It’s springtime again in New York (and all over the Northern Hemisphere), which can mean many things to different people.  For chronic weather-checkers, like us here at psychoPEDIA, it translates to plenty of rain for the rest of the month.  

While our forefathers’ timeless axiom - “April showers bring May flowers” - does remind us that there’s light at the end of the dark, damp tunnel, it doesn’t do us much good when we’re trying to stay dry.  So, rather than sit around and mope, we decided to put together a list of products that are waterproof, rain-resistant, or, at the very least, will help keep you looking good (even when it pours).  Our rainy-day essentials for you (and your little dog too!):

Fonzworth Bentley Umbrella Line (Exclusively for Bloomingdale’s)
Although this collection hasn’t officially launched yet, we had to include it.  Fonzworth Bentley (aka: P. Diddy’s former self-proclaimed manservant) got his first taste of fame a couple of seasons ago in MTV’s “Making the Band.”  His debut included traipsing around by Diddy’s side, umbrella in hand.  We’re not exactly sure what to make of Fonzworth, but we do know you can’t go wrong with a rapper who also happens to be the fashion correspondent for Access Hollywood.

Brigg Umbrella by Swaine Adeney Brigg
Until you can get your Bentley fix, check out the Aston Martin of umbrellas.  Swaine Adeney Brigg has the Royal appointment as the official umbrella manufacturer to the English Royal Family, and each umbrella comes courtesy with an engraving of that seal.  If it’s good enough for Charles, we suppose it’s good enough for us.  Every detail on these handcrafted accoutrements communicates generations’ worth of English classicism (check out the simple and elegant turn of the cane handle).  Also, you can get your “bespoke umbrella in the canopy colour of your choosing.”  Just be sure to follow Swaine Aidney Brigg’s explicit instructions: “Our colour range is quite broad.  Do ring, and let us know of your interest or indicate a colour selection in a Comments Area box when ordering.”  Oh so British! 

Snakeskin Slicker for Your Pooch
Finally, a brown faux-snakeskin slicker with fleece lining… for your dog!  We all know walking your canine in the rain is a bore – even when you’re decked head-to-toe in waterproof gear.  But think of your little one, bending low to take care of business.  Well, now you can keep your pooch protected from the elements too.  (Not to mention, take precautionary steps to avoid the inevitable post-walk wet-dog smell).  This slicker even comes in mint green and pink, for more extroverted canines.

Sky Umbrella by Tibor Kalman ($48)
This looks like a regular umbrella from the outside, but from the inside it feels like a picnic on a warm summer day.  Although cognitive dissonance isn’t something that we strive for at psychoPEDIA, we highly recommend this rainy-day-blues cure. 

Wellies
These rain boots were fashionable in 19^th-century British society and still are today – they’re as ubiquitous as UGGs, but much less offensive.  To note, their name derives from the Duke of Wellington, who had them manufactured to resemble an 18^th-century Hessian boot.  Hey, it’s like a mini-history lesson – one you can call to mind every time you’re trudging along in the slush.  We’re partial to LL Bean’s Moc’s, or opting for a pair of Hunters, as there’s no reason not to keep things simple when you’re ankle-deep in a slimy gutter puddle.
Check out www.llbean.com

Pocket poncho
No longer relegated to tourists wearing retrofitted trash bags at Disney, these handy little guys can be seen on all kinds of people avoiding the rain in New York as well.  Check out your local corner bodega, or the MoMa Store for Japanese minimalist designer Muji’s take on this handy accessory.  And, for X-rated rainy-day attire: wear clear pocket poncho with nothing underneath (just don’t make us your bail call).

Mackintosh Raincoat
While we're big fans of both Kate Moss and the Richards sisters, we're not exactly satisfied with Burberry being the only acceptable raincoat staple on the street.  So, we've turned to the Mac daddy of all raincoats - aka: Mackintosh.  These substantial slickers have a 200-year history in Scotland, and, the company was started by the very man who helped invent waterproof/vulcanized cotton.  Talk about legacy.  A Mackintosh rain jacket will never go out of style as long as rain exists.

~Greg Greenberg

*Can't get enough of the wet stuff, check out Rain - Korea's leading pop star who just signed an exclusive endorsement deal with Ralph Lauren for Korea.