RockLove thinks your jewelry’s back story to be as interesting as your own. Based out of NYC, their distinctive jewelery is a mix of  rock-n-roll edginess, a bit of historical flair, vintage romance and world travel.

The diverse and unique collection of RockLove’s jewelry can be found at rocklove.com. These are a few pieces that have caught my eye.

Faith, hope and charity necklace from RockLove Jewelry

Faith, hope & charity necklace ($45): the anchor for hope, cross for faith, and heart for charity (and love).

Faceted dome ring

This faceted dome ring ($69) was carved and cast in solid sterling silver. The ring has been treated so that it has a darker gunmetal finish and slight texture. Pretty rockin’!

Black rose earrings

These black rose earrings ($32) are darkly feminine and badass. Made from hand carved black buffalo horn and backed with a sterling silver post, these would be a great option of earring to wear while riding.

Chunky heart bracelet

Chunky chain bracelet with filigree heart ($195) is definitely a statement piece. Solid sterling cable chain with lobster clasp accented by a Victorian inspired, filigree heart.

Here’s where you can find RockLove jewelry online:
http://www.rocklove.com
Facebook: facebook.com/RockLoveFanPage
Twitter: @RockLoveJewelry

Official Rippin-Kitten t-shirts are back with two new designs!

*A boy-beater just for the ladies*

100% cotton, ribbed tank top with Rippin-Kitten logo in hot, scarlet red printed on a black shirt. This tank is meant to fig snugly to show off those kickin’ curves!
$20.00 | SHOP NOW>

Rippin-Kitten black boy-beater

*A t-shirt that everyone can wear!*

An original Rippin-Kitten design, featuring black ink on a black 100% pre-shrunk cotton t-shirt (looks really cool!).
$16.00 | SHOP NOW>

Rippin-Kitten black on black t-shirt

All shirts will be shipped via Priority Mail (shipping is $4.95). *International orders, please contact me.

Special thanks to my model RvR!

Since we do accept advertising here at Rippin-Kitten.com, I will not be linking to any specific websites for you to shop at or giving any pricing info. I will say that most of these boots are under $100 and totally great options to wear while riding.

Here are ten pairs of boots for your consideration.

Wanted "Spike" boots in black

• Wanted “Spike” Knee High Riding Boot with Fabric Cuff (other colors available)
  I’m a fan of tall boots but I don’t really wear them too often. I like the fabric cuff and the buckle on these.

Wanted "Skid" motorcycle boot

• Wanted “Skid” Studded Motorcycle Ankle Bootie
  These look sort of 80′s inspired. I think they’ll look totally great with the sun glinting off of all the studs and they have a side zipper for ease.

Xelement Women's Motorcycle Boots

• Xelement Women’s Advanced Lace-Up Biker Boots
  Heavy duty, stompy boots. I think my feet would feel super safe in these.

Dr. Martens Rose Skull

• Dr. Martens Rose Skull 8-eyelet boots (lots of other styles and colors available)
  I used to wear Dr. Martens all the time. They’re a bitch to break in but when they are you can wear them every day. Always diverse in styles, these are awesome to set yourself apart from the crowd.

Harley-Davidson "Tegan"

• Harley-Davidson Tegan black boots
  Another pair of great stompy boots. I will admit that I’ve owned another pair of H-D boots and not only did they look great, they lasted a long time and were very comfortable.

Dirty Laundry "Taylor Tumble"

• Dirty Laundry Taylor Tumble
  Buckles and ridgy soles. I just like the way these look.

River Road Field Boots

• River Road Women’s Double Zipper Field Boots
  Sturdy, well built and durable. Not completely unattractive and your feet will be safe for sure.

Icon "Bombshell"

• Icon Women’s Bombshell Boot (also available in black)
  I like a little heel on my boots, but not typically while I ride because I have foot pegs. I struggle with this style of boot because I can’t decide if they are really ugly or actually not that bad. If I wanted a heel while riding, I would consider these.

