1.10.2010

Style Secrets: Stormy Sophistication

“Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby.”
Langston Hughes

My loves, I understand your desire to barricade the front door, slither beneath your bed for optimal cover, or lock yourself within the confines of your bathroom to protect yourself from the downpour performing a virtual tap dance upon your roof and against the crystal clear windowpanes which once allowed smiling beams of sunlight to shine through with their warmth, but now display a gray, murky world full of unpleasantness. Do yourself an immediate favor and abolish such thoughts from your beautiful brain!

Take it from an individual who has suffered through the embarrassment of hideous rain coats glaring in all of their bright-colored glory; of frizzy hair sticking up in every which way, a jumble of haphazard disarray with the power to make random passersby cringe in horror; of beloved Burberry umbrellas turned inside out and rendered worthless courtesy of unexpected gusts of wicked 30 MPH winds – no matter how much you loathe the inconsiderateness and mere presence of stormy weather, it cannot be avoided.

As much as our poof-prone hair would love for us to be able to, one cannot wait out the wayward weather swaddled in piles of blankets accompanied by Serendipity on repeat and a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie in hand. Rain or shine we, as the upstanding citizens we are, must face the harsh cruelties of the world regardless of the current climate; and face the world we shall – with true stormy sophistication, to be sure!

Sweet Feet I myself have never before met a puddle I didn’t like, there’s something purely innocent and whimsical about seeing a shallow pool of water and plunging straight into it; but even if you are not a card-carrying member of the puddle-jumping family, it is essential to have at least one pair of rain boots in your possession, on hand at a moment’s notice should the need for such foot accoutrement arise.

Though time and time again we try to deny it, the truth of the matter is that our beloved shoe collection truly takes the greatest beating during the drizzly days of the year. Suede’s turn soggy; knits become waterlogged; and leathers oftentimes lose their luster. For this reason alone, it is best to embrace a style crafted out of rubber, like Hunter Boots. Rubber rain boots are the most functional form of footwear when the weather turns blustery; yet, depending on the style you select, they retain a sassy savoir faire about their aesthetic which keeps you looking every bit the chic sophisticate.

“The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Search for knee-high designs that are both playful and professional in their coloring and ornamentation. A pair of Original Hunter Wellington Rain Boots in fire engine red or aubergine have the potential to add a fun splash of color to your look; reptilian embossing, like that found on Pour La Victoire’s Rus Croc Rain Boots create elegance; and an equestrian/motorcycle inspired construction like KORS Michael Kors’ Stormy Rubber Engineer Boots possess the ability to contribute a dash of posh to your silhouette. The key to perfection in terms of rain boots is finding a pair that ensures both comfort and confidence in the wearer. Donning wellies may make one feel like a child; but that certainly does not mean you must look like one!

Below the Belt Given the fact that cold, wet, rainy, windy days are downright unpredictable, they are often the ideal time to tuck your tights, leggings, skirts, and dresses into the farthest corner of your dresser drawer, and accouter yourself in them on a more pleasant day. As a stylish girl about town, you absolutely do not want to spend the afternoon trying to keep a flirty frock from billowing out around your body a la Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch; therefore, it is best to style yourself in denim that will keep your lower half feeling snuggly, yet looking sassy!

Now I know what you’re thinking, denim is not appropriate attire for the office. That is an incorrect summation, if I do say so myself! Whether you are a hardworking member of the corporate world, or simply a style-savvy student, denim has its moments for any and all situations – rainy days are one of them. Your primary concern is merely to select an appropriate pair that pleases you without alienating your peers.

“Weather is a great metaphor for life – sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad, and there’s nothing much you can do about it but carry an umbrella.”
Pepper Giardino

Light and medium wash denims come across as being very casual, laidback, and lazy – ideas synonymous with Saturday afternoons spent playing baseball in the park, or strolling the shore. Denim that is either black or a dark wash is your best bet as it creates a sinewy silhouette that will make you smile; whilst holding fast to all semblance of cosmopolitan urbanity, which keeps you radiating professionalism. Another benefit of darker hued denim is that it easily conceals rain spots, so you always look put-together.

