https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 16:58:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam/page/2#post-402688 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:02:52 +0000 Lynne 402688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Isis, check out <a href="http://www.academictransfer.nl" rel="nofollow">http://www.academictransfer.nl</a>. As the Dutch say, Success :)! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam/page/2#post-402662 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 22:12:08 +0000 Patty 402662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Heleene--I have if not the exact same bike (trike with handle), something like it in my back yard as we speak----I'll have to show the kids more pics of Amsterdam to get them to use them more often LoL! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam/page/2#post-402646 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 21:31:20 +0000 Isis 402646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah and Heleen, my kids are also growing up on bikes. My son is 18 and doesn't even want a driver's license. My daughter is 15 and loves the freedom bike riding can give her. They are confident in traffic and stop appropriately, signal, watch for turning cars, etc. We cycle as a family to restaurants and a lot of events. We also wear helmets, although my son is rebellious and often leaves his off! </p> <p>The first thing I did when I came home was start to look at sabbatical opportunities in the Netherlands! I would love to live there for 6 months to a year! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam/page/2#post-402640 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 21:26:06 +0000 sarah 402640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sigh, Heleen...that's how my kids are growing up, too. I just wish it was that way with *all* Americans. In the meantime, you'll never catch me or my kids without our helmets...maybe I need to do a sabbatical in the Netherlands! Wouldn't that be fun?! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam/page/2#post-402632 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 21:20:05 +0000 Saretta 402632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't believe the woman in photo #7 has 3 children on her bike with her! She must be strong and well-coordinated! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam/page/2#post-402625 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 21:14:30 +0000 Isis 402625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love the pictures, Heleen! How great is it that kids take a cycling test in school! </p> <p>The Netherlands seems so sensible. Another sensible thing is that the drinking age is 16, and the driving age is 18! I thought this might encourage young people to learn about drinking in a family environment (instead of a college dorm), and also 2 years before they drive! If they drive.....I understand it's an ordeal to get a driving license and gas at $8/gallon in Europe is also a disincentive! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam/page/2#post-402564 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 20:00:34 +0000 HeleenH 402564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah, all Dutch drivers are or at least were cyclists from about the same time they learnt to walk. They start on tricycles, and move on to tiny bikes. I am going to go waaaaay of topic and googled some pictures to show you the normal collection an average kid will own:<br /> 1 a tricycle, with a pushing device for when the child is done cycling but the family isn't home yet<br /> 2 the last 8 years these walking cycles have become very popular. Even better than the scooter (7 &amp; 8) for learning to keep your balance.<br /> 3 toddler bicycle (this is a fun picture of a program for 4-5 year olds in school, not very common as far as I know). About every 3-4 years you get a new (or 2nd hand) larger bicycle untill you are fully grown.<br /> 4 learning to cycle without those 2 extra wheels you saw in picture 3<br /> 5 'traffic test'. In the last clas of primary school children have a test, they cycle a specific route through their home town and are observed. Prior to the test their cycles are examined and if there are faults (like faulty breaks or not working lights) they have a week tot fix it before the test. Most children go to secondary school on their bicycle, that is the reason for this test<br /> 6&amp;7: old fashoned and modern scooter </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-402431 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 17:20:28 +0000 san 402431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for sharing these great pictures Isis. I would love to live in a place where I could ride a bike daily to get around to the store or whatever. I have a bike but am afraid to ride it on the street with traffic so that means a bike ride would be taking the bikes by car to a safe biking trail. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-402412 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:33:13 +0000 sarah 402412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so great. Thanks for sharing, Isis. I was on business in the Netherlands last year, and I too was struck by the complete lack of helmets. A helmet saved my life on one occasion when I was "doored" in Berkeley. I was also hit by a car two years ago and ended up in the emergency room and was very glad that I had my helmet on. I had some long discussions about this with my Dutch colleagues, and we decided that the big difference is that the Dutch drivers are trained as soon as they learn to drive to be VERY aware of cyclists. Phew, it still made me nervous. But how liberating to be in a culture that values bikes so much. I would so love it if the US became that way some day. We can do our part, right?! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-402326 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:41:49 +0000 Angie 402326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Fruitful :). I LOVE both flat and low heels. A 1.5 inch heel is my *best* heel height. Or my ballet flats. I hope that you found some great Miz Mooz :)</p> <p>The Netherlands has great footwear options. Inge recently hoped over the border and brought back some 1.5 inch gems.