Fashion Weekend Edition: Tunic Sweater Touring

Behold the tunic: too short to be a dress, too long to be a standard sweater. It’s my go-to sweater when I want the warmth of a sweater dress but I’m riding all over town on my diamond frame touring bike. Add leggings, tall boots and a wool cap (and a scarf) and I’m set to run errands or tour the city on a chilly Saturday.

The shawl collar on this sweater was what caught my eye in the store. I liked the buckles too.

The buckles on my motorcycle boots echo the buckles on the sweater.

I normally wear a fuzzy scarf that I take off after I’m warmed up.

My touring bike has flat+SPD pedals so I can ride in cycling or regular shoes.

About Fashion Friday: Inspired by a 2011 Bike to Work Day challenge sponsored by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, this series highlights the broad range of “dress for the destination” bicycling fashions.

 

Fashion Friday: Menswear Extraordinaire

Where a jacket falls short, the car coat finishes the job with coverage down to the mid-thigh without the weight of a full length coat. Dick’s suit-weight worsted wool coat is perfect for California winters, and more perfect when paired with a lightweight merino wool sweater, button-down shirt, dark jeans and easy loafers.

These loafers are as comfortable as sneakers but a lot classier.

Lightweight merino wool gives heavy weight warmth without bulk.

A seat cover in a menswear plaid protects his leather saddle from rain.

About Fashion Friday: Inspired by a 2011 Bike to Work Day challenge sponsored by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, this series highlights the broad range of “dress for the destination” bicycling fashions.

 

Fashion Friday: Elf Myself

This wool sweater dress is warm and wintery and as nostalgic as a Norman Rockwell painting. Add heels and it’s VSFW (very suitable for work). Add a fleece beanie and I’m one of Santa’s elves. Fun fun winter fun.

The dress was cute on the hanger but it was the fit and the deep purple color that sold me.

Tights and short boots are enough when it’s not super cold.

Add a wool dress coat and I’m ready for sub-40 degrees–NorCal’s toughest.

Love the knit pattern! Not sure of the origin: British Isles or Scandinavian?

About Fashion Friday: Inspired by a 2011 Bike to Work Day challenge sponsored by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, this series highlights the broad range of “dress for the destination” bicycling fashions.

 

Fashion Friday: Vintage Touches for a Party Dress

When you come home empty handed after shopping for a new party dress, it’s time to get creative from your closet. This 8-year-old little black dress gets accessorized for a completely new look with a paisley shawl from my sister, a flea-market-find vintage pin, and a satin car coat, lace stockings and shoes straight from my closet. Add a new inexpensive necklace and I’m ready for Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition holiday party.

This dress is so versatile. See how accessories make the difference here and here and here.

Spanish lace stockings add drama to the basic black dress.

The necklace only looks vintage but the pin is the real deal from the 1950s.

The satin bows on my shoes complement the satin coat.

About Fashion Friday: Inspired by a 2011 Bike to Work Day challenge sponsored by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, this series highlights the broad range of “dress for the destination” bicycling fashions.

 

Fashion Friday: A Rain Burka for Monsoon Season

Why is monsoon-worthy rainwear so hard to find? Proper gear is key to staying dry when the wind whips up and the rain comes down hard. My cycle-specific long rain coat, merino wool cap, leather motorcycle boots and nylon gloves have me covered head to toe, and protect my sweater dress from the ravages of the elements.

My full coverage rain gear comes close to meeting strict Islamic dress-code laws.

Works so well I can wear a cotton shirt and sweater dress underneath with confidence.

The long coat covers all the way down to my tall leather motorcycle boots.

A hood & a big brim cap keep my head dry. Just a little rain on my cheeks.

The secret to this rain coat by Agu is the cycle-specific front panel.

About Fashion Friday: Inspired by a 2011 Bike to Work Day challenge sponsored by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, this series highlights the broad range of “dress for the destination” bicycling fashions.

 

Fashion Weekend Edition: Holiday Escape

When your bike tour spans only a holiday weekend and you can hop a ferry to speed your travel, dressing in style is a breeze. A Navy inspired pullover, basic tee and casual shoes are perfect for roaming around Tiburon.

About Fashion Friday: Inspired by a 2011 Bike to Work Day challenge sponsored by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, this series highlights the broad range of “dress for the destination” bicycling fashions.

 

Fashion Friday: Another Day, Another Dress

Knit dress, long scarf, warm tights, tall boots, poplin coat. Check, check, check, check, check! Seems like I’m pulling out this dress uniform every day, sunshine or dizzle. Why? Because it works, both on and off the bike.

I thought these boots would work, but they’re just too tight for my burly calves.

I’ve almost worn out my poor scarf. It’s a perfect weight: not too thick, not too thin.

A seat cap keeps my leather saddle dry and holding its shape in the wet.

About Fashion Friday: Inspired by a 2011 Bike to Work Day challenge sponsored by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, this series highlights the broad range of “dress for the destination” bicycling fashions.

 

Fashion Weekend Edition: A Poncho for the Villa

When the thermometer takes a nosedive and you long to stay in bed under a warm blanket, there is a solution. A cowl-neck sweater poncho wraps you in warmth and comfort while up-styling your weekend look. So long, sloppy sweatshirt. Hello, posh poncho.

This hip-length poncho flows in the breeze but stays out of the spokes

Time to bring out the gloves! These leather dress gloves cut the chill.

A simple chainring guard works well enough to keep the grease off my skinny jeans and booties.

About Fashion Friday: Inspired by a 2011 Bike to Work Day challenge sponsored by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, this series highlights the broad range of “dress for the destination” bicycling fashions.

 

Fashion Holiday Edition: Batgirl Returns

The female compatriot of the legendary dark knight has her own personal demons to face as she fights insane villains who seek to destroy the peace and safety of the streets in her own little Gotham on the Bay.

About Fashion Friday: Inspired by a 2011 Bike to Work Day challenge sponsored by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, this series highlights the broad range of “dress for the destination” bicycling fashions.

 

Fashion Friday: In the Misty Morning Fog

Hey where do we go, days when the rains come? In the misty morning fog my sweater dress was cozy under my red trench coat and my feet stayed dry in my little brown boots. A little drizzle doesn’t need full rain gear.

A buttoned up trench coat and a wool cap is usually enough in a light rain.

Tights and waterproof booties keep the bottom half warm and dry.

When the drizzle stops, I unbutton my coat and keep on pedaling on.

About Fashion Friday: Inspired by a 2011 Bike to Work Day challenge sponsored by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, this series highlights the broad range of “dress for the destination” bicycling fashions.