Can you appreciate this look? A silver skirt with a neon pink top is not something you see every day. To tell you the truth, it took me a long time before I could style it to my liking. I loved the winter look with this skirt, I created a spring/autumn look which I also like (will be on the blog in autumn). The summer version is more difficult because of the length of the skirt.
Below: I am OK with the trend of wearing trainers with a skirt or dress but have some difficulty to embrace that trend in this outfit.
Anyhow, I decided to share it with you. Later in this post you will see the skirt with silver shoes.
Below: Marjolein was my photographer and she took me to estate Ockenburgh in The Hague. Here are some facts.
The villa was built in 1654 and the gentry lived there for centuries. After the second world war it was turned into a youth hostel for 50 years. Imagine the horror had the squire known that.
In 1996 the city of The Hague put the villa up for sale and it was bought by some citizens. More than 100 volunteers renovated the villa. A foundation is now maintaining this listed property. They are one of the winners of the European Heritage Awards/Europa Nostra Awards 2024.
Below: Driveway. I adore lanes with trees which connect at the top, forming an arch.
Below: We decided to go round the back to the gardens and allotments.
Below: Part of the villa at the back.
Below: Statue to thank all the volunteers for their support in renovating the estate.
Below: Great “prop”. Ron immediately said “Hah, you found something to hold on to”. He has no idea how difficult it is to decide where to place your hands.
Below: Close-up of the brooch. My hair had collapsed. This is what I usually look like.
Below: Time to show you what Marjolein was wearing.
Below: A close-up of her sequinned top. If you rub the sequins up, they all turn silver.
Below: Close-up of her earring.
Below: We continued following the gnome path.
Below: I changed the trainers for my silver shoes, changed the earrings, removed the brooch and added a black scarf as a belt (birthday present from Marjolein this year).
Below: Do I like the outfit better with the silver shoes? Hmmm, no, not really. These shoes, even though they have a bit of a heel, are too low for my feet to make the look elegant. I silently weep over the high heeled silver slingbacks I once had and which I gave to Sabine. They were gorgeous and would have totally made the look. Alas, I cannot walk on them anymore.
Below: Selfie with the black earrings (by Lara Design) in the mirror of the pink toilets. There is a lot of pink going on here.
Below: As I walked back to the terrace where we were having lunch, I shot two photos of the villa’s interior.
Below: The view from the restaurant terrace. Very zen.
Below: Oh look, a lady having a picnic.
I doubt whether I am going to wear this styling of the silver skirt more than a handful of times. But I give myself points for trying. Given the challenge I accepted of only 10 new clothing items this year, most of my outfits need to be from my own wardrobe.
What happened in my life this week
A lot and not all good. But let me start with the good things.
Below: I met Marita for coffee on Saturday. She looked good. Understated chic, I would call this.
Below: I also met Anja for dinner. Anja was over in the Netherlands, all the way from Spain by car. She was rather tired but we were delighted to see each other again in real life.
Below: I was wearing my Dries van Noten sweater and enjoyed an espresso martini cocktail before dinner.
Marjolein took photos of me in an “new” outfit (not at all new) for the blog and we visited the Royal Palace of the king and queen. Marjolein bought tickets. We had lunch before the shoot on a terrace in gorgeous weather.
Now for the bad news.
Mum had a severe stroke and was taken into hospital Sunday morning. At first, we thought it was the end of the story, the end of a lovely life. Then on Wednesday, all of a sudden, she was back in the land of the living and greeted me by my name as I came into her hospital room. That sounds really good, but it isn’t. The damage of the stroke is still severe, so she doesn’t understand a lot of things, cannot move her right arm properly and cannot walk. The doctor will start a program to improve all that and is still hoping for spontaneous recovery or at least a bit of it.
I don’t want my mother to suffer. I don’t want her to spend her final time in agony or bewilderment. There is a lot I don’t want and there is nothing I can do about it.
Below: At my mother’s hospital bed in emergency. Ron and I spent 7 hours watching over her, hoping our being there would reach her brain and soothe her. Ron deliberately didn’t photograph mum. You can understand why.
I know you will all be very sympathetic and want to wish me strength and mum a complete recovery. But if you don’t mind, I will not reply to that as it will take up too much time and I cannot say anything else but thank you.
Greetje
Adding my best wishes for you and your Mum, and Ron during this challenging season.
I’ve only just read this – I am catching up on your blogs after several busy weeks. So sorry to hear about your dear mum. I wish her and you and Ron all the very best. As others have said although we have never met, I feel I know you all a little, and certainly I care about you. Lots of love, Kathy
Dear Greetje, I have only just seen this. The picture of you at your mums bedside also made me tear up. Take good care of yourself. Sending love to you all.
I am very late reading this post, so I’ll keep this brief. I am so sorry about your mother, but glad that you and Ron can be with her. Sending healing thoughts your way.
Greetje, I send love and comforting thoughts to you and your family. Life is plain hard at times. Hug your mum.
