Looks like fall is here for many of us and with it comes fall showers.  Before you reach for that tradeshow umbrella, think about spreading a little cheer with a more fashionable choice.  It can make a rainy day just a little brighter for everyone.

Mosaic-Like Tiles $23.99

Music Lovers $34.99

Sunflower $30

Peacock $30

Pansies $30

New York, New York $30

Full Size Green Grass $65

Antique Rose $30

Fun Beach Scene $30

Flower $27

by Renae Virata

Just because the weather outside is blah doesn’t mean your umbrella has to be!  When people can’t see what you’re wearing on rainy days this summer, make a style statement when you’re under cover.

It’s easy to forget how something as useful as an umbrella can also act as an accessory.  There is no better way to spread some much needed cheer on a gray day than strolling the streets with a beautiful, giant flower or a photographic image of Paris that you can get lost in.

For more fabulous umbrella designs, click here.

Butterfly $27

Degas $27

Palm Tree $27

Paris $27

Don’t worry if your umbrella doesn’t match your outfit.  The point of your umbrella is, after all, to shield you from the rain.  A small collection to suit your mood, though, definitely won’t hurt.

Read about what to wear on your feet when it rains in hot weather.

Just because you can shred it as well as (if not better than!) the boys can doesn’t mean you have to dress like ‘em! Ski season is just beginning for a number of spring breakers and deal seekers but still in time to take advantage of the sweet fashions on the slopes and sales galore.   But every stylin’ snow bunny knows that you won’t look good unless you feel good, either. Here is what the experts had to say about meshing fashion and function for a productive, fun, and fashionable trip.

Jared Shope – President of CD Ski and Sports

FABRIC | The latest in fabrics for ski wear is “soft shell” – nearly every designer is using this. Gone are the bulky, ridged fabrics. Soft shell provides a four-way stretch, making it comfortable and warm. (Jared can share details on what each designer/manufacturer calls this fabric in their lines.)

COLOR | Hot on the slopes this year is a bit of ’80s re-done – bright colors are back, like brilliant orange and lime green. Color blocking is also in, but done in a more subtle way than it was in the ’80s.

ACCESSORIES | Accessories are falling in line with colors, mimicking some of the styles of 1980s with bright colors.

LAST WORDS | If you want to get a jump on fashionistas, next year’s hot color will be purple.

Caitlin Gambee –

ACCESSORIES | (???) Every snow bunny should definitely have cute accessories so even when they fall they will look good!

APRES SKI | I also stress the importance of Apres Ski items such as good stylish boots that can easily transition from the harsh elements to looking good all day long as well as nice baselayers that can also be part of your aprs ski outfit.

Khombu www.khombu.com – Apres Ski boots to keep transition your day skiing look to night time fun look!

FUNCTION TRENDS | Heat Trap, Eco Fabrics

Gordini www.gordini.com – baselayers, gloves, faceprotection – trendy snowboarder and ski styles. Also using new heat trap technology!

Kombi www.kombisports.com – baselayers, gloves, and hats – they are using advanced eco fabrics which are really advanced at keeping you dry and warm. Cute styles designed by professional skiers and snowboarders.

STYLE TRENDS | Be bold and be scene. Bright colors and Eye catching designs!

LAST WORDS | Don’t make yourself choose between style or comfort – Pain is beauty? No way!

Shredding Betty

STYLE TRENDS | A better-looking profile.  Dontcha just hate those helmets that make you look like a Goomba in those Mario games?  New styles feature a shape that give you a more ergonomic profile by fitting around your head as opposed to on it. (Bern Muse Helmet – http://shop.shreddingbetty.com/bern-muse-helmet—matte-grey-p45.aspx)

ONLINE RESOURCES

Aspen Fashion Week | Hit the slopes, shop the latest, and get a head start on the next big thing in ski resort fashion in Aspen March 14 to 19. Celebrities like Heidi Klum, , pro skier Nick DeVore, and Olympic gold medal winner Lasse Kjus will kick off the annual event with on-mountain activities that will help show off their lines of ski and snowboard apparel.  Apres ski (that’s after skiing, for all you newbie’s!) fashion shows and presentations will feature designs from Marmot, Kjus, Victorinox, and more.  AFW has partnered with FEED as the official charitable partner.

