30s Magazine

Amsterdam Old South is where a lot of Dutch TV celebrities, wealthy real estate people, private bankers, and nouveau riche live. No surprise because it is a beautiful residential area, green and peaceful, and only a stone throw away from the city’s Vondelpark and the bustling city center. I love to stroll the streets of Old South, and relax on one of their many terraces in summer.

Brasserie De Joffers

I like to start my day with a big breakfast at De Joffers where you can get the best old-fashioned French toast in the city. When I had my office in Old South I used to go there for lunch and always had their “12 O’clock”: a small soup or salad and two yummie sandwiches. On their outside terrace you have a perfect view of all celebs and paparazzi driving or walking by. It’s an interesting spectacle. – Willemsparkweg 163

Manwood

Across the street from De Joffers is shoestore Manwood. Here’s where I like to go for casual as well as high heeled shoes. Remember my wedge sneakers? They’re from Manwood! They have all kinds of styles and shoes from a.o. Unisa, Pedro Garcia, Ugg, Alberto Fermani, and more. – Willemsparkweg 173

Cornelis Schuytstraat

The Cornelis Schuytstaat is the main shopping street of this part of town, full of high end boutiques and traditional high quality grocery shops. Do stop by:

Babbasu – Babbasu is a beauty, bath and body store and spa with mostly niche products, international brands, and exclusive luxury brands. Read my review of their other store and spa in Leiden here.

Organic – a small foodstore for all your organic groceries, delicacies and cook books.

Shoebaloo – For designer shoes you go to Shoebaloo. Gucci, Dolce & Gabanna, Prada or Guess. They’ve got it!

Stills – Stills is all about Casual chic fashion. It’s a Dutch design brand that is slowly touching ground internationally.

French Connection – an international renowned fashion brand, that doesn’t need introduction, but is always a pleasure to browse

Le Pain Quotidien – Another international name that scores high on my list. I love to go here for brunch or lunch. Fresh, homemade quiches, salads, bread and pastries in a French provence setting. The perfect place to unwind, read a book, or meet up with friends.

Vintage by Danie – For designer vintage finds and hip and trendy accessories you must stop by Vintage by Danie, a small boutique for the young fashionista. Owner and curator is Danie Bles, fashion stylist for Dutch TV personalities.

Scala della Pasta

This Italian gourmet and sandwich shop serves Italian delicacies to take away or eat in. I can highly recommend their sandwiches which are fresh and tasty. And if you don’t feel like cooking after work or a day of shopping, Scala della Pasta is where you would get your pasta or Italian salad. – Valeriusstraat 90

A short walk away from the Cornelis Schuytstraat and Valeriusstraat is another Old South shopping street: the Beethovenstraat with a few other favourites. There are exclusive boutiques as well as international chain stores. Here are my favourites:

Tea in the City

Drinking tea is a lifestyle, according to Tea in the City. Hence you will find everything and anything about, for and related to tea. And of course there is plenty of tea as well. Tea party essentials, porcelain, books, tea pots, cake, loose leaf tea blends and tea bags for iced tea and hot tea. Like I said, everything for the tea lover!

Mc Bloom

For the most exquisite flowers and abundant bouquets you have to go to Mc Bloom. It is more than a flower shop, it’s a showcase of floral species you’ve never seen, roses that are so perfect they almost look fake, and lush green plants. If you want a special opulent bouquet, center pieces for your next dinner party, or a statement piece, Mc Bloom is the place to be.

For the best take-away sushi, and other Japanese food you go to Meidi-Ya, a Japanese gourmet store and mini supermarket. My favourite here is the tofu pouch. The sushi rolls and sashimi are delivered fresh every morning, just before lunch. Besides Japanese food and ingredients they also have Japanese ceramics. – Beethovenstraat 18

Scapa – Scapa is timeless elegance, and high quality fashion. Their designs are classic yet with a contemporary and trendy approach.

Longchamp – Who doesn’t know the Longchamp bags and lugguage?

Nan – Nan is where you buy business attire for women only. Colorful and feminine suits, classic dresses and accessories to style it.

Oil & Vinegar– This franchise is a household name to the Dutch, but to tourists it’s a whole new experience. The name itself explains everything. Here you’ll find tens of different olive oils and vinegar flavours, but also Italian and French mustards, sauces, ceramics, cook books and kitchenware. It’s a culinary gift shop where you are allowed to taste and browse as long and as much as you like.

Huize van Wely – for the best pastries, bonbons and petit fours I go to Huize van Wely. It’s a bit posh and high end, but oh so good!

Fidelio – A perfect end to your day of shopping is an Italian meal at Fidelio, or just a glass of wine and snacks to say cheers to your fabulous finds.