Teens on Bicycles... Santa Cruz Style

(photo by ridingpretty)

Here we have three teens on an average summer day in Santa Cruz. This is a dedicated bicycle and pedestrian path that goes along beautiful West Cliff. People here are so wonderfully laid back. It's so California and it's why Santa Cruz has the nickname; 'The Cruz'....There just aren't the path wars that other urban cyclists have been complaining about in their neck of the urban jungles. It's the attitude that matters, TG we're a basically a laid back, unified community and probably owing a lot of it to the Surfer Vibe. Slow down and watch for Surfers crossing!!! We love our Surfers.

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Thanks to lolafalk for getting in touch with Ridingpretty. It's so nice my photos inspired you to want to ride a bicycle. I am thrilled that you want to encourage others to ride a bicycle via your fashion blog. Let's keep spreading bicycle love all around the fashionista blogoshere!!

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Marko wants RidingPretty readers to check out his blog World Carfree Network

Summer Dresses and the Bicycle

Pretty Summer Dresses...

(photo: RidngPretty)

This photo is one I took just a few days ago. Huge ocean swells coming ashore created quite the spectacle at Steamer's Lane as surfers took advantage of the best surfing in weeks and weeks. That's why all those people are there on that cliff in the background, they're watching the waves and the surfers. This is big excitement for Santa Cruz!

Her dress looks so easy. She's just thrown it on over her stripped bathing suit And don't forget the classy looking black leather bag either. Who says you have to bring a beach bag to the beach!

Some how her pink summer dress reminded me of another photo I had somewhere in my (ever growing) photo collection. So I dug that photo out too to share with you. Sigh, such a pretty shade of turquoise...

( via Elle Belle)

Well I already have a sweet pink dress not too unlike the one in the top photo. I want to finish summer out with a turquoise strapless dress like this one. I am finding that for super hot weather nothing beats a strapless dress. You can easily add a cardy, a super light weight jacket for more versatility if you want to look more finished if your destination or situation calls for it.

Garance Doré Named her Bicycle Chuck Bass!

This is a very recent photo Garance Doré took of a lovely Amsterdam girl and her bicycle.

Garance Doré is one of my all time favorite sources for fashion inspiration. I love her photography, illustrations, and the superb writing she does in her blog...So imagine when I discovered she also loves riding bicycles, plus tweets about it! By the way I've learned that Garance has named her own bicycle Chuck Bass...

p.s. I am just crazy for those green boots in this photo

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update: The day following this post Garance posted a (rare) photo herself with her bicycle; "Me & my bike"

Foraging with my Bicycle

(asiya wadud via sanfranciscomag)

Meet Asiya Wadud, that’s her in the photo above. She’s my current favorite lifestyle heroine on a bicycle. She has brought LOTS of attention to urban foraging and she does it all via her bicycle. She wants to win $10,000. She’d use the funds to purchase bicycles, organize a series of walking/ biking tours of Oakland (Oakland, CA is where she urban forages). Recently there was a Forage Dinner. Surprise, surprise the chef was none other then Jerome Wagg who has been a great friend of mine since (dare I say) the late 80’s.

A while back I did a combo post featuring one my chictopia outfits and more relevant in relationship to this post I talked about picking wild berries.

Well I wanted to share the fruits of that foraging foray....

(elderberry perserve photo by ridingpretty)

This is the elderberry preserve I made from the berries. I’ve been making elderberry preserves from wild foraged elderberry going back as many summers as I can remember. My grandfather got me started. He was famous for his chokecherry and elderberry wines and mead. My grandmother thought it was more important to learn to make the preserves so that’s what she taught me. At age 16 I tried making my grandfather’s recipe for chokecherry mead…and it was sort of a disaster, so I stuck with making preserves instead. So there you have it. I’ve been a ‘forager’ forever!

Madrone berries, just picked and ready for a fruit compote.....

(madrone photo by ridingpretty)

The path...

(photo by ridingpretty)

I ride my bicycle very slowly when staking out new areas to forage in. You really have to look and observe the terrain.

Berries in the wild....

(oregon grape photo by ridingpretty)

(elderberry photo by ridingpretty)

Do you use your bicycle in ways that can inspire others like Asiya and her Forage Oakland?
Or do you go foraging yourself with your bicycle?

Home at last after a successful forage... peaceful, contemplative watching the sunset.

Sun Protection for 'Girly' Bicycle Riders

Bicyclists are on the high risk list for sun damage and skin cancer. Talk to a Dermatologist and they will concur that it is essential to make sun protection a critical part of your daily skin care regime. Most ladies I've seen bicycling this summer aren’t wearing hats or a helmet w/ sun visor. All that sun especially on your face has got to be just brutal!

