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

Buying A Vintage Bicycle Guide

Let me introduce you to one of the most helpful vintage bicycle buying guides I have ever come across! The next time you're considering purchasing a lovely vintage bicycle found off of craigslist, ebay, your local swap meet, even your local bicycle "flipper" please use this guide to help you be a very savvy vintage bicycle shopper.

Reprinted with kind permission from SydneyVintageBikes:

Buying Second Hand, Retro or Vintage Ladies Mens Bike

Buying A Vintage Bike

If you're buying a VINTAGE / RETRO BIKE and the seller has claimed that they have "SERVICED" or "RESTORED" the bike then don't be afraid to ask them to detail exactly what has been done.

We find it very frustrating when sellers claim to have carried out a "SERVICE" when in fact they've just pumped up the tires and given the bike a clean - there is a lot more involved in a proper "service" than you may think. Unfortunately MANY SELLERS are not experienced bike mechanics nor have the right tools to do the work correctly and some are simply misleading buyers in order to achieve maximum sale price.

Most vintage bikes will need:

New Gear and Brake Cables ( it's very easy to tell if this has been carried out - if cables appear rusty, corroded or frayed then the seller HAS NOT replaced them) good cables are paramount to ensure the safety of the bicycle.

An experienced bike mechanic should run through the gears to ensure they're working correctly as this could be a safety issue if they're not adjusted correctly. Vintages bikes should have New Tyres, if not then ask the seller if the rubber on the tyres has perished. If tyres have GOOD TREAD but rubber is CRACKED then they need to be replaced as they won't hold air for long! Remember to buy new tyres and get them put on by a bike shop will be an added cost to your purchase. Brakes and levers should be checked and adjusted to ensure that they work properly and that there is enough rubber on the brake pads. We have seen many bike sellers that have claimed to have serviced the bike but DO NOT know how to adjust brakes correctly - this could be a safety issue!!

Rims should be trued and tensioned and spin freely, if they don't then they'll need the bearings serviced or will need truing by a bike mechanic. Bearings in the bottom bracket, headset, and wheel axles should be serviced on all vintage bikes and should be cleaned, repacked with grease or replaced with new bearings. Many sellers who claim to have serviced their bike do not do this. Often the cones or bottom bracket can be over tightened, the headset can too, if it has a "grinding feel" to it then it needs attention as your bike won't work for long. Drive train ie: chain & cogs should be thoroughly cleaned and oiled, some use degreaser in the wrong areas, degreaser can be harmful to some parts of the bike. Vintage bikes should be inspected for cracks in tubing, as some could have been in a front impact and or accident. Look for cracks or wrinkles in paintwork as this could be an indication that the steel tubing has been compromised. Also look around the lugs/joins in tubing as this is a common place for cracks. Ladies bikes usually have cracks or bends in the seat tube or head tube. Just run your fingers over the suspected area for creases in tubes.

Also we've seen plenty of bikes for up for sale on ebay that have BENT FORKS, ask the seller if they can provide a side shot/pic of bike so that it clearly shows the angle/alignment of the fork. If you're not sure ask someone who is experienced with bikes to have a look. Basically everything on a vintage bike should be checked over thoroughly by someone who knows what they're doing. Remember a bike mechanic will know what to look for and check.

Remember if the seller has performed a "service" on the bike they are selling or is claiming to be an experienced bike mechanic ask them
a) Do they work in a bike shop?
b) How long have they been repairing bikes?
c) Are they just a hobbyist? Unfortunately any "back yard bob" can call themselves a bike mechanic just to make a quick sale! Again if you're not sure just ask lot's of questions.
The experienced ones might even give you the name of the bike shop they are associated with or how long they have been working in the bike industry.

Lastly it's always nice to buy a clean bike that has been washed and polished. Although I have seen many bikes for sale that have been cleaned but haven't been serviced.

Remember, when buying a vintage bike to ride, ask the SELLER lots of questions and if you have doubts as to weather the work has been carried out, simply take your purchase into ANY bike shop and get a bike mechanic to check it over (they can usually tell pretty quickly if work has been carried out).

Vintage bikes that have been properly serviced will be a joy to ride.

