Some people hate rainy weather because it stops them from wearing frivolous clothes that can't withstand wetness. There's some logic to this mindset, but I see a better approach to rainy weather. Something about wearing rubber boots (no printed ones please, too infantile. I prefer black rubber with straps on the side) and stomping through puddles, unbroken umbrella over head, gives the illusion of power. Of course there's the whole dishevelment process that ensues when I enter a building - scarf to the side, umbrella down, backpack that I wish was an elegant tote bag on the floor, coat unbuttoned and draped perilously on the chair. There's a guarantee that I'll forget something in the room and not notice until later. But for the one brief second when I unfurl my umbrella and step out of the building, my confidence surges. The best rain is in big droplets that pound onto the ground and that you can feel hit your umbrella. And the worst possible rain-related sensation is a wet pants hem - a cold squirmy feeling by your ankles.

What kind of outfit tells the little drops (or mist/rain - the bane of my existence - it's not REAL rain but it adds plenty of unpleasant chill!) that you're up to the challenge?

• Skinny jeans tucked into solid boots (black, navy, army green, primary colors), stylish coat, bright scarf, graphic tee and comfy cardigan (vintage cardigans are great!).
  
• Bright leggings in your trusty rainboots, funky dress, raincoat (or a coat/umbrella combo - more stylish and drier!)
• Opaque tights, rainboots, bright and swingy skirt, belted tee, all important coat + scarf

I realize that I've sort of undermined my whole "don't dress in frivolous outfits in the rain!" rant - but the point remains - these outfits can be warm (just add creative layering). Oh, and designers who are trying to bring the polished, stick-up-your-arse look back - no thanks!

Some inspiration - finds from blonde la, etsy, neiman marcus, net-a-porter, shopjake, sockdreams, zoe boutique

disheveled reality...

My love of fashion is split into two distinct parts. There's a shiny fantasy component that comes out of too much time spent window-shopping online, arranging outfits that work together and compiling looks from runway shows. Sometimes these compilations have stuff that is actually within my budget- but even when that does happen there seems to be a visible barrier and it is difficult to contemplate buying any of it. Almost like the graphical image is complete on its own and separate from the way the actual pieces of fabric would look on a human body. Then there's the reality - cramped college dorm room closet with stuff falling off the hangers and stuffed on the floor. I have a few nice outfits which get recycled fairly often and are starting to feel a bit stale. The enormous variety of thrift and vintage stores nearby are ideal for browsing, but sometimes it doesn't go beyond that. The most common scenario is that I buy something unique that I like but it ends up only worn rarely. In my day-to-day life, all my fashion choices seem safe and monochrome, and sometimes a bit sloppy. It's so much easier just to throw on the same safe predictable choices, and this monotony even stretches to buying things, where I shy away from something too new or too different. I think something about the graphical arrangement appeals to me, with the clothing pieces as commodities, something I can classify and match and explore, that's not necessarily connected to who I am but perhaps who I want to be. This blog is dedicated to finding out how to bridge these disparate elements or at least reconciling them with each other.