Love the Green Dress!

Le Tour du Chocolat… Bicycle your way to Heaven

This is a dream come true! I found this in the New York Times,
And here’s the excerpt:

“So, on my last visit to Paris, I took to the city’s Vélib’ bike system and mastered a two-wheeled circuit of eight of the chocolatiers that had the best reputations and most glowing reviews in city guidebooks and online message boards. It was exhilarating and exhausting, not to mention decadent. It was a chocoholic’s dream ride..”

Want to cut to the chase? Here is the interactive map and here is the downloadable map

Read the full story: “Le Tour du Chocolat” by Amy Thomas.

Far From, Close: by Helena Christensen...Opening Reception @ Dactyl Foundation, SoHo

12/16/08

Supermodel, photographer and overall do-gooder Helena Christensen hosted the opening reception of her new photo exhibition "far from, close" Monday night at Dactyl in SoHo. The exhibit is a series of images that include "environments, characters, objects and somber abstractions," and for every work sold the Dactyl Foundation will give a kid at ICP at The Point in the south Bronx a camera to pursue his or her own creative vision (I love that). Profits will be donated to The Point and to CPI Chernobyl organization.
The exhibit runs till Jan. 10.


Artist/founder of the Dactyl Foundation Neil Grayson, ?, Vogue's European editor-at-large Hamish Bowles, Helena Christensen and legendary b-boy Crazy Legs

Helena looking absolutely stunning (like that's a big surprise...) with Crazy Legs

Photographer Jeremy Kost

PR extraordinaire Kelly Cutrone (and her fabulous Rick Owens jacket)

Actor/comedian Judah Friedlander


And fashionable guests...


Few people can get away with an orange bob...She wears hers very well.

I just liked the way his tie popped

Flapper-chic


Rocking the bangs

Classic and Vintage in Fashion

Photocredit/source:Cyclotoine/Anthony (bicycle owner & male model);

Matty Conrad (photographer);

Leah Orton (art director & hair stylist from ‘the fix’ Hair Salon, Victoria, BC)

The photos came from Anthony. He is also the male model…along with his two girlfriends.

"The bicycles are my own personal collection. That's me with my track bike and the other two are my girlfriend's rides. The raleigh I no longer own. Both the marinoni I am posing with and the GIOS are bikes I have built/refurbished to nearly show like condition. They are ridden occassionally for their original intended purpose. In other words, the GIOS is used only for recreational road riding (not commuting or any such thing) and the Marinoni is only ridden in velodromes."

You have to admit these photos can brighten up a winter day!!!

***** correction: Neither of these two women are the girlfriend of Cyclotoine (Anthony) They are models chosen to model with bicycles belonging to Cyclotoine and ridden by his girlfriend.

Glenn Belverio Christmas Party...East Village

12/14/08

My good friend Glenn Belverio threw his annual holiday fete Saturday night and, needless to say, it was a jolly good time. While the place was too packed to take many pictures, I did manage to get some shots of Glenn's politically-themed Christmas tree, which, p.s., I loved.

Since I missed Glenn's tree-trimming party the weekend prior, I brought him a late politically-themed ornament: a pickle. It's a symbol of the state Bush and his administration has left our country in.

Glenn chose a Barack Obama finger puppet as the 'star' to top off his tree. A shining star indeed...

Of course it wasn't all politics. There were disco balls...

Ahhh...It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

December Bicycle Basket Bazaar

photcredit/source:Hoolala /Sugar Sculls Cycles/BicycleBasket Bazaar

NorthHampton / England……A muppet Christmas Dickens is the current theme for the Bicycle Basket Bazaar, which is taking place 2 more times this December 13th and 20^th.

Homemade and vintage goods are sold from bicycle baskets…

This looks to be the loveliest bicycle event! I just love it, and please visit the website. The whole concept is just so charming.

Moms on Bicycles...Kids included.. Part II

Moms on Bicycles...Kids included

Details...

Birthday Balloons

Every day it's someone's birthday somewhere! I snapped this photo this morning... somebody loved receiving those balloons I'm sure!

shelly | posted | Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 |

Bicycle Wall Art

shelly | posted | Monday, December 1st, 2008 |

SF Wiggle....

photocredit/source: Dustin/SF Wiggle

Something about this photo struck my fancy. Dustin takes photos that captivate me.

