Nothing better than the perfect multibrand store. The one in your area, you know. But in another city, it can be tricky to find the ideal shop with the best labels, honest advice, and the perfect fitting room. We present our favorites from the country every week and kick off with Players Collections in Haarlem.
My favorite
How many hours have I spent here by now? And with how many showpieces have I walked out of here? Players Collections in Haarlem has been my favorite store for twelve years. Why? Because of owner Rob Sintenie and his ever-cheerful and stylish Jolanda (Jo) next to him. They know my size, my taste, and even my husband's preferences. “You shouldn't do that, he'll be very unhappy.‘ Or: ”You shouldn't do that, it won't suit you.“ But they can also set aside something at the counter because they think I must and will buy it. I remember the pleated DKNY dress that Rob pressed into my hands. I wore it in Milan during fashion week and have never been photographed more than then. In that dress.
The labels
Donna Karan Collections for those who, let me put it this way, live ‘comfortably’. DKNY for the more affordable equivalent (my personal favorite), the Milanese MDGM that Anna Dello Russo is a huge fan of, Theyskens Theory, Zoe Karssen, Victoria Beckham, Tory Burch, and this autumn Rob is rolling out the red carpet for the super trendy Shrimp that is now only available to order on Netaporter.com.
How is shopping there?
Comfortable. The fitting rooms are spacious and the lighting is good. When the moment arrives, Rob serves a cup of coffee or at the end of the day a glass or a vase. It smells divine from the collection of Diptyque candles and it is clean yet relaxed. There is also a men's section so you can perfectly shop as a duo.
Who comes?
Rob is of course intensely discreet but I'm not, so here they come; Leco van Zadelhoff (Rob's beloved for years), Leontine Borsato, Caroline Tensen, Sylvie Meis, Liesbeth Rasker, and yours truly. Among others.
Who, what, where and then
You can find Players at Warmoesstraat 8 in Haarlem. You can park around the corner at De Appelaar. In the picturesque Warmoesstraatje where Anton Pieck long ago drew inspiration for his old Dutch scenes. You can have lunch two doors down at Pieck (get it?) or around the corner at Colette, where you can taste Paris.
Have drinks after shopping at Dodici where Haarlem's hip crowd gathers after office hours.
And who knows, I might see you, or you might see me. Loaded, packed, and intensely happy.
Apologies for the quality of the photos. It could be better. We know that too. But what does it actually matter? Just go there and see how wonderful it is.
