Monday 28 February 2022

Meeting Kezzie

We couldn't believe our eyes when the sun streamed in through our windows once more on Sunday morning the 13th of February! Surely it couldn't be true that we would have a whole weekend of dry and - gasp! - sunny weather? Had the weather gods finally taken pity on us? We kept eyeing the sky suspiciously in case they'd change their minds and gleefully send another little black rain cloud our way ...


The mercury climbed to a delicious 12°C, but once outside a blustery wind was doing its best to throw a spanner in the works. 

From my dresses which as yet remained unworn this season, I pulled this vintage blue and white houndstooth patterned one I found at Think Twice in February 2020. I'd spotted it during one of my lunch breaks but decided against buying it at full price, a fact I instantly regretted once I was back at the office. Nevertheless, I didn't go back for it the next day, deciding to let it simmer and see what happened. When it turned out to be still on the rails on my next visit to the shop, I took this as a sign that it was meant to be.




I took it with me on our Silver Anniversary trip to Bruges that month, which would be our last getaway for a while, as we all know what was about to hit us just a month later. Still, I always think of that handful of gold-framed days whenever I'm wearing it.

Red seems to be the obvious choice for layering and accessorizing, so I added a red glass ring and beaded necklace, vintage red plastic brooch, a charity shopped red tie-neck cardigan and a pair of red opaques. A white felted flower corsage was pinned to the cardigan. My blue ankle boots came out to play as well, even if they were only worn for the photos. 



The sun showed up an accumulation of dust bunnies, which shamed us into doing some long-overdue dusting and vacuuming of our sitting room and hallway. 

After lunch, though, the lure of the garden proved to be too strong, in particular as every time we opened our back door, a heady fragrance wafted inside and tickled our nostrils. The fragrance belongs to Sarcococca, or Winter box, an evergreen winter-flowering shrub bearing diminutive yet highly scented flowers. Just a boring evergreen shrub for most of the year, it starts developing delicate, creamy-white, pink-tipped flowers between mid-December and January, before releasing their sweet honey scent, which never fails to lift the spirits even on the dullest of days, from late January or early February onwards. 



I just went into the garden the better to savour the scent, but ended up sweeping up yet more leaves and clearing up some of last year's tangle. Although I couldn't help noticing lots of new - and quite precocious - growth in many of our perennials, hardly anything seemed to be in flower apart from the Winter box and our old but faithful Winter Jasmine, which has been treating us to boughs of starry yellow flowers since November.




And then it was Monday!

I'd been contacted by Kezzie in the previous week, as she and her husband were planning to spend their half-term break in Antwerp. I'd sent her an email full of tips on what to do and places to visit and, after exchanging WhatsApp messages, we arranged to meet on Monday in the early afternoon. I'd taken the afternoon off and had only just arrived at our meeting place less than 5 minutes from my office, when she messaged me that she and her husband were still having lunch around the corner. I went to meet them there and, although I admit to being just a tiny bit nervous, chatting to both Kezzie and her husband came quite naturally. They are both the nicest people imaginable.




Before we left the restaurant, we exchanged gifts. Funnily enough, we'd both decided on brooches. Aren't the ones Kezzie got me absolutely delightful? 



Then we walked back to the square where we'd originally planned to meet and visited the stunning baroque St. Charles Borromeo Church together.

I only showed you its magnificent façade back in December, so why don't I take you straight inside this time? 

The church was built between 1614 and 1621 under instructions of the Jesuit order. Originally, there  were 39 ceiling paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, but unfortunately nothing remains of them but a handful of sketches, as a fire destroyed them and many other works in 1718.


The interior is quite impressive, and you can easily spend a couple of hours here admiring it all. Obviously, our time was rather limited, as we were eager to do a spot of shopping at Think Twice, better known as T2, where everything was now going for € 2.



