Marie Claire’s May 2013 UK Issue had an amazing spread on how to style up your pencil skirt. We couldn’t help but take notes for styling our Reveal Skirt and now we’re sharing it with you!

Add some street style. How about pairing our skirt with this mixed media camo-stripe t-shirt from Need Supply Co. and Tom Ford sunglasses, perhaps a edgy heel or these Loeffler Randal booties too.

Keep it simple and chic. A great cashmere sweater from J. Crew and nude pumps, yes please.

Go wild with zebra stripes. How about a peplum jacket and this stunning Highlow necklace.

Look sharp with a blazer. We love a soft, slouchy blazer with a lightweight tuxedo blouse.

Power dress in a classic mac (rain coat, trench). Try any of these trench coats, all under $100 or this classic trench from London Fog.

What are you wearing with your skirt for spring and summer?

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I just got back from New York City and am so full of inspiration and energy (though I’m a little pooped from all of the activity). I was very excited to be invited to the Bike Home from Work Party thrown by Transportation Alternatives and was quick to reply YES. In addition to Bike to Work Day, it was also Design Week in New York – making it the perfect time for me to head east.

Adeline Adeline was kind enough to set me up with a beautiful little Linus Dutchie for an afternoon ride on the West Side Highway Bike Path. This path is a must for anyone visiting the city – you’ll pass blocks and blocks of beautiful parks, views and architecture. The path is easy to bike and navigate, there really isn’t any getting lost or turned around, just a straight shot along the water. The Linus is a great bike for New York, but the Dutchie would be a bit heavy for our hills here in Seattle.

I was finally able to meet Alison, owner of Eleanor’s NYC. I got the headquarters tour and then we headed out for wine and oysters before the Bike Home from Work Party. We chatted about running our own businesses, the future of bike culture and why we love our cities. After that, we headed over to Dumbo for a fun night of music, bikes and socializing. I ran into so many great people, GiveLoveCycle, Vespertine NYC, Po Campo and We Flashy. I wish I would have had more time to check out the Shinola bicycles, but saw plenty of people sipping their sodas. Oh wait, and the reflective fashion show was the perfect way to transition in to night, Transportation Alternatives did an amazing job putting the whole event together.

So, next time you are in New York, try seeing it by bike. If you do, here are a few links: VeloJoy has a great collection of tips and resources in their NYC Toolbox and stop by one or more of their top bike-friendly cafes and bars. Biking Rules gives a new street code to NYC bikers. If you don’t want to rent a bike, sign up for the new Citibikes and get around town super easy. Check out Gothamist’s six best rides in and around New York City. Last, don’t forget to pack your Reveal Skirt and Daily Blouse for easy style in the city.

Image via Downtown from Behind.

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It’s not hard to see the simple beauty of biking in this photograph taken by Rene Groebli – the movement, freedom, escape and joy.

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From top left clockwise: Valentino Long Sleeve Pullover, $2,500 (you can pick up this look-a-like from Willow & Clay for $47.20); Micheal Kors Griffin Sunglasses, $105; Sahn Helmet, $129; Cole Haan Monroe Reflective Penny, $99.95; Iva Jean Reveal Skirt, $160; Orly Genger by Jaclyn Mayer, $170.

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Shini Park of Park & Cube has great style and impeccable taste, so it’s no wonder that she’s one of my favorite ladies on bikes. The summer months have me craving a more casual and playful look much like this one.

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If you could tell a room full of women that are interested in biking or a little nervous to get started, what would you tell them? Would you tell them what kind of bike to get or what to wear? How about the best routes or bike shops? Or which areas to extra careful in or the rules of the road? For many of us, that’s where we start, the logistics. Those things are important, but I want to encourage more of us to share the “why we love it” and “this could only happen on a bike” stories.

Let’s encourage more women to aspire to a life on two wheels, to be wooed by the passion and freedom.

I personally, am happiest on my bike. Exploring Seattle on two wheels allows me to see things I would have never noticed on a bus or in the car – peek-a-boo views of the mountains or architectural details on my favorite buildings. Plus, I love showing up in heels and having people ask me if I really rode my bike there.

