Bike Chic | Davina Griego

June 17, 2016 by Lauren Potter

DPJ’s Bike Chic series scouts out downtown Phoenix locals who not only ride bikes, but look dapper doing it.

Davina Griego has always loved the idea of living in the heart of a big city. After moving to the Valley in 2004 from a small town in Southern California’s high desert, Griego, 30, has called the Roosevelt Historic District home for seven years. And it’s been even longer since she’s owned a car.

Davina Griego rides her bike to the Phoenix Open Air Market to buy flowers, produce, and bread. Photo by Lauren Potter.

“I’ve been car-free 10 years,” Griego said. “So, I feel like I’m definitely living that ‘cosmopolitan’ life that I was so fascinated with.”

By day Griego works for the State, and when she’s not at one of her favorite local music venues, by night you can find her hostessing and curating music at Ocotillo Restaurant & Bar. Although she’s gone without a car for most of her time in Phoenix, Griego said that even if she did own a car, she “would still choose to live downtown.”

"Feeling comfortable is all the matters." Photo by Lauren Potter.

“Feeling comfortable is all that matters.” Photo by Lauren Potter.

I serendipitously stumbled upon Davina at the Open Air Market at Phoenix Public Market. “This is my Saturday routine,” she said. I was struck by her style, and with my new camera in tote, asked if she had a moment to chat about her lifestyle as a downtown Phoenix bike rider.

What are some of your favorite places to hangout in downtown Phoenix?

I love Bikini Lounge on Tuesdays for 602sdays with DJentricfication. Crescent Ballroom is definitely a favorite when some of my most respected artists roll through (I’m looking forward to seeing Emily King there). Valley Bar is almost a dream come true with their underground venue; I love visiting on a Saturday when Hi-Dreams spins. FilmBar for The Palace or just a flick is always my favorite. Melinda’s Alley has been a more recent favorite of mine, too.

What’s the story behind your bike?

My bike is a vintage Peugeot from the 1970s. I found it on Craigslist for only $75 after my last bike was stolen. I had been wanting a more commuter-friendly bike and thought this one was perfect, especially for the price.

If you could describe your style in three words, what would they be?

Classy, comfortable, and modern.

Where do you shop for fashion?

Most of my wardrobe comes from second-hand stores like Goodwill. It’s super affordable and I can always find one-of-a-kind threads. H&M is honestly the most corporate I’ll go in terms of where all else I may purchase my clothes. I like them because their clothes are affordable, simple, yet classy and modern.

What kind of fashion tips do you have for those who may be new to the bike life and not sure what to wear?

I say wear whatever you want to wear. Feeling comfortable is all that matters. And if that means biking in a skirt or dress and heels then by all means, do it. (Just be careful with palazzo pants.)

What are your biking essentials?

EARBUDS. If I’m missing my earbuds (which has happened a few times), and I don’t have to be somewhere pressing, I’ll choose not to go. I listen to music mostly all day long, especially while on my bike. It creates my soundtrack so without that, the movie of my life is incomplete.

What are you wearing today?

My light denim shirt is from Goodwill, and my geometric patterned stretchy shorts are from H&M. The pointy-toe flats I’m wearing are also from H&M (because it seems they’re the only ones that value the color gold as much as I do). I’m wearing earrings that I got from a jeweler at the Phoenix Open Air Market, and I got these sunglasses online a couple weeks ago from Glasses USA. My nose ring is a very recent decision. I just really like bling and it’s been fun embracing it on my face.