[Downtown Santa Cruz a couple of days before Halloween]
Happy Halloween Everyone!
p.s. nice to meet you "Miss Pacific Avenue"... Hope you like the photo!
28 October 2011
Street Photo October -- Downtown Santa Cruz
Happy Halloween Everyone!
p.s. nice to meet you "Miss Pacific Avenue"... Hope you like the photo!
26 October 2011
It's Not That Deep - Bicycles, Self Portrait, Photography
Last week on a very warm day I went out on my bicycle for a little late afternoon photography.
My bicycle in the last rays of light. I was on my way home at this point.
For this adventure I'd brought along a picnic blanket (actually a vintage coverlet) for laying out on the ground, my newest Polaroid, and a wicker wine bottle filled will chilled water.
Self portrait...
-- playing around with the Polaroid. I utilized a tripod, self timer for this shot. If I hadn’t stopped to spread out my picnic blanket, drink my refreshments and then simply start goofing around, I would never have thought to do this photo this way.
October House...
For this adventure I'd brought along a picnic blanket (actually a vintage coverlet) for laying out on the ground, my newest Polaroid, and a wicker wine bottle filled will chilled water.
Self portrait...
“instagramed” photo
-- playing around with the Polaroid. I utilized a tripod, self timer for this shot. If I hadn’t stopped to spread out my picnic blanket, drink my refreshments and then simply start goofing around, I would never have thought to do this photo this way.
October House...
Recently I’ve been slowly, deliberately exploring (more like stalking) my local neighborhoods by bicycle. I’ve gotten myself in the habit now to be sure to pack my camera(s) and tripod. It’s extra effort but catching a photo like this next one makes me smile and glad I took the time to do so that day.
Last but not least...
Last but not least...
dress -- no label, upcycled & reconstructed- originally thrifted
basket purse -- vintage 70s
wine bottle holder -- vintage
shoes -- Ann Demeulemeester, several seasons ago
basket purse -- vintage 70s
wine bottle holder -- vintage
shoes -- Ann Demeulemeester, several seasons ago
24 October 2011
DIY Skirt Guard - Raleigh DL-1 Gets a Corset!
As promised here is my newest DIY project-- a bicycle skirt guard! Starting off with photos of the finished project...
I sketch new design ideas all the time. In one of my sketches I began seeing exactly what I wanted! Yes, the lacing I wanted, the sheerness I wanted.
Stuck, then I got very stuck. I didn't know how I was going to make it -- I just knew that I would make it eventually. I kept returning to my sketch pondering design execution. Over time, different ideas as to what materials I could use would pop into my head. I’d mull these ideas around. I rejected quite a few.
On trips to the hardware store, trips to the fabric store – I was always on the outlook for possible materials and components to make my skirt guard out of.
One weekend feeling particularly creative I decided I was just going to go for it. I’d already come up with the netting I planned to use for it -- via a magical, discovery - brainstorm - eureka moment! Then with one, last fruitful trip to the hardware store and a trip to the fabric store I discovered the last bits I wanted to incorporate. Satisfied I sat down and made the thing in an afternoon, at one go.
I photo documented the entire “start to finish” process of the making of it. As you may recall from a previous post I encountered corrupted photo memory card issues. So there are no DIY pictures to share with you, only the finished project.
Here are some helpful hints as to how to make your own:
That's it. Good Luck. Have Fun!
The Design Process
It started within day one of owning my Raleigh DL-1. Wearing as many long skirts as I do, I realized how much better it would be to have a skirt guard on my bicycle. I began searching for a second (same circa) Raleigh fender that I could “sacrifice” and drill holes in (objective to preserve my original fender). The only skirt guards I’d come across that held any aesthetically pleasing appeal for me were the traditional European style skirt guards – the ones that require holes drilled into the bicycle fender.
Eventually I did find a couple fenders perfect for the job. However I was continuously either outbid or they sold lightening fast. I simply gave up on ever finding a second fender to “sacrifice”. Instead I challenged myself to come up with some other solution! Besides, I absolutely knew I was never going to be reduced to drilling holes in my original fender. For what? -- just to accommodate the traditional European style skirt guard I fancied? No, no, no!
