Let it rain!

DON'T be taken by surprise when spring rains come your way. Prepare now by identifying fashion accessories that make even dripping wet moments perfect opportunities to make eye-catching style statements.

SHELTER CHIC Double-canopy flower umbrella with jeweled handle, $325, Pasotti Ombrelli at Brella Bar. www.pasottiombrelli.com www.brellabarnyc.com

Opposite page: Water-repellant "Isadora" trench coat, $775, Burberry. www.burberry.com

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CITY SLICK

Waterproof equestrian boots, $195, Aigle. www.aigleboots.com

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CLASSY CLUTCH

Patent leather "Tina" fold-over clutch, $115, Hobo. www.hobointernational.com

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glam despite the gloom

Expert advice on weathering the rain

1 FIGHT THE FRIZZ

Most women with natural hair run for cover at the first sight of precipitation, but according to industry experts, they will have the easiest recovery from a midday storm "Women wearing natural styles just need to have their products handy," says Diane Da Costa, author of Textured Tresses: The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining and Styling Natural Hair. The battle with frizz is now easier to bear as many hair-care companies carry a wide variety of serums and humidity-resistant mists that easily tame frizzy hair.

2 SHORT AND SWEET Women sporting a short 'do seemingly have it the hardest during April showers. "Learn how to be versatile and have several styling options," says Da Costa. "For a short hair cut, use your products to style your hair into a short-framed look." If all else fails, cover your tresses with a bucket hat, the most popular spring hair accessory.

3 SLEEK AND CHIC

Don't panic! Medium-length hair styles can easily transition into a sleek up 'do. "If you wear your hair relaxed, simply slick it back into a fun ponytail," advises Da Costa. "Having hair products within reach will give you more versatility, leading to less anxiety and less stress."

4 WEATHER EVERYTHING

Waterproof mascara, eyeliner and eye shadow are must-haves during the rainy season. "Weeping Tammy Faye Bakker is not the look for you," says renowned makeup artist Lazarus Jean-Baptiste, also known as "Lazarus the Beauty Man." Although it may be a mainstay in your beauty case, "Don't wear regular mascara in the rain." Beauty brands now make their most popular products in waterproof form. Some even feature products you can add to your eye shadow to make it water resistant.

5 RAY OF LIGHT

Don't ditch the slam because of the gloom. Prepare for that sexy summer glow in the spring! "Capitalize on every ray of light," says Lazarus the Beauty Man, "by adding a subtle touch of shimmer to your face and body." He also recommends that you proceed with caution when applying makeup during spring rains. "Don't become heavy-handed and pile on colors." Some simple shimmer is the perfect accessory for those pretty spring dresses. Go on, get caught in the rain--literally!

COPYRIGHT 2007 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning