Nothing is more annoying than commuting in the rain or snow. Trying to balance your cellphone, handbag and morning coffee is bad enough - add an umbrella into the mix and it's absolute torture. Spending a whole work day in soaking wet clothes or shoes is never fun, and it's also really terrible for your wardrobe. A thorough soaking can ruin delicate shoes, stain pant cuffs and shrink wool sweaters. Even if your shoes aren't destroyed by the rain or snow, you definitely run the risk of creating a smelly situation that renders good shoes unwearable.
The solution? Well, everyone knows not to wear nice shoes in wet weather - so the conventional wisdom is to carry your nice shoes for work and wear an ugly old pair instead. However, no fashionista wants to spend half her day in hideous footwear. So, smart designers have found an alternative solution to the problem that is not only practical but totally fashionable as well: funky, fabulous rubber rain boots.
These protective boots can be found in a variety of price ranges but tend to be quite inexpensive - I picked up a pair recently for under $20. They are available in literally hundreds of colors, patterns and styles, so you can express yourself to your heart's content without breaking the bank. Most styles are wide enough at the top to allow you to stuff your pant legs inside the boot, giving extra protection against salty or muddy sidewalks (this is also a boon for gals with wider-than-average calves).
Invest in a pair of rain boots and umbrella that match both your winter coats and spring/fall jackets, and you're fashionably set for any type of weather. Rain boots are also a great item to borrow and lend if you want to change up your look for a day. Because these boots are somewhat oversized anyway, exact fit isn't really that important, so you can swap with your girlfriends even if they're a half size smaller or larger than you.
