Bicycle Shorts- SO Many Looks to Consider

(Teen Vogue Feb 2010)

100% real lycra, Santini cycling shorts / worn underneath jean shorts - Teen Vogue

(DKNY Spring Summer 2010)

Hot pink cycling shorts and worn underneath nicely tailored shorts- DKNY

"The shorts, dubbed DKNY Smoothies, were inspired by "the whole idea of biking -- put an extra layer"- via the WSJ

(early adopters - 2nd photo is Agyness Deyn)

Bicycle shorts worn in this way have been making a continuing reappearance, for instance Agyness Deyn (2nd photo) wore this 'jean shorts over bicycle shorts' look in 2008.

(TopShop Spring Summer 2010)

100% rubber latex 'cycling shorts' / worn underneath jean shorts- TopShop

"Latex gloves are the answer to all your frozen finger sorrows, they’re cheap/free, waterproof and wind resistant and when worn under your nice wooly or leather gloves = happy hands in any weather." via cyclodelic

(So I'm guessing rubber latex will keep your bum nice and toasty as well? !)

***

Yes, you can believe it! Bicycle shorts are showing up now in shops and magazines! I certainly found no shortage of designers offering variations of the bicycle shorts look.



Some (here, and here) so hate the return of the bicycle short in fashion. Images of 80's Madonna and Demi Moore's 'bicycle shorts' look worn to the Oscar Awards come prominently to mind for many.



Really though, worn with a second pair of shorts thrown on top makes bicycle shorts work! Lycra or any skin tight stretchy fabric (cotton included) is not the most flattering thing to wear, every thing is revealed- every curve, thigh bulge (and um derriere crack) - all being so unforgiving unless you are uber fit. To my eye - leggings, stockings, jeggings, and bicycle shorts just look better with a little cover up, especially in the bum area.



And how practical! You can wear the most padded, official 100% cycling shorts and with a few style inspirations like those shown here alter your whole look... All the while giving yourself ultimate comfort for those long, long rides in the saddle.

***

Now for a bit less sportif, offering a more feminine, soft look...

(Spring Summer 2010)

(early look - Hanneli Mustaparta 2009)

(Holland House -Spring Summer 2010)

(Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2010)

I definitely hope there was some inspiration in this for you, there sure was for me! Yes, I want to get busy now dreaming up some DIYs . . .

Bicycle Dress - Lycra Cycing Jersey ...Say WHAT!

(dress by Hotvelociti)

I am definitely not a fan of lycra cycling jerseys- however this is a cycle jersey dress!
You take your basic fit cycle jersey, extend the length to mid thigh - a hot, but respectable mini dress length. Wear it with your cycling shorts underneath (or not) and you have a look that takes you off the bike to the chic cafe in one fell swoop. No one at the cafe will ever guess you are wearing a cycling jersey of all things...

Here is another bicycle dress with bold graphics that got me thinking about bicycle dresses this week. Made me want to look for newer versions of bicycle dresses. So voila!

And yes, I do like the Pucci inspired prints...(mmmmh still pining after my 60's mint original Pucci silk jacket I sold off a few years back). Verdict is that I like Pucci 'esque cycle chic. Dress is by Hotvelociti and runs $150.00 to $200.00.

Required is a fit body, this dress is skin tight.

1968 Bicycle Dress

(photographer-unknown)

Bicycle Dress circa 1968 - Mexico City, the Summer Olympics?
Old style is new style again. I'd wear this dress in a heartbeat! The graphics are so now- if you look on etsy there are loads and loads of bicycle themed T-shirts for sale....

Bazaar Magazine - Bicycle Chic!

( photocredit:Alexi Lubomirski for bazaar magazine via design scene)

This in the new upcoming issue of February 2010 Harper's Bazaar Magazine!
Spring is around the corner (sooner or later anyway)....
At any rate I do like all of it. This is so because of the interesting choice to put the lovely model Arlenis Sosa with a diamond frame/"man" bike frame instead of the more lady like step through frame. Step through frame examples as seen in the fashion pages here and shown as a street shot here.

What I think I love most about the top photo are the cream colored, big tires on her bike. I'm not sure what bikes she is riding - so anyone out there with a clue - would love to hear from you! I can sincerely say in advance a certain number of my readers will be highly appreciative of that information.

Bicycle Sexy

(via phantamagoita photocredit: Mert & Marcus)

Bicycles and High Fashion - Fall 2009. Featured Models are Lara Stone and Guinevere van Seenus. That incredible dress in the top photo is Balenciaga.

From time to time I do Bicycle Pin-ups for inspiration and sheer fun...

The Top Chic, Most Stylish Bicycles from Fashion Designers & Retailers

( sampling of bikes lft to rt: Paul Frank, Hermes, Anthropologie x3 , Chanel, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Club Monaco, Gucci, Cynthia Rowley)

Any chance that perhaps like me, you've wondered just how many Fashion Designers and/or Retailers out there have offered lovely, stylish bicycles for sale?

