Celeb Sighting: SJP

Last night we went to this show, and we had a celebrity sighting worth writing home about.

It's funny that I worked for the lady who dressed the SATC ladies the during time they were working on the SATC movies, but I never saw any of the four main characters up close - I saw some in the street filming but that's it, I think. I saw the clothes up close. Some of the clothes accessories may appear in my nightmares indefinitely.

Last night this changed. We saw her come into the theatre, smiling, looking for her friends.
She sat down right in front of me. She is beyond tiny. The Sex and the City fan in me said "Wow, I can leave NYC now." 
I remember back in 2001 & 2002 in my college apartment, we were one of the few homes that had HBO. People were pretty much sworn to silence to have the privilege of coming over to watch on Sunday night when a new episode premiered. This was before DVR's and everything you saw on TV being online the next day.

Seeing her felt much more casual than it would have ten years ago.


I was wearing this:


And Matt looked like this:


And the show was amazzzzing! 
She clapped enthusiastically throughout - sometimes with her hands held up high over her head.
Had I gotten near her, I would have simply thanked her for supporting Obama how she's doing. Love 4ever. 

A year in bike outfits

I started going steady with bicycle commuting in April 2010. I chronicled that first year in bicycle outfits here. It was a learning process and the winter was freakin' brutal.

Here's year two in review. The winter was a joke pleasant surprise so it wasn't as hard to be prepared this year though, I got rained on tons more.

12 different looks and four different bikes! 

On good bike clothing investments

This post is on good investments and a lesson on not-judging things from online stores called “Leather up” and from Lee, the mom-jeans superstore. Don't judge ugly, un-trendy online stores, K?

I’m super-duper glad that I bought this pink leather motorcycle jacket last July on clearance for $79. I (sit at work and read every fashion magazine and blog) had the foresight to know that dusty pale pink would be a trendy color and this jacket, being from a motorcycle super-store, was the bomb for bike riding. I got caught out in the rain so many times in this jacket that the snaps got a little rusty. And it has amazing pockets inside and out. Having motorcycle people compliment your jacket also makes you feel tough and strong. Good investment.

These jeans are yet another pair of my favorite new Lee brand mom jeans (I have navy, gray and black and that still costed less than jeans I typically buy.)  I am wearing these jeans in a 6, but I think I would be better in a 4 which means they are vanity sized, which is another wonderful element to their greatness. And they're $24.

Vans hemp palisades are slightly on the nautical-boat-shoe trend, but they’re also a comfortable skippie slip-on great for casual times and bicycle riding. And dog-walking. I do a lot of dog-walking. I actually saw an older woman in my neighborhood wearing the gray ones and they looked awesome and that’s why I bought my first pair, the turquoise ones, which are now beat to death. Black ones are fresh for this spring & summer. 

Last year's turquoise vans hemp palisades, back when they were fresh. 

Looks like my Linus was fresh back then too. Aw.

We can’t shut up about this mild winter, but one last word about this mild winter: I got to have my ankles sticking out this whole time. Some trend-related influence (mental illness from working in the garment dist) had me requiring a little bit of ankle-skin to show at all times and this mild winter helped me get through it without catching pneumonia.

Elected Official

Last night I went to the meeting where I became an officially elected member of the Democratic County Committee for New York County in the 65th Assembly District.


My campaign only required the collection of signatures to put me on a ballott and I was not opposed. I don't have very many duties and I really signed myself up for this because I am dedicated to working hard to elect Democrats, especially Barack Obama. I already have the 2012 Democratic National Convention dates on my Google calendar from which I operate all my appointments. (Other appointments examples "Purchase ballet tickets" and "Moonlight Ride")

This is what I wore when I became official. The meeting was great because the Parliamentary Procedure was tight and there was lots of cheering and clapping from the attendees. And socializing!

I do feel a little bad for the flip-flops but... I wasn't the only one in sandals and at least mine were gold.

