SLOPE STYLES

Some lucky folks are hitting the ski slopes this winter.  Often, regular skiwear is all you need from the time the lifts open through dinner at the Village.  However, other slopes require a little more wardrobe planning.  If you happen to be heading there, keep scrolling.

Bogner Sport Ski 2011
slope wear

A ski line enjoying a sudden wave of popularity right now is Moncler.  The French skiwear company originated in 1952 but became popular among young Italians in the '80s.  Most of us think of Moncler as synonymous with the puffy, down jacket.  (In the US, rap artists even made wearing the Sleeping Bag Look cool.)  In recent years, Moncler has collaborated with designer, Giambattista Valli, to create the Gamme Rouge collection.  

Now THIS is different (apres) ski wear!

How do you turn a sleeping bag into a couture item?

Moncler Duvet
Gamme Rouge Winter 2010

Moncler Duvet
Gamme Rouge Winter 2010

Valli seems to have figured that one out.  These might be so warm, toasty, and oh so fashionable, you forget to put your skis on.

Happy Holidays to you Stylish Ladies!

(I may not be able to blog until January)

URBAN CYCLING CHIC

There seems to be a cycling revival.  Part eco-conscience, part healthy lifestyle, people are (again?) riding their bikes to get from A to B, to do a little bit of groceries, to cart their kids around.  Even NYC now has 200 miles of bike routes!

A decade ago, the only people on bikes were the city messengers or people training for Iron Man.  Now, as in a century ago, people are back to being in their suits biking to work.

from Italia Vogue

Vintage enthusiasts ride around in pretty dresses and proudly show that little basket in front of their bike. No more pressure to dress like Lance Armstrong.

Zooey Deschanel in press photos for "(500) Days of Summer"

I posted a blog photo on Athletic Style last month with Ellen Page in urban cycling chic

Ellen Page from dailyfashionandstyle.com

with the reminder to PLEASE wear a helmet.  Fortunately for fashionistas who wouldn't be caught dead in a regular bike helmet, YAKKAY cleverly makes chic helmet covers!

Paris Herringbone from yakkay.com

Tokyo Denim from yakkay.com

I also love the elegant look of the classic equestrian helmet.

Velvet Hunt Cap from doversaddlery.com

Whichever you choose, it is nice to remember those first Biker Chicks from days gone by when all you needed was a flowered sun hat.

Poet Girls from goldengirls.org

ATHLETIC STYLE

The New York Times Style section last week commented on San Francisco's unique neighborhood styles.  See  The Tribes of San Francisco.

One of the interesting things about that article was the emphasis on outdoor fitness in the West Coast as a Style symbol.  Truly, as an East Coast transplant to the West Coast, I see how naming your extreme outdoor sport is much cooler here than naming the latest gym class you go to!   Of course, the Pacific Coast is blessed with natural beauty for residents to hike, bike, and mountain climb.

from the Title 9 athletic wear catalog

For those of you who are serious outdoor athletes that want to look good doing your sport, I find that Athleta and Title 9 are very good sportswear catalogs.  Fabrics are performance material, yet the designs are chic enough to walk around town in.

Ice Climbing, from Athleta

For those of you who prefer to bike around the neighborhood in a dress, we can take a cue from Ellen Page in the photo below.  Just don't forget to wear a helmet.  A stylish equestrian helmet is better than nothing.

Ellen Page from dailyfashionandstyle.com