In order to make the most of our time, I took Kezzie by way of back streets to the nearest T2 shop in a street called Lange Klarenstraat. Much to our dismay, however, we were faced with a queue of people wanting to go for a rummage. As due to Covid-19 regulations only a limited amount of people were allowed into the shop at one time, we had quite a wait ahead of us. The time passed quickly, though, as we were chatting non-stop.

Kezzie was wearing a rose patterned cord skirt she'd found at T2 during the weekend, as obviously she had already been shopping without me as well. She certainly didn't leave empty-handed this time either, even if she later slightly regretted not going for the dirndl dress she is holding up for inspection.



I only made one purchase, which is the deadstock Diolen skirt pictured above.

After leaving the shop, Kezzie accompanied me to the spot where Jos was picking me up, so that she could say hello to him too. How utterly sweet of her!

The weather gods, if not on their absolute best behaviour, didn't behave appallingly either, sending lots of sunshine their way, even if there was some rain first thing in the morning on both Tuesday and Wednesday. I spent my lunch break of the latter having a colour and cut at my hairdresser's.

Meanwhile, Kezzie kept me up-to-date on what they'd been doing. I was delighted to learn that they even visited one of my favourite haunts, Middelheim sculpture park!




Quite unexpectedly, we met again on Thursday, just before they were leaving. Kezzie messaged me saying they'd left their apartment and were wandering with their luggage. As I was on my lunch break and wandering as well we ended up having a drink together, after which I accompanied them to the their final stop, Rubens House, making a short cut through Antwerp's botanical gardens along the way.



It had been a whirlwind of a week, and a joyful one at that, so before I knew it Friday had rolled along once more. We'd already had a visit from storm Dudley on Thursday evening, but were expecting worse to come as gale-force Eunice was about to arrive on Friday afternoon.

As we didn't want to miss our weekly charity shopping trip, we got up earlier than usual, making it to our first shop not long after opening time.

Regular readers might recognize the brown and orange plaid skirt I charity shopped back in January, when I wore it with a multi-coloured striped jumper for its first outing. Airing it outside my wardrobe, I couldn't help noticing how well it went with the spotty Monki blouse it was sharing space with. 

And so, an outfit was born!




It was the blouse's first outing, being a recent charity shop find as well.  My only gripe with it is that it wrinkled quite easily, but as I'm in a forgiving mood, I'm letting it stay for now. 

I thought it was the perfect canvas for Kezzie's faux-Lea Stein cat brooch with its orange eyes and ears. The transluscent brown beaded necklace in its turn matched the buckle of my teal stretchy belt, while I added the teal cardigan and chunky plastic ring in the latter's honour.



Our first stop was the 2-storey charity shop in Mechelen, and I thought I'd give you a taste of what it's like. Lots of people must have stayed at home due to Eunice's imminent arrival, and as you can see we had the place virtually to ourselves.

The photo at the top left was taken from the entrance, the orange counter being the tills. There are some random pieces of furniture here, while the shelves ahead are full of general bric-a-brac, mainly consisting of various decorative objects.

Venturing further into the shop, there's a large book corner, followed by an equally large display of crockery and household wares. 



We then pass through the main furniture aisle (top left) from where you can see the stairs leading up to the second floor, which is dedicated to clothing, textiles and a children's department complete with all manner of toys as well as baby stuff.

Our next stop was at the 3-storey one in Duffel, where I forgot to take photographs of the huge ground floor furniture department. Clothing is in the basement here, and the top left is just one of the many aisles here. The shopping trolley, obviously, is mine, and as you can see I there's already something in it!

In fact, I was in luck in both shops, but I'm afraid you'll have to be patient, as my finds will be for my next post.



We ended our visit in the cafeteria on the first floor, which has everything including the proverbial kitchen sink. 

While we were enjoying our beverages - mine was a hot chocolate - we could hear the wind gaining strength and see it tugging ferociously at the trees across the road.

Time to call it a day, drive back home and batten Dove Cottage's hatches!