• BUCCO Women’s ’17-220′ Lace-up Boots
  These are total fashion boots, but they’re super cheap, nice and flat and can serve double-duty on your feet wearing a dress or skirt.

Newport News Plaid Motorcycle Boots

• Newport-News plaid motorcycle boots (honorable mention to Dr. Marten’s plaid lace-up boots)
  I have a soft spot in my heart for plaid boots. I think they’re adorable and on the right person would be totally eye-catching.

I’ll admit, I may not be a fashion guru. Sure, some of these boots are probably not the safest options to wear while riding, but might look really great at some event with a pair of black jeans, dress or a skirt.

K&G Cycles

Located in Detroit, MI, Rebel Girl Clothing takes pride in offering high quality tattoo-inspired women’s motorcycle apparel, clothing and accessories. An exclusive online retailer of Rebel Girl Clothing, K & G is thrilled to partner with a company that celebrates women who take life by the handlebars. From bandanas, belts and handbags to hats, jackets and jewelry, Rebel Girl has bold and original garb created to outfit even the most intrepid biker chick. Rebel Girl even has its own bath and body line complete with moisturizing milk bath, shower gel and body butter. Check out Rebel Girl’s full line of merchandise at rebelgirl.com or visit K & G Cycles online at kandgcycles.com.

Rebel Girl clothing

K&G is also pleased to announce that it has become an official retailer for West Coast Choppers. Out of Long Beach, CA, West Coast Choppers is renowned for their custom bikes, parts and accessories which have set the standard for style and old-school craftsmanship while pushing the limits of what a custom is- and can be. Headed by legendary owner and builder, Jesse James, the West Coast Choppers brand has maintained a loyal and passionate following and continues to create unique works of rolling art. Visit westcoastchoppers.com to browse their selection of custom bikes and parts.

West Coast Choppers

With over 1,200 categories of parts from over 250 manufacturers and 6 major motorcycle parts wholesalers, K & G Cycles guarantees that you will find exactly what you need for your project. With new lines being added daily, K & G’s goal is to provide their customers with the widest possible selection of American and foreign-made motorcycles parts as well as clothing, apparel and gear at prices you simply will not believe. Driven by their love of motorcycling and the idea of creating a new kind of shopping experience within this marketplace, K & G Cycles have streamlined the buying process while still offering competitive pricing and great customer service.

Looking at the static photos, I thought it was a cute looking ring. The matte stainless steel ring with gears could be interpreted as reminiscently steam-punkish, with the possibility of wide appeal to the mainstream and biker culture as well.

Gear Ring by Kinekt Design

Gear Ring is made from high-quality matte stainless steel

My interest was piqued enough to compel me to watch the video. And, HOLY COW! The gears actually MOVE! This is the best thing ever. So adorable!

This unique, innovative ring features six micro-precision gears that turn in unison when the outer rims are spun. It is currently available to purchase for $165 and comes in five standard US ring sizes: 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 (sizes 5, 6, 7 and 8 will be available soon).

If you want to learn more about the Gear Ring be sure to read the FAQ (although not on the list of questions: will my hair will get stuck in the gears when I wear it?) about this unique piece of jewelry.

Hot Leathers Hot Off the Press: Leading Screen Printer Receives Accolades and Announces Partnership with Bandana Manufacturer

Hot Leathers, one of America’s top 50 volume screen printers and the predominant leader in motorcycle apparel and accessories, is continually proving itself as a world-class printer, designer and provider of premier motorcycle apparel and accessories. Hot Leathers was recently honored with the Specialty Graphic Image Association (SGIA) Golden Image Award during the 2009 SGIA Expo in New Orleans, October 7-9.

“I’m very proud of the Hot Leathers team,” said Andy George, of Hot Leathers. “Our work was compared to the best in the world and we came out on top. That’s quite an accomplishment!” More than 90 companies from around the world entered the specialty imaging competition, submitting nearly 450 entries in 43 product categories.