I experimented. I tried my hand at crochet and macramé skirt guards quite some time ago. I wasn't happy with the results. In my original crochet skirt guard I used the little clips. I realized I was not a fan of clips. Since my early attempts, others have since taken up the challenge to design crochet guards or macramé guards. While I liked these traditional designs they still mainly involved drilling holes in the fender, which I remain completely adverse to.
Onward. I knew I wanted my skirt guard to be made out of something light, something sheer. Something in subtle colorations. I did not want it to be solid skirt guard. I wanted it out of something gossamer light so that the air could blow through it – reasoning something solid might act as a sail does in the wind.
Yes, and perhaps some lacing would be nice…
It started within day one of owning my Raleigh DL-1. Wearing as many long skirts as I do, I realized how much better it would be to have a skirt guard on my bicycle. I began searching for a second (same circa) Raleigh fender that I could “sacrifice” and drill holes in (objective to preserve my original fender). The only skirt guards I’d come across that held any aesthetically pleasing appeal for me were the traditional European style skirt guards – the ones that require holes drilled into the bicycle fender.
Eventually I did find a couple fenders perfect for the job. However I was continuously either outbid or they sold lightening fast. I simply gave up on ever finding a second fender to “sacrifice”. Instead I challenged myself to come up with some other solution! Besides, I absolutely knew I was never going to be reduced to drilling holes in my original fender. For what? -- just to accommodate the traditional European style skirt guard I fancied? No, no, no!
I experimented. I tried my hand at crochet and macramé skirt guards quite some time ago. I wasn't happy with the results. In my original crochet skirt guard I used the little clips. I realized I was not a fan of clips. Since my early attempts, others have since taken up the challenge to design crochet guards or macramé guards. While I liked these traditional designs they still mainly involved drilling holes in the fender, which I remain completely adverse to.
Onward. I knew I wanted my skirt guard to be made out of something light, something sheer. Something in subtle colorations. I did not want it to be solid skirt guard. I wanted it out of something gossamer light so that the air could blow through it – reasoning something solid might act as a sail does in the wind.
Yes, and perhaps some lacing would be nice…
I sketch new design ideas all the time. In one of my sketches I began seeing exactly what I wanted! Yes, the lacing I wanted, the sheerness I wanted.
Stuck, then I got very stuck. I didn't know how I was going to make it -- I just knew that I would make it eventually. I kept returning to my sketch pondering design execution. Over time, different ideas as to what materials I could use would pop into my head. I’d mull these ideas around. I rejected quite a few.
On trips to the hardware store, trips to the fabric store – I was always on the outlook for possible materials and components to make my skirt guard out of.
One weekend feeling particularly creative I decided I was just going to go for it. I’d already come up with the netting I planned to use for it -- via a magical, discovery - brainstorm - eureka moment! Then with one, last fruitful trip to the hardware store and a trip to the fabric store I discovered the last bits I wanted to incorporate. Satisfied I sat down and made the thing in an afternoon, at one go.
I photo documented the entire “start to finish” process of the making of it. As you may recall from a previous post I encountered corrupted photo memory card issues. So there are no DIY pictures to share with you, only the finished project.
Here are some helpful hints as to how to make your own:
You will need to make your own pattern based on your wheel / fender size.
I used a synthetic “all weather proof “ netting in black. It is sew-able.
I used black anodized metal fittings I found at a hardware store. Originally I was going to use grommets, but I liked these better. The anodized black was in the same tonal shades as my vintage bicycle.
I used suede leather lacing. I was going to use all weather nylon but it looked too new and shiny to my eye.
That's it. Good Luck. Have Fun!
22 October 2011
Beyond The Rugby Ralph Lauren Tweed Run NYC
Bill Cunningham (NYTimes) and The Rugby Ralph Lauren Tweed Run NYC have done a fantastic job of getting the entire world to take notice of Tweed Runs and Tweed Rides.
If you missed this one singular event, fear not. Contrary to a widening FOMO belief and to dispel the “IT- ness” this event has garnered, there is more beyond The Rugby Ralph Lauren Tweed Run NYC! So happy to report this!