I’m so sorry to hear about your Mum. I hope they can make her comfortable and at ease.
Regarding the outfit, I didn’t think I was going to like it when I first saw the post, but it grew on me. I think the sneakers are a much better footwear choice…they match the levity and fun of the look.
You know the curve balls life is throwing at you. One just have to deal with it. She is now back in the nursing home where she lived and I know they are really good for her so I am in no doubt that they will indeed make her as comfortable as possible.
Regarding the outfit, after hearing so many positive reactions, I started looking at it with different eyes. Now I probably will wear it haha.
The photo of you with your Mom is candidly precious. My mom is 96 and I can relate. Ron was right. It is up to us to protect their dignity. Thanks for sharing.
If you own it, flaunt it. The trainers are great with the skirt, but the silver shoes take you out to dinner … even if Ron doesn’t love it. I am about your age, but my mom was much older. After an event like this, just being there is all that’s important now. No reply needed.
I will be thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. I know that it is difficult to have to watch your mother struggle and be unable to do anything for her. However, you really are doing something by being at her side and sending her your love. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. No reply please.
I like the look on you! Makes me think I need more bright-colored tops.
I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s stroke. It’s so hard to see loved ones suffer and realize that you really have no control. Sending you lots of good thoughts.
Thinking of you and your lovely family during this challenging time. Your outfit looks fun and locations photographed are so enjoyable to follow. Take good care! 💗
Thinking of you during this time.
Hugs
Meera
Prachtige foto’s! Zo zie ik nog eens wat van Den Haag ;). Ik wens jullie heel veel sterkte 🙏😘.
Prayers for your lovely mother. She is lucky to have a loving daughter, along with the rest of her family. We’re thinking of you.
My heart goes out to your dear beloved mother and your family. As with many of your readers, I have lost both my parents; one swiftly and one who deteriorated over many years. Unfortunately, there is no easy way or a booklet to navigate the hardships of life. Just be there talk to your mom cry, laugh and love. Try to eat and rest both of these help to keep minds clear for the difficult time ahead.
Much love from Niagara.
Love your pink and silver..and the trainers also! Really cute outfit.
So sorry about your mom. I experienced similar things with my mother. At the end I was just thankful that she still remembered me and my name, and I knew she loved me and knew I loved her. You just keep loving her and do the best you can. No one can expect more. Our Lord’s blessings to you and your mom.
Sending comforting thoughts to you and your family during this difficult time ❤️
B from Canada
I love the first outfit with the trainers
That photo Ron took of you with your mum made me cry
I know how hard it is to go through and send my love
You have a funny email address haha. It seems that everybody likes the outfit so I’d better embrace it. Clearly I am the only one that could not see the charm. Sorry Ron’s photo made you cry. As you know I share nearly everything here on the blog. Just to keep it real.
My thoughts are with you and your mother. I’ve always enjoyed hearing about your wonderful relationship, and hope for the very best for you both. No reply needed.
Greetje, Your blog was good. I did like the silver heels with the silver skirt.
Very sorry about your lovely Mum. Keeping all of you in prayer.
You have my strongest hopes for the best outcome. I have been through this with both my mother and father. It sucks
So sorry to hear of your Mum’s condition. Hoping for the best outcome for her.
Dear Greetje: Prayers and good thoughts for you and your Mom and family. May there be peace even if the journey now gets a little edgy for you and your Mom.
Love your blog, love your wonderful spirit and love the shots of the Netherlands.
I am so sorry about your mom’s stroke. I hope she recovers to communicate and enjoy the world around her fully. Thank goodness she lives in assisted living and had moved out of the house. So she got help fast.
My father suffered a massive stroke. Between therapy and living with me for several months during recovery he was able to enjoy life for several years after. It is gut wrenching to watch those we love struggle and I wish comfort and peace to you, your mother and family as you navigate this chapter.
That will not have been easy for either of you. To use an understatement. You do what you need to do, even though you’d cry while doing it. Mum cannot live with us as we cannot give her the care and therapy she needs and our bedrooms are upstairs and there is no way she can get there.
My life circumstances were such that I could have my father live with me temporarily. I know you will do everything in your power to ensure she receives the best care.
The love you have for each other is palpable every time you share her here on the blog. My con’t good thoughts for peace and comfort for you all.
I so look forward to reading your weekly blog and have been doing so for a few years now.
In that time I’ve come to recognise your lovely friends & also have enjoyed the updates on your special Mum. I just wanted to say, thinking of you and sending much love and hugs. No need to reply
Ps Absolutely yes to the silver skirt & neon top
I’m a fan of the silver skirt and I like this styling on you. The pink top is very cool.
I am sending good vibes and a big hug to you and Ron. I’m so sorry to hear about your mum’s stroke-what a terrifying and stressful thing to go through. Hug.
This outfit is getting much better reviews than I expected. I suppose I just cannot see it when it is good. Which is lousy when you are an outfit blogger. I will re-evaluate the outfit.