Hey, Travelistas! Wanna know what to wear for the weather? Just click on My Stylist and type in your location, date, and an occasion and let My Stylist do the rest. Join us on Facebook and Twitter for everything fashion and travel from WeareverTheWeather.com!

April showers may bring May flowers, but before then, make a splash with some fabulous puddle-proof shoes.

• Think color – Bring some cheer on a rainy day with a pair of hot red, spring green, ocean blue, or sunny yellow shoes.
• Waterproof materials – Shoes made of synthetics or treated leather that is waterproof will get you through a wet day better than your regular leather sheos.
• Thicker heels – Be safe in either a pair of flats (or change into your heels when you get inside), wedge heels, or stacked heels.  The more surface area you have on your heels, the more stable you will be on slippery sidewalks.
• Rain boots – Whether you call them galoshes, wellies, or rain boots, you’ve enjoyed them all fall and winter when you could, so keep ‘em out this spring to wear under your favorite dresses, over leggings and even with shorts!  An adorable pair in a neutral shade or print (heck, even if they aren’t, does it matter?!) will look as much a part of your outfit as your actual shoes.
• NOT good ideas – Suede, fabric, too tall heels, skinny heels, sandals and open toes / cutouts.

RAIN BOOTS

Wear ‘em with shorts, mini skirts, over your leggings or even with your favorite sundress.

Click on an item to learn more.

FOR WORK

Wear them with tailored harem capris, cigarette pants or your favorite pencil skirt to avoid skimming the water.

FOR PLAY

Try skinny jeans so that they don’t drag into puddles or capri leggings.

Hey, Travelistas! Wanna know what to wear for the weather? Just click on My Stylist and type in your location, date, and an occasion and let My Stylist do the rest. Join us on Facebook and Twitter for everything fashion and travel from WeareverTheWeather.com!

Next week, Fashion Weeks around the world kick off with Copenhagen, Berlin, New York, London, Milan and Paris, plus LA, Vancouver and other cities that have lower-profile but still exciting, innovative shows. If you’re an editor, writer, photographer, blogger, or just hanger-on (no shame), how are you going to decide what to wear to the most fashionable events in the world?

Refinery 29 editorial intern Beverly Fong

Believe it or not, you’ll want to dress sort of like you do every day, except a bit more nicely. Unless you have a hired car, seat assignments and your own mini-portfolio on Style.com, Jak & Jil or The Sartorialist, you’ll kill yourself either by tripping in your high, pointy heels or freezing to death in your sequined cocktail dresses. Here we’re outlining a few tried and true guidelines that have worked for us in Copenhagen and New York, and then listing other Fashion Week dressing guides elsewhere on the web. Cheers!

Our Tips:

• Wear well-fitting, neutral-based clothes. You don’t have to wear all black, but pack a neutral-based collection of items that fit like a second skin. This will keep you from looking droopy and like your clothes are just hanging off of you after wearing them all day, for a couple of days. Think: your perfect skinny jeans or a fitted sheath dress with bright, textured belts.
• Dress warm. Tommy Ton’s caught editors in Paris in carelessly donned fur coats — a perfect way to dress up your jeans or shorts-and-tights look while staying warm.
• Wear flat shoes. If you wear heels, even small ones, you will be miserable at the end of the day. Don’t you want to stay up for the parties? Try motorcycle boots or flat OTK boots that go with dresses and jeans.
• Bring a big bag. You’re going to need something roomy to stash invites, freebies, water, snacks, press kits and business cards.
• Dress like yourself. Fashion Week is kind of like the industry’s biggest branding moment, so dressing up like Leigh Lezark is only going to make you look like a wannabe. Dress according to your personal style, with one or two extra pops, like a bright scarf or studded top during the day: you’ll be more comfortable, confident and eye-catching.