So I'm sharing some of my sun protection tips especially with the ‘girly’ bicyclist in mind. I consider myself ‘girly’ because I‘m not the type to just go out the door with only my sunscreen on my face in hopes that once I'm at my destination I can quickly dash off somewhere private to make my self all cute with my make up kit. Really, I want to ARRIVE cute! So be it, consider me ‘girly’ then...

The Routine

First thing going on my freshly clean skin is my daily moisturizer. So use whatever moisturizer you're in the habit of using. Next comes the most importation part…It’s SUN BLOCK.

*BurnOut Sunblock
After years of searching, I've found the ultimate sun block for me. I love it because it is a physical sun blocker as opposed to a chemical sun blocker. Why I use it? Did you know that sun block is one of the biggest contributing factors to coral bleaching and the death of our coral reefs? I live by the ocean and when I go for a swim I want my sun block to be ocean safe and this one is. It is also paraben and petroleum free. Remember to use a dime size dollop for your face. It goes on quite white mask like until it all gets absorbed in.

*Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Stick
I am addicted to portable sun block sticks. I use it (often applied at home on top of my BurnOut Sunblock) specifically on all my high spots (nose, cheeks) plus I take it on my bicycle with me. I like this particular one because it too is a physical sun blocker. It’s formulated for super sensitive baby skin by containing the least amount of chemicals in it. (I wish BurnOut Sun Block came in a stick form and I'd be ecstatic. Until then I use this Neutrogena one.) Important: reapply it for continuing sun protection maintenance when you’re bicycling out in the sun all day. This is so important; so many people forget to reapply sun block.

*Mineral finishing veil
I like using mineral veil because it departs light reflecting luminosity but has no color pigment per se. The one I use is an organic mix of pure mineral powder and some cornstarch as well. I’ve also used 100% pure mineral powder which is great too. (You can also start with a pigmented mineral powder first and finish with the finishing veil.) I always take my mineral veil with me. I use it for touch ups. It will absorb excess shine. I even work it into my hair line to combat a damp forehead/hairline. Mineral powders also work as a physical sun block to varying degrees. Check around, some mineral powders contain a decent SPF factor all on their own.

*Mineral bronzer
I use this to impart a little kiss of color. I may or may not bring this with me.

*Organic Flower Hydrosol Mist
Depending on what climate you live in this can be used several different ways. If it's a dry hot day and my mineral finish is looking a little dry and cakey, I add luminosity by using a light mist of it on my face. (For years make up artist have been using a fine mist to set make up). If it’s hot and muggy I use light a mist to cool off with. The trick is to use just a light mist, don't shower with it. I also like it because depending on the floral infusion, I can get a nice aromatic scent to my self with out going the (chemical) perfume/cologne route. I love to use it on the back of my neck with my head and hair flipped over as I blogged here about it. Quite refreshing.

*TerraTint lip balm18 SPF
This comes in so many light sheer tints. I use it through out the day to keep my lips moist and sun protected. When I want a more POW look I use a good lip pencil underneath the tint.


* Facial Blotting Paper
I use Jane Iredale’s 100% all-natural, flax seed blotting papers.
For those super hot, sweat drenching days this will absorb the excess and give you a matte finish. To save money and packaging costs I just buy the refills.


*Drink lots of water. This keeps your skin looking nice from the inside out.

Summary: What goes in my bag:
Portable Sunblock stick, mineral veil powder, small portable make up brush, tinted lip balm SPF 18, floral hyrdosol mist, facial blotting papers, facial wipes and/or small micro fiber facial cloth. Optional bronzer powder or a cheek stain blusher.

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Possible questions you may have:

When you’re out all day in the sun do you use your portable sun block stick on top of the mineral powder?

Yes. I apply it right over the already applied mineral powder when I know I’ve been in the sun for a long time and need a reapplication. I then brush on a little extra mineral powder to absorb excess shine as well, if needed.
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Please note the kind of ingredients contained in your mineral powder. Look for 100% pure mineral powder or organic mineral powder which is pure mineral powder with added organic ingredients. The purer, the less likely you will have problems using it layered, as in this instance as in layering additional sun block on top of it.

What about make up brushes for applying the Mineral powder?

I like using a makeup brush as opposed to a compact type puff for the application of mineral powder. I use a big brush at home and then pack a small portable one. You can also look for a pump brush that is easy to use. The important thing is to clean your brushes regularly with soap and water, then an alcohol wipe finish to inhibit bacterial growth, especially in summer.

You didn’t mention mascara, primer or foundation?

I do love mascara; I apply it once in the morning then forget about it. I also use a primer on occasion. I rarely use a liquid foundation, I prefer my mineral powders. Excuse me, but in this area I claim no strong opinion because I’m guessing everyone has their own preferences as to what type, how little or how much make-up they want to wear or not, so it’s up to you!

