See you this Fall.

We're just a little bit excited for Fall.

Grooming for Men 101 (Guest Blogger)

Hello Nomads! My name is Max Atwood, and if there is anything I am an expert on, it would have to be men’s grooming. Here are a few simple tips to start off your grooming routine!

My Style lately has leaned toward old Hollywood. Picture a clean cut look with a nonchalant amount of stubble (think Carey Grant on vacation). A touch of facial hair helps detract from the severity of a formal haircut. Formal and summer just don’t jibe. This style particularly suits a trim build, as a more muscular build tends to look brutish with facial hair, especially when you have dark hair like I do. A "don’t" is to pair long hair and stubble. When facial hair is paired with long hair it leans toward unkempt (think Jonny Depp), unless you are a Ralph Lauren model, in that case what are you reading a men’s grooming blog for anyway?

The trick to balancing the scruffily formal, or the formally scruffy look, is to make sure you pay attention to the details so you don’t end up looking like Jack Black. Don’t get me wrong, Jack is funny, but he looks like he just doesn’t care. You care, that's what distinguishes you as a gentlemen.  Keeping your nape and sideburns trimmed ensures that it looks effortless. Also, keep your neck clean-shaven. As a basic rule shave to where your head meats your neck when you look down. Clean hair is essential to the well-groomed man. That means washing it on a daily basis, unless you get sweaty multiple times a day. In that case you need to shower and groom after each workout (unless of course you live on your own planet). 

Compared to my father’s generation there has been a steep climb in products designed for men’s basic grooming. Good grooming starts with cleanliness. One basic cleansing line I really like is Dove MEN+CARE. If you wear cologne on a daily basis you need to begin with a non-scented soap, otherwise the scents battle each other. Ditto for shaving cream. If you like aftershave, use the same line as your cologne. Witch Hazel works really well as an aftershave and leaves no odor. It’s also good for sensitive skin, as it doesn't burn or leave a rash. You need to either shave periodically, or keep your scruff trimmed with an electric trimmer (directions for different effects are usually included with your trimmer). Electric razors irritate my skin so I use a razor and shaving cream. Nivea for Men Revitalizing Shaving Gel is great for sensitive skin. Nics are par for the course. A dab of Vaseline stops the blood instantly, and it is invisible (less tacky than the t.p.).

Deodorant should be a given, and again unless you are relying on it as your main source of manly scent try to keep it either unscented, or clean-scented. Smelling good goes a long way, and you should take time to find a personal scent that you like, but that hopefully appeals to others too. However, a cologne that smells good on one gentleman does not necessarily smell good on another, as we all have different ph levels that affect how scents smell once they are on the skin. Every time you go to a department store try a new cologne (one at a time). Wear it for a day, and ask the ladies in your life (mom, sister, girlfriend, hoped-for-girlfriend, cute girl in calculus, or in extreme cases the cashier in the grocery store). Do not however ask the lady at the cologne counter-she may not have your best interest at heart.

Smelling good is inviting and there are a few basic rules to wearing cologne. Remember the golden rule: Respect Personal Space. You are wearing too much if you are easily pegged as the offender. Those around you should just get a whiff of fleeting scent. If someone is interested they will have to smell you out. Once they find you, the only way they can get a good whiff is to lean in to you. Practically speaking: if you have oily skin, or its hot outside, use less. Place cologne on the inside of your wrists, behind your neck and the top of your chest (where your collar bone meets in the center).      

And there you have it! All you have left to do is dress yourself. But don’t worry. The Pedaling Nomad can help you out with that.

Stay Classy Nomads.

Hats

It’s bad-hair day. A day that we’re sure you’re all more than familiar with. No matter how much you try to deny it, we’ve all been there. Even the most fabulous of celebrities have been there. As humans, it’s something we need to accept and learn how to deal with.

Fear not, we have the perfect cure for this tragic day. Throw away those old baseball caps and pull out something new and stylin'.

Fedoras.

Perfect for any season.

When in doubt, fedora. 

Guest Blogger! Back to School.

