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April Showers

04/02/14 | Burberry, Henri Bendel, Hunter, joules, Marc Jacobs

The lovely month of April is officially here! With the warmer temperatures around the corner there is a catch though – we are going to have days on days of rain and we got a glimpse of it this past weekend – April showers bring May Flowers.  Rain does not make happy so on very bleary days besides putting on my turquoise North Face jacket I like to find other ways to bring metaphorical sunshine to my day.

Red Tulips in the rain

But until we get the flowers and bright blue skies we have quite a bit of rain to prepare for.  Many people think of rain gear as an afterthought—but I see it as an opportunity to have a little fun with your wardrobe. My favorite way to bring some cheer to rainy days with a graphic umbrella. They come in so many great prints and patterns. I keep a brightly patterned compact umbrella in my purse and have a large, classic umbrella for outdoor adventures and events.

Graphic Umbrella Options
Rain or Shine Hearts / Joules Horse Print / Blue Mosaic Tile Print
Graphic Spots / Orange Cross Hatch / Marc Jacobs Kisses 
Multi Color Dots / Henri Bendel Signature / J. Crew Tile Indigo 

I also think a trench is a great way to make a rainy day better.  There is one catch, I have not yet found one that I love.  I always read that the iconic coat can be worn for years if you find one with the right fit. Well, that is all great and dandy if you can find a classic and versatile with a trench coat that fits just right. My three biggest questions right now are (1) what shade of tan (2) long or short (3) how much do I want to spend?

Trench Coat Options

Burberry Brit / Paul Smith Black Label / Mango Classic / Abercrombie

Once I find the perfect long trench – right now I am thinking I want one in a light camel with a belt that hits in the right place I will be sure to share, especially as finding the perfect trench is on my 101 list from yesterday! My goal is to find one like LMK from Inga Riva – hers fits perfectly!

Happy Spring!

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Comments

  1. Misty, Handbags + Handguns says

    April 4, 2014 at 1:57 pm

    I love umbrellas! I would love a great trench. No one really wears them in Memphis. It’s a shame.

  2. Pam says

    April 3, 2014 at 7:55 am

    I strongly lean towards a long and darker coat for two reasons…It keeps one dryer in the back and darker to avoid getting those dark dirt splats on your coat in case they don’t come out in the dry cleaner.

  3. Maegen Mills says

    April 2, 2014 at 6:47 pm

    Ohh I love all of those umbrellas. A great pattern and a bright color will make a rainy day better 🙂

  4. Maggie says

    April 2, 2014 at 3:02 pm

    I love those umbrellas!! And a trench coat is always necessary for rain 🙂

    Maggie
    http://www.PolishedClosets.com

  5. Sarah C says

    April 2, 2014 at 11:59 am

    Love that picture of the flower and rain, so pretty. I have one trench coat and it’s Red, Love it, but it only goes with so many outfits. Good thing it rains like 10 times a year.

  6. Ashley says

    April 2, 2014 at 11:00 am

    I will take April showers any day if the weather is going to get warmer!! I seriously need to get myself a new rain coat and a cute umbrella this year!!

    Xo Ash,
    Sincerely Miss Ash

  7. Katie says

    April 2, 2014 at 10:59 am

    those coats are so cute! i’m so ready for spring!
    forlaurenandlauren.blogspot.com

  8. Alyssa says

    April 2, 2014 at 10:51 am

    I’ve been wearing my trench for about a week now…even though it’s still a bit too cold, I’m determined not to wear a puffy winter jacket again!

  9. Rachel says

    April 2, 2014 at 10:46 am

    I definitely need a nice trench- I have the umbrella and rain boots covered!

  10. Sharon says

    April 2, 2014 at 10:30 am

    I have a light blue trench coat and it brightens up a rainy day!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart
    Cookbook Giveaway!

  11. Angela Rose Tinted Lenses says

    April 2, 2014 at 8:54 am

    I too am still on the hunt for the perfect fitting trench! I love the rain, it’s the cold I can’t live with xo

  12. Michael says

    April 2, 2014 at 8:04 am

    Definitely a long one. Otherwise, what’s the point? I have a black one from target that fits the bill for now but eventually I’d like a really good one. The Paul Smith one of my favorite. Burberry makes GORGEOUS trenches but I will never be able to afford, or justify, that splurge.

Hi, I am Kelly and welcome to Sparkles and Shoes, a fashion, travel, and lifestyle blog founded in 2012.  After six years of living in London I am back in New York with my husband and two littles! 

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