Thanks for the wishes.
I’m sorry to hear the news about your mother. I went through a similar journey with mine, and it was hard. I don’t know if you have hospice groups in your country. We do here in the US, and they were so helpful in making a sad situation more bearable for all involved.
Sending you love and strength.
We have hospices, but they are for people who are likely to die within two months. And mum could be alive like this for years. God forbid.
The reason I love to follow your blog is for your ability to have a classic style but mix it with bold choices. I would be too shy to wear a silver skirt but like it paired with your trainers and bright pink.
I wish the best for your mother. I send healing thoughts to her, you and your family.
Funny that you are too shy to wear a silver skirt, yet you like it paired with trainers and bright pink. Maybe there is a dare-devil inside of you?
I’m so sorry to learn about your Mom. It is good that you are there to comfort her. Sending healing vibes and strength your way.
Hugs,
Suzanne
You sparkle in the neon pink top with its amazing lines.
Now you will sparkle for your mother as she sees the love in your face.
This outfit gets better reviews than I expected. Maybe I should revise my opinion.
I am joining many others as I send best wishes for you and your sweet mother. I’m thankful for the many good friends that I know will support you through this difficult time. Please take care of yourself.
Love and prayers for you all.
Thinking of you and your family. Take the best possible care of yourself.
Stay with her as much as you can, and talk, even when it seems as though she may not understand- the sound of your voice is deep in her memory and she
will know you are always with her. May everything be as peaceful as possible.
Seeing your silver skirt reminds me of the silver fabric I made into a slim dress for a high school dance many, many years ago. Silver Mary Jane shoes went well . Boys did not see the fashion forward look as appealing!
Greetje, I cannot say my feelings better than Gee has done…gentle hugs. ❤️
Boys! My husband doesn’t like the silver skirt either. On Instagram I get nothing but compliments on the outfit.
Even though you cannot respond, I want to share that I am so very sorry about your lovely mum having a stroke. Possibly it helps a bit to know that people you don’t even know have kind thoughts for her and for you. I understand the deep sadness. Be sure to take care of yourself too as much as you can during this time.
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother’s stroke. My thoughts are with you and your family. I so enjoyed seeing your mother play cards with you and admired her love of life. No need to reply.
I remember the silver skirt from your styling it in the winter and it was lovely.
Maybe silver is a better color for the winter?
I’m sending you and your mum and also Ron much love and support to get through these days.
You may be right, but I think it has to do with the length. When I wear it with knee-high boots, the skirt is fine. And boots in summer is a no-go for me.
Gentle hugs for your Mama and the same to you.. I am sure we are all watching over her alongside you and Ron and the rest of her family. With our love…
Gee x
Wat een triest bericht over je moeder Greetje. Ik hoop met jou dat je moeder de laatste fase niet zal hoeven lijden. Dat wens je niemand toe.
Heel veel sterkte xx
Jammer genoeg lijdt ze wel. Ze wil naar huis en ze wil dood. Zo zielig. En euthanasie is niet mogelijk omdat ze niet bij haar volle verstand is.
Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Thinking of you Greetje, hoping your lovely Mum continues to improve. And Btw, you look great in the silver skirt and shoes.
I am so surprised that so many people like the outfit. It seems that when I have an outfit which is really out of my comfort zone and I am in doubt, I have a winner. Wish I could see it.
Just sending best wishes to you and your Mum, Ron, and all your loved ones. Thinking of you all.
Just love and prayers to you and your mother🙏. Jan in Castle Gresley UK
I love the blouse, it has a beautiful and very original design. The silver skirt would not be my choice, but I think the combination with it and the trainers looks nice, it is a curious mix of styles. Every day you amaze me with your landscapes, urban or rural, your country is spectacular. And, of course, I love your close-up. You know this already, I am sure, but I hope that your mother does not suffer at all, and neither do you.
You said it well; it is a curious mix of styles. Mind you, a lot of people seem to like the outfit, so perhaps I’ll start wearing it. Apparently they can see what I cannot.
I have never thought that my country would ever be called spectacular. It is small, very flat and quite urban.
As for the suffering, I am afraid both mum and her loved ones do suffer. Nothing we can do about it.
Again no reply, just spend as much time as possible with her right now. I just speak Jesus over your mom and you and yours 🙏🏻
It sounds to me like your mom has lived a good life surrounded by love and care. You have been blessed to have this lovely mother in your life. Take care of yourself.
K from Canada
Great look Greetje! Love it 🩷
I wish I could see this. But now that everybody seems to like it, I’ll just accept it and start wearing it haha.
I do like the silver shoes with the silver skirt. I know you didn’t but well, we disagree. Nice to see your lovely friends but so sad about your Mom. 😪
Nothing wrong with disagreeing on an outfit. We are all different, so we look at things differently.
No reply necessary Greetje, just keep watching over your mother. Best wishes to you all.