16 June 2009 – Rainy day bike ride, originally uploaded by academichic.
Sources:
All remixed except necklace and umbrella:
- Purple top - Old Navy
- Black linen skirt – H&M
- Pink pumps – Antonio Melani
- Bangle – Big Lots
- Wood and glass necklace – made by me
- Umbrella – Totes, bought in San Fran last week b/c it called for rain (and then of course it didn’t rain at all)
- Yellow vintage bag – Sears brand, Garage sale find
Endnotes:
As E. already mentioned, it’s been a rainy dreary day here in the Midwest. But I too had errands to run that had to happen today and all of which were in rideable distance from me. And since I’ve just been reunited with Nerp, I really did not want to use the car to get around town just because the weather had developed an anti-Nerp agenda this week. So I thought I’d be clever and time my departure between bursts of rain and off I went.
But of course the moment I got out the door, a slow and steady drizzle started that continued for my entire four mile ride. Oh well, I still enjoyed the fresh flowers, the scent of summer, the adrenaline from riding in the rain like a kid in total abandonment – and my helmet proved extremely helpful in providing frizz-control by shielding much of my hair from the rain.
While in Salzburg, I would see cyclists all the time who could ride one-handed in the rain while holding an umbrella in the other. Tell me, fellow cyclists, what do you do in the rain? I only pulled out the umbrella while walking between stops, but definitely could not pull the one-handed-bike-with-umbrella stint around traffic.
Now I’m snugly tucked away in a booth at a coffee shop and hoping for a second chance at timing my ride home. And while I’m sipping my delicious hot mocha, I get to enjoy this view of the storefront across the street. (Nerp is really smitten with that lovely be-flowered bike on display):
My only spill took place during a rainstorm, and I’ve still got a big old scar as a memento … so when it’s raining, I drive!
Super cute outfit! Have fun riding!
Adorable shoes! I might have to get some of those.
I bike with a raincoat – I can’t manage the umbrella/bike coordination either.
I’ve heard great things about rain capes, but I haven’t had a chance to buy one yet. My only run in with rain so far has ended with me waiting in a coffee shop for Husband to come pick up me and the bike :) I was ok with riding in the rain, but I figured my laptop wouldn’t be!
I love everything about this outfit, but I really love that umbrella!
I live in the Pacific Northwest, where it rains all winter. I commute about 2 times a week to work (about 10 miles roundtrip). I have a rather hideous black “rain outfit” that keeps me toasty and dry on really rainy days. I wear work clothes under the ugly outfit (but it limits my choices). On lesser rainy days, I usually just wear the rain jacket, or even just another jacket. I also invested in a nice set of fenders to keep from getting that unpleasant mud line up my back.
If there’s a more stylish way, I’m eager to hear it! I don’t like my rain outfit. Your outfit, is very cute though.
@Carla – I actually wore black and purple because I don’t have fenders and thought I’d get splashed, and thought these colors would show it the least!
I will report on any cute rain-bike gear I find! It’s just tough to layer on a jacket or poncho when it’s so hot and humid out!
S.
[...] some non-dreary rain and cycling action, check out S. at Academichic. I’ve recently become a devoted follower of this blog, created by three grad students, and [...]
What a cheerful sight you are in the rain! Riding with that umbrella would be so chic, but I agree that it’s not feasible. If I tried, first the wind would blow it inside out within seconds and then I would crash into some stationary object or another. I’ll leave the advanced skills to the Northern Europeans. My rain advice is not very helpful; I simply get wet. My Patagonia trench raincoat keeps most of me dry and my helmet protects my hair somewhat, but otherwise I deal with it and carry a change of shoes and maybe pants. You definitely need fenders!
So many things I love about this post!
The colourful, happy umbrella. I’m one of those people who loves all kinds of weather, so a happy umbrella would be very appropriate for me!
Your necklace! Ooh it’s devine!
And Nerp… he makes me laugh again with his latest crush on “flower-bike”! Thanks for making me laugh after a bit of stress today. I love coming home from work and chilling out by reading your blogs, girls.
:)
I never ride during the rain, because my bike has steel rims, which means no braking ability when they’re wet. I love that yellow bag!
Aw, Nerp’s in love!
What a lovely bag and necklace!
Hi, S. I can’t believe that I got to see this outfit (and you!) in person yesterday. Your yellow bag is not only stylish but a beacon to your fans. It was a strange and charming coincidence to meet you on the main street of my hometown (when we were both in town just visiting).
Thanks again for this website.
Cheers,
Erika
Hi Erika,
it was such a surprise (and a very nice one!) to be approached by you yesterday! I had fun meeting you and you really nice parents too! I know that yellow bag is going to get me in trouble still, it’s hard to stay incognito with something that big and bright, but it worked out well yesterday since I really enjoyed our little meeting! :)
Let me know if you’re in your hometown again some time and if you want to meet up for a coffee or anything!
S.
I live in Seattle so I know all about the rain. Cheerful umbrellas are a must just like yours. Love the yellow bag too! As always, you look utterly adorable.
That umbrella is darling! I’ll bet it makes you smile even when it’s raining – it’s so fun and sunny! The purple looks great on you, and I love it with the pink shoes. I’m so impressed that you biked in the rain!