For The Girl Who Has Everything: A Gucci Bike & Helmet

December 7, 2011 by  
Filed under Cycling, PRETTY, Pretty Chic, Pretty Sweet

Bikes are surprisingly recession proof and if you look around there are hot sellers at all price points

For those who prefer their transpo sleek and logo-driven, perhaps with little green-red-green stripes,  Gucci and Bianchi have  unveiled exclusive Bianchi by Gucci bicycles designed by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini. This new collaboration joins two uniquely Italian traditions of design and craftsmanship, from leaders in their respective industries.

Giannini said, “Ever since Gucci’s founding, travelling in style has been at the heart of the House’s designs. The Bianchi by Gucci bicycles perfectly carry forward our codes of luxury while creating a new cosmopolitan aesthetic for those looking to turn heads while on the go.”

Just in time for the holidays,  two models are available. A matte black carbon-fiber urban/off-road’ model with carbon fork and disc brakes (pictured) retails for a steep $14,000 but is perfect for a weekend getaway, riding both in the city and the countryside.

If 14K is a bit too rich, $6,200 buys a white hydro-formed single-speed bike ideal for commuting with elegance. The steel frame is accessorized with white Gucci leather handle grips and saddle and is aimed primarily at urban or commuter riders (just make sure you have a high-proof lock)

Like the specialty fragrances that clothing designers love to market, luxe bikes are getting to be a crowded field. Other brands that have come out with fashionable bikes include Kate Spade, Hermes, Missoni for Target (IF you could get your hands on one), Fendi, Ralph Lauren, Trussardi and even Chanel.

Taiwanese bike manufacturing alliance, A-Team, recently announced that Taiwan’s bicycle exports are set to exceed $1.65 billion this year, up 10% from the year-earlier, according to the CENS news service. And they’re getting pricier, with the average export price reaching $372, up 31% from a year ago.

If you want one of the Gucci bikes under your tree this year, you’ll find them in select Gucci stores—including Rome, Milan, Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Honolulu,  Chevy Chase, and Tokyo  Or ogle them at the new Bianchi concept store in Stockholm, Bianchi Café & Cycles.

To round out your look, Giannini has also designed a series of Gucci-branded accessories to complement the bicycles, including a shiny silver helmet, knitted riding gloves, and plastic water bottle.

 

For Those Who Have It All: A Gucci Bicycle and Helmet [WSJ]

Awesome bowling shoes from designer Jeremy Scott

November 2, 2011 by  
Filed under Bowling, PRETTY, Pretty Chic, Pretty Hot

Some might argue that bowling isn’t exactly a workout, but these retro bowling boots from adidas  by American designer Jeremy Scott  are pretty awesome.  Though a pricey $350, they come complete with the old school size number on the back and a 70′s style wedge heel – one of the biggest trends in shoes in 2011.

The product description from the adidas site:

A seductive take on the adidas Superstar’s iconic shell toe. Designer Jeremy Scott works his inner femme fatale into these Originals Bowling Boots, an edgy wedge style with a full grain leather upper and a size tag on the heel inspired by retro bowling shoes.

Scott, who is originally from Kansas City, has built a reputation for outrageous designs favored by pop stars and celebrities including Rihanna,  M.I.A., Santogold, Fergie, Paris Hilton, Christina Aguilera, Nicki Minaj, Kylie Minogue, Victoria Beckham, Lil’Kim, Kelis, Ciara, Gwen Stefani and more.

The sometimes off-beat designer dressed Britney Spears as a futuristic airline stewardess for her Toxic video. He is also the first fashion designer to dress the muppet diva Miss Piggy, who called him her favorite designer, as have Agyness Deyn, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Rye Rye.

Scott has designed several collections for the sportswear giant adidas featuring apparel and footwear, including a high-top sneaker with a wing extending from it, which became an iconic instant bestseller. Working closely with the foundation for the late artist Keith Haring, Scott also created a shoe and track suit a few years back bearing Haring’s graphic art in a collaborative venture with adidas.

If you you like to shake things up and are bold enough to rock these hot bowling shoes, you can be the coolest Betty at your local lanes.

Louis Vuitton Skateboards?

January 8, 2009 by  
Filed under Action, Pretty Chic, Skateboard

Louis Vuitton SkateboardEvery girl knows Louis Vuitton. But did you know LV has a new line of skateboards?

This week the luxury goods company is celebrating the launch of the pop-punk Stephen Sprouse collection in their Soho flagship store.

For the occassion, LV is also creating two limited edition pieces, which will only be available at the SoHo location: a Stephen Sprouse graffiti skateboard replete with a hard case monogram skateboard trunk, and a Stephen Sprouse “Roses” T-shirt. They to sell three graffiti skateboards with trunks for $8,250 each, and 70 T-shirts @ $250.

We’ve seen skateboarding hook up with high fashion before. How about when Comme des Garcons came out with some limited edition decks? 

Are these unions absolutely fabulous or a ridiculous marketing ploy? Whether or not you lust after nice things, this seems like the wrong company jumping on the wrong bandwagon at the wrong time. Thoughts?

Jean-ius: Heels 2 Flats Denim

October 24, 2008 by  
Filed under Pretty Chic

Radcliffe JeansOctober 24, 2008 -A number of specialty denim brands have recently been rolling out new designs with novelty features.  We’ve seen waterproof and water resistant fabrics, embellishments and more.

One of the best innovations we’ve seen – and perfect for Pretty Tough girls on the go – is from London-based designer denim line Suzy Radcliffe. If you have a favorite pair of jeans but are limited to wearing them with either heels or flats because of their length then you’ll love this idea.

 Radcliffe Jeans comes to the rescue with its revolutionary Heels2Flats system. These denim dynamos let you insert cuff links into the inside leg seams, making the pant leg longer or shorter depending on your footwear. Best of all, the system works on both bootcut and skinny leg styles.

At $195 the jeans may seem pricey but the product actually helps curb consumption. The Heels2Flats cufflink system gives fashionistas two different length options for the same price, letting the denim go double duty with both heels and flats.  We think it’s jean-ius.

D & G Motorcycle Metallic Leather Jacket

February 7, 2008 by  
Filed under Motocross, Motorcycle, Off-Road Racing, Pretty Chic

Dolce & Gabbana Motorcyle JacketWanna look trendy on your motorcycle (or off)? This metallic leather motorcycle jacket by Dolce & Gabbana  lets you live the biker style even in the off season. Sometimes your regular gear is just too cumbersome but now D & G  helps you keep your image in check.

Made from 100% metallic lambskin and lined in 100% viscose. Contoured seams throughout and standing collar with extended tab make it absolutely fab—a must have for your motorcycle style wardrobe.

Additional features:

• Banded cuffs with zipper and two snap closures.
• Zip front with snap closure at the bottom.
• Slanted zipped pocket on chest.
• Zipped side pockets.
• Rear cummerbund detail with buckled bands on sides.
• Fully lined.
• Made in Italy–of course.

Please note: Due to European sizing, we recommend you order one size up. Where to buy? At any authorized D & G boutique — just plan on spending about $1500 (retail price).