Cycle Fashions | One woman. Many bicycles.

Fashion Weekend Edition: Dressy Warm Party Dress

07 Dec

Record-breaking cold + a holiday lights ride + holiday party + a chance of rain. How does all that add up, fashion-wise? It starts with a merino wool dress, patterned tights and pumps for the party, then tops it off with a warm coat, scarf and boots for the ride. For the ride home’s steady rain I was prepared with my rain burka.

Red Wool Dress

: Stylish but inexpensive vinyl boots make perfect rain boots for the bike.

: A heavy wool coat, scarf and leather gloves can stand up to chilly drizzle.

: A quick switch at the party to a pair of comfy heels and I’m ready to dance!

About Fashion Friday: Inspired by a 2011 Bike to Work Day challenge sponsored by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, this series highlights the broad range of “dress for the destination” bicycling fashions.

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Posted by ladyfleur on December 7, 2013 in Cycle Fashions

Make It Your Own: High Visibility in High Style

04 Dec

I’m not a big fan of high visibility bike clothing. Somewhat for philosophical reasons, but mostly because it’s usually dog ugly. Between frumpy, boxy shapes and no interesting detailing, it’s no wonder the few companies that offer stylish options are priced at a premium. The other option: design and sew your own like Emma did.

Emma Portrait

A trip to her local fabric store yielded high vis yellow fabric, high vis orange tape and reflective trim. Putting it all together in this sweetly feminine and supremely visible vest was purely Emma’s work. I love, love, love it!

: Emma’s riding boots and her Schwinn bike have much in common–both practical, timeless classics.

: Great lines, carefully planned details and meticulous stitching make Emma’s vest a winner.

: With a peplum waistline and chevron detailing, the fun (and visibility) doesn’t end as Emma pedals away.

How about that mailbox alternative to a pannier! For how-tos on how to build your own, thank Martha Stewart. That where Emma got her inspiration. The upside is that unlike most panniers, this one can be locked.

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Posted by ladyfleur on December 4, 2013 in Cycle Fashions

Fashion Weekend Edition: Sunday Matinee

01 Dec

When you’re too pooped for a Saturday night at the movies, the best thing to do is sleep in and then hit the Sunday matinee. An easy fitting cotton knit dress, contrast tights and clog-inspired heels are just dressy enough to feel like a date and comfy enough for settling into a double feature.

Weekend Dress

My favorite brown summer dress, recast for Fall with 3/4 length sleeves and a floral accent on the skirt.

: New heels by Miz Mooz remind me of my favorite clogs, only dressier.

: Neckline tucks add interest and shape to an otherwise simple dress.

: So many color options for tights, what to choose? Going berry this time.

About Fashion Friday: Inspired by a 2011 Bike to Work Day challenge sponsored by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, this series highlights the broad range of “dress for the destination” bicycling fashions.

Fashion Friday: Preserving the Planet in Style

22 Nov

For most of us, it’s the little things we do to tread lightly on the environment: installing low-flow shower heads, turning down the thermostat, bringing a reusable cup to the coffee shop and buying locally grown fruits and vegetables. Then there are the dedicated few who take it to the highest level as professionals, guiding the public, industry and businesses on sustainable practices. But who knew environmentalists had such style?

Juliana Wide
Her skirt is narrow and her boot heels are tall, but that didn’t get in the way of Julie’s bike + train business travel to San Jose to the speak at the Trash Summit. We met in the bike car on her Caltrain ride down from San Francisco. Julie needed some help navigating the fare system, and then navigating her way across downtown to the convention center. What she didn’t need was any style tips from anyone. I want that plaid blazer!

Fast forward a week and it’s déjà vu all over again on Caltrain where I met Rebecca who works for San Jose’s Department of Environmental Services. With a commute that goes from foggy San Francisco to sunny San Jose, layers work well. A bold print scarf over a long-sleeved knit top, over a wrap dress, over yoga pants and she’s ready for anything, including stretching out with a downward-facing dog pose on her train ride home.

Rebecca Wide

About Fashion Friday: Inspired by a 2011 Bike to Work Day challenge sponsored by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, this series highlights the broad range of “dress for the destination” bicycling fashions.

Fashion Friday: Little Black Dress Once Again

13 Nov

A girl can never have too many little black dresses, can she? This long-sleeved lovely is the cool-weather complement to my sleeveless summer favorite. Dress it up, dress it down and accessorize for the occasion. That’s what makes the little black dress a classic in any season.

Knit Dress

: Go ahead, flash some leg with some bold houndstooth patterned hosiery.

: A shirred surplice bodice adds interest to an otherwise simple design.

: Lace-front pumps are a comfy alternative to classic Mary Janes.

About Fashion Friday: Inspired by a 2011 Bike to Work Day challenge sponsored by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, this series highlights the broad range of “dress for the destination” bicycling fashions.

Fashion Friday: Extra Style for Extra Mama Cycling

11 Oct

When your title is “stay at home mom” but there’s little staying at home about the job, you need a style that can take you from school pickup to the grocery store to the playground du jour in parks all over town. In a peasant blouse, tank top and full skirt, Cherie makes it all look easy on her long-tail family bike.

Cherie Portrait

Cherie lives with her husband and two lovely children across the expressway from downtown Mountain View.

: Sporty sandals are fine for the easy trips. For bigger loads on hillier routes, Cherie flips the pedals and clips in.

: A rock climbing tank means no-sweat comfort even in midday heat, while a breezy peasant top adds flair.

: Talk about having full range of motion! The gores in her godet skirt add width, volume, swing and kick.

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Posted by ladyfleur on October 11, 2013 in Cycle Fashions

Bike Date Profile: Ryan & Jessica at Cafe Stritch

29 Sep

Ryan and Jessica live in downtown San José not far from City Hall where Ryan works on bicycle and pedestrian programs for the Department of Transportation. They’re big fans of the SoFA district in general and Cafe Stritch in particular. It’s big enough for large groups with mobile furniture that’s easy to rearrange, a great feature since they almost always run into friends there. All it takes is a quick glance at the bike corral to know who’s around.

Cafe Stritch offers a great beer on tap (IPA for him, hefeweizen for her) and outdoor seating that’s refreshing on a warm evening. Stritch offers a variety of well-priced vegetarian dishes, including a vegan french dip sandwich and fries that’s a favorite. They’ve seen some incredible jazz bands perform there lately too.

Ryan & Jessica Portrait

Cafe Stritch is on the other side of downtown from their house, so although it’s just a short ride away, there are different routes to choose from and they pass a lot of interesting people and places along the way.