Respectful thank you! RL for helping Americans discover Tweed Runs and to Bill Cunningham for his fashion take on it and explaining what it all means.
To those people just discovering the phenomenon -- do realize Tweed Runs and Tweed Rides number in the hundreds by now and happen all over the world.
To date Ralph Lauren is the biggest name sponsor to come aboard. Sponsors typically are more likely to be local independent bike shops, local bicycle accessory maker / designer (a cycle cap maker for example). For the most part everything is more grassroots in how the ride gets organized and sponsored. Quite often there is a benefit or charity aspect to the event as well.
Prizes are typically offered, often with a grand prize raffle too - usually via the generosity of an event sponsor. On offer as top raffle prize at The Rugby Ralph Lauren Tweed Run NYC was a special addition Rugby Pashley bike. In case you didn’t win it there is a special edition of fifty Rugby Pashley bikes up for purchase.
Be on the look out for a Tweed event in your part of the world -- or organize it yourself! Yeah for DIY! Try checking The Tweed Ride Report for an event near you.
As a last thought. There are many other Tweed Runs and Rides happening all over the world-- and so finely captured in such beautiful photography and outstanding videos. I will to continue to share these treasures with you. You may well find just how elegantly wonderful these other events ARE - yes, and forget all about missing the Tweed Run NYC...
If you missed this one singular event, fear not. Contrary to a widening FOMO belief and to dispel the “IT- ness” this event has garnered, there is more beyond The Rugby Ralph Lauren Tweed Run NYC! So happy to report this!
Respectful thank you! RL for helping Americans discover Tweed Runs and to Bill Cunningham for his fashion take on it and explaining what it all means.
To those people just discovering the phenomenon -- do realize Tweed Runs and Tweed Rides number in the hundreds by now and happen all over the world.
To date Ralph Lauren is the biggest name sponsor to come aboard. Sponsors typically are more likely to be local independent bike shops, local bicycle accessory maker / designer (a cycle cap maker for example). For the most part everything is more grassroots in how the ride gets organized and sponsored. Quite often there is a benefit or charity aspect to the event as well.
Prizes are typically offered, often with a grand prize raffle too - usually via the generosity of an event sponsor. On offer as top raffle prize at The Rugby Ralph Lauren Tweed Run NYC was a special addition Rugby Pashley bike. In case you didn’t win it there is a special edition of fifty Rugby Pashley bikes up for purchase.
Be on the look out for a Tweed event in your part of the world -- or organize it yourself! Yeah for DIY! Try checking The Tweed Ride Report for an event near you.
As a last thought. There are many other Tweed Runs and Rides happening all over the world-- and so finely captured in such beautiful photography and outstanding videos. I will to continue to share these treasures with you. You may well find just how elegantly wonderful these other events ARE - yes, and forget all about missing the Tweed Run NYC...
21 October 2011
Toronto - Tweed Ride Video
It rained, it drizzled, it was chilly weather -- no matter! Toronto's FINEST dapper Ladies & Gents sallied forth on their bicycles in Toronto's 1st Annual Tweed Ride. Presenting a little TweedRideTO video for your viewing pleasure…
p.s. thanks Xander for making this wonderfully snappy video!
Enjoy!
19 October 2011
The Tweed Ride Report is like a bicycle horn…
The Tweed Ride Report is like a bicycle horn…
And with that as a segue -- I present you with four rides this weekend, another four rides for the following weekend (and alas the end of October's Tweed Rides and Runs) -- However last but not least, another nine rides scheduled for November! All the deets are in The Tweed Ride Report. For expediency reasons this week's four rides are:
Burlington VT Tweed Ride - Oct 22
Minneapolis Tweed Ride - Oct 22
Durango CO Tweed Ride - Oct 23
Detroit Tweed Ride - Oct 23
"This is a high class horn of the bugle type. Gives a deep melodious alarm and can be heard at an extreme distance".