Other Fashion Week Style Guides:

• “Debunking Myths About Fashion Week,” Fashionista.com
• “New York City Fashion Week,” WearevertheWeather.com (our tip sheet from September ‘09)
• “What do you Wear to Fashion Week? Bloggers Discuss,” Racked.com
• “Tips on What To Wear During Fashion Week,” Papermag.com

Hey, Travelistas! Wanna know what to wear for the weather? Just click on My Stylist and type in your location, date, and an occasion and let My Stylist do the rest. Join us on Facebook and Twitter for everything fashion and travel from WeareverTheWeather.com!

Chanel Fall 2006; Photo Source: Style.com

by Laura Milligan

Average December Temps: High of 37; Low of 24

Average January Temps: High of 32; Low of 18

First snowfall of 1″ or more (average): December 2

Chicago is a popular vacation spot and business travel location, and whether you’re into baseball, shopping, the art scene, or food, you’ll be a happy camper in Chi-town. The second largest city in the United States is a veritable fashion and shopping mecca for the central part of the country, and thanks to Michelle Obama’s wardrobe supplier and boutique owner Ikram Goldman, the city is now more highly regarded as a style force than ever before.

The one major problem afflicting fashionable girls in the city is the harsh weather, which usually strikes in November and can last all spring. So how can you pack for wind chills of below freezing (and below 0); or expect to complete a shopping marathon in a snowstorm? Whether you’re headed to the city for business or for vacation, keep reading for tips we’ve collected from some of Chicago’s most fearlessly fashionable experts.

Weather in Chicago

Average temps in Chicago start to plummet well before the official start of winter, and while the first real snow hits after Thanksgiving, it can come at any time: you’re more likely to experience early snow than random unseasonably warm days like in New York. And if you think you’re used to the cold, The Windy City’s infamous windchill blows gusts from lake shore areas through downtown, so you’re going to have bundle up whether you like it or not.

What to wear in Chicago

The good news is that every Chicago girl we talked to didn’t seem to let the wintry weather get to them. “Over the years my friends and I have come to the conclusion that one can wear just about anything under a warm down coat,” says Jennifer Fortney, president of the small business public relations firm Cascade Communications. “That’s what coat check is for,” she points out, so you don’t have to worry about stuffing your parka under your table at The Red Canary or freezing in your leather bomber on the way in. Get a coat that covers your bum and has a hood, too, especially if you hate risking hat hair.

Boots are another must if you live in or are traveling to Chicago, and even if you’re planning on going for a work event, don’t expect to beat the ice and snow in a pair of pumps. Brittney Lively, a PR executive for the hip Portland, OR-based firm R/West, recommends Sorrel boots, especially for snowy and slick days. Wear them with jeans, cashmere leggings and layered knee socks if you’re brave enough to wear a wool skirt under your coat. If you need a more polished pair for work events, you can stick with tall leather boots in brown or black, but just make sure that if they have a heel, they’re solid enough to keep you grounded when you hop between ice patches.

The last basic winterwear item Chicagoans swear by is a good scarf or shawl. Chicago native Kate Robertson has designed a line of hand-knit alpaca accessories made by Peruvian artisans (who earn fair wages and are taught business skills) called Mayu. Hoodies and capelets serve as in-between insulation under your coat, and if you’re still chilled, drape a scarf or shawl on top. We’ve also been loving the infinity scarves of 2009, perfect for wrapping your entire head and neck in fluffy goodness.

Photo Source: Babble.com

Photo Source: Shine

Photo Source: TIME

You Just Shop: A full-service shopping tour builder that takes you to private trunk shows and the best of Chicago boutiques and shopping while treating you to snacks and fashion and beauty advice.

The Magnificent Mile: Check out seasonal events and use the dining/shopping/lodging finder to plan your trip.

Ikram: Located on North Rush Street, the place in Chicago to find Balmain, Alaia, Martin Margiela, Givenchy, and Yohji Yamamoto (among many others!)

Hey, Travelistas! Wanna know what to wear for the weather? Just click on My Stylist and type in your location, date, and an occasion and let My Stylist do the rest. Join us on Facebook and Twitter for everything fashion and travel from WeareverTheWeather.com!

Sperry Top-Sider Sausalito Waterproof Leather Boots

by Renae Virata

Think you can’t get through a rainy day on both fashion and function for your feet?  Think again.  These days, you have any number of options that will let you jump those puddles in style.

