For the past few weeks, I have been in Holland, Germany and Belgium exploring and visiting family. This is my first time in European Union, so I am taking everything in slowly and absorbing as much as possible. My first week here, I hopped around to a few different places and found myself in Haarlem, North Holland. Intending to go to the Corrie ten Boom home, my friend and I found out that it was closed that day, so we walked around the city center. The main church in the center of town is St. Bavo Church, right on the Grote Markt Square. And guys … it is beautiful!
I am a semi-pro history buff, so I read up on the city before my visit. Every book I read, website I visited and person I spoke to said I needed to see St. Bavo. When I found out that Handel and Mozart played the organ there, I was hooked! The architecture is just amazing. It is gothic, but still open and airy. Think of the castle in Beauty and the Beast after he turns back into a prince. Such beauty! The organ in St. Bavo’s is magnificent. After having been to a handful of churches or cathedrals during my stay, whoever designed the layout of this one had his head on straight.
The majesty of the organ is the inspiration for this outfit. A robe coat is so on trend right now and, really, who would say “no” to wearing a robe in public and it being socially acceptable? No one. The brilliant red shade will brighten up the cold, windy chill. If you are sassy, wear an animal print dress underneath for a party. Add a pair of textured tights for the extra-chilly days. (From what I hear, Baton Rouge is colder now than here in Holland!) Try for a more casual look by throwing on a pair of black skinny pants and a silk blouse to peek out under the coat’s shawl collar. Top off your look with a refined black beret, grey heels and a delicate bracelet.
