Looking good on or off the bike

Whether you’re on or off two wheels, looking good year round isn’t hard to do, especially with the wide assortment of fashionable clothing offered by motorcycle manufacturers and gear providers. There’s also no shortage of lifestyle products they offer to keep you and your home geared up for the riding seasons.

A prime example of a manufacturer whose bikes and gear are abundantly awesome is Harley-David-son.

Even if you don’t own a bike, it’s hard not to fall in love with the vast array of products on their shelves. There is literally something for everyone.

Visiting the showroom at Trev Deeley Harley-Davidson (www.trevdeeley.com) is always fraught with danger for me. The motorcycles, clothing and accessories offered are of high quality, are well made, are very fashionable and I want it all. Sorry, that’s the inner shopaholic in me coming out.

There’s a misconception that one needs to own a Harley to sport Harley gear. That’s definitely not true.

Whether it’s an oh-so-cute Hog salt and pepper set, a handy napkin dispenser, or a set of pint glasses, the fun and funky HD products can definitely add flair to your dinner table.

Shadow, an old family friend, generously volunteered his time to model a black and orange pet T-shirt ($26.95) and reflective leash ($12.95). With the Lower Mainland being a hub of canine activity, it’s only befitting that he look stellar while romping the dog parks. And don’t be fooled by the underbite, he’s a sweetie to the core.

Baby and children’s clothes? Absolutely. And they are so incredibly cute. Brother and sister duo Luc, 14-months and Reese Tougas, age three, were all smiles in HD clothing while modelling upon their motorcycle of choice.

Reese sports a three-piece set, which includes denim pants, a T-shirt and a pink button-up shirt ($42.95). Luc looks dapper in his two-piece denim pant set ($42.95) and pre-walker booties ($22.95).

Along with a large selection of apparel that can be worn underneath riding gear or on the streets, HD’s fashionable items also have a purpose.

For women, there’s the Pink Label. A portion of the proceeds of any Pink Label item sold, whether a tank top, hooded sweatshirt or Pandora-style charm, helps fund Rethink Breast Cancer. As a proud owner of a Pink Label leather jacket, it’s nice to know that it not only helps keep me safe on the road, but helps fund education, research and support programs for a worthy cause.

Shifting to the men’s department, there is a plethora of stylish casual clothing along with pyjama pants and robes. Being comfortable on and off the bike is paramount!

Since 1963, Italian manufacturer Alpinestars has been outfitting individuals with high performance and technical protective gear. The company started out making ski and hiking boots, but soon diversified.

Now, their protective gear can be seen on racers in motoGP and motocross, along with those in NASCAR and Formula One.

But when not in performance mode, men and women can be adorned in the latest fashions that have been influenced by the company’s Northern Italian roots and stylish DNA.

Alpinestars Nero (www.alpinestarsnero.com) is a branch of the company that has created a line of clothing to accommodate the urban commuter, but with a stylish flair. It’s described as “(A) collection of versatile clothing that is both protective and fashionable.”

The collection offers men’s and women’s textile and leather jackets, along with boots.

Having the proper gear while riding a motorcycle is essential to one’s safety. But that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice the fashionable element while doing so. Nero combines the best of both worlds.

Specifically for women, there’s the Alpinestars collection by Denise Focil (http://alpinestarsbydenisefo-cil.com). The upscale casual clothing is comprised of various textile fabrics and whimsical designs that centre on their signature leather jackets. One of those jackets being the ‘Joelle.’ Its fitted form and motorcycle influenced shape, complete with collar snaps and full length sleeves look feminine and fashion-forward at the same time.

But if leather is little too hot for the spring and summer, there’s a collection of trendy textile jackets and blazers, dresses, shirts, skirts and more.

Whether you’re looking to out-fit yourself with motorcycle gear or gear for everyday life, there are a lot of great items to keep you and your home looking good all year long.

Follow Alexandra on Twitter.com/cargirlsgarage

Ashley Smith, Jaime Cleary and Alexandra Straub (left to right) wear Pink Label fashions. A portion of the proceeds of sales go toward Rethink Breast Cancer
Photograph by: Alexandra Straub, The Province