And with that as a segue -- I present you with four rides this weekend, another four rides for the following weekend (and alas the end of October's Tweed Rides and Runs) -- However last but not least, another nine rides scheduled for November! All the deets are in The Tweed Ride Report. For expediency reasons this week's four rides are:
Burlington VT Tweed Ride - Oct 22
Minneapolis Tweed Ride - Oct 22
Durango CO Tweed Ride - Oct 23
Detroit Tweed Ride - Oct 23
16 October 2011
Tweed Ride Outfit - Redux
Tweed Ride Attire --Tweed Jacket worn with shorts...
You may remember me mentioning loosing all my week's worth of photos...
Cheered myself up and forced myself to redo them all over again during this past weekend. So here is my Tweed Jacket and Shorts outfit (again) -- so happy to tell you.
With the weather reaching into the 70's & 80s (like it has recently) and when I find myself feeling that feeling "I'm in the Need for Tweed" -- well, I wear my Tweed anyway! -- only I pair it with khaki hiking shorts and my Italian leather boots.
Fitted Tweed Jacket -- thrifted
Pin striped silk shirt -- thrifted
Vest -- Tommy Hilfiger from several years back
Khaki hiking shorts -- 80s NOS by Royal Robbins
Victorian inspired short Booties -- Bandolino several seasons ago
Satchel -- unknown, a gift
Wooden deer lapel pin--vintage & handmade
You may remember me mentioning loosing all my week's worth of photos...
Cheered myself up and forced myself to redo them all over again during this past weekend. So here is my Tweed Jacket and Shorts outfit (again) -- so happy to tell you.
With the weather reaching into the 70's & 80s (like it has recently) and when I find myself feeling that feeling "I'm in the Need for Tweed" -- well, I wear my Tweed anyway! -- only I pair it with khaki hiking shorts and my Italian leather boots.
Fitted Tweed Jacket -- thrifted
Pin striped silk shirt -- thrifted
Vest -- Tommy Hilfiger from several years back
Khaki hiking shorts -- 80s NOS by Royal Robbins
Victorian inspired short Booties -- Bandolino several seasons ago
Satchel -- unknown, a gift
Wooden deer lapel pin--vintage & handmade
I have one more Tweed Outfit to re-shoot over again. I hope you find some Tweedy Inspiration for any upcoming Tweed Rides or Tweed Runs you plan on attending! Or to wear just for the heck of it.
14 October 2011
Sao Paulo Brazil - Tweed Ride Video
Sao Paulo Brazil Tweed Ride Video - just a couple months ago...
Enjoy!
12 October 2011
Bicycle Skirt Guard
Today’s post almost didn’t make it...
I am also sharing one of my favorite vintage bicycle / fashion photos...
Enjoy!
You only see the one photo of my new bicycle skirt guard. I happily promise there will be more! It’s a laced "corset" and steam punk inspired. It was so much fun to design and make!
Well here’s to getting through my (first ever) corrupted memory card and subsequently loosing all my photos from the last few days -- to turn it around and do a quick late night shoot just so I could feel better about it all.
Well here’s to getting through my (first ever) corrupted memory card and subsequently loosing all my photos from the last few days -- to turn it around and do a quick late night shoot just so I could feel better about it all.
***
I am also sharing one of my favorite vintage bicycle / fashion photos...
Enjoy!
10 October 2011
November Updates to The Tweed Ride Report
TWEED RIDES & TWEED RUNS – November 2011
TWEED RIDES & TWEED RUNS – November 2011
Roanoak VA Tweed Ride - Nov 5
Chicago Bonfire Tweed Ride -Nov 5
Nashville Tweed Ride - Nov 6
Sacramento Tweed Ride - Nov 13
Philadelphia Tweed Ride - Nov 19
Pescara, IT Tweed Ride - Nov 20
Melbourne Tweed Ride - Nov 27
I’ve recently added lots of new rides, many just over the last few days—including several new rides for the remaining last half of October. Compared to the original post for October oodles of rides have been added since that post first appeared!
I will continue to post the invites & posters for these Rides as I receive them. You will be able to find those invites & posters, updates and details in THE TWEED RIDE REPORT.
**If you've landed on this post for the first time, do check back! Find the new upcoming rides for the current month you're in by going to either The Tweed Ride Report or look for it in the current month's ride lists post. Or see dates and locations right here on the main page -- right over there on the sidebar listings.