“The quality of work this year was exceptional. Judges in virtually every category told me the entries were so good that choosing winners was a real challenge,” said Johnny Shell, SGIA’s Vice President of Technical Services.  Shell added that the Golden Image is a technical competition, excluding aesthetic issues from the judging process. Prints are judged on the level of difficulty and the quality of execution.

“Winning the Gold Award for Finished Garments on Lights puts Hot Leathers among the top specialty printers in the world in terms of quality and capability. The ability to consistently print such high quality products indicates that Hot Leathers is expert at controlling the many variables involved in specialty printing,” Shell went on to say.

In addition to their recent accolades, Hot Leathers’ award-winning and constantly evolving array of designs can now be seen within a whole new market of motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the world. Carolina Manufacturing, the largest bandana company in the U.S., recently licensed six new Hot Leathers graphics to be added to their 2010 bandana line.

Hot Leathers banadana design

Designing and creating everything from t-shirts and caps to bandanas and patches, the artistic and innovative minds at Hot Leathers produced six bold and eye-catching bandana motifs for Carolina Manufacturing that will be sold to bikers and bandana-wearers throughout the world. Carolina Manufacturing is constantly introducing new and attractive designs for their bandanas and sought the creative genius synonymous with Hot Leathers.

“The designs that were picked up by Carolina Manufacturing are representative of the caliber of designs and products that we create,” explains Andy George, Retail Operations Manager for Hot Leathers. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the largest domestic bandana manufacturer in the U.S.”

Hot Leathers is the leader in motorcycle apparel. They have supplied high quality products to the biker market for over 25 years. By traveling to every major motorcycle event in the country, selling wholesale to fine retailers and distributors across the globe, and selling on their website found at  hotleathers.com, they continually establish their position as the number one source of apparel and accessories for bikers everywhere.

To see Hot Leathers’ award winning line of motorcycle apparel and accessories including t-shirts, hats, and other products for men, women and children visit hotleathers.com.

Hot Leathers Gearing up for the Summer: Official Merchandiser of Laconia Motorcycle Week

Hot Leathers has already begun warming up their engines in preparation for their 2010 rally schedule. Topping their long list of rally destinations is LACONIA, NH where the industry leader in motorcycle apparel and accessories is proud to announce that they will be a presenting sponsor and official Merchandiser for the 2010 Laconia Motorcycle Week.

This year’s 87th Laconia Motorcycle Week, to be held June 12-20, is a high-octane, action-packed nine days of motorcycle revelry and the perfect opportunity for rally-goers to choose from a significant selection of Hot Leather’s premier merchandise including t-shirts, hats and other products for men, women and children.

Hot Leathers will also design the official 2010 Laconia Motorcycle Week logo which will offer customers a significant selection of specialty-printed, quality Laconia Rally merchandise. Known for offering the best selection of motorcycle merchandise in stores, online and on the road, Hot Leathers is proud to showcase its quality products at the Lobster Pound and at several locations up and down Lakeside Avenue. This summer’s rally will be Hot Leathers 25th year in attendance at Laconia Motorcycle Week, which has boasted nearly 400,000 visitors in previous years. Hot Leathers has become a staple at the yearly celebration and is proud to offer patrons the opportunity to purchase quality and price-conscious motorcycle apparel and accessories to commemorate this legendary event.

“We’re very excited to be back at Laconia this summer and to be the official merchandiser for the event,” explains Hot Leathers’ retailer operations manager, Andy George. “Laconia is always a fantastic time and we can’t wait!” Hot Leathers has been serving the motorcycle community for over 25 years. The company’s growing wholesale and printing facilities have earned it a place as one of America’s top 50 volume screen printers. Hot Leathers is constantly on the road
showcasing its merchandise at a number of rallies and events across the country. Keep an eye out this summer for the Hot Leathers logo. It’s a brand you can trust with prices you can easily afford.