Check out his blog SF Wiggle and treat yourself to some great photography plus get his insights on the SF Bay Area Bicycle Scene & Community.

DIY Bicycle Care ....Old Bike Blog and RidingPretty ..Series Intro

My New Guest Blogger: Thom at Old Bike Blog

I know a lot of you are buying vintage or want to, but don’t really know what goes into taking care of your bicycle, let alone refurbish it …and alas may live somewhere, where bicycle community offered bicycle repair/care/ maintenance classes don’t exist. And getting your bicycle work done at your local LBS (local bicycle shop) could be an option but you’d rather DIY and save some cash and be independent

SO….Ta DAH!!!!!

I'm pleased to announce a new periodic feature here on RidngPretty, written by Thom from Old Bike Blog. Thom will be guest-blogging about bicycle care basics and fixing-up your old (or new) bike. Learn basic tasks, starting at the beginning … like changing tires and tubes, adjusting saddle and handlebar height…Then progress and learn about chain care, brake maintenance, and lots more. With your confidence growing from these newly learned skills, progress to even more DIY bicycle knowledge! With Thom’s help you take on the more advanced skills… Just TRUST that with Old Bike Blog’s help that you can proudly refurbish your old bicycle into the real beauty you know your bicycle can be!

I'll be be guest-blogging at Old Bike Blog in exchange. I’ll be giving tips on green products and methods for cleaning and yes even refurbishing your bicycle with eco/green products.

And As Thom at Old Bike Blog said:

"Both features will be aimed at helping new cyclists get to work on that old Schwinn or Huffy that's been collecting dust in the garage, but more experienced gear-heads might benefit too."

So, watch this space over the coming weeks for Thom’s guest posts, and check out Old Bike Blog for bike care basics.

shelly | posted | Friday, November 22nd, 2008 |

Unmitigated Gal … 2009 Fashion Calendar

photocredit/source: annecutter/unmitigatedgal2009calendar

'Give a Gift Both Ways’ with this 2009 Fashion Calendar. This is a great gift to give, plus it benefits Jacquie Phelan. She’s surviving cancer.

The calendar is all vintage themed and features Jacquie Phelan, the legendary mountain bike champ. Though don’t look for mountain bike racing photos… au contraire!.. She’s dressed with aplomb, wit, and in fabulous style for each of the 12 months.

photocredit/source: annecutter/unmitigatedgal2009calendar

I just love this photo too. Jacquie also has a blog. I think it is so worth checking out for this amazing perspective from a woman who has lots to say, and has pioneered in so many ways. Go find out for yourself and start with ‘the about JP’ if you aren’t familiar with who she is. Also check out Wombats.

You can find Jacquie’s calendar here and Jacquie’s blog here.

shelly | posted | Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 |

Bicycling to the Green Festival SF

On the way to the Green Festival


Parking Valet


Parking Valet


Parking Valet


Checking Out and Rolling Home .... Great Green Festival!

shelly | posted | Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 |

Cycle Chic Fashion Show ....Video

Yes, the video from the Cycle Chic Fashion is now available for your viewing pleasure. I'm including it here as the YouTube Video for your simplest convenience. You can also view it here at the Cycle Chic website. Good sound clips in the video about what bicycling and fashion can mean. “Cycling is fun and easy… elegant way to get around…shows how good people look on bikes.” AND if someone tells you that fashion and bicycling mixing it up together is only a 'trend', then they haven’t been paying attention to all the media swirl with countless bicycle/cycle chic references either in images or actual words.

shelly | posted | Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 |

Bicycle Chic Holiday Gift Guide

This is the second installment … the first one 'ETSY & STYLE… Bicycle Chic Holiday Shopping Guide' is here.

Remember to support our bicycle loving crafters and artists!!

Looking for a special gift,? Then how about giving .....