I'm wearing Democrat Blue tops this week. Just a coincidence.

I am self-tanned in preparation for a quickly approaching Miami vacation (husband is on business - I'm an enthusiastic tag-a-long.) My hair is a little lighter all-over too. Skin darker, hair lighter.

I have found some bike stuff for Miami and I think I'll be utilizing their bike share.
Sadly, I'm flying Friday night and missing Critical Mass rides for the Occupy Wall Street Protest in New York City and the Miami Crit Mass. Major shucks.

I do plan on taking supplies to the Occupy Wall Street citizens on Thursday when I'm off from work for Rosh Hashanah holiday. (If the Jews of my company can give me a holiday, I can take the occupiers of wall street some juice boxes and such.)

Friday we stayed out late

I saw this Friday morning. American Apparel corduroy shorts are good for pre-fall bike riding.
But I was hot in this outfit at work - maybe it's not cool enough for such boots yet.

I installed my Grande Ding Dong bell Friday morning and had a lot of fun embarrassing Matt by ringing it all the way home around 1am.

It's really fun, huge and loud and cheap! So I recommend it. 

Sleepy tired poor girl's Fashion's Night Out

I'm a real girl who works at a clothing company in the Garment District on Fashion Ave in NYC and I thought I should write how I spent Fashion's Night Out Thursday night. "Sleepy with Little Effort" is how it went.

I made a little map of reminders. I was not going to go crazy out of my way to do anything because I know it's just madness spilling out all over the streets. I've been here for all 3 FNO's if you can't tell by my jaded attitude.

My little map/list could be my daily commute if I didn't already have and love my Central Park commute.

I did bring an empty shopping tote- Just in case! But it mostly worked like a Trick or Treat bag and I stuffed all the beauty samples and fliers and coupons I was handed inside.

First, I stopped outside the Missoni pop-up shop and I was agog at the line outside.
Me and Kate Middleton thought about getting in that line since it hadn't officially opened yet- It was about 15min to 6- But we couldn't spot a lock-up post for Kate so it was an easy decision to move on.

Here was my bike outfit of the day - Every 10th girl in NYC right now- at this very moment - is wearing tight red jeans.
And this top is from the GAP and I saw it in a zillion magazines and got it 40% off last Friday - Labor Day Sale.

We got back on 6th Ave headed North. We rode East on 54th past MoMa. I thought about how I should spend my weekend- Stalking the LAMB show Sunday, which I am most certainly not invited to- Or spend Sunday at MoMA where I have a membership.

I locked the bike up outside of Harry Winston. I saw that they had models dressed up in what I believe were Bridal Gowns. I didn't want to has out the discomfort of going into that so I just went to see my friends at MAC at Bendel's. My make-up boyfriend was on lunch, so I said I would return.nbsp;

I walked and saw the very cute Cynthia Rowley Glambulance. Got some fliers and coupons from them.

Walked east on 57th to Coach and checked out the bike bags. The hardware is very masculine and the handle-bar bag lacks a cross-body strap.

I then went into Chanel because there was a tiny line to get in and it happened quickly. There was a crazy line for the mini-manicures. I just walked over and sprayed some Coco perfume on my tote bag and got out. (I don't own perfume, but sometimes at stores I'll spray it on my jacket or bag - I can't commit.)

Next, I went into Miu Miu because I can see our future together.
It was calm and I took my time and checked out a lot of garments, bags and shoes thoroughly. I conducted some important glitter research. I declined all offers of a glass of champagne because I need all hands free and I don't want the stress of being careful with a champagne/drink/glass in a fancy place where I can't afford anything.

After that... Ooh! I checked out the people in the line for the Nikki M. appearance at YSL.
Just the people in line were a sight.

I felt so thankful to not be working. I was very conscientious to tell the workers, door-holders and security guards to have a "Good night" because my working FNO experience was dreadful and I think most of my friends who had to work various places dread it.

