We all do it come up with a reason why we cant ride our bikes more often. Constance Barnes, a member of Vancouvers parks board, former model and aspiring NDP MLA, travels almost exclusively by bike.
WE Vancouver: What do people say when you ride up to an event on your bike dressed to the nines?
Constance Barnes: They always say the same thing over and over and over Did you just bike here in that?!
Is it really possible not to sacrifice fashion when you bike to work and various events during the day?
Absolutely! If anything it makes me want to get my fashion groove on even more! There is nothing like biking past the elites on my way to work cruising over the Burrard Street Bridge at a slow and steady speed with my 30-year-old Raleigh bike, my big hand-woven basket made by Amy Robertson, the Mayors wife, and wearing a fabulous magenta pencil skirt suit, wicked stiletto heels and my favourite Mac Russian Red lipstick! I then have a big happy smile and a good morning to go with the outfit... Now how friggin fun is that! Oh and dare I say I forget to mention I always wear a gold sparkly helmet!
But what do you do on rainy days?
LOL! Exactly the same thing but pull on my big fluorescent pants, heels go into my waterproof backpack, rubber boots on the feet and my trusty red rain slicker. Lipstick and eyeliner optional but smile is a must.
What do you recommend for staying warm, dry, and above all, visible to motorists?
Flashing LED lights are really affordable and a must! I have them on the front and back of my bike and on my basket. I also have reflectors on my outerwear. My sister (who is not only an elite rider but also a triathlete), bought me these fabulous cycling lobster gloves... soooo cozy even when its below zero. Layering and lights are the key! I would love one of those cool neon bikes in the Blackberry Curve commercial but, alas, a bit out of my price range.
Deconstruction of an outfit
Looking gorgeous on or off a bike doesnt have to cost a lot of money. Heres Contance Barnes deconstruction of her outfit:
black patent stilettos, from one of my all time fave shoe stores, Army and Navy,$19.99
high-waisted magenta pencil skirt, Union Gospel Thrift Store on Hastings, $7.99
Little Navy pinstriped bolero jacket, Winners, $23.99
Fab wide artsy leather belt, prezzie from my mom!
White cotton tux shirt, Winners, $12.99
White silk Bow Tie, Dressew, $5.99