34 comments:

  1. Your thrift store has a coffee shop in it? Brilliant! I loved seeing the insides of your shops - they are so big and clean! Love the spotty top with the plaid skirt - such a great match. That cat pin is adorable, and you know I squealed with delight at all of your adventures with Kezzie! How fun that must have been - I wish I could be there too! I love the first pic of you two together, Ann - I didn't realize either of your heights (I just assume everyone is the same, I guess?).

    Love that first dress - the red is SO good with it.

    Can't wait to see what you found on your thrifting day - stay safe and warm, my dear!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They don't all have a coffee shop, but our very favourites do. It's self-service with a vending machine but it's a great place to check over one's finds before heading to the till! xxx

      Delete
  2. I'm glad you could catch up with Kezzie. The brooches are beautiful, and I love that red cardigan from your first outfit.
    xoxo
    Lovely
    www.mynameislovely.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Lovely, it was a pleasure to catch up with Kezzie! xxx

      Delete
  3. Your meet up with Kezzie made me smile. It’s so lovely to see Blog friends in person, as we well know. Fingers crossed we get to see you in June.
    Honestly you have the best charity shops I’ve ever seen. Fancy having one with a cafe as well. Someone needs to think about that over here.
    The blue houndstooth frock is lovely on you Ann and the sunny orange outfit.
    First March now and the morning is beautiful. Let’s hope it stays that way
    Lots of love from us two xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can't wait to see you in June, and it's great to have found a date which suits us all.
      Our charity shops don't all have cafés, and those that do simply have self-service vending machines, but it's nice to be able to have a cuppa and have a rest from all the rummaging! xxx

      Delete
  4. sooo wonderful to meet fellow blogger!
    sound you both had a blast in antwerp :-D
    i´m always impressed how fab you look in warm orangey tones - the dotted blouse is so pretty.....
    the giant shops look surprisingly neat and airy - ours here are always tight packed and crammed and shopping there is quite a sporty affair.
    hugsies! xxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was wonderful indeed, and I was so happy that they loved Antwerp and I was able to give them some insider tips! xxx

      Delete
  5. How lovely to have met up with fellow blogger, Kezzie. Happiness radiates from the photos of your meeting! Beautiful gifts too - the cat brooch could not be more fitting. I am busy picking my jaw up off the floor after seeing the size of that thrift shop! I could probably lose half a day in there! Love the dotty orange blouse - glad you’re in forgiving mode. Wishing you more garden fragrance and spring sunshine! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Claire! Most of our charity shops are quite spacious, which makes rummaging so much more enjoyable, especially in Covid times! xxx

      Delete
  6. So my girl, do tell me, just how many dresses do you own? And do you ever feel you have too many clothes and if so do you sell them on , perhaps on a vintage site? I'm intrigued. Btw the orange spot blouse is sensational, wrinkles or no.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Too many, Jean, a fact that I'm only too well aware of. I have sold some of my clothes at a flea market and privately at my home before Covid. I'm not really one for online shopping or selling. xxx

      Delete
  7. I really like that navy dress - it does look so good with red and it's nice you were able to go back and get it! How fun you met up with your blogger friend too, and so often on her trip! The gifts were such a cute idea too and I like how you wore yours right away on Friday. That's a great orange outfit too! I can't think of any opshops we have as big as your charity stores, but maybe one day I will find one like that!

    Hope that your week is going well! The flood waters have gone down here so we are no longer flooded in which is awesome :)

    Away From The Blue

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Mica! I am glad to hear the flood waters have gone down and you are no longer flooded, which must have been horrible! xxx

      Delete
  8. Wow that is a huge store! How great it is to meet Kezzie! It's so good to meet other bloggers. And that cat and fish brooche is so beautiful, so cute. It's good that you bought that navy dress as it looks absolutely gorgeous on you! That church is amazing, almost like the Wells cathedral.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Nancy, and yes, it's wonderful to meet other bloggers. Oh, and I love Wells Cathedral! We once did a behind the scenes tour there, as the landlady at our B&B was a cathedral guide! xxx

      Delete
  9. How wonderful to have a blogger meet up. Kezzie's presents to you were fabulous;cats and brooches - she knows you well!

