In De Haan, say sí to Natalie and Bamboo at Outlet "SI"
About a block off the shishi boardwalk in the beachside summer paradise of De Haan, Belgium, you’ll find Outlet “SI.” While the unique, cozy little boutique is in a pricey area, shoppers will find that owner and Clever Chica extraordinaire, Natalie, offers unique fashion at very affordable prices. Natalie has lived all over the world on her quest to bring gorgeous clothing to regular women. And her experience shows.
On the day of my visit, she guided me to an embroidered denim dress that suited my short stature while a woman in the dressing room next to me walked out happy and looking her best in a dress made of silk that highlighted her height. Both of us were happily surprised that the dresses fit as if they were made for us, as the styles were departures for both of us. And both of us left with enough money in our pockets to enjoy the rest of the weekend. So when you visit, my advice: ask Natalie what she recommends, and give her expert eye a try. In addition to clothing, be sure to check out her wide range of unique jewelry and accessories depicting positive symbols and trends from many cultures around the world. Natalie has a talent for making every woman find her voice in fashion--and all at fair prices and in a welcoming environment. Make sure to give a shout out to Bamboo, her trusted associate who greets all the girls with a smile.
Bamboo
Lest We forget: Grietje de Groote helps Pilgrims remember the missing from World War I
More than 100 years after The Great War ended, the scars on the landscape and Western culture are still part of life and of cultural consciousness. No where is the pain more pronounced than at the Menin Gate, a memorial to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who fell in battle in the area and whose graves are unmarked and unknown.
Just steps from the somber and auspicious Menin gate, you’ll find Tommy’s Tobacco & Souvenirs. While the name might seem like just another tourist spot, the family who operates this store is devoted to the honoring the painful but proud past of the brave men who served and fell here. In fact, the store’s name is derived from the nickname given to the British World War I soldier—the average man who came to save Belgique brothers and sisters in need.
Proud of her heritage and happy to welcome all who come to celebrate her history, Clever Chica Grietje stays well informed on the history of the region and on all events and activities scheduled in the area. On her advice alone, we stayed busy for the duration of our visit. Each idea she gave us was spot on and led us to important discoveries that we otherwise would have missed if we had relied just on internet ideas and recs.
But perhaps the most charming component of Grietje’s style and charm is her gratitude. She made it a point to thank me and my husband for coming to remember those who are honored in Ypres. Who does that? And as I stood to the side of the register to reorganize and get ready to head back out in to the world, I noticed that she shared the same gratitude with the next two customers, and, like me, they responded with gratitude to her actions.
This Clever Chica illustrates what this project is all about—sharing your light to everyone. And when she shares her light, she spreads her light to those who are in it.
Thank you, Grietje, for keeping the faith and the hope and the memories alive in Ypres and at the Gate—lest we forget.