 Hello nomads, I'm the guest blogger this week on TPN and how great it is to be part of such an amazing team. My name is India Severe, I prefer to be called indy, and if you read my blog,

 Miss Indypendent, (www.indiasevere.blogspot.com)  you'll know why. I thought it would be a good idea to give you a background on my experience with fashion.

Writing this, brings back flashbacks of my self, as a fourth grader, going on the school intercom every monday and announcing fashion trends, as I was head of the fashion team (of two people.) at Rocky Mountain Elementary. As a fourth grader, I wrote the fashion column, 'Fashion 411' for our school newspaper. So yes, I have always loved fashion. I tried so hard to start trends in grade school, I even promoted Skirts over jeans. You can't tell me you didn't try that. (Okay, maybe it was just me.) Well, the after math of that Fashion 411 thing, was not pretty. I was made fun of terribly by the 'popular' girls who ended up being my best friends later in the year. I don't think I realized how embarrassing that truly was, until Im writing it today.

Ever since then I have truly loved fashion. I would love to have a legit fashion blog someday, style for a band, or celebrity, intern for a designer, or have a line of my own. No matter what, I would really love to work in the fashion industry. My idols and inspirations would be, Blake Lively, Chloe Grace Mortez, Elle Fanning, Emma Stone, Lauren Conrad,  Emma Watson, Rachel Zoe & Petra Karlsson. And many others, of course. Now, I completely understand I am in no position to tell you how to dress. Trust me, I learned my lesson after the whole fashion column tragedy. I am simply sharing my opinions and secrets on all the latest styles this fall. 

My mantra is, and always will be Coco Chanel's wise words;

"A girl should be two things. Classy and fabulous."

I am a firm believer of these things.

Well, as we all predicted it would, summer flew by too quickly. Don't get me wrong. Im not the biggest fan of school. However, there's always the excitement of stepping into a new scene, and making a statement.

A fashion statement.

There is never truly a year that I don't get excited over School shopping. It's apart of a teenage girl's life.

 So here it is. Your personal survival guide to going back to school this fall.

Color Blocking. 

Absolutely brilliant.

Generally Uneven blocks of contrasting color, make for a super chic look that pulls together a whole outfit.

Next up, Collars. Collars make the world go round.

I feel like the fashionable female version of peter pan every time I wear one.

So, bring out your inner Peter Pan, and buy collars. Buy them all.

Sweaters. Slouchy sweaters, and cardigans.

I am a huge fan of sweaters in general, much less a striped sweater. pair it over a collared shirt and you're golden.

Other trends to look for:

Denim. Oh, darling. If you have a classic denim shirt, you'll go far. Enough said.

You looking for something pretty to put on your feet? Oxfords, Combat boots or riding boots will help you out nicely.

Peplum shirts. These will become huge. You watch.

As for jeans, go with a classic black, or acid wash.

10 SECRETS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING:

1. Avoid the common popular stores at your local malls. Eventually everything will be picked over, and there is nothing that makes me cringe more, than that awkward moment of passing someone wearing the same top as me.

2. Work with basics.

Have you ever stared into your closet and wanted a complete new wardrobe?

One way to make that happen is to have several key pieces. That way, you have a lot to work with and you can pair them with other clothes to give you an endless wardrobe. It's magic really.

3. Online Shopping. Obviously there are pro's and con's to this gift from heaven, but it is truly an amazing device. A lot of times, stores have extended their collections online only. That way you can secure cute looks that are almost guaranteed no one else will have by going to the store. Also, the feeling of opening your package before school is like a fashionistas christmas. Make sure you order early, (NOW) so you can return clothes if needed. Pedaling Nomad has a great online store you can shop at, and they ALWAYS have killer deals.

4. Don't forget makeup, perfume and other accessories.

Delias, sells great back packs and you can also find darling bags  at Target. There is nothing like getting glammed up on your first day of school, and spraying you're new perfume. This can be fun, taking a bunch of friends and trying out all of the scents until you find the one for you.

5. Don't try too hard. You want you're style to look effortless, but still classy and put together. Go easy on the make up and make sure you take good care of yourself, lotion, washing your hair, painting your nails, ect. Besides, everyone deserves to be pampered.

6. Fabulously british. The British invasion is definitely here. I highly recommend guys going to One Direction for fashion advice. And I'm not saying that just because I'm their number one fan. Besides that, everything british is popular right now, so rock a british flag, or even better, shop in the UK.