Since you are wearing rain boots, when choosing your denim du jour forgo the boyfriend jeans, and look for super skinny styles, like Genetic Denim’s Shane Recessive Cigarette Jeans or Marc by Marc Jacobs’ Skinny Stretch Jeans. Even if you don’t normally like how you look in skinny jeans, or pants with a tapered ankle, when you’re wearing boots they are ideal for the task, for they easily slip into the shaft of the shoe, without bunching around the knee in an unflattering fashion; plus they hug your curves in a way that keeps you looking phenomenal from the moment you slip them on, until the moment you slide them off!

Tales from the Trenches There’s no beating around the bush when it comes to the matter of outerwear; the plain and simple truth is that there is no easier way to effuse sophistication, affluence, high class, and complete magnificence in your wardrobe than via a taunting trench coat. Military jackets formulate a rugged motif, blazers invoke thoughts of getting down to business, hoodies oftentimes embrace an elementariness that takes your look down a notch, and puffer coats are quite frequently responsible for extra bulk on one’s body. The trench, on the other hand, is seductive, captivating, and amazingly alluring – all while providing you and your ensemble with an incredible amount of shelter from the raging storm.

“Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain.”
Unknown

Trench coats are a timeless staple which can truly change the way the world views both you and your wardrobe; therefore it is your duty to select one that will see you through snowball fights and soccer games, thunderstorms and romantic walks in the park, and everything in between. A trench that falls mid-thigh or right above the knee is the length to look for, as it protects the most important parts of your body from the nippy night air, without causing you the type of worry about soil spots around the hemline that so often go hand in hand with ankle-length designs.

When choosing the trench of your dreams color is one of the most important aspects to take into consideration. A camel shade like that seen on Burberry’s Packable Trench Coat in Dark Trench is the most classic choice, the one that makes you think of Nancy Drew and her penchant for getting into mischief; however, it is not your only option. Noir hues like Theory’s Cecilia Trench Coat in Black are a chic alternative which streamline your style, and add a dash of dapper finesse to your overall look; and if you’re truly daring, an animal print like that proffered by Marc by Marc Jacobs’ Into the Wild Trench is a snazzy way to unleash your inner fierce fashionista. Last, but most certainly not least, make sure to select a piece which features a belt that you can cinch around your waist with true European flair to create a sassy silhouette that makes heads turn!

“Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet.”
Roger Miller

The Bewitching Blouse One thing never to forget is that, despite the shameless storm whipping the outside world apart, never should you allow the nastiness to transpire in your ensemble. Gloom and doom could be written in the sky, but that is no reason to stifle the sauciness of your style; especially in terms of the blouse you have deemed worthy of wearing under such harsh conditions.

You may feel the desire to slip into one of your ratty, I’m-too-sick-to-get-out-of-bed tees and slink out the door, assuming that no one will see it hidden under the adorable outerwear you plan on wearing all day, but you’re wrong. Don’t allow this way of thinking to get the best of you, for it is leading you down an incorrect path – one that will leave you riddled with embarrassment. I have made the error of wearing a stained tee out of doors, believing that it would be concealed by my cute cardigans, or beautiful bombers; only to discover that such blissful pieces of outerwear had to be removed after too much time spent in overheated locations, exposing my fashion faux pas to the masses. Hence the reason why choosing a pretty top to decorate your form during stormy weather is an absolute must!

