The Bike Ladies Picnic was Rad

Everyone was really cute, really cool and everyone already rode bikes so it was just a good old, lady biker jam session on a beautiful sunny afternoon. Rad, I tell you!

I'm really tired but I wanted to digest what I feel was a great success and a very nice time - My Bike Month event - the Ladies Brown Bag Bike Brunch Picnic. (Back in the cold of winter, I was invited to a TA bike month planning event and I was compelled to host a little something-something and this was my event.) I had such a nice time and I'm so thrilled with the awesome ladies who turned up. Thank you! We have a wonderful community of stylish ladies on bikes. I'm so proud of us. 

I was really busy talking and listening and eating things so I didn't get the most thorough pics but I stole Malaika's pics, per usual.



Malaika and I were hanging out for a little bit after the event, and I realized how amazingly coordinated she was today - Helmet looks fab with dress. She's the best.


I wanted to have something so the ladies could find me, so I went to Party City and got a dozen balloons. It was fucking insane riding with a dozen balloons. The wind was hearty today and the wind resistance of riding a bicycle made this really exciting in the obnoxious way, but man, they looked cute, and I think they were awesome for my visibility going down the street.



After balloons, I went to pick-up cupcakes. When I came out, Ethan Hawke was on his cell phone in the bike lane. He totally watched me balance a huge bag of cupcakes on the left handlebar and wrangling a dozen balloons kind-of behind me (so I could try to see) with my right hand. Luckily, I wasn't going far in this precarious arrangement. I'm not looking for boys, but I'm pretty sure Ethan Hawke was impressed with what a boss I am.

I loved everyone who came out today and they were all cool ladies who I'd love to see again.


Everyone who attended already had bikes and rode in either Manhattan or Brooklyn or Queens regularly. Some were daily commuters. Some were getting started in commuting. Nobody was a scaredy cat - everyone seemed confident about riding. We talked accessories, cargo and helmet hair.

Oh! I loved how most everyone showed-up in a helmet. Safe chic, baby!

Amanda is such an awesome girl. I've met her before and I enjoy her through many internet outlets, especially the tweeter. She's floral everything and a faux chanel fanny that I'm quite envious of.


Totally unrelated to the topic at hand, but really cool and we were excited was a plane flew over and spelled-out a marriage proposal in smoke letters or whatever-you-call that stuff.

Christine Hall will u marry me? We hope/imagine she said yes. We couldn't readily locate her from our post.

I made it home with just two balloons, a lot of string and shreds. It was all good riding home with just two. That's probably my max.


I want to say again, THANK YOU to everyone who attended. I feel so happy that we have such a nice community of stylish ladies on bicycles- Seriously, everyone looked so stylish. Made me so proud and happy!  We should have organized and had a little photo shoot, but we were so busy talking and talking.

Chantal, Gabrielle, Krista, Jen, Amanda, Adrienne, Malaika, and Gigi, Thanks for making the afternoon so great! 

Biking Late January

I don't want to pressure anyone into riding outside of their comfort zone, but people who think "Oh, it's January..." Need not pay attention to what month it is, because this winter is tricky. She's warm! Who cares if it's January?

So break out your skirts and let's ride. It was 57º today and it was awesome.



This skirt is always a hit - It's old Forever21. The jackets were both thrifted in Arkansas and the muscle tee is from the little boys section. My Gap Booties are still really comfortable and fine for bicycle riding, I just have to deal with being extra tall when I wear them which makes me feel weird sometimes. Like a giant.

Here's the busy bike lane I take home. I didn't even have to wear gloves so I could take danger zone photos like this. Going up 6th Ave. 

This is from Jan. 27th Last Year. The buses weren't even running and I had to walk all the way to work. 

This faux fur coat was also thrifted in Arkansas. That big black bag is my old trusty L.A.M.B.

I remember being on the phone with another person who lives close to the office and we were laughing like "Yep, walking in... see you in an hour or so..." and no one could get to work and I was barely biking 3 days a week because of icebergs.

I never say stuff like this, but I think God is watching out for all the Occupy Wall Street campers and sparing them a blizzard snowpocalypse like we got last year. Amen.

New Fyxation Hot Pink Pedals

I have a sweetie boo boo honey child at Fyxation who sent me these new Hot Pink pedals to go with my outfit bicycle. I love 'em.

I like big pedals. You don't have to pay that much attention to "land" your foot on it. Especially if you have crazy shoes on.

Pussy Bows are all in the news lately and I gave pussy bow and suspenders on Tuesday.
Full force.

I'm in a fitting room, not a bathroom, and I learned that no one bothers you when you shop with your helmet on. 


Jacket - vintage, sweater - sample, jeans - hoochie girl store at the mall that doesn't have a real sign, just a banner, booties - Gap. Polka-dot blouse - H&M, suspenders - Claire's Boutique. 

Bike Rain Poncho

I've been keeping my eye out for a rain jacket or poncho for myself for months but just can't pull the trigger on one. Today it was rainy and I knew the perfect thing- A garbage bag!

This is a big 30 gallon that our office uses in the kitchen. My co-worker decorated it and put it on  me and cut it.


Fits perfect!


Ready for action leaving the building. Bicycles have to use the freight elevators. It's more VIP.


I made it! I loved it.


It's a keeper. I also can leave it in my panniers forever and ever and not really worry about it getting stolen. 

Bike Style Tips for Cooler Temps

Just in case you didn't know me last winter - We are going to ride this bitch all 12 months.
We may not ride when the snow is falling, but we will ride when the temps get crazy low.

