well, I didn’t create anything. It was all Misja’s doing. I just nodded and took out the requested items haha.
I made sure, I wasn’t wearing the vest in such a way that you could see my long neck balancing a small head. But believe me, I have both.
Hi Greetje, I enjoyed this post and found it interesting. The pic of you holding all the tops is lovely. And thanks for the laugh at the end – the things we put ourselves through when shopping for bathers! Hope you and Susan have fun – I always enjoy reading both your blogs.
Oh I am glad I could give you a laugh with the bathing suit story. It is so well written, with so much humour.
Susan is now on her way and I will pick her up at the station in a few hours.
Thank you so much for your posts. Your self deprecating style written with humour helps me to be less unforgiving of my faults. And that bit about swim suits: I belly laughed and will keep it where I can read it when I need an uplift.
I am glad I could make you laugh. That is the goal of this blog, making people smile or even laugh. So thank you for your comment.
I like the outfit you showcased but when you wore the vest with the pink shirt, wow! Loved that one! This blog was interesting as we all struggle with finding ‘new’ outfits in our closets.
I suppose all the tops are good with this outfit, it just depends on your own preference and mood.
Your comment pleases me, because you confirm what I was hoping for: giving my readers inspiration with new outfits.
I love this post and the various ways of styling, but, best of all is the photo of you sitting inside and featuring the chain earrings. You are looking happy and very well in the photos-wonderful to see!
Oh gosh, and I wasn’t sure whether I should post that photo with the chain earrings as I thought I looked a bit odd. Aren’t we our own worst critics?
Love your outfits. I’ve always liked pale blue with olive green, but I like the pants with the pink top too. The vest is unusual but you can certainly carry it off.
Thanks for the bathing suit story link. I remember reading it and laughing the first time.
Have a great week.
I am glad you don’t think it is a dull post, like my husband does.
The collar of the vest still needs some study.
Love the outfits with vest! So interesting, comfortable, and unique. The pink combo was my favorite, but all of them were outfits I would wear on repeat. If you do that!
It is a very easy, comfortable outfit, whatever top or necklace or belt I am wearing with it. Comfort is becoming important in my life these days. I hope I won’t go too far in my desire for comfort. I see a future with me in jogging trousers only LOL.
How fun that you and Susan will be together! I enjoy both your blogs.
Susan and I met through our blogs. When she came to Amsterdam the first time, I showed her around. After that we’ve been together in Paris a couple of times. Recently I developed a phobia for bed bugs and didn’t dare travelling again. Which is why Susan visits me in Amsterdam instead of going straight from London to Paris. So sweet of her. I am really working on my phobia and I think I will be ready for Paris again next year.
Greetje,
I loved your outfit! The turquoise necklace just popped the outfit. All of your pictures were enjoyable! I would have loved to have a piece of apple pie with you!
I had a regular doctor’s appointment yesterday. Sitting here on this heating pad I have somehow managed to lose 20 pounds! I hope if I get to work I can hold my pants up! This weak physical therapy and spine doctor.
Your story about the bathing suit is adorable and true!!! I tried to copy it but it won’t copy!
Sending you sunshine!
Yes, Misja was right, the outfit needed a necklace.
Losing 20 pounds isn’t easy. If sitting on a heating pad would do that trick, your doctor should market it.
I will email you the bathing suit story.
What an interesting post! It reminded me to shop my closet which is bulging with clothes. Marcella’s outfit was my favorite- all the warm tonal colors.
Just for a Laugh made me laugh, so cute!
I can identify with the dressing room as A Chamber of Horrors!
Marcella’s outfit is really good, I agree. I plan on copying her, hoping there are enough things in my wardrobe to be able to do that. I don’t want to buy the third item of my 10 items yet. Saving up for September which is my favourite shopping month.
The “Just for a laugh” story is good, isn’t it? It is written with so much humour.
Good luck with shopping your closet.
I like the vest, it’s really interesting! I think all of the combinations are good. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow!!!
I am still working on the collar. How can I wear it best. You can help me with that LOL.
Greetje I like the version with the pink Tee the most. I think it is the contrast. For me I always prefer high contrast outfits more. Just a personal preference. I also do not like the collar of the vest up. Your blog post was not boring at all. It helps me to see all types of outfits in order to assess my own better. So thanks!
I love high contrast outfits too, and bright colours. The collar of the vest is a bit of thing which needs some study. I was hoping that telling how the outfit came together and showing the different options would get me the comment you gave me. So I thank you.
Great shapes, so sculptural! Fabulous and very much what I would long to find and wear in London. I am not sure khaki is the easiest colour for you, but the colour of the necklace makes a big difference. The bag is also gorgeous and just the right shape. Personally I also rather liked the uptruend collar, and the loose stripy shirt rather than the colourful T-shirts but I could be wrong there. Grungy Camden and the beautiful buildings of the Hague are very different streets!
Very pretty bracelets you picked up in the market. Marcella’s colour scheme also so zingy. Marita’s jumper with the frill is also very covetable.
Nice to have fun with clothes, we all agreed at our women’s group in Thursday. The theme: ‘Do we still care what we look like?’ We all did, but with differing degrees of energy/time/money… We are all hovering around 80 now, with medical matters coming to the fore.
You are right, khaki is certainly not an easy colour for me. But sometimes you go for the shape as I did with the vest.
I will try and copy Marcella’s colour scheme, hoping I don’t have to buy anything for it (I am not willing to buy the third of my 10 outfits yet).
I have always thought I would be interested in the way I look till I die. My mum is now 95 and is still (although less than before) interested.
Those pesky medical matters spoil a lot.
I like your outfits – good to see the different possible combinations your friend suggested. You made me laugh with the comment “a long neck rising in the middle and balancing upon it a small head”😂
Love ❤️ your posts, always interesting.
If I made you laugh, then my mission is accomplished. Thank you very much for letting me know.
I will keep the posts coming for your future entertainment.