I got curious what others would say, so I asked a few of my favorite ladies on two wheels why they love to bike…

“I love biking, not just for the fitness aspect, but because its so social. When I ride through Seattle, I see friends on the street and its easy for us to stop and chat or keep riding and exchange a few words. It’s the commonality of biking that makes it my favorite sport. As for how good I look in jeans when I bike, instead of drive?… that’s just a happy bi-product!’” - Anna Rose Telcs, Seattle Fashion Designer, Artist

“Being located in both NYC and Washington, DC, we find getting around our cities by bike is not only convenient but fun.  We feel you don’t need special gear to bike so we designed the GiveLoveCycle Guilden to fill a void of a practical, stylish bicycle bag to take you throughout your daily routine, whether it’s riding past the White House or through Times Square!” – Mari and Debra from Give Love Cycle, Washington DC and NYC

“Riding a bike is the most fun, independent, spirited way to move throughout the city. It adds a slice of childlike energy to my daily routine. When I arrive by bike, I will always arrive in a good mood.” – Rachel Ravitch, Seattle Designer 

“I love using my bicycle to get around for a number of reasons, most of all the feeling of freedom. I am enchanted by being able to smell the flowers in spring and the icy wind from the mountains in winter. In Seattle you can view the Cascades and the Olympics on most routes through the city. Unlike in a car or bus, you are able to pull over onto the sidewalk and chat with a friend, and parking is always free!” – Sonia McBride, BabeCycle, Seattle

“I love biking because it is invigorating and relaxing at the same time. I like to feel the wind in my hair. I also get all my best ideas on my bike.” – Maria Boustad, PoCampo, Chicago

“Besides it  being efficient and a workout bonus, it’s the best way to fully experience the city.  When you’re in a car or bus, you can only see Amsterdam. I want to smell it and feel it too…wind and, yes, even rain.” – Bethany Papenbrock, Producer, Amsterdam / Seattle

“Riding a bicycle in New York City is the most efficient way to travel. There’s no waiting for a bus or a taxi — I just get on my bike and go. And while others sit and stress in traffic, I’m outdoors, taking in the city views and enjoying some exercise on the way to my destination.” – Susi Wunsch, VeloJoy, NYC

“What I love about my bike commute are the smells.  My ride takes me past the aroma of coffee shops, whiffing the fragrance of blooming bushes and through the enchanting sea air.  Inhale, exhale, I arrive ready for the day.” – Juliette Delfs, Hub & Bespoke, Seattle

We want to know why you love to bike, leave a comment or use #love2bike to share on Twitter or Instagram and share your story.

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For those of us that can afford a little more casual bike fashion at the office on Fridays or are planning to head out to meet friends tomorrow, we love Cara Delevingne’s eccentric and laid back look.

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May is Bike to Work Month in most cities across the US and plenty of women and men will be commuting to work for the first time. Co-workers and employers can play a huge part in getting someone started biking – it was how I got motivated to bike in Seattle.

I encourage all of you (men and women) to reach out to your office mates and get one new rider on board, whether for the entire month or just Bike to Work Day (dates vary by city). Here’s how…

1. Share your story. How did you start? Why do you still do it? What is the best part? What is the hardest part? How do you freshen up at the office? What do you wear? Or share this story from a novice rider in Grist.
2. Offer to help them find a bike to rent, borrow or buy. Bike shops and Craigslist can be overwhelming for someone that doesn’t already bike or know much about biking.
3. Buy them Everyday Bicycling by Elly Blue. This easy read is perfect for anyone interested in biking for transportation.
4. Help them plan their route. Pull out a map, mark it up and offer to ride it with them on a weekend.
5. Be a resource. Share your your favorite links like Tips for Commuters by the League of American Bicyclists, city specific guides and tips (like this post from Seattle Bike Blog), or Top Ten Tips for First-time Bike Commuters and How to Bike to Work and Enjoy it from Momentum Magazine.
6. Ride with them on their first (and second or third) day. Leave a little early and offer to stop and grab a coffee and pastry on the way.
7. Continue to encourage and recognize them. Don’t forget to tell your that you noticed their bike parked outside or ask them how it’s going and give them praise for getting choosing to bike.

P.S. If you’re in New York, take them to No Sweat: A Girls’ Guide to Bicycling in New York City with Susi Wunsch of VeloJoy and Julie Hirschfeld of Adeline Adeline.

P.P.S. Women need more opportunities to ride together – create your own or join a CycloFemme ride and invite a co-worker or friend on May 12 and tell the world that WE RIDE TOGETHER.

Image via Velorution.

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I love her bright, tone on tone outfit, especially with her beautiful hair color. She’s definitely wearing one of my favorite outfits for biking to work – tights, a modest heel, and a long jacket most likely hiding a bike-ready dress or skirt and blouse combo. Bike Style via Eleonore Bridge.

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It seems that more often than not, women are asking for a stylish bike helmet. Bike Pretty has a great helmet round up and I’ve got my favorite minimal picks here today.

1. Sahn Helmets, I love the matte finish and sleek lines, sold via Heritage Bicycles, $129 2. Bobbin Gold Helmet, the perfect combo of statement and staple, $60 3. Giro Reverb, this is the helmet I wear, super lightweight and understated, $60 at REI.

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