… a really cute lady bug bicycle bell!

dringdring... or find on ETSY

… a necessary item …a bicycle basket liner just for your bicycle!

miamaria... or find on ETSY

… no basket on your bike? Try a combo bike basket & Hobo Bag!

retrofied... or find on ETSY

…or a sweet vintage bicycle couple depicted on a necklace!

paraphernalia... or find on ETSY

… a very arty (say an owl for instance!) Custom Head Badge!

tangerinetreehouse... or find on ETSY

… looking? adorable bicycle outfit to dress your big eyed dolly in!

siouxsiette...or find on ETSY

… stocking stuffer (loosing your buttons!) bicycle button?!

sinkdaisy...or find on ETSY

… slick handcrafted bicycle badge!

headbadgge...or find on ETSY

… a crafty patchwork style bicycle skirt?

cactopus...or find on ETSY

… why not send out Bike Holiday Cards!

twoguitars...or find on ETSY

… give your gift in gift bag featuring a girl on a bike!

ijc3...or find on ETSY

… for everyone on your list!...3 pin backbuttons that say ‘ride on'!!

christinerene...or find on ETSY

shelly | posted | Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 |

HomeWork ...Studies --- Autumn Days

Autumn Days, mild.... and just right to spread out books and papers across a grassy field.
Both had bicycled in, relaxed into their studies when I happened upon them.

shelly | posted | Monday, November 17th, 2008 |

Thursday Art Crawl...Chelsea, 24th St.

11/15/08

Seems November is the month for art openings...Thursday night art crawl in Chelsea on 24th Street. The block was abuzz with art fans, scenesters and, of course, fashionistas, weaving their way in and out of galleries to see new artist exhibitions. I visited the Bortolami Gallery where an old friend of mine (and now internationally celebrated artist) Aaron Young was having the opening reception for his new show "Punchline". I'm not great at explaining artwork, but according to the gallery, it's "an installation in which he invites the viewer into a participatory space constructed within the gallery." Right...The show runs until Dec. 20.

A Piece of Work: Artist Aaron Young in front of one of his famed pieces

Parisian Chic: The scarf, the jacket, the shoes...très magnifique

Australian import (and newest member to the posse) Matilda Boland with Danielle Saxe

Purple Reign: the colored tights make the outfit

Tokyo in the House

Six Scents Launch Party @ the New Museum...Bowery

11/13/08

A serious fashion set turned up Wednesday night to celebrate the launch of Six Scents, a new fragrance initiative that pairs designers and perfumers to help raise money for select charities (smelling good for a great cause...I like it!). Hosted by London-based designer Gareth Pugh, with tunes provided by The MisShapes, the party was held high atop Bowery in an all white, glassed in gallery space at the New Museum.

This year's designers and fragrances: Alexandre Herchovitch - "Urban Tropicalia", Bernard Willhelm - "Wicken 3000", Cosmic Wonder Light Source - "The Spirit of Wood", Gareth Pugh - "Diagonal", Jeremy Scott - "Illicit Sex" (this was my friend Glenn Belverio's favorite...how appropriate), and Preen by Thornton Bregazzi - "Teen Spirit".

I loved her Kimono-style jacket. It's always nice to see color in a sea of all black. I love how the leather clutch on the left is in the exact same colors, too.

The sophisticate and the school girl...cute.

Sharp shooter: Check out that belt buckle

Anh Tuan Pham and friend (whose name I'm not sure how to spell but I know it's pronounced 'We')

This is Chad. He wears his makeup like this every day (of course I asked). He said it takes him like an hour to put on. How cool does he look against the chartreuse elevator wall?

Speaking of the chartreuse elevator wall, I couldn't resist taking photos in there. A) it was just so big. And B) how often do you see chartreuse elevators? Me with my date Glenn Belverio (and his new pewter Piere Hardy shoes).

No, it's not coc he's doing there on the mirrored surface, he's actually smelling perfume. Guests could smell all 6 designer fragrances from a shiny black plexiglass riser like you see here. See the holes in the corner? That's where the scent came out.

These are some serious spiked boots.

View from the terrace

Sophia LaMar...

...I asked her about her shoes and she said she made them herself. "You have to be creative in times like this--a recession." I agree 100% and will be keeping my out for more recession-inspired fashion.

The hair, the green layers...she reminds me of mother earth.

I'm a big fan of suspenders

Flower girl

Beautiful Sophie Na and Glenn Belverio

For more on the evening, check out Glenn's post on Diane, A Shaded View on Fashion