Daily Outfit: Summer Cycling
In the hot summer temps, I’ve been avoiding my bicycle for fear of sweating profusely and grossing out everyone in the grocery store. But after yesterday, I can’t use that excuse anymore. Yes, it’s really hot. Yes, I will sweat while cycling, but really, I sweat when I drive too, so there’s not much difference. As long as I’m not riding my bike during the hottest hours of the day, it’s so much more relaxing than driving a car.
When cycling, I tend to keep my outfits loose and comfortable. And while I used to only ride in closed toed shoes, I’ve now embraced wearing sandals to ride. They’re very comfortable, and they let your feet breathe. I think it’s important to keep at least some sense of style while on a bike. I see far too many women wearing baggy sweats (or worse, spandex!), unflattering baggy t-shirts, and gym shoes while riding. Unless you’re trying to go extreme distances, there’s really no need for spandex. Really, you can be stylish and comfortable at the same time – these words are not oxymorons.
When cycling, I usually prefer to have a bag with an adjustable strap, so I can wear it close to my body if my basket is full. This is definitely not a hard and fast rule for me, but some practicality does win out when running errands.
While I would love to have a completely car-free lifestyle, the combination of sprawl and a crappy public transportation system in Tampa make that extremely difficult to do. Still, I like to go car-free as often as I possibly can, and grocery store trips are a good start. (BTW, that sticker is from Bike Commuters. Go check them out and say hi to Jack for me)
Cami: Gap
Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
Jeans: Express Stella
Sandals: Born Savory
Purse: Dickies
Earrings: June Designs
Necklace: June Designs
Bangles: Jill Popowich
July 8, 2009 7:00 am No Comments
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By Anusha, July 8, 2009 @ 8:14 am
I really like your red white & blue cycling outfit! I totally agree that the sweats should be put away for going out. Around here you see all kinds of grubby clothes when grocery-shopping, etc. I used to do that too, but it left me feeling bad so now I try to dress nicer.
I also really wish I could get around more without using my car, as well. But the public transport system where I live is absolutely horrendous. Not to mention the fact that summers here are broiling hot, so it’s hard to get out of the house even in a car. I’d much rather take a bus or train, though. Wish we had a subway like they do in San Francisco. One of the weird things about the bad economy is that it has more people thinking about public transportation, which can only be a good thing — more demand = a (hopefully) better bus/trolley/train system.
P.S., I sweat a lot too (have since childhood), and one thing that really helps me is a crystal deodorant stick. I have very sensitive skin so those work wonders for me, as much as I sweat.
By Stéphanie, July 8, 2009 @ 8:39 am
Lovely !
By Sher, July 8, 2009 @ 10:01 am
I’m too sexy for my car! LOL LOVE IT! Function and fashionable do go hand in hand. Lovely outfit!
By Couture Carrie, July 8, 2009 @ 10:59 am
Love the cuffed jean!
xoxox,
CC
By Sal, July 8, 2009 @ 1:08 pm
Great. Now I’m gonna have “I’m Too Sexy” in my head for DAYS!
By Struggler, July 8, 2009 @ 2:33 pm
Lovely outfit and I’ll have to check out the stickers!
I admit, I do wear gym clothes when I bike to work. This is a) so I can hide my padded undies and b) I feel kind of icky after a load of flies have committed suicide down my top. But, I promise I change when I arrive!
By WaterGirl, July 8, 2009 @ 4:24 pm
Orange is a very nice color on you and I LOVE the sticker on your bike…that is awesome! And I wish I could ride my bike to work, the grocery store, anywhere really. But unfortunately, where I live in FL is veeeeeeeeery sparse, so no car-free life for me…heck, not even a “rely on public transporation more than your car” life for me. Oh well, I do what I can to be green in other ways.
By Clare, July 8, 2009 @ 5:38 pm
I’m so psyched to get back into the world of bike riding once my arm is healed. And I need a basket!
By Mary, July 8, 2009 @ 7:20 pm
Love the outfit, and love that you did a cycling post! I have to admit, I really only use my bike to get places is when I’m up at school, but it is literally painful for me to see people sticking to the “confines” of a cyclist’s sterotypical uniform. Who says you can’t be cute and eco-friendly at the same time?!
By Kristine, July 9, 2009 @ 2:35 pm
Love the orange! And the bike is brilliant! It makes me want to go shopping right now!
By Ghost Rider, July 19, 2009 @ 10:07 pm
You are so stylish! You’re doing your part to bring class and style to our burgeoning bike culture here in Tampa, Diana, and you totally deserve that sticker!