Drip, drip
Ideas for weathering (get it?) soggy days.
By Nancy McKeon
THIS IS GOING to be quick: I have to go towel myself off before I ruin the rug.
There, that's better.
No matter how many dogs I've had, I'm still not properly equipped for stormy-weather walks. But the inundations of the past weeks have gotten my attention. So I've done some noodling around online to see what's out there—without going full-on L.L.Bean; I mean, I'm no fashion plate, but Manhattan ain't the woods.
Here are some ideas I found.
Frank Lloyd Wright “Hoffman House” Umbrella
Whether or not you're a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright, the architect who often specified ceilings that were well below eight feet, you may agree that this umbrella from RainCaper ($34.95 on Amazon) will brighten any rain-soaked day. The colorful pattern is from the "Hoffman rug," designed for a New York Jaguar dealer(!), though never executed. Another rainy-day possibility: the 500-piece Hoffman House jigsaw puzzle, $19.99.
Despite the cheesy ad, this bright yellow Tumella umbrella ($18.99 on Amazon) is a guaranteed mood booster. Only 11 inches long when folded up, it reveals its 43-inch "wingspan" when open. It also promises fiberglass ribs for flex and a vented double canopy to make it windproof. If yellow doesn't chase away your clouds, the Tumella comes in 24 colors/patterns, from sober-sided black to a sunny sunflower to a galaxy exploding overhead. Tumella also offers the Rumbrella in a range of colors (no patterns) with a crook handle.
It's nigh on impossible to handle a dog leash (not to mention a dog), an umbrella and . . . picking up poop. So I know I need a coat with a hood instead.
Cotopaxi's waterproof Cielo Rain Trench seems to have it all: a hood, a funnel neck, taped seams, zippered pockets, and a hook-and-loop band to tighten the wrists. It's $200 and comes in several colors.
Jack Murphy “Donegal” Raincoat
Who knows from rain? The Irish, that's who. On the Weavers of Ireland site I found the "Donegal," a waterproof coat by Jack Murphy Clothing. One thing that distinguishes it from many other coats is the length: It hits way below the knee. Of course it has a hood (detachable), taped seams, even interior leg straps that might come in handy in a squall. And you'll see one other distinction: a short cape across the shoulders to let the rain run off. It's $219 and comes in half a dozen colors (none of them particularly cheerful, to be honest).
I think we all know L.L.Bean's famous "duck" boots. Useful but . . . really? Well, the company also offers Slip-on Rubber Mocs in a light khaki with "toasted coconut" trim (I would give the navy and "allspice" versions a pass). But here's something I didn't know: Per the website, Bean Boots have "a unique fit." It's recommended that you order a full size smaller than your regular shoe size. The Slip-ons are $99.
Who would you trust for waterproof boots? Bootmaker Chooka, a company that "designs and tests waterproof rain boots in the Pacific Northwest"? Chooka has decidedly duck-like boots, but this one is the Lace-Up Ankle Rain Boot, $59.95. The upper is matte-black natural rubber, with an elastic gusset for easy pull-on, and a gum sole. The laces are faux, just for looks, and there's a similar style in a light moss green, also $59.50.
Okay, here's where Chooka wanders off the reservation: the Dot Duck Skimmer ballet flat in black with white polka dots. Made of natural rubber with leather trim and a grippy sole, it's $29.95. If the polka dots are too much for you, the Duck Skimmer also comes in plain black rubber with tan leather trim, $39.95 (very limited sizes at the moment). Feeling brave again? There's the cream body with black "cheetah" print and black leather trim, $29.95.
Agree!
Sorry—that’s from me, Nancy!