From magenta tights
Everyone in San Francisco has an awesome creative job. At least that’s the impression I got while out and about last week.
It happened to be Bike To Work Day. Basically cyclist prom. Except Continue reading
Last month I shared a lesson: leopard print style can help you stay safe on your bike. Or at least get you noticed. Which is nearly the same thing, right?
Here are three more ways to introduce this hi-visibility pattern into your commute.
The typical bike helmet is designed for safety and comfort, not style.
If only that were true. I wouldn’t mind wearing a plain-colored noggin-cover that was purely functional. After all, I’m never like, “I wish this seatbelt matched my shoes” while riding in a car. (Just kidding. I don’t ride in cars.)
Yet sport helmet “designers” insist on covering the protective plastic surface with abstract floral designs and pink racing stripes. You know what? You can’t polish a turd. You might be able to roll it in glitter. But it still stinks.
Good judgment is always sexy. And there are a lot of protective lids that actually look decent. Attractive even. In no particular order, I present to you my favorite helmet styles.
via Cyclechic
1. Bobbin Gold Helmet, £36.00
The first time I saw this golden beauty, I fell so hard. In love. This is the one that could turn me into one of those nerds that walks around the grocery store with her helmet on. Created by Bobbin Bicycles, Cyclechic.co.uk will ship to the US. Also sold in silver.
via Varuste.net
2. Yakkay Milano in Blue Denim, $140
The Yakkay helmet system is all about options. A simple helmet base provides protection (and ventilation). It fits any of the 20+ cute covers. The Milano style in Blue Denim (pictured) is my pick for everyday wear. But a fluffy fur cover is very Dr. Zhivago. Swoon!
A pretty camisole is like your cycle chic secret weapon. It’s extremely comfortable, but a million times more lovely than a regular old tank top. I borrowed this Lucky Star Deco Camisole from Honey Cooler Handmade, a line of stunning, vintage-inspired lingerie. It’s all made by hand (naturally) right here in San Francisco.
Of all the pieces that I borrowed from Stephanie, this was the easiest to style. I adore an equestrian dressage look, minus the horse of course. So this is dressage as worn by a San Francisco cyclist chick. Classic elegance with a very slight kiss of punk rock.
My tailored blazer is also handmade. By me! A tailoring course was one of our graduation requirements at FIT. We all made the same grey wool jacket, shaping the roll of the lapels with hundreds of tiny hand-stitches, sewing in colorful linings by hand.
By the end, we were all sick of looking at our jackets. But it’s impossible Continue reading
Congratulations to Eleanor’s NYC, a stylish bike-accessory shop for ladies, on its one-year anniversary this week! Even if you don’t live in NYC, you can still join in the birthday fun with a discount code for all online orders Continue reading
New user SweetKate started her Polyvore account only a week ago. But she’s already developed an adorably minimal style for her gorgeous sets.
I’m so honored that she used Bike Pretty as an inspiration for this cute outfit. Pairing the Orla Kiely dress with the Nutcase Dots Helmet is genius!
via Bikeyface
Turns out that eyeball-searing fluorescent yellow isn’t the last word in high-visibility apparel. As Bikeyface demonstrates, a minimal covering of leopard print can also command attention.
Which reminded me of the magnificent Sawako Furuno helmet that Ladyfleur owns. It’s even more gorgeous in person.
photo via Adeline Adeline
It’s a concrete jungle out there. So be safe and choose leopard print.
And that leads us here:
via Refinery 29
Yes, the Dolce & Gabbana Limited Edition Leopard Print Bicycle. It was only available in a handful of stores in Italy last summer. However you can pick-up a cheap knock-off less expensive version here.
Update: I found a nicer leopard print trimmed bike from Nirve on Amazon. Check it out.