</p> <p>Isis, I love the way the Dutch people dress. It's somewhat casual but almost always with a fashion forward and often colourful twist. The men look *great*. I also love how the older people dress - men often in ties and hats. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-402284 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:52:25 +0000 Fruitful 402284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Isis thankyou for posting these wonderful pics! Who could not be inspired by all of them? The freedom of movement, the unselfconscious grace. I love seeing people of all ages doing this.</p> <p>HeleeneH that is a fascinating link about the helmets. It is kind of reverse world thinking to me as in Australia helmets are enforced by law. The arguments in the blog post and comments do make sense, especially about helmets providing a false sense of security. However it only makes me even more less inclined to cycle as my conclusion from that post is, the high safety of cyclists in The Netherlands is due to the separation of traffic and cyclists. We definitely don't have that here! Some people do put their children in a wagon in front, or behind, and it looks like it would be quite safe in your streets, but it scares me here with our 4 lane traffic going crazy at 70 kmph!</p> <p>I am realising Angie is unique in loving mid-heeled footwear and it's how I came to this blog (looking for info about Miz Mooz). I LOVE that about her. &lt;3 I'd be very curious to know about some Dutch shoe shops!</p> <p>I have a couple of friends who are Dutch and they're the staunchest, most authentic, and kind people I know. &hearts; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-402230 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 07:43:50 +0000 Patty 402230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Heleene you live in an AWEsome country!!<br /> Thanks for sharing these wonderful pics of your vacation Isis!!!<br /> (Back to Top) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-402223 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 07:14:50 +0000 HeleenH 402223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lynne, that accident was not on a normal bicycle but on a racing bicycle. And it is the first head injury in all the people I know in my whole life. So I am with your husband, 'when in rome do as the romans do'. So when you just cycle for transportation no helmet, when you are racing or mountainbiking (not on the streets), wear your helmet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-401874 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 22:08:25 +0000 Anonymous 401874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the Fab pictures Isis. I love the lady in red - dress and bike together look so unexpected for me but so great (and Mr uber trendy looks so arty). </p> <p>In NZ biking is more of a thing for kids or a sport, but there are a group(s?) of women who like to wear proper clothes and still ride their bikes. I think they're really inspiring and the lady in red reminded me of them. Love seeing people on bikes who aren't wearing exercise gear!</p> <p>And now I want a bike - my wallet does not thank you YLF! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-401843 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 20:39:42 +0000 Anonymous 401843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fabulous, Isis! Thank you for sharing your photos and travel with us. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-401841 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 20:36:00 +0000 Lynne 401841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, Isis, great photos. We lived in The Hague for 4 years, and I worked in Utrecht....we have very happy memories of our time there. Angie, my sister lived in Arnhem for two of those years so we enjoyed a lot of nice family weekends in that area, too.</p> <p>Isis, you did really well cycling through to Bruges. It is so unique; have you seen the movie made there of the same name? The mayor makes a cameo appearance.</p> <p>Heleen, I still have my fabulous Dutch bike, with the toddler seat at the back and the baby seat at the front. My baby is now 6 years old, but the seat is too handy for strapping my handbag into to ever lose it :).</p> <p>But I cannot abide cyclists not wearing helmets; I have seen too many moderate-severe head injuries resulting from seemingly minor incidents, like the one Heleen mentions. DH hated wearing a helmet in Holland, as he hated standing out as a foreigner, but I insisted. Interestingly, in Copenhagen, recently rated one of the worlds best cycling cities, helmets are the norm, although I am not sure if they are legally enforced. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-401815 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 19:59:00 +0000 Jonesy 401815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How wonderful! Thanks for sharing these pics, Isis! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-401783 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 19:12:46 +0000 Isis 401783@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can't resist adding 3 more cool bike photos....</p> <p>#1- a family bike (didn't see these on the street, the bakfiets was much more common<br /> #2- you can carry anything on this bike!<br /> #3- the bike parking garage at the Amsterdam train station. 10,000 bikes! Better remember where you parked! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-401757 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:46:52 +0000 HeleenH 401757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Funny you should choose that example, rachylou! One day I wanted to bring an old, bulky chair to the council waste centre. I tried to fit it in our 3-door car, but almost damaged the roof... So I brought out the bakfiets and popped the chair in and cycled the 3,5 miles to the waste centre.