Galoshes

Why not bring a little sunshine to your day with a fun pair of galoshes.  Rain or shine, they’re great for outdoor concerts, running errands, or just hanging out.  Wear ‘em with everything from leggings to a cute mini or a dress or tuck a pair of your skinniest jeans into them.

Juicy Rain Boots

Sperry Top-Sider Rain Boots

Chooka Buffalo Bone Lace-Up Rain Boots

Stylish rain boots

With boots as chic as these, no one will even know they’re made for the rain.

La Canadienne Boot

Waterproof Sporto Ankle Boots

Santana Deena Slick Boot

Waterproof leather

Forget what your mom told you about suede and leather in the rain. Pre-treated, waterproof leather will look effortless and in season and stay dry.

Ugg Waterproof Boots

Aquitalia Waterproof Booties

Merrell Plaza Peak Boot

Shuellas

Never have to pack your heels into your bag again! Just slip on a pair of Shuellas (why didn’t we think of this?!). In a bunch of colors, all you have to do is slip your heeled feet into them, Velcro ‘em up, and be on your way. Once indoors, discreetly slip them off, wipe with the included cloth, and pack tightly into its adorable plastic pouch and into your bag.

Shuella

Flats

Patent leather is virtually water repellant and flexible enough to allow you to walk through the run.  Options in vinyl also look fabulous and allow for a wider range of prints.

Gabriella Rocha

Ecco

It’s warm.  It’s sticky.  And it’s raining?!  Sometimes the forecast just doesn’t call for galoshes and trench coats when it’s 90 degrees and a 90% chance of rain outside.  Here are a few key ways to keep dry and stay cool.

Fabric

What you have on is not nearly as important as what it is made of.   Breathable natural fibers like cotton, linen, and silk will help you feel more comfortable on an otherwise uncomfortable day.  Avoid wool, though – wet wool not only feels yucky, it’s doesn’t smell too great either!

Pieces

Layers are ideal.  One minute it’s hot and muggy outside, the next it’s dry and frigid inside!  Keep a good base layer in a breathable fabric then layer over a light cardigan or vest and, for outside, a great lightweight, cropped trench or a water-resistant rain jacket.  There are so many adorable silhouettes that you don’t have to slip on a yellow slicker or poncho to keep dry.

Skinny jeans, leggings, cropped pants, and shorts are great options to keep you from being soaked from the bottom up.

Color

It’s already raining outside…why not bring some cheer to a dreary day?  Punch up your outfit with your favorite bright colors and and act like it’s sunny outside?

Accessories

You never know what it will actually feel like outside until your are out and about, so carrying a light scarf will look great and help you feel prepared.

And, of course, don’t forget your umbrella!   With all the fabulous choices out there, you can start a mini collection to suit your mood.  Invest in fun shapes, bright colors, and interesting prints to express your style and stay fashionably dry.

Shoes

Galoshes are an obvious choice when traipsing around town on a wet day.  Thankfully, there are some supercute options out there for all of you fashionistas from both your favorite designers and even your local retailers.

If you want to forego the wellie look, look no further than a fashionable array of waterproof shoes.  From leather to synthetics, nowadays, you don’t have to sacrifice fashion for function.

Avoid suede like the plague!  Or if you can’t help it, wear your foolproof flats and wait until your inside to don your kicks.  If you have a wonderful pair of fabric or leather shoes and do not imagine jumping puddles or getting splashed on here and there, be sure to pre-treat your shoes with a good suede treatment formula.  Check out NIKWAX, an inexpensive product that maximizes waterproof protection and is supereasy to apply.

Hair

Sometimes you just can’t beat the heat and moisture!  Pull your hair back with a fabulous headband or scarf.  Make sure you add a good anti-humectant like (example of product) to keep your hair from going out of control.  A simple sleek ponytail is easy and helps you feel together.

Hey, Travelistas! Wanna know what to wear for the weather? Just click on My Stylist and type in your location, date, and an occasion and let My Stylist do the rest. Join us on Facebook and Twitter for everything fashion and travel from WeareverTheWeather.com!