Tunics get the job done better than most for the sheer fact that they create balance for your stormy sophisticate look. A piece like mark’s Cold Shoulder Top is ideal for it clings to your curves in all the right places, yet provides a little slack which complements the skinny jeans currently adorning your lower half. If you want to translate more glamour in your styling to truly sparkle without turning to the assistance of beaming baubles, look no further than an embellished top like Diane von Furstenberg’s Bini Tunic or Re Collection’s Studded Patchwork Tunic. Dainty and demure ornamentations hold the power to brighten up an overcast day with minimal effort and fuss; yet never cease to work wonders in taking your look to new heights.

“Walking through puddles is my favorite metaphor for life.”
Jessi Lane Adams

Decorations to Combat the Drizzle Darlings, I truly hope that you weren’t under the impression that I would allow you to step foot outside without a few dazzling decorations highlighting your look. You may be strolling through a downpour, but that is no reason to brave the world unornamented. This time, however, you are going to do me a very important favor and forgo blissful baubles for a few key pieces that are slightly more minimalist, yet just as magnificent!

Scarves I don’t believe any accessory retains the power to dress up one’s look more fabulously than a showstopping scarf in a charming color which hangs lankly in the most luxurious of fashions across the front of your blouse yet keeps your neck warm all at once. mark’s For the Frill of It Scarf is ideal for the flirty girl looking to add a little flounce to her person; while the Warm Welcome Turtleneck Scarf harbors a unique aesthetic which contributes a touch of teasing volume to your upper half. Layer it over a feminine pendant, like the Have A Heart Necklace for an extra glimmer of glamour.

Gloves It is not during every storm that one needs a pair of gloves to keep her dainty digits warm; but for those truly chilly days having a pair on hand is highly recommended. Forget about the obnoxious mittens that your mother used to imprison your fingers with; for gloves that will give your hands the freedom to move and groove while staying tantalizingly toasty look for fingerless styles like Vince’s Cable Fingerless Gloves or opt for mark’s two-in-one Warm Welcome Flip Top Gloves which provide you with the option of flip-flopping back and forth from fingerless to mitten style!
Hats Baseball caps, and oversized knit beanies be gone! If a girl absolutely must incorporate a hat into her look du jour, the most flattering way to do so is with the assistance of something amazingly ambrosial which only serves to make her cuter than she already is! Channel your inner Daisy Buchanan via a twenties-inspired On Top of It Cloche; play the role of a gorgeous Dick Tracy with Eugenia Kim’s menswear-inspired Maxine Fedora with Ruched Vintage Ribbon; or simply cater to your saucy snow bunny with a Faux Fur Hat. As long as you have fun with your headwear, cute boys are sure to follow closely in your wake!

“Bad weather always looks worse through a window.”
Unknown

Umbrellas Based solely on the fact that you will be lugging it around with you all day; it is only feasible that you select an umbrella that is an extension of your glittering personality! Dark hues are quite often misconstrued as domineering, angry, and a bit stormy themselves; be the ray of sunshine walking down Park Avenue with something that makes a smile play upon the lips of random passersby. Look for pieces with the potential to keep you dry whilst adding a jazzy touch of cheekiness to your person! Embrace clever shapes mimicked after vintage styles like the Signature Bella Pagoda Umbrella; keep your eyes peeled for playful prints like the Be My Valentine Heart Dome; or stay classy with Burberry’s Automatic Check Umbrella. Be wild and crazy with your selection as a kitschy umbrella can truly take your style over the top!

For Your Listening Pleasure I don’t care if it’s raining cats and dogs at this very moment loveys; weather should never stand in the way of you getting your groove on! Thus, a few songs to help you get jiggy with it in true rainy day style!