Vintage bikes have a lot more style than the newer models and they are becoming harder to find and a lot more collectible. If looked after properly a vintage bike can provide many years of enjoyment and can actually increase in value!

sydneyvintagebikes

shelly | posted | Thursday, November 13th, 2008 |

ETSY & STYLEHIVE… Bicycle Chic Holiday Shopping Guide

Keep this handy. It’s a link to a list of fabulous finds, all bicycle themed and sourced from ETSY, plus it’s all easily, visually organized on Stylehive for your convenience. Just click on the swirling ‘follow me to the hive’…****Stylehive button on the top of the page to find everything bicycle chic themed listed there. This has been an ongoing process I started long ago with the bicycle chic savvy shopper in mind.

However, now that the Holidays are upon us, lets get shopping with our bicycle loving crafters and artists!

So, want to see and get a taste of what you’ll find? Well I’ve selected a number of items from ETSY. I will start by offering you a few of my favorites so you can get an idea of what you’ll find. Here we go.

*******

Okay, this was tough to only feature just one, so here are all three fantastic bicycle fingerless gloves. Each is super special.

        Corpseknit...or find on ETSY

        HandbyHand...or find on ETSY

        NanasKnits ...or find on ETSY

Looking for a pair of sparkly ankle cuffs? SOLD OUT

        Cyclechic ...or find on ETSY

…. a shiney cyclist ornament for your xmas tree?

        Marriageofmetal ...or find on ETSY

…a bicycle bag that is really (pirate/skullbones) different!

        Pursecution...or find on ETSY 

… a crystal encrusted bicycle bell?

        sparkledawne ...or find on ETSY
 

… a totally hot handcrafted bike reflector?

        Yabettasupadont...or find on ETSY
 

…a pair of bicycle streamers that are screaming!

        CityStreamers...or find on ETSY

…an adorable crocheted bicycle seat cover/warmer?

        Theladymissem...or find on ETSY

… a cheeky pair of bloomers?

        Avantegarb ...or find on ETSY

More fabulous favorites next week!

****note: I just noticed that StyleHive now requires you to join, in order to view the bicycle chic themed page I created for you. Sorry and my apologies. Before you were simply able to view the page before deciding if you wanted to join or not.

p.s. I was going to upload photos for each and every item listed here, but that was really a huge job. So take my word for it these are great finds and you just have to go look for yourself!!

| Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 |

José Parlá: Layered Days, Opening Reception…Green St., SoHo

11/9/08

One of my dearest friends and all time favorite artist José Parlá had his opening reception last night for his latest show "Layered Days" at Cristina Grajales in SoHo. I wouldn't have missed this for the world! Not only am I'm a huge fan of José's work (also the very proud owner of a one-of-a-kind jacket he painted for me back in 2001), but I rarely get to see the guy since he's usually out the country tending to his own sold out shows.

Just like his new work, the turnout for the reception was very impressive, full of art fans, fashionistas and, of course, lots and lots of flavor. The show runs until December 20, so if you're in the neighborhood, I highly recommend checking it out!

Man of the Hour: José Parlá
Note: When José signs something (for example here, a copy of his book) it's never just a simple 'autograph'. It's more like a little work of art.

The Pop Off: From the necklaces to the colorful blouse to the printed bag...she's holding down the mix-n-match look.

Last of the mohawkins...


Mari J. Always fly and now officially a regular here on Josie's House of Style.

Love her '80s vibe...

Urban Legends: (clockwise) Crazy Legs, Lee Quiñones, José Parlá and Bobbito Garcia


My best friend and now New York resident (yay!) Danielle Saxe (and one of my favorite paintings in the show)

Always stylin', Robyn Fernandes (and one of my favorite paintings in the show)

Black, White and Red All Over: The very lovely Louisa St. Pierre

Kelly Mills of Black & White PR sporting her company colors

More favorites from the show...


José Parlá and moi

North Beach for a Coffee

I was just finishing my morning coffee...

She was rolling her bicycle so as to position it near one of the outdoor tables. She ended up taking one by the door. Then she sat, ordered her latte, pulled out a book. This is such a North Beach habit....coffee, an outdoor table and your favorite read.

She had the best argyle socks on in shades of gray and a little bit red which looked so good with her gray toned pumps.

West Village...Bedford Street

11/6/08

Having fashionable friends has its perks...In my case, they let me photograph them so I can feature them on my blog.


Lisa Finkelstein. Jewelry designer at J.Crew (and if you've seen the jewelry, you know just how fabulous she is...). Color coordinated from head-to-toe.

Michelle Frantz. Handbag designer at Donna Karan (Handbags? Donna Karan? Need I say more?) So chic in black and white--topped off with her Prada coat.