Visibly Fashionable: Vespertine NYC Vesp & Flashy Wear

Vespertine, NYC's NEW Vesp reflective vest in Lime. Singlet by Gore Bike Wear, Skort by Terry.

Bike Lane, NYC: Now that summer is here along with NYC Bike Share, the Bike Path & Greenways are humming with activity. These special areas seem to never quiet down as you can see people riding, running and skating along all times, day and night. Florescent colors make up some of the new Hi-Viz wear you are seeing lately in response to people wishing to be seen by motorists even during daylight hours.

Back of Vesp. Bicycle Helmet by Lazer

Vespertine, NYC had the idea of making reflective-wear which can easily pass for fashionable accessories. Their new Vesp, which I have been wearing over the past few weeks is perfect for use on the bike when you want to be seen. During the daylight hours, the florescent bright colors are visible from very far away.

Cycle-Ready Vesp: Gore Bike Wear Signature Cap and Synergy Organic Cotton Tank Dress

 At night, the 3M reflective materials reflect light like crazy, making it easy for cars to see you.
This is the description of the Vesp from the Vespertine NYC Website:

"This chic, light weight VESP is perfect for an early morning jog, a dusky walk, evening cocktails, a late night bike ride and everything in between. Bright colors and 360º of reflective material provide excellent day and night time visibility. A longer versatile roomy cut fits over anything from a bandeau top to a winter coat. A built-in stuff pocket means it stores breezily in your bag, car or locker plus the new mesh side pocket is perfect for your phone, keys, cash, etc...
The VESP Eco Lime is made from water resistant 100% Eco-circle recycled/recyclable polyester with the most reflective 3M Scotchlite Material on the crossing straps, signature V-neck, around the bottom edge and the adjustable tie closure."

Beaded Vesp in Citron showing its night reflections

Haute Reflecture
The idea of wearing light reflective garments is nothing new, but Vespertine NYC has taken this to a whole new level with reversible vests and other fashionable items that light up the night. All of their garments are made in NYC and the variety of pieces can easily grace any haute couture runway.  What's cool is the Vesp can go with you in your handbag as it stores in its own attached pouch.  I went shopping using my bicycle and when I stopped to go in the store, took off my Vesp and stored it in my Elements Shoulder Bag along with my helmet.  No one knew I arrived by bike but everyone could see me en route.

The Vesp stores in its own little pouch

Flashy Wear
Once again the Hi-Viz colors get the attention of motorists and pedestrians during the day and the reflective materials alert all to your presence at night. I also like to make sure to have lights on my bicycle and on me.  You can wear blinkies like these from Road ID. These Super Nova LED Lights are extremely bright and can attach to your shirt, helmet or zipper pull as shown below on my Carve Designs Zipper Line Hoodie:

Super Nova LED Lights on a zipper pull and my wrist for night-time flash

Be Seen at the Night Spots
So if you are out running, walking or cycling at night, you can add an extra layer of protection with a reflective Vesp and Super Nova blinkie lights. A sure way to be visibly fashionable.

C/O Vesp in Lime via Vespertine, NYC 

A Chic Fashion Carry All for Your Bicycle?

GLC (Give Love Cycle) Small Guilden Carry All in Bone is ready for your next bicycle ride!

BIKE MONTH 2013 NYC: If you are ready to foray into warmer weather and are looking for a fashionable handbag/carry all for the summer, I've got a secret.  This Guilden Carry All by Give Love Cycle not only looks fantastic on your arm but is fully able to hitch a ride downtown on your bicycle. This is THE way to celebrate May as National Bicycle Month while treating yourself to a handbag that looks fantastic both on and off the bike.

Guilden Small Carry All makes an elegant fashion statement both on and off your bicycle

Made of washable poly urethane, this bag is fully appointed with outside and inside zippered pouches, key clip and open pouches for your cell and other electronics.  Large enough to hold your bicycle helmet and a lot more, it comes with feet and it's own draw-stringed dustcover.

The Guilden is roomy enough to fit this X-L Nutcase Bicycle Helmet

This bag definitely has a Louis Vuitton vibe going on but is rugged enough for a ride on your rear rack. It actually was designed by a pair of college roommates and bike share mavericks, Mariana R. Chambers and Debra Zusin to fit the CitiBike racks and baskets but as you can see below, it quickly straps onto nearly any rear rack. Isn't this #Lucky?

I really like to see designers put together an item that they actually use.  Mariana knows the NYC Bike Path all too well and wanted a carry all that not only looks chic but functions as a complete transport system. Now that the NYC Bike Share Program is finally getting underway this month, this is the perfect bag to celebrate with. So if you are looking for an elegant carry all that can go from the bike path to the boardroom, this is it.

GLC's Guilden Carry All in Bone with this Sweet Summer Outfit!

Summer Bicycle Commute Outfit:

Bicycle Helmet: Fire Engine Red Matte Crossover by Nutcase Helmets
Hat: NEW Paper Straw Tinsley Fedora by Pistil Designs
Dress: Craghoppers NosiLife Gabriela with Solar & Insect Shield in Litchen Green
Scarf: NEW Okeefe in Red by Pistil Designs  
Handbag: GLC's Guilden Carry All in Bone 
Shoes: NEW Naya Maeve Leather Sandals in Oxford Brown available at Nordstroms 

Don't forget your helmet!  Bike to Work Week is May 13th - 17th. Bike to Work Day is May 17th.