Umbrella - Rihanna
I Have Friends in Holy Spaces - Panic At the Disco
I’m Only Happy When It Rains - Garbage
It Never Rains in Southern California - Albert Hammond
Umbrella - The Postal Service
Famous Blue Raincoat - Leonard Cohen
Plainsong - The Cure
Rainy Day - Guster
When It Rains - Paramore
Why Does It Always Rain on Me? - Travis

“Rainbows apologize for angry skies.”
Sylvia Voirol



Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It, Shopbop, Tumblr, and Nordstrom for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Lady in Red Giveaway for your chance to win a Melinda Sequin Bag in Red from Mimi Boutique.
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66 comments

Allegra said...

oh I love love love the first pic of kate moss! what a great dress! I'm also a fan of hunters! I've got them in green, black and sliver (which is really spacy ^^)

Diane said...

omg i don't know what i'd do without my rain boots.
but how i hate rainy days...my hair...ugh. how i hate frizzies :(

meraldia said...

Great post, Erika! Those Hunter boots are very stylish and perfect for the rainy days! (Btw, you look great on the photo!)

COCAMIA said...

Amazing post! You are such a great writer! I do not currently own a pair of rain boots but your post has inspired me to do so! Spring is around the corner and this post has inspired me to go out and get them! Always wanted a pair of Hunters. They seem like the best. Do you think so?

Audrey Allure said...

haha i love going out when it's raining, and well sometimes it happens to rain when i have somewhere important to go. but at least it gives us an excuse to put on our cute rain gear & umbrellas :)

Jen said...

Oh, Rhianna's Umbrella is mine and my girlfriends' favourite songs! So great for dancing around your handbag.

I quite like the rain. I love splashing in puddles, watching the drops pitter patter on the window panes while cuddled up with a good book. And I adore retro print raincoats, bright brollies and wonderful wellies! :)

Eva said...

Who is that in the first photo?

Sandy said...

Erika, I absolutely love your posts. You have such a great writing style! Informative, fun, witty. It just draws the reader in. I must confess I have nothing fashionable in my wardrobe for rainy days as I am currently "transforming" and getting back to my former stylish self. Wonderful ideas ... I shall have investigate and then invest as we do have 2 rainy seasons, not to mention summer storms.
Have an awesome day Erika!

daisychain said...

love this post
(though personally never want to see/wear a wellington boot in my life after this week!)

Anonymous said...

Love the post! Nice stuff.

mAdi*cakes said...

I LOVE THIS POST! :] Its quite frreeezzinngg and rainy here and Im ready to go to church in my belted trench and silver glittery scarf! :D The first picture really is mesmerizing and Im going to save this post and print it out and give it to me gal pals so they can read it and have the address saved to come visit you.
Thanks for the lovely comment! That is me in the last picture and youre too kind! I do try though. haha. :] HAve a wonderful sunday

xox
Madi

KP said...

that first pic is so beautiful-amazing round-up xo

FASHION SNAG said...

Cute post. That first photo is beautiful! You are such a great writer Erika. The only thing I am missing is one fabulous trench coat =) I have some trenches, but still looking for a classic, love forever piece. xoxo

www.FashionSnag.com

Meg said...

Great tips! I really love the fingerless gloves. ANd I want to get a cute pair of rubber boots, but I find lots of them have holes in them and then you get gross wet feet.

Anonymous said...

oh wellies, so cute, but cumbersome. I went through a horrible week of rain in DC that ended in my rainboots breaking and a frantic search for a new pair. amazingly 9 different stores in georgetown didn't carry any boots! somehow I found a cute pair at a sports store haha

Anonymous said...

yes, yes, yes you are the best for this post! i despise the rain actually but can't stand that it gives people an excuse to dress extra badly! chic rainboots are a must and i love a fun umbrella and a classic trench.

Leah said...

A red rain boots... I love that. I will definitely not wear a black rain boots on a rainy day. Red will be it. And the cloche is awesome. Plus those cute umbrellas. Now, I want some rains.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post! I love trenches, colorful umbrellas, and wellies! Perfect for rainy day chic. I hope you have a great week!!

www.janetteria.com said...

I love trend hunter rain boots. :-) and trenches tooooo...

Great post, my dear!

Sherin said...

I always get tempted to leave the house in unflattering hoodies in this weather! Thank you for the very stylish alternatives. The weather is awful here, so I'm definitely using these tips.