I'd been curious about this very thing. Luckily I've been keeping notes all along. I started the list quite awhile ago. I'm hoping you will find that this list has historical value and that it helps put it all into perspective. I also hope it helps you out if you are looking to buy your dream bicycle!

Importantly, would I buy from a Fashion 'Name' instead of my LBS (local bike shop) is a question to mull over. Just maybe.

At any rate, anything to get more bicyclists on the road is a good thing! Keep up the good work all you Fashion Houses and and smart Retailers! It pleases me there are so many offerings and such a wide range of bicycles!

***

Have a look at my list (listed in no special order or sequence):

Cynthia Rawley
Introduced spring 2008, bicycle exclusive to Cynthia Rawley, and ongoing in 2009.
bicycle link
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Paul Frank
Introduced 2005, made by Paul Frank Industries, (and/or bikes made by Nirve) and ongoing in 2009.
bicycle link
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++==
Chanel Bicycle
Introduced 2007, limited edition.
bicycle link
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hermes
Introduced 2007 limited edition (50), bicycle made by Batavus.
bicycle link
**
Introduced a 2009 limited edition,bicycle made by Batavus and available in select Hermes Stores.
bicycle link
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Gucci
Introduced in 2007, special in store bicycle.
bicycle link
**
Introduced 2008, limited edition.
bicycle link
**
Introduced 2009, limited edition and ongoing.
bicycle link
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Club Monaco
Introduced 2009,bicycle made by Royal Dutch Gazelle and available in select Club Monaco stores.
bicycle link
++++++++++++++++++
J. Crew & Jolif Scott
Introduced 2008, bicycle made by Jorg & Olif and was available via the J.Crew Spring 2008 catalog.
bicycle link
++++++++++++++++++
Comptoir des Cotonniers
Introduced 2008, limited edition, available online spring 2008.
bicycle link and bicycle link
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Anthropologie
Introduced January 2007, Anthropologie's Grocer's Bicycle was available via catalog and select Anthropologie stores.
bicycle link
**
Introduced 2009, Gran Turismo Donna Bicycle, bicycle made by Abici- available via catalog, online.
bicycle link
**
Introduced 2009, Limited Edition Fold-Up Bicycle, made by Strida available via catalog, online.
bicycle link
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Urban Outfitters
Introduced 2009, Fixie Style custom bicycle made by Republic Bike via catalog, online.
bicycle link
++++++++++++++++++++++
Fendi
Introduced Spring 2009, bicycle Amante Donna by Abici, available in select Fendi stores.
bicycle link
++++++++++++++++++++++
Paul Smith
Introduced 2006, available online, ongoing.
(track bike) bicycle link and (touring bike) bicycle link
++++++++++++++++++++++
Field and Stream
Introduced 2009, available via Custom Order 877.221.6889 or info@fieldandstreambrand.com
beer bike link
***
Hope you found this useful!

Win A Pashley Poppy

I just have to share with you a contest I've discover!! It started June 15th. I have no idea how long submissions are being accepted. I believe you may need to be a resident of the UK as well?

"To win a brand new Pashley Poppy bicycle... simply send us a picture of yourself looking stylissimo on your bicycle. The best dressed wins! Pictures to marketing.warehouse@warehouse.co.uk please!"

***this is an addendum to my prior post London Cyclistas.

Wild Berries... Going by Bicycle -Topshop Chictopia Bicycle Contest

Sharing with you some photos from a couple of days ago. I'm off to go pick wild blackberries... which is one of my all time favorite summer time things to do! I'm eating delcious apricots from the farmers market until I get myself to the berry patches.

If you've been enticed to go check out the Chictopia Topshop Bike Giveaway contest , well you might have noticed my photos over there. I jumped in the contest just a couple of days ago.

I posted this back in June, but wasn't paying attention and thought the contest ran for just one week. When I went back to see who the winners were I found all sorts of our favorite chic bicycle bloggers with their lovely pictures posted. I learned the contest runs until July 17th!

I'm so impressed with how many young ladies are keen to ride bicycles! I keep meeting more and more Chictopians via this contest who are genuinely intrigued with the chic and the bicycle riding thing. It's all so fresh and quite unlike 'preaching to the choir'.

Any question about joining Chictopia and getting in on the contest? Let me know. Or don't want to submit photos, that's fine too you may still want to vote.

Hermes Bicycle...Lots of Sea Shells

(via Urban Browser)

****update

....another Hermes Sea Shell bicycle

(via reader submission and Brooke/love, brooklyn cruz)

The first photo is Hermes Bond Street, London and the second photo is Hermes Hamburg, Germany. A LOT of sea shells I'd say! I'm a pushover for beautifully embellished, art bicycles.
Enjoy!