You didn’t mention sun protection for any other parts of the body?

I use the sun blocks mentioned here for the face on the rest of my body too. I like using the portable stick for the tops of ears and the back of my hands too.

What if it’s really, really hot will any of this really work anyway?

Well I’ve already determined I’m not leaving the house barefaced with the intention of making my self cute later on. So on the worst, worst days I do bring back up facial wipes… (in my case scent free, hypoallergenic, travel pack baby wipes.) What I do is pat my face down very, very gently. I’m thinking of switching to a small micro fiber clothe instead. I’d mist the micro fiber cloth with floral hydrosol mist and employ the same technique of blotting up the excess sweat, taking care to pat and not swoosh it over my face. I don’t want to be swooshing off the sun block! Reapply some mineral veil then. Come to think of it, I think in the ‘old days’ one of the reason ladies carried hanker chiefs was to blot a damp and fainted brow with!

Can a guy use any of this advice?

Why yes. Just skip the mascara, bronzer, colored lip tint and floral hydro mist. Use instead a clear (unpetroleum ) SPF 18 lip balm. And instead of using a mineral veil look for the 45 SPF mineral sunblock by Peter Thomas Roth. You can also try a Vichy, Avene, Evian water mist if you don’t like floral scents. Other wise it’s pretty much the same. Use the Sunblocks, it's the key thing.

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Updates: here are some links/ resources I though might be interesting and useful

Face Book Page for Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

EWG (Environment Working Group) Sunscreen Guide

Vivienne Westwood .... Pashley Bicycle

(photo via glamourmagazine.co.uk)

I loved coming across this little interview with Vivienne Westwood. It answers a reader's question in a prior post with Vivienne as to what bicycle she rides. It's a Pashley.

"How far do you cycle?

Every day from home to work, which is Clapham to Battersea. But I would cycle anywhere in town.

What bike do you ride?


I ride a Pashley.

Why do you cycle?

Because it’s convenient and the quickest way to get around.

Cycling tip?

I never ride very fast. If necessary, I walk up the hills. Sometimes I carry high-heels in the basket if I’m going somewhere where I’ll be needing them."

Via the londonPaper

***Right now Girls and Bicycles has a nice 'Pashley 101', her personal review of the bicycle.

Related: Dream Bicycle List

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.

London Cyclistas

(via warehouse.co / photo by Sveinung Skaalnes)

Incredible 'bikey love' inspiration coming from these amazing London Ladies! What I like is the diverse style these ladies all exhibit. What an eye and what luck the photographer has to have captured these Bicycle Belles!

1905 vs 2009 Art Bikes

(photo by RidingPretty)

(via powerhouse museum collection/bikehugger)

The top photo is one I took awhile back and posted in a series on kinetic art bikes. Out of all the photos I took that particular day, this one has really begun to make the rounds and has ended up in all sorts of places along with hilarious remarks about 'California Bike Culture'.

Now this second photo is also an art bike, circa 1905. I am struck by some odd similarities between the two photos. The stripes, the curved and arching appendages...

People and their love for embellishing their bicycles never fails to delight me.
Enjoy!

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Speaking of California Bike Culture I'd though I'd share a little Park Slope Brooklyn, NYC Bike Culture ... as in Dixon Bike Culture, a favored bike shop.

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.

Bicycle Summer Inspiration

(via sungelly87, thewayittalk,babshouse,cherryblossomgirl)

The artist side of my nature just wants to post pretty and visually inspiring pictures and the like ...Because What I Really Want, is to be off and about enjoying my summer days; blackberry picking, going to the beach, dreaming up bicycle picnic outings complete with the perfect summer dress, scrumptious lunch offerings and the perfect summer book to read under the cool shade of a tree.
Anyway. Here you have it, I give you some of my favorite summer time inspired bicycle photography.

Sigh, it's been a real chore to sit down and write an insightful and thought provoking piece. However I will resume to more deep and PC women/gender/cycling/cycle chic debate and issues type posting eventually. Or not.

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!

Fanciful Fourth of July... Bicycyle Frippery

(photocredit via A Fanciful Twist)

Frippery is not a word I get around to using very often, so how delighted I was on all sorts of levels to share with you this photo. Just a beautiful image don't you think and full of frippery! Notice the luscious ruffled dress, toy piano, the musical lute(?), and pretty yellow flowers all as cargo. Now, to excite and magnify my own 4th of July feelings, I want to dress the part. So I covet those same stripped ribbons plus I seriously want to find a whimsical white dress like this one... and then go ride a very blue USA bicycle!

Have a happy and safe 4th of July everyone!

p.s. Curious, does anyone else ever get the urge to dress up yourself and your bicycle for holidays?

Bridget Bardot on a Bicycle

Loving this amazing, lovely pic of Bridget Bardot riding a bicycle...