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MAYS 7 SECRET HAARLEM ADDRESSES

Look, I’m of course pretending to be an Amsterdammer all the time, but in the meantime, I actually live in Haarlem. Just like a hundred thousand other Amsterdammers who want a bit more house for their money and don’t necessarily feel like driving seven laps around the block before you can squeeze your car somewhere.

And believe me, Haarlem is it. We call it Amsterdam Plage because that’s exactly what it is. Ten minutes to the right and you’re in Amsterdam, ten minutes to the left and you’re standing with your feet in the sand. And you can shop well there, it’s not for nothing that it’s constantly declared shopping city of the year. So if you feel like shopping somewhere else, type Haarlem into Google Maps and head here.

1. Friday

One of the newest additions to the city (read here all about the opening) where they selected a range of the coolest brands from the surrounding countries. And they also have a selection of the coolest Scandinavian labels. Friday’s policy is to cater to every need, so basics, comfy clothing, more striking pieces, and party outfits. The bigger idea behind Friday is that they always provide personal style advice and personal attention is number 1. Every store has the famous wall of style where you can find all kinds of little tear-off calendars for inspiration. And, there’s always a coffee waiting for you. And, and, and, they sell all kinds of nice gifts in lifestyle and interior themes.

2. OU.

Another new clothing-meets-concept store from two friends of Amayzine. Here you’ll definitely find the coolest and affordable clothing and underwear from Love Stories (it makes you so deeply happy that you’d like to walk around all day in your cute set with a big shirt over it). There’s also a bar run by the JuiceBrothers, for the healthy girls among us or for the kids with a hangover. That’s fixed after a shot of ginger. It’s super cozy at OU., you actually never want to leave.

“You hear it: Haarlem rocks.”

3. Dodici

Perfect for when you don’t want to lose too much shopping time to a long eating session. At Dodici, your glass is quickly filled and well-prepared guys serve small dishes. Ideal for sharing.

4. Jacobus Pieck

My favorite lunch spot in Warmoesstraat, where painter Anton Pieck used to live, hence the name. Order the Popeye salad or the tomato soup where you dip the thick slices of bread in and you’ll be happy. Or at least satisfied.

5. Players

That was my first Haarlem love where my real beloved took me. Rob Sintenie is the honest seller I know (how many times have I heard him say ‘that won’t get you anywhere’…) and with great taste. He always manages to sniff out brands I’ve never heard of. Everything there is nice. And after a shopping session with Rob, you might consider grabbing a bag of fries from the best fries shop across from his store.

6. Moise

If you’re in Warmoesstraat, pop into Moise. Isabel Marant, Avelon, Acne Studios, Helmut Lang, Humanoid, Rika, Monique van Heijst… Really a great lineup of A-brands and very nice women ‘in service’. I’ve been told it’s Jacqueline Govaert’s favorite store, another import-Haarlemmer.

7. Portrait

Here you feel like you’re in Berlin. A super cool concept store where you can have a lovely lunch, drink a healthy juice, buy clothes, and find gifts you haven’t come across anywhere else. They’re totally fine if you open your laptop and sit down to work for a few hours. At least I hope so, because I do that sometimes. By the way, it’s also one of the favorite spots of this gourmet.

You hear it: Haarlem rocks.