    I loved both of your outfits and all the lovely accessories you wore with them. I can't get over how enormous your charity shops are and you have a cafe in one of them, too!

    What a beautiful church you took Kezzie and husband to see.

    Have a great weekend,
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was on a high all week from our meet up, it was so lovely seeing each other after following each other's blogs for so many years! xxx

      Delete
  10. What a fabulous post, totally cheered up my day!. Firstly, a lovely meeting and some rummaging with a blogger pal!. Those cat brooches are particularly cute!, so lovely Kezzie!
    Then the amazing polka dot shirt and plaid skirt combo, those colours and prints go together so nicely!. You rock them, dear Anne!
    And finally, I'm amazed by that airy and well presented shop, here only some furniture charities are that massive (and never so clean!). And you even have a cafeteria inside!, that's fabulousness!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Monica! I guess our charity shops are quite impressive when compared to other countries. There are some pretty grotty ones too, but most of those in our area are clean, pleasant and spacious! xxx

      Delete
  11. This post really made me smile Ann :) :) :) I LOVE the pictures of you and Kezzie together. What a lovely meet up! Those brooches are beautiful too. I am glad the weather gods were kind and provided a delicious 12°C ;) What fabulously spacious charity shops you have in Antwerp. I'd love to have a rummage in those, followed by a nice cuppa of course. Lulu xXx p.s. I can smell the winter box from here :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad to read my post made me smile, Lulu! The meet up with Kezzie was amazing, and they were so lucky with the weather. The smell of our winter box is always a sign that spring is on its way! xxx

      Delete
  12. What a wonderful post and how lovely to meet up!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Awwww, such a happy post!!! I wish I were still there!! It really was lovely to meet you and to keep in touch all week. We had such a jolly time!!Xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am so glad you did, Kezzie! It was lovely to keep in touch and I love it that we still do too! xxx

      Delete
  14. I love the photo of you, Kezzie and CBC. I knew you'd get along brilliantly having had the pleasure of meeting you both!
    I know you've mentioned the size of your charity shops before but goodness me, they're huge!
    Loving both your outfits, Dove Cottage's garden and the interior of that church - very grand indeed! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love that photo too. Meeting them a second time was such a bonus, and it was a pleasure shopping at T2 with Kezzie. I know, those charity shops are whoppers, aren't they? xxx

      Delete
  15. Those have to be, no joke, the most superbly well organized charity shops I have ever laid my eyes on.

    Had you not mentioned they were such, surely most of us would have just assumed those were stunning boutiques or larger shops offering first hand goods.

    It must be a major joy to shop in a thrift/charity stores that are so tidy + well laid out. (Swoon!!!)

    And speaking of huge joys, it is awesome that that you and Kezzie (and her partner) were able to meet up in person.

    In this day and age of so many ongoing global challenges, experiences like that cannot help but take on all the more meaning and importance.

    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Autumn! I guess we are used to our kind of charity shops, although there are some pretty miserable ones as well, which we rather avoid! xxx

      Delete
  16. So amazing you and Kezzie met up and that you took her shopping! I love that first dress you wore so much.
    Sorry I haven't been commenting, I've been feeling somewhat overwhelmed with everything lately.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Ivana! No problem about not commenting. I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed too, lately, so I totally understand. xxx

      Delete
  17. Okay, daft question - are duffel coats originally from Duffel?

    It looks like you had a great time with Kezzie. It must be fantastic to be able to meet up with people after so long!

    Going back for that houndstooth dress was a good move; it fits you perfectly and looks great.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not a daft question at all, Mim. Duffel coats do not originate from Duffel, but the cloth they are made from does, so they are definitely related. They do have a Duffel coat artwork on one of the roundabouts, though. xxx

      Delete