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.

The London Times - Chic Cycle Tips....And The Great Fashion Cycle - London to Paris

(via The London Times)

The London Times has a few tips for the chic commuter. In short it's recommended to wear one stylish out fit to ride in and have another one at the ready stored in your panniers or ruck sack to change into. Plus you want to keep certain key pieces (like a good jacket, coat or shoes) stored at the office.

This story was brought to my attention via The Ethical Style Blogger and she has me linked. Thanks for the link love!

****
More News: Calling all adventure seeking, style savvy, bike lovers!

"The Great Fashion Cycle" from London to Paris in aid of our work addressing human rights and environmental abuses in the fashion industry.
With your pedal power we can change the face of fashion for the better.

EJF welcomes individuals or teams to join in the fun on this sponsored ride and make new friends during this once in a lifetime experience!

Cycling from London to Paris is one of the great cycle experiences in Europe.

Passing through picturesque countryside, you will cross the Channel and continue through the small villages and medieval market towns of Northern France. With long days in the saddle the sight of the Eiffel Tower, the finishing point, will evoke a real sense of achievement!

Dates: 1 - 5 July or 9 - 13 September 2009
Challenge days: 5 (4 days cycling)
Accommodation: 2-3 star hotels
What’s included: Travel by ferry to France and return travel to London on Eurostar, accommodation, all meals (excluding dinner on the ferry on day 1 and lunch and dinner on day 5)mechanics, guides and medical support
Registration: £99
Sponsorship: £1250 - All fundraising incurs costs and we ask you to raise a minimum amount of sponsorship to take part in this trip."

Umbrella - Rain Boots...Bicycle Fashion for a Rainy Day

(rain boots, umbrella, poplin rain coat, bright scarf = great rainy day riding attire)

This is a photo I almost missed getting. Saw her at noon today in downtown Santa Cruz.

What I liked a lot:

• she has great rain boots with the adjustable strap on it
• her basket on her bike transporting her umbrella and olive toned bag
  
• her bright orange scarf
  
• bare legs, no tights for a change
• her vintage looking bicycle with the step-through-frame
  

My Sherlock Holmes Look

Sharing this photo snapped last Saturday. I wasn't going anywhere in particular, just out for a short ride before the rains soon descended upon us again (like within a hour or so). I was happy my companion was in a pretty jolly mood, so asking him to come along to snap a few pics was no big deal.

The cape I am really fond of. It's vintage, 1940's I think. It was quite long, so I decided to shorten it, which gave me enough fabric to make the matching helmet cover. The helmet cover along with the cape, turned out so 'Sherlock Holmes' looking.

It's definitely time to formally introduce you to my DL-1 Raleigh bicycle. I've posted pictures of her before, but never bothered to tell you her name. Please meet my 'Pretty Britty'.

****
(As you might guess from the photo, I'm so ready for the the Sherlock Holmes movie with Robert Downing Jr.and directed by Madonna's ex Guy Richie to to come out.)


Paris Fashion Week starts today!

Turn a Mixte Fixie into a Grocery-Go-Getter!

This thing can haul two weeks' worth of groceries easily. Step-through mixte frame makes mounting and dismounting a breeze.

(photocredit:craigslist posting)

Want to get more utility from your bicycle? The pictures really tell the story here. Turn that mixte fixie into a Grocery-Go-Getter! Inspiration for this mixte fixie make -over, primer-'how-to' or simply DIY your own ulitarian conversion....came via this listing. Anyone else out there with any Grocery-Go-Getter conversion ideas to share?

Gem of A Photo

(photocredit: Michelle Nolan)

Discovered this photographer's work a while back and wanted to share. It's by Michelle Nolan. She does a luscious 'posed' photo like the one shown above and pairs it with a photo of the same girl and her bike in gritty real life light. Makes for an interesting look at contrasts, same girl and bike, two ways to 'see' her.

Inspired by Bicycle Designs and Innovations

Recently I attended a 25-year retrospective of important bicycle designs and innovations which were created in and around the city of Santa Cruz and shown at the Museum of Art & History. The exhibit was sponsored by The Santa Cruz Design & Innovation Center.

I also attended their bicycle industry panel discussion (and party) which included Calfee Design founder Craig Calfee, Specialized’s designer Robert Egger, Giro Helmet founder Jim Gentes, Santa Cruz Bicycle head engineer Joe Graney and Roxy Lo, designer for Ibis bicycles.

I had no idea so much bicycle innovation evolved out of this place I now call home. I have been awesomely inspired!

First I start by sharing my party pics which unfortunately are too blurry. Blame it on the delicious glass of the organic 'Wild Red' wine being served, and which I sipped too quickly on an empty stomach...silly me, I forgot to adjust my camera settings properly.




Discussion Panel Party Pics

****
The following photo were snapped at the Museum of Art and History...














*****************

Before I forget there is the SLO film festival going on with a bike film, so please take note:

"The history of the mountain bike, KLUNKERZ, is playing at the San Luis Obispo Int'l Film Festival on Saturday, March 7th at 12:00 noon. KLUNKERZ looks at the athletes and artisans credited with the popularization of the mountain bike, but it isn't just about mountain bikes. There's something for everyone...cyclo-cross, road racing, and KLUNKING...but it's mostly about community!"