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
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.
Lovely !
I’m too sexy for my car! LOL LOVE IT! Function and fashionable do go hand in hand. Lovely outfit!
Love the cuffed jean!
xoxox,
CC
Great. Now I’m gonna have “I’m Too Sexy” in my head for DAYS!
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!
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.
I’m so psyched to get back into the world of bike riding once my arm is healed. And I need a basket!
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?!
Love the orange! And the bike is brilliant! It makes me want to go shopping right now!
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!