Check out hotleathers.com to see their full 2010 rally schedule and to peruse
their diverse and original merchandise.

I got your biker chick right here...

But read for yourself:

The Basics of Biker Chick Fashion

Part of being a motorcycle owner means induction into a select society. And as is the case with any culture, there are a few wardrobe requirements that set its members off from the rest of society. Female bikers have a lot of versatility when it comes to their wardrobe, but some basics never change. Here are some simple steps to help you look the part and master the art of biker chick fashion.

First, remember that you can never go wrong with, or have enough, leather. Long hailed as the hallmark of any motoring outfit, leather pulls double duty in that it keeps you safe on the road and helps you look your biker best. Buy pieces such as a vest, boots, belt, a pair of tight pants, and most importantly, a jacket. The traditional color is black, but feel free to branch out to a little red or hot pink here and there.

If possible, get yourself inked. A tattoo–or three–shows your tough biker side. Popular options more biker chicks include classic pin-up girls, thorny roses, and sword impaled hearts. Tattoos are not just for men, and the themes you can choose from are endless.

Next, wear dark sunglasses. Like leather clothes, sunglasses not only make you look cool, but they are also functional. Shades protect you from the sun, wind, and bugs, and they help preserve your eye makeup.

Another important aspect of biker chick fashion is the hair. If you aren’t already blonde, bleach your hair and hold it back with an American flag bandanna. Keep your hairstyle simple, but something that looks good when you take off your helmet. Keeping a comb and hairspray in your saddle bag ensures a quick fix when the helmet comes off.

And finally, accessorize your look with silver jewelry, leather wristcuffs, a big belt buckle and red fingernail polish.

Once you have these basics down, you are ready to move on to making a biker fashion of your own!

Debunking the stereotype, one article at a time

I will say the article started off ok: it’s true that some of the basic fashions we, as bikers, wear are out of necessity to protect ourselves. Leather, no matter what color it is, is a staple to keep us warm in cool weather and to protect our skin if we happen to dump our bikes. It just also happens to have it’s place as being “fashionable” in some circles.

But as I read on, I could feel my lip begin to curl into a snarl of distaste.

Tattoos are deeply entwined in biker culture, but “classic pin-up girls, thorny roses, and sword impaled hearts“…um, really? If she had actually done some homework to familiarize herself with tattooing as an art form, she wouldn’t be so dismissive about what bikers (and non-bikers) adorn their bodies with. Sure, some people will go into a tattoo shop and pick something off of the wall, but the majority of people take their tattoos very seriously and put a lot of thought, money and effort into what they get inked on their bodies.

Sunglasses are worn for basic eye protection. Sun, bugs, wind burn and road grime are all hazards the eyes can be exposed to while riding. Wrap around glasses provide even more protection then regular design glasses. They also just happen to “look cool.” And I know from experience that sunglasses don’t do crap to preserve eye makeup. If you wear makeup while riding, waterproof makeup holds up better than regular.

Apparently I didn’t get the memo that all biker chicks should bleach their hair out blonde and wear American flag ‘do-rags. Did you guys? How come we aren’t riding around together in packs of bleach-blondness, wearing lots of silver jewelry with our red fingertips? PUH-LEEZE.

Maybe this was intended to be a fluff piece for her to show of her writing skills. If her goal is to be a fashion writer for some junky magazine, obviously doing the work to get the real facts about the topic is not important. But for those of us who are so deeply passionate about our culture, it’s hard not to take articles like this personally.

Bikers are drawn to skulls. More specifically, bikers are drawn to skull jewelry. This is why I’d like to call your attention to the talents of Nino925.

Nino925 was established in 1989 by designer/owner Frank Zubieta and specializes in superior, handcrafted custom jewelry. Nino has a commanding presence in the biker world and is being worn by celebrities, movers and shakers in the music industry and celebrity bike builders. The Nino925 brand has also become a fixture at biker events across the country. You may have even seen some him featured in motorcycle magazines like Easyriders and V-Twin.

