For those of you not from the Great White North, when you think of a typical Canadian girl, you probably don’t think of a die-hard beach type. Here’s the thing though: in Vancouver, we actually get exceptionally mild temperatures, ones that warm up nicely in the summer but don’t reach Toronto or NYC heatwave levels usually (it also means we don’t get intense winters either thankfully, I am not one for the cold).
Most West Coasters are pretty die-hard beach types, and if you’ve followed me here or on Instagram for awhile, you can probably then safely assert that I am a West Coaster through and through. Since my life effectively revolves around beach days during the course of the summer, I thought I’d give you a little Beach Teach, or Beach Style 101 if you will. Over the course of the week I’ll break down everything beach-centric, from swimwear to beach bag packing to a quick beauty look!
The first instalment in this series is the getting to the beach part, which for me means biking on my trusty Mojito (I name all my most-loved inanimate objects) to my destination.
I actually really prefer biking in skirts/dresses – aside from the fact that I think it looks cute (you can see my obsession with pretty girls on bikes here), it’s actually way more comfy than trying to hoist on a pair of denim cutoffs after swimming in seawater all day. Keep it light and breezy and something which is just long enough to not flap up and reveal too much. This O’Neill number is a winner – love the lace detailing in the back and the sweet bow. Bonus points if your dress goes with your bikini (worn underneath, of course) – it will help you get from beach to post-beach drinks all the more easily.
I’m actually a big believer in wedges with bikes (easier for the kickoff), but flats work perfectly too. My neon Tieks add a jolt of neon and are functional enough to get me to the beach in one piece. A word of caution against wearing flip flops or any sandals that can’t be secured: I had to learn the hard way that they can be mighty dangerous while biking, i.e. one of my flip flops shot right off of my foot in the middle of a busy intersection right in downtown Toronto and I almost lost control and got stuck in a track and a car honked at me and it was really scary. So just don’t!
What are your bike chic go-to’s? I commute by biking so the more tips the better!
I haven't ridden a bike in so long! I am honestly too scared to ride it in traffic, you are brave!
Hop you have a great time and sun! Nice dress
Kiss
aurélie
http://www.lespetitesbullesdemavie.blogspot.com
love your beach cover up — its so flattering on you! xo
http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/
These are great beachwear tips! I don't own a bike, so I don't know what to tell you!
The beach is an hour car ride away and I haven't even been in 2 years! I seriously need to go. You're so lucky you're a bike ride away 🙂
Mabel
Life of Mabel
I wish there was a beach here for me to bike to!! I love this white dress, it's the perfect summer dress and perfect for biking. I love biking in dresses and skirts, but I have a few that catch the wind really easily and I've accidently mooned more than my fair share of individuals.
xJennaD
Your bike is so cute, Alex! I've been biking down to the beach a lot too… especially now that I actually have a lock for my bike, haha.
xo, alison*elle
I love that your doing a beach series! Vancouverites really are beach crazy people once the weather is nice. I wish I had some bike tips for you but I walk everywhere I can because my boyfriend is such a bike hater :(.
Oh goodness, that Toronto experience sounds terrifying! I was actually biking yesterday in shorts thinking how freaking uncomfortable it is! I'm taking your advice of a dress and running (or biking?) with it stat!
You look beautiful, as always. White really suits you!
Bold Subtlety
All of your sunny beach pics are making me so jealous of West Coast summer! My fav bike tip is little black shorts for underneath things, which makes bike life in the city a little less embarrassing when you get on and off.
Such a lovely dress and you look so pretty.Wonderful photos.
♥
xoxo Ra
http://ramona-strikeapose.blogspot.ie/
Love your mint bike! I've been thinking about getting a similar one for biking around Venice Beach and Santa Monica in L.A., but I think I would need a basket! And Tieks really are great biking flats :)! P.S. – your hair has gotten so blonde, it looks so pretty!
So fun! You look so cute and beach ready! Love how you look in the color white! It makes you look so tan!
~Sara
Sincerely, Sara
Love your little beach dress! Totally darling.
http://www.shannonheartsblog.com
You have such a gorgeous glow! I imagine you've been spending quite a bit of time in the sun, haven't you! I am definitely not a summer person, though I don't necessary enjoy Canadian winters, either. I think I'm happiest around 10 degrees – cute dress with tights, scarves, and cardigans. That's my style. These days (it was "feels like 40" today) I find it to hot for anything. So I stay inside in front of a fan in as little clothing as possible while putting cold water on myself. Seriously not a lover of summer…
If I wore a bikini on my blog I would scare away all my readers. You and your perfect bikini body are making me hate you (in the nicest possible way ;)). haha can't wait to see the rest of this series!
Melissa
http://miss-melissa.com
Aw, Alex the 3rd photo is absolutely stunning!! You are gorgeous & glowing! xo!
wow that lace dress is gorgeous, I love how it looks on you!!
–
Ester from Drawing Dreaming
Wow you are seriously glowing in these photos, you seriously look like a model! Love your dress and flats – super cute! Also you have perhaps the best cheekbones & smile ever – always beautiful! x
A lightweight white dress for a day at the beach….can't get more perfect! You are so beautiful!
-Debbie
http://www.bouquetoffrocks.com