I returned to Henri Bendel to make an actual purchase. I got my liquid concealer and a new eyeliner. I was introduced and taught that I could use liquid eyeliner when I was on Martha so I have an extreme positive association.

I left these guys and headed to Madison Ave. I went into Carolina Herrera and Samatha Thavasa and continued to decline the responsibility of wielding champagne flute in fancy places. These were very quick stops.

Riding up Madison Ave with gobs of people spilling out into the streets. I was doing slow, one-foot-down drive bys on the bike.


By the time I was liken "I have to get straight home to walk my dog and watch Obama" I saw this Missoni giant puppet on the back of a huge truck. I stopped for a minute and thought "This would really freak my dog out" and went home and fell asleep around 9pm.

I was happy to end my night on her! And yes- those are the Missoni family ladies in front of the truck.

This was my last year's FNO post.
The year prior/2009 I was working at PF and looked like this.

Boom! Pink - Pink - Pink

Is this getting out of hand? No. Pink grip, pink shoe, pink helmet.I got the Pro Tec helmet from Tactics. 
I wear a Medium in Bern helmets, but I needed a Large in Pro Tec, so... I dunno. Trial & error with different brands, I guess.


Louise is my Grandma. We have slumber parties at the assisted-living. She's my heart. 
She would beat my ass if I didn't wear a helmet. 

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. 

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." 

Oh, Shoot - I had to buy pink pedals

Last week something a little shocking happened.

My pedal fell apart on busy 6th Avenue on my way home. Parts were lost.

I went to the bicycle shop that I'm totally going steady with- City Bicycles. They had two pink pedal options for me and I went with this jelly-sandal pink. Or Crystal Light Pink Lemonade Pink. They're from the Odyssey.

I absolutely love them. The size is bigger than the ones that came on the bike, they're beautiful, they're pink.

That's a close-up from my inaugural ride of 2 blocks with them from the shop back to work.

I did reach out to Linus since this bike is so new. They got back to me, but not before I went ahead and replaced the pedals. It was too dangerous and uncomfortable riding with just half a pedal.

It's So Saturday

Good Morning Kate Middleton the bicycle on the LES - Lower East Side.


I was up super early for a volunteer shift.

I'm drying last night's wet bandana on my basket. See clothespins. So useful!

I'm beginning to realize that I'm in a deep love with my basil saddle bags.  They are helping me out so much! I really count on them and I am totally in love/committed to them. If they get stolen, I will shed a tear and re-purchase them immediately. I cannot go on without them at this point. It's like having a car trunk. You can just throw crap in there! 

My shoes match them! This was my Friday work outfit. 

Here are some awesome things making this Saturday in NYC be off.the.chain:

Time's Up Moonlight Ride Saturday night at 10pm Every last Saturday of the month.
Don't know if I'll make it tonight, but I can't wait. 

Double Dutch Divas at Lincoln Out of Doors Saturday Afternoon.

Pop-Up Chapel All Day Saturday OMG so cute! I'm so happy for all the newlyweds! 

Happy Rain Ride

I don't have anything negative to say about getting rained out on the way home because:
I was dying to get out of work like a caged animal. Get me out of here! I'll happily bike in the rain! Yeah! Set me free!

It's been so freaking hot in NYC- It was like a cool-off party surprise! I didn't consider leaving the bike at work and taking the subway for 3 seconds. Not even 3 whole seconds. 

It's also extra-friendly in the rain. Pedestrians just seem more inquisitive to a drenched Julie.

The basil bag is waterproof! It kept my purse/bag dry.

After yesterday's naked bike ride, I felt so civilized in this get-up. Even though I'm channeling Punky Brewster.

I hope these shoes recover from the rain. They were the ultimate in soaked plastic shoes.

My camera may also have some new special effects. She needs a moment to dry out.
I used PhotoBooth to document the damage when I got home.

I look so pissed, right?