Despite the sorrow over my mum’s suffering after her cerebral infarction (it wasn’t a stroke), I will continue blogging as if I still live in paradise. Fake it till you make it. It cheers me up and I am not doing anybody favours by sobbing, least of all myself. So onwards.
The trousers in this week’s post are the 5th item of the 10 I have allowed myself to buy this year. That is to say, if I can make it until the end of the year with only 5 more items to purchase. Otherwise I’ll cheat and say it is a holiday souvenir and it doesn’t count. It was only €59, not too expensive. The cream jacket (this post, 5th photo) which I also bought on holiday, is an entirely different matter. That one definitely counts as the 4th item.
I have styled these black summer trousers with a black and white jumper and liked that the best, but I do have more options, which you will see in another post. The trousers replace my black cigarette trousers for summer as I find them more “dangerous” to style now that the trousers trend is wide-legged. Besides, they were getting old and shiny (see them in this post).
Of course these trousers aren’t wide-legged either, but I thought they were more modern and “modern” is one of the three looks my clothes purchases have to exude. The other two are “arty” and “edgy”.
Below: My friend Selma, who took the photos for this post. We are both clothes lovers.
Selma had just moved to an apartment in one of the expensive shopping streets in The Hague and I was curious to see what her digs looked like.
Below: It is a huge apartment. This is her front room, not fully decorated yet as she only moved in the previous week.
Below: The back room, now dining room and kitchen. Really, for someone who just moved in a week earlier, she did a marvellous job, buying furniture, lamps and bits and bobs.
Below: View from her kitchen window. The space below is an enclosed area and you will see more of it later on.
There is also another floor with 2 bedrooms and a spacious bathroom, so I think she got herself an amazing apartment. It doesn’t come cheap but she gets a lot of space for it. I almost forgot to mention the big roof terrace.
Below: Sitting on her sofa.
Below: Some houses in The Hague.
Below: Time for lunch.
Below: With our appetite satisfied, we started to document the outfit.
Below: The gate leading to the enclosed area. Earrings by Lara Design.
Below: Through the gate, a narrow alley leads to the enclosed area.
Below: It is a gorgeous space but there was a lot of sunshine, which doesn’t photograph well. Keeping a straight or smiling face the whole time isn’t easy either.
Below: I love the bokeh effect with the blurred flowers behind me.
The trousers are a medium which is fine over the hips and bum, but too narrow to close at the waist. As there were two darts at the back, I let the tailor do his magic. Which is: take off the waistband, cut a bit of fabric from the inside waistband and replace it with another fabric, use the gained fabric to widen the waistband, let out the darts and sew the wider waistband back on. Perfect fit for € 15.-.
Below: We walked to the centre of town, which has nice areas and less nice areas.
Below: A nice terrace on top of a shopping arcade.
Below: Now for an ugly bit of town centre. I think everybody in the Netherlands owns a bike. Or two. Or three. Kids too. Everybody comes by bike to town and needs to park them somewhere. By car it is murder as there are only a few (expensive) parking spaces in the centre.
Below: At the end of that horrible bike lane was a little square with trees. That’s more like it. There were people sitting across from me on a bench, teasing me about photo shoot. Which is why I am laughing so much.
What happened in my life this week
Obviously going to the hospital a lot.
Below: The doorbell rang and my next-door neighbour Ingrid gave me this big bunch of flowers. She is a teacher at a primary school and she got these flowers from thankful parents as an end-of-the-school-year present. Only, she and her family were going on holiday the next day, so would I like them? You don’t say no to that. She also informed me that her parents were going to be in their house while they were away. It was good that she told me that, otherwise, if I were to hear noises, I’d call the police.
Below: Ron and I had gone to the beach that morning to walk the dog in gorgeous weather. Walking along the water in your bikini is the easiest way to get a tan. We never stay in the sun very long, usually half an hour, the utmost an hour. It was still early in the day but families started to arrive. This part of the beach is about the only spot where you can bring your dog in the summer. Afterwards we sat in the shade having a coffee and feeling very lucky.
Below: The next day we went as well. Hmmm, this sky doesn’t look at all good.
We hoped we could let dog Watson run before the rain started. Or that the rain clouds would be blown across the sea.
Below: Husband and dog.
