Once upon a time on a sultry, moody September day, there was a sexy young stylist who arrived at Penn Station. It was the day before fashion week. He arrived with an army of black Tumi luggage (smart) and a beautiful vintage GG beige 70s Gucci overnight garment bag (not so clever). It was an item that he had owned since he was 5 years old, and had been given to him by his grandfather. Full of excitement and himself, he overlooked one’s first steps on dressing.  

So, as he stepped out of the station, he was welcomed by the beautiful sounds of New York City as well as a thick curtain of heavy wind, rain and smog. His car service was no where to be found and the line for a taxi was from here to heaven it was so long. In New York, days can be hours, hours can be minutes, and minutes can be seconds. He quickly bought a plastic poncho to cover up his precious Gucci bag and walked up to the taxi stand. The plastic poncho was quickly blown away and his beloved Gucci got soaked anyhow. Feeling really sorry for himself, his shoes destroyed as well, he took a quick look at the lady standing next to him and noticed that she was wearing sandals. Then he thought he didn’t mind ruining his shoes, as long as he wasn’t caught in the rain in sandals, his Gucci had been around since god was a child. It would dry, after all, and continue to be his faithful companion. Soon after, his cell phone buzzed, it was the driver, he was rescued.

Wearing sandals in the rain is unsanitary and projects a very low self caring image.

He had learned a good lesson that day. Preparation is a must. The weather man can only give us only so much information but we must pay attention.

We want to look as chic and elegant or as dramatic as possible depending on our mission or personal style. There are a few things that we must remember during the September/October emotional, roller-coaster times or what I like to call ‘menopause’ days.

An umbrella: They have become such a statement on the street. (Yes, people are looking at your umbrella). Your may look rather sad if yours is cracked or bent as this means it is time for a new one. Oversized umbrellas can annoy other pedestrians or anyone next to you. It could also be the start of a bad day, if you poke someone with it. Or the start of a good day, it depends…

Eye wear: Made to protect your eyes and vision. In severe weather it can save you from a flying object crashing in your beautiful eyes. All eyes are beautiful as they are windows to our souls. I could sleep with mine on. I wear them if it’s sunny or cloudy but, and most definitely when it is raining. For women, it protects their eye make-up and for men it’s just cool and safe.

Body protection: A water proof Trench Coat will keep you dapper and protected. Another option is a poncho, especially in case you have to walk in the rain. If you don’t want to carry a trench around, a rain poncho can be a great friend. (You can shake it out and put it away.) You will be comfortable and your glamorous outfit will be intact as the poncho won’t press against your body and won’t create wrinkles. I love Marc by Marc Jacobs’ weather inventory, it’s portable and inexpensive and they come in solid colors with Marc’s name on it. Yes I am a fan of this label!

Puddle jumpers, Wellies or rain boots: There are so many stylish rubber boots out there that you might just consider starting a rain boot wardrobe! No longer do you need to look like a five year old when precipitation looms when there are rubber boots worthy of the 5-season style plan. There are Foldable Ballet Flats easy to slip into your bag. It’s also okay for men to wear rain boots. There are rain boots that are short in length and as long as you stick with a neutral color, you are fine. There is great shiny footwear out there, so don’t let your wallet or yourself suffer due to passé mis-conceptions.

The bag: The hand-bag or man-bag goes with you without saying. A tote is a perfect item to carry for your footwear. Either keep it simple or go really funky and fun which will attract attention and can divert and disguise the actual purpose of the item.

Just like menopause, you can weather through it without suffering and sunny days are ahead as well.

There are options, after all who’s more important then yourself. 

Happy menopause season.

xoxo

GV.