Rock & Raining

In the last fifteen days, we have seen a total of three sunny days, and in the next ten days we are expected to see another two. This is not a good average, especially for a girl who requires sun to stay sane--and whose hair will remain totally out of control when faced with near constant humidity. So what's a girl to do? I've decided that I have no choice but to rock the rain.

My decision certainly begs the question: is it possible to rock when it's raining? During the summer after my first year of college, I took a road trip to Vermont to see Phish's own Trey Anastasio with one of my best friends, Bekah, and my younger brother, Ben. That summer was much like this one is (at least so far): rain, rain, and more rain. Yet, we managed to embrace the rain, go barefoot in the mud, and--quite literally--rock. So I can attest that it's certainly possible to do so; it just requires a bit of effort.

Don't worry; I'm not suggesting that you should start listening to Phish or embrace an all-natural lifestyle. I'm only arguing for a certain amount of preparation and protection against the elements. My secret weapon? Smart fashion. Think about how happy and fulfilled you feel when you wear your favorite outfit, or a pair of really killer shoes. Now, try to recall how confident and fabulous you feel when you walk out of the salon, post cut-and-color. This feeling of fashion-forward invigoration is totally possible in the rain with a few wise wardrobe choices:

1.) Wellies for the weather: Check out fashion it-girl, Kate Moss, who braves the mud at Glastonbury mud in her black Hunter wellies. Her look is chic, yet completely weather-friendly. You can easily steal her look with your own pair of Hunters (which are available in a rainbow of colors) and an oversized black belt.

2.) Free your hair from frizz: From my personal favorite, Frederic Fekkai, comes the Coiff Perfecteur Anti-Frizz Silkening Creme. According to Sephora, this product is designed to "frizz not, whatever the weather or styling state." If your hair is anything like mine, then this product is worth its weight in gold and well worth the $25 price tag.

3.) Take on the trench coat: This one is a non-negotiable; any fashionista worth two cents understands the value of a good trench coat. Growing up with a very dapper grandfather, I learned early on of the Burberry trench coat and dreamed of the day when I, too, would be able to tackle the elements in stylish comfort. For my birthday last summer, I was thrilled to become the proud owner of my very own--at long last! Of course, yours need not be Burberry (though I can't imagine anything better); in fact, I'm also partial to the Banana Republic Classic Trench. But whatever brand you choose, a trench is an absolute MUST when it comes to surviving inclement weather in style.

4.) Fake it 'til you make it: While we know that spending hours in the sun with your face surrounded by a foil reflector is no longer a savvy beauty regime, we all love a little sun-kissed glow. Of course, when the skies are dark and rainy, that becomes slightly problematic. Thanks to Trish McEvoy's St. Tropez Bronzer, we can fake it 'til the weather allows it. According to the beauty gurus at Nordstrom, Miss Trish designed this amazing bronzer "with the ideal proportions of pink undertones to mimic the prettiest, naturally tanned complexion." Priced reasonably at $32, you can capture that irresistible beach glow from the comfort of your home--even when there's a storm brewing.

While I would like to believe that little orphan Annie was right, that the sun will come out tomorrow, it never hurts to be prepared. A fashionista has to be able to look her best, regardless of thunderstorms and hurricane warnings. You know what they say: when it rains, it pours--so pour on the style, lady, and rock the rain!





Images in order of appearance: (1) Burberry advertisement, from Burberry (http://www.burberry.com/); (2) Kate Moss, photo courtesy of the star/style/celebrity fashion blog, Celeb Fashion (www.celebfashion.co.uk/); (3) Burberry advertisement, from Burberry; (4) St. Tropez Bronzer by Trish McEvoy $32, available from Nordstrom (www.nordstrom.com).