Below: Alas…we didn’t make it. Even my underwear was wet. We did have a coffee underneath the parasols but it was to keep on raining for another hour and a half. Not funny when you are wet and cold, so back to the car in the rain. A kind German lady had given Ron a towel to dry himself a bit. He was even wetter than I was.
Below: Not really a pretty sight haha. When we came home I hit the shower and did my hair.
Below: A little garden update. The hosta is in bloom. That has never happened in our garden before.
Below: And the Annabel (that is a plant for those who are as ignorant as I am with plant names) is beautiful with her big white flowers.
I met up with my friend Eefje and forgot to take her photo, and, I am sure, she is very relieved by that. She doesn’t like to be photographed. I think for the wrong reasons as in “I look terrible” when she looks just great. We women are our own worst critics.
Below: I did however photograph a woman I saw in the street. She struck me because she looked so nice. Was it her flawless figure or the way she was dressed? Or both? Anyhow, she agreed to pose and have her photograph shown on my blog. Good sport.
Below: I wore a dress that day. While walking to town I wore slippers and changed into my heels on arrival (which made Eefje giggle). I managed to walk back on the heels. The height isn’t really the problem, it is the pressure on my skin, giving me blisters. And these shoes are fabric, not even leather. (Link to original post with this dress.)
Mum is back in the nursing home where she has lived this past year. I am glad she is back in a familiar environment. She is still not her old self (understatement of the year) and never will be. I get that euthanasia is a very difficult subject with lots of risks, but I would have been so pleased for her if she could have softly slid into the afterlife. What she has expressed before, euthanasia, is out of the question while she is unable to make a final decision.
I know a lot of you readers are religieus and probably find that only God can decide when it is time. Let me be ahead of you and say “Let’s agree to disagree” as our points of view will never meet.
On the upside, mum is doing a hell of a lot better than I ever expected, certainly after having seen her in hospital these last few days. The nursing home does her good. We even drunk a cup of coffee together. Well, me from a cup and mum from a special beaker.
Greetje
You Dutch certainly do know how to do flowers beautifully!
We are indeed a flower country. Flowers are quite inexpensive too, certainly compared to other countries. The bouquet that I got from my neighbour is a more expensive one.
The pants with the suspenders look good on you. My husband loves suspenders. He wears them alot. The white/cream dress is so feminine and lovely. And I love your friend Selma’s blouse. Chic! Thank you for the update on your Mother. Thinking of you.
Thanks Linda, glad you like it. I never wear the suspenders as they were meant to as I have an ample bosom and the suspenders emphasize that. The cream dress is a little princess dress, one that you dream of as a little girl. Too bad it is murder to iron LOL.
I adore your green cargo jacket.
Well, it used to be green, it is now very faded. A thrifted Ralph Lauren jacket.
I am so sorry to hear about your mum, but glad she’s back in familiar surroundings. As you may know, Canada has MAID (medical assistance in dying) – my dear friend Karen used this when her cancer was starting to really cause her to waste away. My own mom recently updated her will to “no special life-saving” – it literally says, “just let me go.” Hard to think about…and a very emotional topic.
CLOTHES! Let’s talk clothes! Such a good distraction!
I love the leopard top, and the hanging-down braces/suspenders on the pants are interesting. I am not a fan of cropped pants with short boots – probably because it looks horrible on me (being short)! I love that your friends also dress up. What a lovely apartment your friend has – it’s huge! And to have that full back patio area is so nice.
Hang in there, honey. If you ever need to talk, you can always text me. <3
We also have a sort of MAID but it doesn’t apply to people who cannot respond to the last question “Are you sure you want to die now?” I get it, it is a difficult subject, but it does cause unnecessary suffering.
There are more people who don’t like the gap between cropped trousers and boots. Funnily enough I am. But I don’t like a gap between knee high boots and a skirt.
And thanks for the offer of talking. I don’t think I will need it, but it is kind of you.
I love the design of these pants, they are very elegant and original. The set with the animal print blouse looks very pretty and the accessories also help to balance the outfit. I love Selma’s shirt, also her new apartment. Your wet look is beautiful, very fun and casual. I really like your white dress, this is one of my favorite styles.
I am glad there was a lot to like for you in this post. I had to make up for the pink shiny cargo trousers post haha.
Another lovely post with friends, scenery, and pretty clothes.
