GUESS Jeans NEW Dare Fragrance & Vanesa Farfan 5 Stone Necklace

Newly released - Guess Jeans Dare Perfume

September Issue:
I've had this fragrance for a little while now and really have enjoyed it from the first spritz. Guess Dare is aimed at millennials, women aged 18-30 and will be launched in over 23,000 department stores and retailers nationwide this September. Retailing for about $62.00 it is definitely being marketed with major price appeal to younger women.
I'm liking it even as we are moving into the cooler temperatures of fall. Dare is light yet just provocative enough for you to be noticed. I can see this traveling with me during the resort season for it's tropical top and middle notes of kumquat, pear blossom and lime, jasmine,wild rose, cactus flower and coconut palm. The base or bottom notes are derived from blonde woods and living Key West coconut palm.

Guess Dare outer package

What I'm holding is the Guess Dare Eau de Toiliette which comes in a beautifully decorated glass 3.4 oz bottle. It has a gold nameplate chain necklace to match the cap and an exquisite faceted glass bottle.

Lovely packaging and faceted Guess Dare bottle.

Speaking of faceted things, the long necklace I am wearing is by jewelry designer Vanesa Farfan of Miami Beach, FL.

Long gold gem necklace by Vanesa Farfan

Necklace Description from VanesaFarfan.com:

This long amazing necklace features 5 Gorgeous round faceted natural gemstones including Purple Amethyst, Aqua Chalcedony, Green Chalcedony, White Chalcedony and Pink Chalcedony set in Vermeil Gold bezel drops on a gold plated necklace. The necklace length is 18" from top to bottom. The total length is 36".

I really like the length of the gold chain which easily slips over my hair without having to fool with a clasp. The gems are beautifully cut and slightly translucent. Fabulous! Perfect highlight to my Ten Thousand Villages Silk Scarf from Laos.

Guess Dare, Ten Thousand Villages Silk Scarf, Modify Watch and Vanesa Farfan's 5 Stone Necklace

Charged Up Cycle Chic

Charged Up for Bike Month with Urban Chic E-Bikes!

Crystal Springs Resort, Hamburg NJ  May is Bike Month and last week was Bike to Work Week. If you haven't heard, e-Bikes are the hottest thing going! The Charged Up Media Event was THE place to test drive power assisted and full powered electric bikes.

Work or play, cycle wear for everywhere!

Bike Commuting Made Easier
If you've been a bit shy about the thought of taking your bicycle to work or a long touring ride, an e-Bike might be a potential solution. There is less of a chance of getting all sweaty and hot with a little power to your pedal. Add a few very stylish pieces you can wear on and off your ride along with bicycle luggage and portable rear rack bags.

Echelon Skort by Terry.  Large Black Carry All by Give Love Cycle

What's in My Bicycle Bag? Here's what I have on board for every ride: Minemergency Pouch with Topricin, L'Occitane Almond Milk Handcream, pH Lighted Lip Gloss, 30 SPF Coconut Oil Sunblock, GM Collin Eye Serum, Visine, Energems, Probar Fuel, Water Bottle and Deodorant Swipes.

Pack your Bags!

Pedal Assist(ant)
I got the chance to test ride the BionX which is a pedal assist e-Bike system. What's cool is that you can install it on your favorite bicycle as there are different models to choose from. Even better is that since it is a power assist, you still have to pedal so you get a bit of a workout. The model I tried (on the Ohm) charges fully in only 4 hours and will run for nearly 40-50 miles after being powered up. BionX e-bike systems offer Generate Mode and Re-Gen braking which will help recharge the battery as you're going downhill. Its natural pedaling feel is perhaps the closest to riding a regular bicycle.  You're just not as worn out when you arrive at your destination!

E-Bikes, the Wave of the Future?
I definitely think so. For just pennies in electricity, you can bicycle farther and for extended periods of time. Steep hills are no longer a problem as I even tried The Mariner by ProdecoTech which is a cute little full powered folding bicycle.  Weighing only 45 lbs it tops out at 18 mph and gives you 25-35 miles of riding per charge. Full powered means no pedaling needed. Fold it, pack it and take it with you on your next vacation.

The Mariner Folding E-Bike by ProdecoTech

 
Ready to Get Charged Up?
You may need to check the local laws in your area as e-bikes are somewhat new on the scene. Still, they can make a world of difference in your riding experience and even become your "second car". You can go further, faster and haul more weight by simply slapping on a set of panniers. These innovations really take the limitations off of bicycling and is something I will be looking into more this summer.


Bags & Cycle Wear c/o Give Love Cycle and Terry Bicycles respectively.

Editor's Edition: What's in My Work Commute Handbag?

Essentials I pack for my day commute into NYC.

NYC, NY Ever wonder what us editors pack when we have to cover an event in the city? Well, we've got to be very strategic about space but there are a few things that fill many uses that I take along every time. I will usually take a larger carry all to hold everything and my camera bag is separate but everything fits right in.