Treacle said...

I've purchased both a trench coat and galoshes since I moved to rainy Seattle, but it's been so cold I've yet to wear either!

I love that first photo, by the way. It's such an excellent party pic and backless dresses are tres sexy. ;-)

Anonymous said...

I love the Croc Rain Boots, but don't know if it's worth picking up a pair, as Los Angeles is not the rainiest of cities. But I ADORE the 20s inspired hat! xo

H A N N A H . M A Y . R O S E . † said...

LOVE this post - read the whole thing from start to finish! Along the way you've inspired me to go out and buy some awesome wellie botos tomorrow :) haha

♥ Hannah

((LONDON--ROSE.BLOGSPOT.COM))

xx

Fashion Court said...

absolutely adore that first picture!

i love hunters, they make me actually like the rain! i just found out about PLV's rain boots a few days ago.. i have to say i am craving them as they are my favorite brand!

K said...

Those trenches are fabulous. I definitely have poof-prone hair and do avoid stepping out when the weather would have its way with me.

Jessica said...

Fab post doll! My favorite are summer rains! And I always feel better with a fun frilly bright girly umbrella for gray days...a lot of adjectives for a much needed pick me up day!!

Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSION said...

I LOVE RAINY DAYS. They're so much fun! I mean, what's better than crazy umbrellas and rainboots? Nothing! (Well, that's not true, but I still love rainy days and all the elements of it!).

Thanks so much for stopping by!
quirkyexplosion.blogspot.com

WendyB said...

Sigh...I haven't had brownie ice cream in forever.

Emily said...

this is such an adorable post!

I love the boots and the tunics :)

Jessica said...

I love this post. But I have to admit that my favorite thing to wear in a downpour is a dress under my raincoat with thick tights. (A fitted dress or skirt, of course. I don't want the wind whipping it away!) Nothing bothers me more than saggy pants!

Kathryn said...

this post is exactly what I was needing! Wonderful.

evita nuh said...

those are beautiful pictures! :D

Anonymous said...

Fantastic post! I always want to stay inside whenever the rain comes down and I have had many an embarrassing hair moment when the rain got a hold of it! I have even contemplated wearing a shower cap outside until I got to my destination.

However, your tips are fantastic! I hope I hope to always be fabulous in the rain thanks to you :)

Jen Hsieh said...

i love this post! i always run out in whatever i want to and rebel against the rain. the rain always wins though and my outfit is quite ruined by the end of the day haha. :)
and i really have to invest in a trench. you're so right about them!

MrJeffery said...

wow.. what an in-depth post & such good advice! love the red hunters. peace.

michelle_ said...

kate moss is gorgeous on that first pic ! have u heard about these jeans grabbers ? they're these straps that help keep jeans of other pants in place when u wear boots . my friends who have bought them were really satisfied ! they said it totally saved them time to put on jeans into boots :D

u can cehck out jeangrabbers.com

thanks for the comment you wrote on my blog .
keep posting more inspirations !

HOPE YOU'VE HAD AN AWESOME WEEKEND!
much love from .
glisters and blisters .RS

Jennifer Fabulous said...

Those trench coats are so fab! And I desperately want a pair of rain boots now after seeing this post. The ones you posted are so adorable. How have I lived without them for so long?! :P

Dylana Suarez said...

Those trenches are amazing!


colormenana.blogspot.com

Post Grad Hair Cut said...

Oh I lust for a pair of red hunter boots! You have quite the extensive list here. Got everything covered!

Nina said...

Hunter Boots ... hunting mine down as we speak!

sssdawna said...

this makes me really wanna grab a new pair of rain boots...i mean, i need them because campus floods every time it sprinkles, right? right! = D

Midtown Girl said...

I love my Burb Wellies! And my Burb trench too (although I tend to wear my Miss Sixty 3/4 sleeve one since I can use & abuse it) LOL - yup, still working on the OCD thingy with my wardrobe, sheesh!