<br /> And yes, they do have a seat with straps for 2 children. The seat is hinged so if you pull the seat up you have more space for groceries or chairs of whatever. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-401744 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:35:24 +0000 rachylou 401744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Heleen - it looks like you could really put something in there and get it home. Even something like a chair. I like 'em! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-401734 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:26:07 +0000 HeleenH 401734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>rachylou, those bakfietsen are great. Not only for transportation of children, but also great for doing the weekly groceries at the local farmers market. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-401732 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:25:54 +0000 Anonymous 401732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love the bikes! I have a Townie by Electra (comfort bike). It's a 'girls' bike, so I can ride it even when I'm wearing a skirt/dress.</p> <p>I don't like the "gear' look (plus I hate stopping to change my clothes), and don't see any reason why I can't just hop on my bike to go to the store in what I'm already wearing. I live in a suburb with excellent bike lanes everywhere, yet so few people take advantage of them.</p> <p>I'm trying to start a trend here....if they can do it in Amsterdam and look so cute, then I'm right in line! Seems like part of a healthy, environmentaly friendly lifestyle, just riding to the market to get the day's produce; skirt and sandals, boho scarf blowing in the wind, baguette and flowers sticking out of the basket....very fetching! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-401731 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:24:51 +0000 HeleenH 401731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Isis, I live in Amstelveen. So you were real close. Before I lived in Utrecht, I love the town centre of Utrecht.<br /> Lyn*, when you cycle fast, you need your helmet. My neighbour found that out the hard way, he bumped into a standing truck. Thanks to the helmet he just had a headache, sore muscles and a shoulder injury. If he hadn't worn a helmet, the picture would be very different. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-401717 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:54:33 +0000 rachylou 401717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like those bakfiets (I've learned a new word!). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-401691 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:20:05 +0000 lyn* 401691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like the kind of place where you won't be "overdressed" if you're not wearing your rattiest jeans and baggiest t-shirt. I'm in :D</p> <p>Maybe next year. *fingers crossed* </p> <p>I really want to go to Anne Frank House. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-401690 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:18:33 +0000 Isis 401690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, we did post at the same time! Amsterdam might also be my favorite city! It certainly was on this trip. It was incredibly stylish in a down-to-earth and interesting way. Hard for me to put the to describe the style in words. These shots were taken in a 10 minute window as we were sitting in a cafe drinking a beer. That's how much cool fashion was on the street; you didn't have to look for it!</p> <p>Lyn, you could still fall off your bike and hit your head on the cobblestones, but it is not likely! You must go there! Especially if you have family! Bikes are very easy to rent and absolutely the best way to get around. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-401688 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:12:56 +0000 Angie 401688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hah! We posted at the same time, Isis </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-401687 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:12:32 +0000 lyn* 401687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Traffic is actually civil? WHOA.</p> <p>I need to go visit there (I have family); and I want to try biking in a civilized traffic society. That being said, I guess if you bike slow you really don't need a helmet ... I just bike fast. And off roads. And sort of on tree stumps. And logs. And cliffs.</p> <p>WHEEEEEEE. :D</p> <p>ETA: I may own gear for biking. Maybe... &gt;__&gt; *shifty eyes* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-401686 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:11:12 +0000 Isis 401686@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lyn, I probably saw only two helmets the whole time I was there. Both on men in full lycra racing gear. Most of the time, the bike paths are totally separate from cars, and when there are intersections, bikes have the right of way. I never felt "pushed" by a car the way I can in the U.S.</p> <p>Suz, you are right, the stores were loaded with the coolest shoes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wisaw-in-amsterdam#post-401684 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:10:10 +0000 Angie 401684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Isis! Amsterdam is my favourite Euro city. Love, love, love the photos!</p> <p>KILLER to the power of KILLER. This is what the Netherlands is all about. Bikes are the number one mode of transport there. Look at the older people climbing onto their bikes. LOVE IT!</p> <p>Lyn, no helmets and gear necessary. The Netherlands is very flat and there are bike paths everywhere. People do not bike fast. The traffic is very civil. This is the way of life. I don't quite have the words to describe how fabulous it is. And people bike in *all* weather. These Mums are very much on the go :)</p> <p>Isis, I know that batting for Team Flats is unique in my profession. Lots of Euro people wear low heels and flats because of the walking nature of their lives. I am very Dutch! </p> <p>I like the cool dude in #6 best, along with the distinguished lady in #1. </p>