(Online of course.) This almost guarantees a solid look that no one else will have. Try sheinside, Romwe, nasty gal, and jack wills.

7. Spread out your new outfits. When you get your yearly fashion haul right before school, its natural to want to wear the crap out of every outfit. But it would be wise, not to. if you wear all of your new clothes in the first week, what will you do the next? Spread your outfits out so you have a solid style. Every week. Every month.

8. Shop affordable. Theres no need to get the most expensive clothes possible. You can rock a plain white T, for 5 dollars. Its true, it's all about how you present yourself. If you shop at less expensive stores, you can buy more clothes, where as if you spend all your money on new sperry topsiders, you'll have less of a wardrobe. Again, let me praise Pedaling Nomad for having some of the cutest and affordable clothing I have ever seen in one place. Great place to find all of the trends I talked about earlier.

9. Always take care of your lips. I recommend Baby Lips. It's fine that I have every color & flavor. It's necessary for survival.

10.  Last but not least, have confidence. Own every outfit, by having a smile on your face.

(Cheesy, but incredibly true.)

So here's to a great school year, (we'll end up poking our eyes out anyway.) And a great year in fashion. Always be creative. "An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail." Im quite sure that those were the words going through my mind when I tried the 'skirts over jeans ' thing. Let's not be that creative then. But take after my innocent example. Trying to make a difference in fashion at such a young age. Sure I was made fun of. But look where I am now! Writing for the Pedaling Nomad. I guess dreams do come true. (tear, sniff.)

Well, I have made this post uncomfortably long as it is, so I will leave you once again from the wise words of Ms. Chanel, 

                                                            

Stay Classy ladies.

Cheers, 

Xx

indy

Guest Blogger!

Well hello there pedaling nomad readers.
My name is sydnee and I write at the blog, Oxford Comma.

I love anything fashion and I was asked to write on my favorite summer accessories.
Most of the time I wear minimal accessories or just simple ones in the summer

Luckily for you guys, I’m at the beach! Extra pretty pictures.

For the beach (or for more realistic scenario, the pool or lake)
I think you should keep it simple with a big floppy hat to cover your face (preventing unwanted sunburns) which I bought for three dollars at a swap meet, sunglasses and a bright swimsuit cover-up.

One of my necessities for the beach is also a great book, like the Great Gatsby.

But if you’re just having a simple summer day, shopping at a flea market with your gal pals or having lunch with your mom, you don’t want a lot of fuss, so I love to stack cute single pendant necklaces and a quirky bracelet.

And, of course, sunglasses.

My favorite jewelry is weird, like a necklace with a mini harmonica, deer head bracelet, and a heart ring. The more unique the shape, the better.

Sometimes you do need a little flash like when you’re going out.

Statement necklaces are where I like to stand out. With statement necklaces you don’t have to add too much jewelry to the rest of your outfit which in my opinion is a bonus.

My advice to you is buy stuff at boutiques that way nobody can copy you,
And the best accessory you can carry around is your confidence.

YOU Wear It Best

Hey Gentri! Thanks for sending us this fabulous picture. We’re glad you love the dress. You absolutely rock it!

If you love our clothes as much as she does, send us a picture and we will feature you too. Have a great week!

Bon Fire

Here at The Pedaling Nomad, one of our favorite activites is going up the canyon and having a barbecue/bonfire. It’s always relaxing and is the perfect way to spend time with family and friends. 

If you want to take the simple, classic route, go with burgers, hot dogs, and s’mores. Just make sure you have some kind of salad or side dish to go with your burger and skewers for the s’mores, of course! Don’t be afraid to assign your guests to bring some kind of side dish, drink, or even the utensils. It will take some stress off of you and helps your guests feel more involved. 

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can eat your entire meal from skewers, something we like to call “The Skewer Challenge.”  Here are a few food ideas that are simple and fun for skewing:

• Hot dogs
• Bratwursts
• S’mores
• Starbursts
• Vegetables
• Pineapple
• Corn on the cob

Whether you’re going to classic route or feeling more adventerous, the bottom line is to relax and have a good time.