Sparkles & Fun: Rainy Days and Mondays

The promise of Spring comes in and out, and each morning I eagerly watch the news (and by the "news" I mean, The Today Show!) with the glimmering hope of sunshine and the 70's on the horizon. No such luck. Today it was pissing with rain on my long and winding walk to work. I tried to remain cheerful despite the icy drops that fell on my ungloved fingers and the whipping winds that broke my umbrella in the space of two blocks. But even the blissful crooning and beats of Passion Pit that blared through my headphones was not enough. Tired of black, black, black I pulled together one of my go-to's for this gross, in-between weather: floral, princess-like spring dress, black leggings, black double-breasted casual blazer worn open, and my green Hunter wellies. Florals and feminine details bring a smile on mornings like this and on those dreaded Mondays when all you want to do is roll over and go back to Dreamland. Here are some more ideas:

Photo borrowed from lookbook.nu

Rain Boots and Denim Shorts:

This is an easy look that works for shopping, a casual brunch, or an outdoor function with chance of rain (as seen here). I love her green Hunters (perhaps because I own the same ones!) paired with Levi denim cutoffs, a Topshop cardigan in a bold blue, and the little wreath of flowers to keep things feminine and fun. The outfit is easily achievable, for skinny mini's and curvier girls too. Bonus: an ice cold beer helps any situation.

Party Dress with Girly Details:
This second look is a little tougher to pull off but I declare, it's worth a shot! Why not channel your inner fabulousness by prancing around town in a white silk chiffon dress in the rain? Just make sure you pack an umbrella, or your pretty frock will be destroyed. The brown belt and black blazer say, "I accessorize, but I frankly don't care much what you think about my accesorries." The oversized shades and the pile of hair atop her head are uber-cool, with a nod to spring. And by the way, anyone confident enough to don rose-pink wellies damn well better go purchase herself a pair.

Black & White and Striped All Over:

She is cuter than cute. The Asos white silky dress with black and red stripe detail has a school-girl vibe without going overboard. A ton of chain necklaces, oversized gray bag, opaque tights, and black boots complete the look. Fun, funky, functional. She's tiny, but you don't have to be in order to get away with this look.

What You Need to Purchase:
Spring promises a ton more rain on the East Coast, and the best part about these cool basics is that they will work next year, and the year after that, and so on. Bonus: you can totally tell yourself that you "need" the following items. They might be cute, but they're meant to protect you from the elements!

Hunter boots!
I've said it before and I will continue saying it forever. Hunter boots are the original and best wellies on the market. The women's Original Tall seen at left retail for a mere $125. This style comes in eleven matte and thirteen glossy hues. I love my green matte original talls and pair them with everything whether green "matches" or not. The glossy black is another great choice for those who like to play it on the safe side. But if you have the gumption to go for red, violet, or beyond, why not do it? A pop of color on a rainy day cheers the soul. Pick your pair up at hunter-boot.com.

A Great Trench!

Whether you think you are a trench person or not, you can easily pull one off. The classic, of course, is the Burberry trench adored by celebrities, royals, and tastemakers since its popularity boom post-World War II. I adore this look with the leather straps from the 2011 collection. Utterly British, with clean lines and boasting the perfect shade of khaki, this trench is divine in every way and will pull together even your weariest rainy look. Sad part: this beautiful coat will set you back $1,495. Start squirelling those pennies away! Or, opt for one of these:

Ports 1961:

This Ports 1961 version is classic with a twist, featuring a modern, high-fashion silhouette and a buckle-less self-tie belt. Would be incredibly chic en route to work over a shift dress with black tights and your favorite pumps. Bonus: it's currently on sale at zappos.com from $990 for only $665.

Forever 21:

This playful cherry-red trench is great for Spring. The important thing when shopping for a bright-hued coat is to keep it classic in shape and porportion. This version is girly and fun but has the structuring of a proper trench so it doesn't take things too far. Bonus: it's only $25.80 on forever21.com. Amaze!

*Cute anecdote: a couple years ago on Christmas, Josh gave me the most gorgeous purple trench from Marc by Marc Jacobs. Perfectly tailored, with cold double-breasted buttons, it makes me beam every time I wear it. You will certainly receive a ton of compliments in your new bold trench!

A Fun & Funky Dress!

The options are limitless, but if you have some cheerful sundresses in your wardrobe, you can always pair one with the above staples for rainy-day (or Monday!) chic. A quick internet browse yielded the following finds. Have fun!