Are you up for this?... 'Cycle Chic' via TopShop & Chictopia

Okay all you chic cyclists...there is a fun competition going on. TopShop and Chictopia are wanting the very best from you. Offer up the very best photo capturing you in your most stylish attire while riding your bicycle. Hurry this ends soon, like as in get your photo submitted SOON because TopShop's Bicycle Club started on June 20 and lasts for one week only! This is very NYC 'centric' since you will only get to "Ride around NYC " on a free bike through this promotion (visit TopsHop for details). And did I mention?... the prize is a free bicycle.

Hey, I wouldn't bother posting this but I really love TopShop...yes, and since long before they opened up here in the USA/NYC .

(Topshop's Bicycle Club started June 20 ... one week only. Photo via Topshop.com)

**** update: the contest lasts until July !7th.
p.s. Do you need a Chictopica invite code?

Mathilda's Bicycle -- Bike Riding Fashion from Sweden

(via thejuicydetails)

Thanks Mathilda. This is just an incredible photo of you on your bicycle.
Mathilda has a very fun blog, all about her life in Sweden...and being the very stylish vixen that she is.

Hot Bicycle Panniers -- European Style

(photo via Cycle Chic Belgium)

Fresh discovery... and of course I just had to share. Have you ever seen such eye popping, catchy graphics on panniers? Smile + Bike. Just Love it. So hop over to Cycle Chic Belgium for the full story behind this photo shot.

Vivienne Westwood Bikes the 'Green Carpet' - It's a Solar Powered Movie Premier --- "The Age of Stupid"

(photo via AP Photo)

Fashion Designer Vivienne Westwood arrives via bicycle and rolls down the 'green carpet' for the world premiere of "The Age of Stupid"...

This was the world's first entirely eco-friendly and first solar-powered movie premiere. "The Age of Stupid" -- this is a film about a future world devastated by climate change.

I know I will be going to see this film.

p.s. I think Vivienne looks WONDERFUL!



*****

Before I forget....Check out the Otesha Project's Bike Tours:

"Otesha's 2009 cycling and performing tours are ready to roll! Teams of 12 to 18 motivated and energetic young people, aged 18 to 30, will set off on tours beginning this spring, summer and autumn. They will travel by bicycle throughout parts of Canada performing a play and offering workshops on sustainability and social justice issues to schools and community groups."

Karl Lagerfeld - Helmet Covers - Fall 2009

Karl Lagerfeld showed these amazing helmet looks 2 days ago during Paris Fashion Week.

This first look is done in a tweed fabric. It's covering the helmet and also the jacket is done in the same tweed...

(Karl Lagerfeld via WWD)

(Karl Lagerfeld via WWD)

Close up of another helmet look at Karl Lagerfeld. The helmets beneath Karl's 'helmet covers' are motorcycle helmets.

What's this have to do with bicycles or bicycle fashion you may ask? Well if you are interested in fashion, ride a bicycle, wear a bicycle helmet and adore Karl Lagerfeld then take heart... wearing a helmet is tre chic. Karl says so.

If you'd like to see more 'helmet' type looks in fashion go here.

Head Wear Look on the Runway ... Bicycling Fashion 2009

NYC Fashion Week is winding up tomorrow on Friday. I've been keeping an eye out for any bicycling fashion showing up on any of the Runways for 2009. Here's what I've been finding so far...

photocredit/source: via www.elle.com

A riding style hat shown recently on the runway by Designer Remix during the Copenhagen Fashion Week.

Can the acceptance and fashionable wearing of actual ‘protective’ head wear, as in a stylish bicycle helmet, going to be very far behind I wonder?

photocredit/source: via www.style.com

Luella also has this riding style head wear for Spring 2009. Very pink, very pretty.

photocredit/source: via atomicecho

Celine has very sweet bicycle riding attire. And aptly described as a 'sportswear couture' Collection;"Bicyclette". So very much in step with the Parisian style of cycling. Look for the skirt with concealed shorts, dresses with hems longer at the back, and all designed with the bicyclist in mind. Notice the head wear/helmet in this very pretty sketch by Garance Doré.

Oh, by the way maybe a trend...

Turquoise Tights

First I noticed the color of her bright stockings/tights against the red, slick lines of her bicycle.
Next the pixie haircut was just too cute. She reminds me of Mia Farrow back in the day.


***Bicycle Fashion Riding Attire-Trend Spotting: bright tights

12 years old..and she Gets IT!!!

photocredit/source: stylerookie

She gets it. She really does. This is from a 12 year old fashion blogger...it's her current header for her fashion/style blog.

I just love her bicycle, her gladiators, her red tights and her chic purple dress flying open as she rides... with cute little riding shorts underneath. Okay then check her out here.

*******Update: stylerookie maybe be a little provocative for some.

***Bicycle Fashion Riding Attire-Trend Spotting: bright tights