I’ve been collecting skull rings since I was a teenager. These are the kind of rings that I would have dreamed of owning to adorn my fat little fingers! They are the kind of rings that any quality collector would want to have.

And more than just rings, there is a nice selection of heavy, sterling bracelets to choose from as well.

Oh, let’s not forget about the pendants and necklaces…

If skulls aren’t your thing, don’t fret: Nino925 has a few non-skull designs with a flair of rockabilly/tattoo design influence.

I first heard of Nino925 from my friend, ArtBiker, who has not only been a longtime supporter and collector, but recently commissioned a custom piece based on his own logo design. Even from the photo alone you can see the quality of this piece.

Custom designed ring for ArtBiker by Nino925

For more information on Nino925 (or if you’re interested in shopping his online catalog), visit www.Nino925.com.

Follow Nino925 on Twitter: @nino925

Related posts:

• Ami James jewelry company launches new web site
• BadAss Jewelry
• Tidbits from the Web: Voodoo King Designs

As a sucker for interesting and fun graphic design, I couldn’t help but to get drawn in when I saw the helmets from the french company, Ruby Helmets (or Les Atelier Ruby as they are officially known). Sleek and unique are the words that come to mind when I perused through the collections, which creator Jérôme Coste describes are “inspired by Steve McQueen, science fiction, mechanical beauties and Tokyo biker gangs.”

All Ruby helmets are made of carbon fiber, Kevlar and fiberglass and all of the screws are made from aluminum & titanium, guaranteeing strength while being lightweight. All helmets have a red inner lining that is padded with foam of different densities and the outer layer is made of claret-colored lambskin. And inside is a little bonus: the presence of your potential guardian angel, Lady Ruby. Each helmet comes in a traditional, protective red box. According to them, their helmets are DOT approved.

Guardian Lady Ruby

The Ruby red box

There are currently two different featured styles in the Ruby Helmet collection:

The Pavillion

The Pavillion is an open faced helmet of retro design and also the flagship model of Ruby Helmets.

Pavillion by Ruby Helmets

Pavillion's many styles

Pavillion styles and colors

The Belvedere

The Belvedere’s design is based on the Pavillion, but has the option of incorporating a full face visor, giving it a retro-futuristic style.

Belvedere by Ruby Helmets

Belvedere's different styles

These definitely fall into the “luxury” category (if one exists for helmets) as they will hit you in the wallet for upwards to $1000 USD.

The designer in me appreciates the visual appeal and general “coolness” of these helmets. In theory, if someone had the right style bike, this helmet would be a great compliment to it. However, the realistic biker in me knows that if a “typical” biker saw someone wearing one of these helmets, they would think they were a hipster wannabe and would probably kick that person’s butt!

I dunno, what do you think?

You can find more information about Ruby Helmets at http://ateliersruby.com and if you want to create an original design on one check out http://boutiqueruby.com.

What to look for when you’re checking your helmet:

Fit is Vital

A helmet must fit properly to be effective, and not all helmets fit the same. A well-fitting helmet should rest one inch above your eyebrows and shouldn’t roll forward or sideways on your head. To ensure a comfortable fit that doesn’t squeeze too tightly, wear a helmet for 15 minutes before making a final buying decision.

Helmets Don’t Last Forever

Over time, exposure to UV rays and the aging of adhesives and components will damage a helmet’s protective qualities. That’s why manufacturers and the SNELL Foundation recommend that helmets be replaced every three to five years, depending on use. Every new Harley-Davidson helmet comes with a “purchased on date” sticker that can be placed under the comfort liner for a quick reference.

Keep it Clean

A clean and well-cared-for helmet will protect better and longer. Use a mild soap to wash the outer shell and internal liners. Never use solvents or chemicals for cleaning as they can destroy protective coatings.