Having been through the death of both parents, I must say that my dad choosing medical assistance in dying. was the best choice. He was very fortunate that he had the luxury of making that choice.
That is indeed a luxury.
Like everyone, I agree that you look wonderful in that lovely dress. The anti-blister stuff works really well for me too. Hope it might for you. And yes, Annabelle is a variety of hydrangea. Sympathies for you and your mother.
The dress is a sort of dress you imagine yourself in when you were a little girl, right? I still think it is nice but I dread ironing it.
I am so sorry to hear about your mom, but glad she is making some progress. Depression has led me to think about euthanasia at my age, but it is really a tricky question. Today I used your blog to cheer me up. I love this outfit on you. The proportions were perfect and the addition of red was Great. I love this style trouser more than the wide leg and having been a seamstress decades ago I love that you included the details of the alterations. You certainly achieved your adjective goals with this outfit. I also really like the dress on you. It had great style details all in monochrome.
I adore the photo of you laughing. It captures your essence perfectly.
Wishing your Mom gentle days filled with good moments for all of you to embrace.
I also thought that photo of me laughing was good. It isn’t posed and I love laughing, so you might be right in your assessment.
Thanks dear, I am glad my little blog post could cheer you up. Main purpose of my blog.
I am always including tricks and alterations to inspire others to use them, if they think they can get benefit from them.
The beach photos were amazing- the sky so blue and then the dramatic clouds! Followed by a surprise soaking of rain!
I’m sending you my support for your mum. So sorry you have to go through this. It’s so easy to say I’d like euthanasia when you’re younger and not hurting. As you say, it’s a lot more complicated.
Well, the soaking rain wasn’t much of a surprise. But the sky was indeed so good.
Hello You
As you know I mostly like/love your clothes but a bit like those trousers I Do Not Like At All – you know which ones I mean! – I can’t get my head round you (or anyone) wearing short trousers and boots that leave a wide gap between the two. To me, it just doesn’t look right, it looks like you’ve out-grown the trousers but have to wear them regardless because you haven’t any others! Surely flat shoes would look so much nicer? Just saying…But your white dress is lovely, and so is your garden. As for Selma’s apartment: wow! I’m sorry you got caught in the rain but am impressed by your moody blue stormy beach photos. Very atmospheric.
Your dear Mama, bless her. And you.
With love
Gee x
Hahaha Gee, your comments often make me smile or laugh. I have more friends who don’t like the gap. I think it is cute, but I totally get what you are saying. I would probably have styled it with high heeled pumps to satisfy my taste, but that is sooo out of fashion (and I cannot walk on them anymore). ‘Outgrowing trousers’ and ‘barrel trousers’ are a certain style, imitating poor people from way back when. You either love it or hate it. It is clear what you do hahaha.
The cream dress is indeed lovely but hell to iron. I took it to the dry cleaners and said: “You do the ironing”.
This is a difficult stage of life to go through. I’m happy that you are finding comfort in your fashion and friends. Take care of yourself.
Having a good death is as important as having a good life in my opinion. My thoughts are with you and your family. These things are not easy.
((((( Greetje )))))
Love the garden photos…looking so lush. I have the same hydrangea and love its blooms. Interesting to see your alliums ( purple balls) out at the same time. Mine have been done here in the Pacific Northwest for the last month.
I like the outfit, and great photos, but previously doing interiors as a business, I was very interested in seeing Selma’s place. Very spacious with such lovely stained glass windows. And quite settled in already.
Such a beautiful bouquet to enjoy! Gracious neighbours you have. Encouraging news about your Mum, but I agree that end of life planning is so important. Familiar surroundings can make such a difference with how the brain and emotions respond. My very best wishes , Greetje, and gentle hugs .🐞
Ron planted the alliums later this year. Perhaps that is why?
Selma is very pleased with her apartment and she is like a whirlwind, decorating it, hanging her venetian blinds, assembling closets etc. What a handy woman that is.
We live in a street with many lovely neighbours. With the flower neighbours we also have dinners at each other’s house. Many people who buy a house, look at the house itself, but the environment is just as important. Unfortunately you cannot tell in advance whether there will be nice people living in your street. Our street party every year, helps.
This outfit is a winner, especially with the red accents!
I hate it when shoes rub blisters, that’s the worst.
Glad your Mum is at least back in familiar surroundings, and that she has people around 24/7. I understand your feelings, especially when someone you love is suffering or just fading away. Thinking of you.