My Carry All: Give Love Cycle's Guilden Bag
This carry all is the perfect size to hold everything I need for my commute and a comfortable day away from home. What's really cool is it is made to fit the CityBike's front basket so once I get off the train, I can hop on a CB at one of Kiosks on 7th Ave. Even if I'm not planning to ride the NYC Bike Path, I like having the option to do so and this Guilden Carry All is perfect no matter what. 

The Guilden Carry All by Give Love Cycle

Pack Your Bag!
I'm notorious for taking WAY too much stuff but I've learned over time to pack "modules" of items. I've learned this from backpacking and camping but it works for commuting too. Items that do similar things can be packed in smaller inner bags so it's easier to access on the road. A few examples would be my Minimergency Pouch by Pinch Provisions which has lip balm, breath freshener, clear nail polish, an emery board, tampon, pain reliever, bandage, a sewing kit, etc. all packed in a tiny pouch. Genius!

Minimergency Kit by Pinch Provisions

My Commuter Bag Contents:
Left to Right-
Minimergency Kit, L'Occitane Almond Hand Cream, Physician's Formula Lighted/Mirrored pH Powered Lip Gloss, All Good Coconut Sunstick SPF 30, GM Collin Eye Contour Corrector, Round Makeup Mirror in Green Leather Case, Neocell Beauty Bursts, Visine Eye Drops, Energems, Benefit Watt's Up? Highlighter, Probar Fuel Energy Bar and Whish Deodorant Swipes.

Tea to Go: Eco Vessel's tricked out thermal bottle is amazing.

Eco Vessel for Hot or Cold Drinks
I also keep a container of hot tea or ice cold water with me on my trip. I'm loving the Eco Vessel Boulder right now due to it's sleek design, cool spring colors and leak-proof triple walled technology. Packing this way leaves room for my bicycle helmet and the Eco Vessel. Just the right size and easy to hold, this water bottle goes with me each time I leave the house. This and my Probar means I'll always have food and water available.  See more bottle styles and types at EcoVessel.com:

Featuring our TriMax® triple insulation technology, the BOULDER has been tested to keep water cold for up to 36 hours and hot up to 8 hours. Perfect for water, tea, coffee, soup or just about any drink. Its tight screw on top will keep your drink securely inside, where it belongs. It has a wide mouth to easily accommodate ice cubes and a comfortable, convenient drinking spout. We've also included a removable tea strainer/ice dam. The Boulder is a sturdy, high quality, stylish vacuum insulated steel water bottle for the office, tennis courts, golf course, on the trails... anyplace, anytime. 

• Cold and hot drinks
• Premium #304 stainless steel
• Free of BPA, phthalates, liners
• TriMax® triple insulation for superb performance
• Removable tea strainer/ice dam
• Sturdy carrying handle
• Recyclable
• 17 oz (500 ml)
• 10.75" high; 3.00 diameter; 1 lb

  
Carry All and Water Bottle c/o Give Love Cycle and Eco Vessel respectively.

Skorting the Issue-Vesper Skort in Lapis by Horny Toad

Ready to ride, walk or run. Vesper Skort in Lapis by Horny Toad.

Summertime means getting out there and having fun...where ever you can find it. That may mean a hike through the woods with lunch afterwards at a little open air cafe.  It could also mean bicycling to a local spot for a picnic or day at the beach.  Where ever you go, I say, look cool and chic!

That's why I was so impressed with this super comfy, stretchy Tencel blend Vesper Skort by Horny Toad.  Here's the garment description from the HT website:

Vesper Skort
For those whose love of a good mini skirt equals their love of travel, play and movement, the Vesper Skort is like an answer to a prayer. Perfect for a game of Frisbee or tennis, a bike ride across town, a round of golf or even a heated Scrabble match, it can also be dressed up and taken out to dinner. Made of our favorite year-round knit blend of silky Tencel®, soft cotton, durable poly and supple spandex, the covered elastic waistband has an internal drawcord and internal shorts have a 3" inseam.

Secrets Under the Skort
I like that the shorts underneath are well constructed and have their own secret pocket in the front for cash, a credit card or energy gel. The fabric is SO soft and I like the way the waistband stays flat without rolling. The fabric does not wrinkle. We did not iron the skort, it was just taken from the bag and put on and as you can see, BOOM!  Easy care, ready to wear after you unpack it.

Bicycling, walking, running, the Vesper Skort's got you covered.

Run Don't Walk
Why limit yourself to spandex shorts on or off the trail or bicycle? There have been times (long in the past mind you), where I've gotten on my bicycle for a training ride but wanted to stop at the coffee shop or market along the way. Walking into a public space with skin tight shorts simply draws WAY too much attention.  With the Vesper Skort You can have all the freedom and comfort of shorts but look very stylish once you finish your workout.  Hey, you never know WHO you'll meet!

Taking along a helmet? GLC's Guilden Carry All can handle it!

So the next time you plan to head out for the usual run or bike ride around town, think about putting on an easy to wear skort like this. You'll definitely turn heads and in a GOOD way!

Vesper Skort in Lapis by Horny Toad. Bicycle Bags by Basil

 Vesper Skort C/O Horny Toad

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.