One Drop and it’s Done

A helmet is designed for only one impact. Even a small impact may fracture the outer shell or compress the impact-absorbing liner despite no visible damage. If a helmet has been dropped or suffers an impact, it should be immediately replaced.

Who to Ask?

Riders can learn more about helmet fit and care with the “Harley-Davidson Helmet” brochure available at Harley-Davidson dealers. Most Harley-Davidson dealers carry a wide range of helmet styles, including half-, three-quarter, full-face and modular designs.

There is a great little guide available on the Harley-Davidson site with information about helmet styles, components, fit, care and replacement, and you can check out the selection of helmets offered by Harley-Davidson MotorClothes as well.

Elisa Seeger’s Genuine Motorworks is a ground-breaking, artistic lifestyle shop that caters to male motorcycle and hot rod enthusiasts that want to pay tribute to American heritage through their apparel choices. It features hip, rider-focused apparel, motorcycle art, helmets, accessories and more. They feature many admired brands including Indian Larry, Levis, Frye Boots, Salinas Boys, Johnson Motor Company, and Filson, to name a few. She successfully achieved a perfect mixture of the true spirit of motorcycling and an alternative to the standard bike shop. It is an experience, rather than simply a place to shop. “We wanted to invite all our supporters and friends in the media to celebrate our grand opening. We are grateful and excited to say it was a rousing success” says Elisa.

The Genuine Motorworks crew

The new space combines a contemporary feel with classic motorcycle style to create a fun and comfortable environment. The response from the press and attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Drinks and hot dogs were served and the crowd stayed well into the evening, despite the cold weather. The artist’s gallery was thoughtfully planned out and featured the photography of Bobby Seeger Jr. Displayed were shots he has taken of Indian Larry over the years and the Indian Larry “Wild Child” motorcycle. The “Grease Monkey” bike was also on display in the front window and shows passersby that Indian Larry’s inspiration is still alive and well. Genuine Motorworks will continue to feature inspired custom bikes and artwork from artists on a monthly basis.

Indian Larry building the "Wild Child"-photo by Bobby Seeger Jr. (I think)

The Genuine Motorworks store is located at 195 N. 14th Street in Williamsburg area of Brooklyn, N.Y., and is open every day 11 a.m.-7 p.m. For more information about Genuine Motorworks, please visit www.genuinemotorworks.com or call 718-486-6971.

And their performance while riding in the rain is typically nothing short of dismal. Is there anything worse than a raw, rainy day with your hands sopping wet and freezing, only to find your hands stained with black dye from the leather? That’s just not good riding.

LOTS of companies make the promise that their gloves are waterproof. So you can imagine my interest, along with a bit of skepticism, at the discovery of Hugger Glove Company. Their tagline is “a dry hand is a warm hand” and they claim to have completely waterproof, yet breathable leather garments.

Perusing through their online catalog, they do have an impressive selection of glove styles for both men & women. They offer lined gloves, unlined, fingerless and touring styles and while the majority of the men’s styles come in basic black, the women’s styles have a bit of color incorporated in between the fingers or offered in the form of piping giving them a bit of extra flair. While they’re definitely not priced at “rally prices” they certainly aren’t astronomically priced, either. And if they’re as good as they say they are, I think a lot of us would agree that they’re probably worth the price. They also offer some jackets, chaps and accessories (leather clutch bags, scarves and face masks).

100% waterproof leather motorcycle gloves

The gloves from Hugger Gloves are indeed pure leather, but they use a process called Technaline® that renders the leather absolutely waterproof. This process ensures that your hands stay dry and that your gloves don’t stretch, get misshapen or crack. In addition, the inner Wonder Dry® lining keeps your hands dry and warm.  Sounds too good to be true, right? Keep reading.

So here’s the skinny: I tested a pair and here is what I found.