This post is wonderfully detailed Erika - love the way you write...

ps - that sequined number in the first pic: totally drool-worthy!

XOXO
Amy

Chicago Chic said...

Honey I LOVE this post! It is completely genius and such a necessary topic! Since I moved to Rome, dressing well in the rain has become a fun challenge and I totally loved what you said about some having the temptation to wear ugly and bulky rain coats. Burberry becomes so essential with their umbrellas and amazing trench coats and those rain boots look fantastic! I also have to say that I'm in love with that 1st photo you have posted and the 4th photo is adorable!

Fantastic fantastic post, Love!
xoxo
Rachel

English Rose ♥ said...

Darling you forgot singing in the rain on the playlist!!

Love this post - so perfect for the British weather!!

Thanks so much for all the lovely comments dearest - sorry for such a late reply!

Stay safe and chic darling
English Rose x
http://iamanenglishrose.blogspot.com

Luana said...

This post couldn't have come at a better time! Definitely going to take advantage of some sales this weekend. Hunter Boots would be the ultimate choice but unfortunately not in my budget right now. Better save up!

Caramell said...

First of all: I noticed a photo of yourself! you look so fab, darling. If I were you I would self-admire xD
Oh, I could do with a pair of new wellies and an umbrella :D but as for now it snows heavily in Poland ;>

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

Believe it or not, I actually don't have any shoes that are good for rainy days. :( I always find myself wearing my flats only to have my feet soaked. Haha. But I have been wanting a pair of Hunter boots! They are just too perfect! If I had those I would surely go splashing in puddles! :)

And I love that Marc by Marc Jacobs trench!

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

Cute post! I love rain boots :)

ediot said...

great post.i wear scarves all the time- even when its hot- its so very addicting-plus there are so many pretty scarves.. the first pic- with kate moss in that gorgeous dress.. want it! such a good picture

Kim Jackson said...

Oh, those trenches are to die!! I love the Nancy Drew reference. There really is something just so polished and smart about a classic trench.

Style, via Tia said...

love this post and I adore that quote as well. I just purchased a second pair of rain boots just for fun! Just like my umbrella they are sooo colorful.

Aline said...

what a great post!!!!

i hardly have to go out in the rain, but i love rain accessories!

Sarah Whitney said...

Those rain boots are all fab, I'd wear them even when it wasn't raining!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I want the metallic Hunters in a bad way!

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

Such a great idea, I love wellies!

Little Bow Prep said...

Oh, I so need rainboots. Can you believe I've never had a pair?

Closet Cravings said...

Love this post; the pictures are so cute, too. There's just something so magical about a pretty rainy day. I just love umbrellas, trenches and rain boots. =)

Unknown said...

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emmet garage said...

Raindrops keep fallin' on my head
But that doesn't mean my eyes will soon be turnin' red
Cryin's not for me
'Cause I'm never gonna stop the rain by complainin'
Because I'm free
Nothin's worryin' me - BJ Thomas

Allie said...

Wow, amazing post. We've been having some crazy weather on the East Coast, so I had a similar topic in mind last week, but your piece blows mine out of the water.
http://analoguechic.com/?p=961
So challenging, but so worth it to look good when the weather is not nice.

SF Indie Fashion said...

Simple, classy, and stylish. Great tips!

SF Indie Fashion said...

Simple, classy, and stylish. Great tips!

Anonymous said...

What an ADORABLE post! It has all a girl needs to know when it comes to rainy weather and appropriate attire. I love how you added a little playlist at the end to go along with the theme. Awesome!

xo

Unknown said...

i very love love the first,great tips!
tory burch flats

Unknown said...

i very love the first!great tips!
more and more looktory burch flats

Anonymous said...

You are so right. I get very lazy in my style when I'm not working and it totally affects my moods.

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