When I moved last February just a bit south of downtown Seattle, I knew I wanted to get a bike. What I didn’t realize is how much I would love using it… not for commuting, but exploring! Do you ever have those moments when you’re in a car and wish you could pull over to duck into a store you’ve been meaning to check out for months? Or stop to instagram an inspiring moment? Heck, when you’re in a car, half the time you don’t even see those things. On a bike? You see everything!
![explore your neighborhood on a brooklyn bicycle! | via coco+kelley](https://cassandralavalle.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BrooklynBikes_02.jpg)
So a few weeks ago I took the opportunity to take my new Brooklyn Bicycle out for a spin and finally explore my own neighborhood. We roamed down alleyways and over bridges, and found beauty in the most simple settings…
![ivy and morning glory | via coco+kelley](https://cassandralavalle.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BrooklynBikes_24.jpg)
Like this overgrown wall of ivy and morning glories that made for a perfect backdrop…
![explore your neighborhood on a brooklyn bicycle! | via coco+kelley](https://cassandralavalle.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BrooklynBikes_11.jpg)
Biking has also inspired some new wardrobe choices, like this jersey dress that is super comfortable to be running around in, but also dresses up nicely with a few accessories, heels and a jacket.
![explore your neighborhood on a brooklyn bicycle! | via coco+kelley](https://cassandralavalle.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BrooklynBikes_62.jpg)
Just a few blocks down, we came to a corner full of Hollyhocks that I drive by everyday on my way home, but had never stopped to enjoy! And yes, my helmet matches my sandals. Duh.
![hollyhocks! | via coco+kelley](https://cassandralavalle.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BrooklynBikes_86.jpg)
I loved the way they looked against those wood slats too. Organic and graphic at the same time!
Next I did a quick change and we wandered up to the river…
![explore your neighborhood on a brooklyn bicycle! | via coco+kelley](https://cassandralavalle.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BrooklynBikes_134.jpg)
I am a firm believer in biking in dresses. I mean, it’s not always practical, but it sure is comfortable (and cute!)!
![the duwamish river | via coco+kelley](https://cassandralavalle.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BrooklynBikes_184.jpg)
The Duwamish is really industrial, but there’s this sweet spot with some pretty boats right by the bridge that made for a nice moment… and offered up some breeze in the heat too!
![explore your neighborhood on a brooklyn bicycle! | via coco+kelley](https://cassandralavalle.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BrooklynBikes_118.jpg)
![explore your neighborhood on a brooklyn bicycle! | via coco+kelley](https://cassandralavalle.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BrooklynBikes_145.jpg)
(I may or may not have stolen some greens along the way…)
![blue sunnies + blue bench | via coco+kelley](https://cassandralavalle.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BrooklynBikes_159.jpg)
Just over the bridge, I had to snag a photo op on this bench that happened to match my sunnies. (I mean, seriously. How perfect and graphic!)
![explore your neighborhood on a brooklyn bicycle! | via coco+kelley](https://cassandralavalle.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BrooklynBikes_170.jpg)
Not a bad way to spend a sunny day, right? I’m looking forward to exploring much more all summer long…
photography :: meghan klein for coco+kelley // this post sponsored by brooklyn bicycle – all thoughts and opinions my own!
sources :: grey dress // white dress // sandals // sunglasses (similar) // backpack // bicycle!