As I said before, there are lots of styles to choose from and since it’s just the beginning of the season where I live, that still means some colder and potentially inclement days ahead. For me, that definitely meant lined gloves. And since I’m a bit of a traditionalist in style, I wanted more of a classic riding glove and chose the Mary classic riding glove. But instead of going for my normal basic black I got a little kooky and got them with a  silver accent. Plus, I thought they would go well with the gun metal gray paint on my bike.

So, are Hugger Gloves really waterproof?

We had an especially craptastic day here in New England, with lots and lots of rain. Seemed like a good day to put these gloves to the test. To my amazement, the water literally beaded up and ran off the gloves. My hands were nice and toasty, not even a hint of dampness. Hmm. It was a steady rain out but I’ve had to ride in some real torrential downpours and my outdoor test just didn’t do these gloves justice.  So in an effort to really put them to the test, I decided to put my hand under my kitchen faucet for a few minutes. Nothing. No trace or feeling of water on my hand inside the glove. SWEET!

So, are Hugger Gloves really waterproof? You bet they are. Do they keep your hands warm?  Yes they do.  Are they worth the $40+ price tag.  Yes again.

If like me you are in the market for a new pair of riding gloves that will be perfect for inclement weather, the Hugger Motorcycle Gloves should be top on your list.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ami James Jewelry Company announced the launch of its new Web site, which will make the company’s signature “Love Hate Choppers” jewelry collection available to the public.

A tattoo artist by trade, James’ tattoo art and creative designs exploded to life as he expanded his medium from skin and canvas to precious metals for Ami James Jewelry Company. James teamed up with Larry “Benj” Weymouth, a Boston-based jeweler who has been making custom jewelry for 25 years, to produce the company’s first designs – the “Love Hate Choppers” collection. The collection includes leather belts, hand-finished pewter belt buckles, high-polished or brushed-antique solid silver rings and pendants with diamond insets, and sterling silver fluted or frosted necklaces and bracelets. Each piece of jewelry features details taken from James’ Miami shop logo. Limited edition necklaces, bracelets and belt buckles, as well as several “Rock the Ink” pieces are also available on the site.

“The Love Hate Choppers Jewelry Collection reflects another aspect of my artistic side,” said James. “With Benj’s craftsmanship and my designs, we created a collection of high-quality, unique pieces that, like tattoos, are a form of wearable art.”

In addition to serving as the inspiration for the “Love Hate Choppers” jewelry collection, James’ logo design details have also been incorporated into accent parts on another one of his business ventures – the new “Love-Hate Choppers” production bikes built by the unsurpassed talents of Sucker Punch Sally’s. The production bikes made their debut during Daytona Bike Week and are available for purchase through Sucker Punch Sally’s.

All pieces available from Ami James Jewelry Company can be purchased via the new Web site. To make a purchase, or for more information, product details and pricing, please visit www.amijamesjewelry.com or call the customer service number at (603) 898-0013.

BadAss Jewelry is the baby of David Barkhordari and is a great online resource for good quality, chunky biker jewelry for both boys and girls.

My eyes got nice and wide when I browsed through the inventory of rings, pendants, dog tags and bracelets. I don’t know what it is about silver skulls but I just love them! I also like wearing jewelry that is unique and this site has a lot of unique pieces.

You may remember back in January I mentioned BadAss Jewelry in my post about the Smokeout Rally which features a cross country ride called the Long Road from Cottonwood AZ to Rockingham, NC. Since it’s the 10th anniversary of the Smokeout, all registered riders that complete the ride will receive a serial numbered, solid-sterling-silver Long Road HORSE medallion, designed by David Barkhordari. Pretty cool!

Long Road HORSE medallion

Anyway, not only does BadAss jewelry sell unique biker styles, but they also carry Stingray Jewelry, which is genuine stingray leather (yes from actual stingrays) on sterling silver, by designer Alan K. According to another jewelry site, many people believe that stingray leather brings strength and power to anyone wearing it. It is also believed that the stingray leather brings good luck and good fortune.  Whether that’s true or not I’m not sure, but I do know that it makes for very interesting looking jewelry.

