Dutch Courage

Whilst most were enjoying England’s green, pleasant & rainy land last Bank holiday, I was whisked off to enjoy the sights of Amsterdam to visit one of my best friends.

Despite a wet week in the Dam prior to my departure - ever the optimist – I packed some summer clothes.

Arriving on Amsterdam’s biggest holiday to a state of Queen’s Day chaos, I found the remnants of manic celebrations marked by a sea of orange flags & jersey’s.

Never one to turn down an impromptu party, I seem to have come dressed for the occasion myself with my favourite orange cardi!

An outfit inspired by regular Rose favourite, Luella.
Orange Cardi: £2,99
Floral Dress (Amended): £3.99
Purple Patent Belt: 99p

Despite being to Dutch captial several times before, I failed to see any of Amsterdam’s tourist attractions so I decided to rectify this with a whistle-stop tour…comfortable shoes, a spacious satchel & a bit of colour was definantly in order…….

Ah, the old masters. Not normally one for seeking out pre-20th century art, I did find myself quite astounded once at the Rijks Museum (not least at the queue to get in!!!)

http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/rijksmuseum-maastricht?lang=en

Worth the wait to get a glimpse of some of Vermeer & Rembrant’s classic pieces.

Time for a quick coffee & off to the Van Gogh museum (after an embarrassing incident involving a lack of funds at the front of the queue), I was even more astonished by how striking these familiar pieces are up close. My awe was interrupted by another slightly embarrassing incident of my phone ringing loudly whilst admiring VG’s ‘Starry Night’….a barrage of about 140 rather scornful looks ensued.

http://www3.vangoghmuseum.nl/vgm/index.jsp?lang=en

As you can see, I cleverly co-ordinated my outfit with my favourite Van Gogh piece, Almond Blossom, inspired by the birth of his nephew.

Everyone in Amsterdam travels by bike & admittedly, it’s a great way to see the city (& some stereotypical sights further a field). Although 1 week later, I’m still struggling to sit comfortably on hard surfaces!

Well I did say I wanted to embrace tourism….

Despite our high st abstinence, I did find several sources of inspiration in innovative window dressing & open art markets

Saturday Night Chic:
Sparkly Bubble Dress: £9.99, Barnardoes

Well if you can’t drink, what better way to enjoy a Saturday night than sharing a large cauldron of cheese with friends.

Glad my enforced sobriety didn't stop anyone else from having a good time..

Another day, another museum but this one was a bit special…

Warranting a special dress, this time courtesy of lovely Rachel xx

http://www.tassenmuseum.nl/default.aspx?pagename=&language=EN

I spent so long in the Museum of Bags & Purses that they had to ask me to leave!