When I wear black and white I nearly always add a bright colour.
My whole life I have had blisters in summer. Not nice.
I guess you will indeed understand my situation like no other.
Oh, and that Annabel plants is called a Hydrangea here is America!
I thought that Hydrangea was the sort name and Annabel a particular hydrangea. But I could be wrong.
Trying times for you.
I like the black pants! and the jumper is really nice with it. Do I see suspenders on the pants? Your tailor works miracles. I wish I could find a good tailor here. I also like your friend’s blouse with the flowers. Just something I would love to wear. And her apartment is very nice!
Yes, there are suspenders on the trousers, just hanging down. When you are a bit busty, I think it is rather risky to wear suspenders. I have heard it before that good tailors are hard to find. I count myself lucky.
Greetje, Love your black trousers! You styled them so very well, just cute! Your white dress is very pretty! Love the waist detail and the skirt.
I loved the garden view! SO rich and green!
We live in the woods; my main plants are fern and hosta.
Very sorry about your precious mother. You are in my prayers.
The cream dress is indeed very pretty, only not when it comes to ironing. LOL
The black trousers are easier.
Love, love, love that dress, and you look so wonderful in it.
So sorry about your mum. Just keep loving her to the end.
The dress is sheer elegance, especially with dainty shoes.
I love the trousers with the special detail around the hips/waist – definitely a good choice of arty and edgy without going into wide trousers which you don’t always like. The gardens, your friend’s apartment and the flowers are all beautiful and uplifting. Wishing you and your mum every possible good thing.
Your message reminds me that my mother wrote a Living Will back in the 1980s, but as her extreme old age approached around 2010 she tended to avoid discussion of euthanasia. I myself hope that our new government will allow that option for me and my generation; when I became helpless with a spinal fracture in 2005 I gave myself 6 months to recover or take a flight to the Netherlands. I recovered, but might not be so lucky another time.
And my partner is likely to live to 100 and wants me to stay around, so… Love is always the complicating factor and I can see how very much you love your mother, as I loved mine. Those who have religion have an extra measure of peace perhaps, but the rest of us in this modern world have to make our own decisions the best way we can. My thoughts are with you, and my thanks for these fun posts now.
Glad you liked so much of the post. I was puzzled when I read “or take a flight to the Netherlands”. Is that because you thought euthanasia is easier here? It is not that easy you know. You have to prove unbearable suffering, which is very open to interpretation. You have to have registered, I suppose your Living Will, you have to be sound of mind to answer the question just before they administer whatever they give you. The question being “Are you really sure you want to die now?” Etc. Not really that easy.
That was very optimistic of you to use one of your 10 allotted items to buy a pair of trousers with a too-tight waistband and trust your tailor could fix them! They fit perfectly — good job!
Last week you said you didn’t want anyone to comment on your mother. I hope it’s ok to say I went through a very similar situation with mine, and I sympathize with how difficult it is.
I already had two similar trousers with the same “problem” tailored, so I knew the trick. A very calculated risk.
It’s OK to mention mum and sympathize with her and me. I said it because I don’t know what to reply, and so many times as I have very sympathetic readers. Like you.
You look so lovely in that dress!
It is difficult to see our Mother’s health decline. I watched my Mom struggle after a stroke, I wished her an easy passing also.
Stay strong 💕
Yes, that dress is pure elegance.
I do agree with you about ethanasia, my mother’s final days would have been so much easier.
I always think you look so much younger when you are ‘mussed’ up!
Thanks for teaching me another expression, “mussed up”. It is nice that you perceive me as younger when I am like that, but I prefer to look older and more put-together LOL
Love this bold outfit Greetje! The dress in the last pic is made for you – so flattering. Take care.
I used to do elegant and flattering a lot more say five years ago. But being retired means another lifestyle. No high heels anymore and with my flat feet and low instep I really need (IMHO) high heels with a dress. Luckily trainers are now also allowed, but I cannot call that elegant.
Hi Greetje! Just wanted to say using stick deodorant on my boney feet has really helped with blisters. Just rub it on the boney areas. There actually is a a product for runners called glide for this, but any stick deodorant will do. May I also say that I’m sorry to hear about your mum, mother’s arr special.hugs…
I will definitely try this tip. Thanks.