Spring Break
Attire Authority: Be the envy of all your friends by staying dry while looking good
by Aaron Mitchell Finegold
Staff Writer
Arts | 9/5/06
Posted online at 3:59 AM EST on 9/5/06
Due to widespread climate changes, it seems that Massachusetts has been introduced to an unpleasant taste of the hurricane season. But as I've been known to mention, it's in our nature to adapt, and adapting to the rainy weather couldn't be easier with a few key fashion pointers. Boots, rain jackets and umbrellas are burdens, unless they are fashionable and exciting to show off.
Umbrellas are essential to survive in heavy rain, and if used correctly, can keep us completely dry in the heaviest of downpours. Umbrellas are about 1700 years old, (doubling the age of the oldest galosh or poncho) and no wonder: they are so useful and so convenient. They are portable and it's easy to keep more than one (car, home, office, etc.) so you never get caught in the rain without shield.
Practicality and fashion, while distinctly different, are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, with umbrellas they are often intertwined. Asprey, London-manufacturer of timepieces, jewelry, equestrian equipment, crystal and fashion accessories-is one of my favorite companies in the world, and they produce some beautiful fashion umbrellas every year. They are simple and luxurious in design and durable in structure. With their solid-colored or floral-patterned tops and strong wooden handles, Asprey umbrellas make the perfect bad-weather accent.
Umbrellas from high-end companies like Asprey are preferable to ones with flashy designer logos like those from Burberry and Louis Vuitton. What's more, they are usually a bit higher in quality. But that's not to say that high end designers don't have some merit: In fact, Burberry's famous World War I trench coats still inspire the company's tradition of quality outerwear.
Burberry is just one of the many manufacturers of high quality rain gear: Patagonia, the North Face and Ralph Lauren are just a few of the others. Rain jackets should be made from a lightweight and breathable material, like nylon. Also, remember that rain jackets range in look from camping-appropriate to business. The length is key: Longer coats are more suited for men and women most often sport shorter ones. The last point: color. Yellow slickers are a very classic New England look, and gray and brown ones are very appropriate for dressy events or work. Bright colored slickers are very attractive for camping or fun.
Umbrellas are essential to survive in heavy rain, and if used correctly, can keep us completely dry in the heaviest of downpours. Umbrellas are about 1700 years old, (doubling the age of the oldest galosh or poncho) and no wonder: they are so useful and so convenient. They are portable and it's easy to keep more than one (car, home, office, etc.) so you never get caught in the rain without shield.
Practicality and fashion, while distinctly different, are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, with umbrellas they are often intertwined. Asprey, London-manufacturer of timepieces, jewelry, equestrian equipment, crystal and fashion accessories-is one of my favorite companies in the world, and they produce some beautiful fashion umbrellas every year. They are simple and luxurious in design and durable in structure. With their solid-colored or floral-patterned tops and strong wooden handles, Asprey umbrellas make the perfect bad-weather accent.
Umbrellas from high-end companies like Asprey are preferable to ones with flashy designer logos like those from Burberry and Louis Vuitton. What's more, they are usually a bit higher in quality. But that's not to say that high end designers don't have some merit: In fact, Burberry's famous World War I trench coats still inspire the company's tradition of quality outerwear.
Burberry is just one of the many manufacturers of high quality rain gear: Patagonia, the North Face and Ralph Lauren are just a few of the others. Rain jackets should be made from a lightweight and breathable material, like nylon. Also, remember that rain jackets range in look from camping-appropriate to business. The length is key: Longer coats are more suited for men and women most often sport shorter ones. The last point: color. Yellow slickers are a very classic New England look, and gray and brown ones are very appropriate for dressy events or work. Bright colored slickers are very attractive for camping or fun.
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