Last winter I could not believe myself when I discovered my threshold for cold. I basically don't have one. I have faux furs, scarves, gloves, clear glasses, etc.
I do draw the line for cold + wind or cold + condensation falling.

But as long as it's DRY I can ride because I'm prepared.

Let me give details because my winter bike accessories are pretty affordable.
Clear glasses from Vans and many others from Claire's Boutique. -Yes, the Claire's for 12 year old girls. And me.
My driving gloves are also from Claire's.

Bike Visibility Tactic: Wear a Flag

I like the idea of having a FLAG on my bike. I love bike visibility tactics.
Instead of finding a bike flag and attaching it I just wore one today. 

I swear to you, if you take vitamins you can have bike-bruise-free ultra-white legs like mine. 

These big sleeves created exciting billowing in the wind and some wind resistance. 

I've adopted the grand plan to buy red/red-orange clothes this fall for bike visibility.
And because red/coral is trending hardcore. 

You Remind Me of Mary Poppins

Someone rolled down their car window at a stoplight to tell me I reminded them of Mary Poppins. All I could say was "It's interesting that you say that." Have you heard of this Mary Poppins effect in biking? Look that shit up. 


It was a good day thanks to: Polka dots, pussy bows, red-orange lipstick, full pleated skirt, bicycle times, 66º this morning, and pop-in visitors at work. 

I had to kill time after work and I went to look for jeans at the Manhattan Mall. I bought some extremely sensible Levi's 515's. I still had time to kill so I explored a really ramshackle-looking store called Square One. I ended up getting 3 great pair of skinny jeans/pants in there on the ultra-cheap. 


I swore I wasn't going to wear jeans again until October, because it's so hot, but I might not be able to help myself. 


*My event tonight was kind of a bust - it was over-crowded and very loud. I was just thinking "I don't want to be in a nightclub anymore. Ever." 


*I was in the Meat Packing District so I got on the West Side Greenway and rode down to the Sno-Ball place. They're in their last week before they close down. 


I'm going to miss Sno-Balls but I'm kind-of happy to wear jeans again. 

Bike Tricks - Biking in a Short Skirt

The shorts gave me one less thing to worry about. I even wore them around the office because they weren't bothering anyone. No one could see them!

But they did peek out on the ride. Just a little.

I've worn this dress before. It's a $20 piece from Charlotte Russe. I couldn't believe it was cool enough to start out with a little cardigan this morning. I took it off before I went on my way and by the time I was at 51st Street at 7th Ave - I was sweating in some places.


Vans cat eye sunglasses - L.A.M.B. hobo in the basket
Cardigan with sequins - sample from work
Leopard dress from Charlotte Russe
Belt - Thrifted vintage snakeskin - found in Arkansas
H&M conservative faux suede pumps with studs on the heels
Bicycle by Linus
Pink tires by Fyxation

The Hard Workin' Orange Skirt

It's funny taking pictures of yourself in public. I obviously don't have trouble but when you think about it, it's strange. My self-timer caught me speaking with a stranger in the park this morning. As you can tell, it was a pleasant exchange.

Why, yes, I am wearing this orange pleated skirt for the millionth time. It's fun on the bike. Ruffle & flow!


It's weird and rare for me to wear such a normal t-shirt, but that's OK. I'm branching out. Covering up a little. Ha. 
I got these sunglasses from Vans for $12. That's good for me since I'm tough on them/everything.

Random thing I found online today: 3 Free MixTapes for download here. 
This new label MadeMe has a great logo too.


New Cute Bike LadyBlogs I'm glad I found - PineappleBike and Goodnight Little Spoon
Both stole my heart with girliness, ruffles, vintage goodness and bicycles - trust me. 

Shoo Bird!

Yesterday when I got dressed-up like this:
I had no idea that soon after I would be honked at and shooed like a pigeon by one angry, nasty cab driver (Medallion E121)

If you recognize my amazing rendition of the giant button statue, you will know this happened on the very wide 7th Ave. There was plenty room for both of us. Whatever. There are cool bike ladies out there who are stealing my heart. Like this girl.

So lucky! I want to be on the cover of a Bicycle Etiquette book - These people have safety covered.

Today/Tuesday I was a mess-pot of trends: Neon pink tank, polka dot skirt, floral shoes.

I put on Rhinestones to dress-up the tank.

I'm full of good strategies. These rhinestones distracted people all day!

In my Etiquette Book I will write someday, #1 will be "Do not shoo at any young ladies like they are literally birds/pigeons." 

Bike Shop - Levi's Commuter Line Event

Sunday afternoon we went to the Levi's Bike Shop event.

Matt's back in town, so I had a date!


I loved that they had a flag. Flags + Bikes = FUN!

This is the rarely photographed no-make-up face. But I did work on my self-tan Saturday night!


This gentleman gave Matt's bike a sweet little tune-up and re-did his grip-tape on his handlebars. Free!
The green bike was something fancy on display by Oregon Manifest.

 I loved the colorful bike action. I wasn't the only one with pink tires. 


Susie of Velojoy was there wearing the Commuter Line jeans and rocking her Transportation Alternatives tote. 

I officially joined Trans. Alt. Saturday during Summer Streets.

I'm wondering what I'm going to do with these patches. 

I got 3 designs.



After fresh grip-tape was applied, we went to get sno-balls from Imperial Woodpecker.
Yes, I had this 2 days in a row. I love summertime!

Matt had Mojito + Key Lime Pie flavor and I had Banana + Coconut Cream.