After my poor showing at the 2012 Seersucker Social, I decided to step up my game for the DC Tweed Ride over the weekend. This is the best outfit I’ve managed to put together for these vintage-themed rides. I decided not to go crazy trying to make something and chose to use the options already in my wardrobe. I sorely wanted to wear my cape from last year, but felt I should mix it up.
I wore a black matte and satin jersey dress from Burda 9-2003-134 dress that I made back in 2007. The coat is a vintage opera coat from 100 percent cashmere. It’s a garment that I couldn’t leave behind in the shop. It needed to be ‘saved’ by me. Someone who would love and appreciate it like no one else. LOL. Yes. That’s seriously what I told myself when I purchased it. The orange and black feather fascinator is borrowed from my friend Liz and the glasses are actually prescription from zennioptical.com.
This year, Liz borrowed from me again and wore my coat dress from Burda 2-2009-101. It’s interesting. This is one of the most complimented garments I own despite my fit issues. It was perfect for the ride topped with a thrifted fur cape and prescription glasses from coastal.com. Because Liz has a smaller head, she’s able to get away with wearing vintage hats. I on the other hand (with a ginormous head) am stuck with fasinators.
I’m sure Trena will tell you all about her look(s) soon enough. Let’s just say I am 120 percent in love with her hat(s).
I think this may be my last ride for a while. I love the concept. I like getting out. I really love seeing the District and how other people interpret vintage style. It’s a fashion lover’s dream! But, it’s gotten very popular with hundreds of participants. I find myself stressed out on the ride because with too many people, we’re not good at sharing the road. I want these rides to also be advocacy for biking. And, it’s not bike advocacy when drivers are annoyed that we’re hogging the road and not obeying traffic lights, etc. en masse. Pair that with one vegetarian option (*salad*) out of five meals after a two-hour ride and you’ve got one hungry, salty, cyclist.
Ooo! Love it? From ebay, custom mini license plates for your bike. Except, I broke mine on the way home to Baltimore :stinkface:. Maybe my next one will be Miss Celie.
I love that bag I’m holding. Sigrid was kind enough to accept delivery of it for me when I went to the Netherlands. It’s Basil and hooks on my bike rack. I use it *all* the time. These crazy old lady sunglasses are also prescription from zennioptical.com