I tweet updates regularly now. I will be checking for any updates you may tweet there as well. Simpler yet, just follow me on twitter where I've been happily tweeting new Tweed Ride & Tweed Run updates plus tweeting timely reminders for these rides.
Check these hash tags on twitter : #thetweedridereport -- #tweedride -- #tweedrun
**FB is another place I try to do Tweed Ride & Tweed Run updates as well. Since Sept. 3oth I find it harder to export my blog directly onto FB as I use to do...
Roanoak VA Tweed Ride - Nov 5
Chicago Bonfire Tweed Ride -Nov 5
Nashville Tweed Ride - Nov 6
Sacramento Tweed Ride - Nov 13
Philadelphia Tweed Ride - Nov 19
Pescara, IT Tweed Ride - Nov 20
Melbourne Tweed Ride - Nov 27
I’ve recently added lots of new rides, many just over the last few days—including several new rides for the remaining last half of October. Compared to the original post for October oodles of rides have been added since that post first appeared!
I will continue to post the invites & posters for these Rides as I receive them. You will be able to find those invites & posters, updates and details in THE TWEED RIDE REPORT.
**If you've landed on this post for the first time, do check back! Find the new upcoming rides for the current month you're in by going to either The Tweed Ride Report or look for it in the current month's ride lists post. Or see dates and locations right here on the main page -- right over there on the sidebar listings.
I tweet updates regularly now. I will be checking for any updates you may tweet there as well. Simpler yet, just follow me on twitter where I've been happily tweeting new Tweed Ride & Tweed Run updates plus tweeting timely reminders for these rides.
Check these hash tags on twitter : #thetweedridereport -- #tweedride -- #tweedrun
**FB is another place I try to do Tweed Ride & Tweed Run updates as well. Since Sept. 3oth I find it harder to export my blog directly onto FB as I use to do...
06 October 2011
Love Vintage? - A Classic Bike Run : " La Patrimoine " Video
If you enjoyed the Beret Baguette or L'Eroica than this should be of great interest!
p.s. Thanks to Benjamin Donadieu for sending this in
05 October 2011
Thrift Store Hauls for Fall
This started out to be a DIY post....
I decided the DIY post will have to be a follow up. Then it occurred to me. Yes, come to think of it everything shown in this post is thrifted, upcycled. So there you have it.
ethnic tribal vest --thrifted
80's patagonia cargo shorts --thrifted
super soft oversized top --thrifted
wood heart necklace --thrifted
mens' black oxfords --thrifted
leather bound (unused) journal --thrifted
wicker case with wine bottle inside --thrifted
The bicycle was free.
(I blogged about it here and since then I've repainted it black...)
Then I rethought it...
I decided the DIY post will have to be a follow up. Then it occurred to me. Yes, come to think of it everything shown in this post is thrifted, upcycled. So there you have it.
ethnic tribal vest --thrifted
80's patagonia cargo shorts --thrifted
super soft oversized top --thrifted
wood heart necklace --thrifted
mens' black oxfords --thrifted
leather bound (unused) journal --thrifted
wicker case with wine bottle inside --thrifted
The bicycle was free.
(I blogged about it here and since then I've repainted it black...)
03 October 2011
Tweed Riding Ensembles - For the Ladies
Two ensembles styled with a Tweed Ride or Tweed Run in mind...
My morning was a pure fashion playtime -- experimenting with Tweed Ride outfits and styling! With all the Fall Tweed Rides happening this year -- going through my closet looking for possible outfits has become somewhat of an obsession. That and learning / playing with Instagram. I love re-purposing my (rather boring) photos and turning them into something with a dreamy vintage feel.
p.s. the tweed bag in the 1st photo is still available in my bicyclebeautiful shop
My morning was a pure fashion playtime -- experimenting with Tweed Ride outfits and styling! With all the Fall Tweed Rides happening this year -- going through my closet looking for possible outfits has become somewhat of an obsession. That and learning / playing with Instagram. I love re-purposing my (rather boring) photos and turning them into something with a dreamy vintage feel.
p.s. the tweed bag in the 1st photo is still available in my bicyclebeautiful shop
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