You can purchase directly from their website (don’t forget to check out their coupons) and they ship internationally. Bonus.

Well, Mr. Jeremy Shoemaker has a feature that he calls “Free Shirt Friday.” You send him a t-shirt, he’ll take a picture of himself wearing it and also gives a shout-out to your site. And my shout-out just happened to occur this past Friday when my Rippin-Kitten “Faster Pussycat” t-shirt was featured on Free Shirt Friday.

Rippin-Kitten t-shirt featured on Shoemoney

To my delight (and relief) my shirt received a lot of great comments and Shoe appears to really like it! So, if you like it too and want to decorate the upper half of your fine physique with this fabulous design there are still some available to purchase.

All orders will be shipped USPS Priority mail ($4.95 for shipping) and arrive in 3-5 business days (usually only 3!) from the day it was shipped (US residents only).

Not only do these shirts look great, but they’re fun to party in, too!

Bettie Page died today as a result of a heart attack she sustained over the weekend. She had been hospitalized for pneumonia weeks before and spent the majority of this week in a coma. I had heard the news this past weekend, wanting to write about her then, hoping that the inevitable might not happen. I held my own silent Bettie-vigil, waiting for any kind of news. And today it was news that I didn’t want to hear.

I don’t even know how or where to begin to write about Bettie Page. She was a secretary-turned-model that ended up being an unlikely icon for generations based on bondage photos and Teaserama dances. She inspired many girls to covet and acquire those trademark, fringe bangs. She had an enigmatic sweetness in her smile, despite all the naughty things she might have been doing in those fetish photos of hers! And she had a body to die for. Not like these sticks with tits that grace our magazines these days, but a real woman’s body with curves that Did. Not. Quit.

There’s no shortage of information, books, videos, photos, websites, movies and songs dedicated to Bettie. She is the subject of many an artist, most notably Dave Stevens (who also passed away this year at the young age of 52) who rendered the famous illustration of her in his comic The Rocketeer, and Olivia De Berardinis, who probably owes all her fame to recreating Bettie’s visage.

"The Rocketeer"

devilish Bettie by Olivia

recent years: Olivia, Hugh Hefner and Bettie

Bettie’s likeness also inspired many people to get lasting tattoos of her iconic beauty and she also graces plenty of motorcycle tanks!

Painted tank by http://www.grumeretz.com

My post is only one of hundreds that you will find online. I didn’t want to rehash the details of her life, you can go to plenty of articles and pages to learn those facts. I really just wanted to pay my respects and write a small tribute to this icon of a woman who influenced me and so many others.

Bettie, you will be missed.

Trashville USA is an online store with kick-ass clothing, shoes, accessories and lots of other stuff for men and women. Heavily rooted in rockabilly/psychobilly/retro-tattoo style, the site is chock full of cool belt buckles, t-shirts and killer jewelry. I want one of everything. But instead of racking up my credit cards, I’ll just show you some of my favorite items.

From Trashville USA’s Belt buckles section:

These are only a few of the plethora of belt buckles they have to offer.

From the Jewelry Department:

Seems like guns and brass knuckles are everywhere these days. Honorable mention: the bee and seahorse necklaces are awfully cute!

T-shirts: men’s (left) and women’s (right)

So if you like what you see and are looking for something different to wear to your next biker event, go to their MySpace profile at http://www.myspace.com/trashvilleusa, add them as your friend and save 15% on every purchase (there’s a Secret Squirrel code there for you to use).

They’ve got an inside zipper, made from man-made materials (great for you vegans out there) and only cost $49.50!

Moto Boot from Alloy

Whether you want them for riding or for everyday fashion (these probably look great with the right dress or a skirt) I’d grab these babies soon before they’re gone!