Dry style for rainy season wetness.

I dislike seeing Caribbean people wearing calf length or taller boots because we just don't have the weather for that kind of fashion. It's highly impractical! As I've stated in a prior posting - (check archives list for 'Why dress to sweat? It's already hot!) - It's almost permissible if you're Destra or Lady Saw and you've got a hot stage show comming up or something like that. Otherwise, it looks plain foolish. You wouldn't think of going on a ski trip in a sarong and flip-flops, right? So why the hell are you sweating away your toes in Leather knee high boots in the Caribbean!? It really peeves me, but after getting my feet soaked in a freezing Manhattan rainstorm today, my mind skated back to the whole issue of boots and practicality. 'Why didn't I buy a pair of galoshes for this kind of weather?' , I thought to myself as my snow bunny-type boots were quickly becoming more & more drenched. 'If I had a pair, I could even wear them during the rainy season in Trinidad', I continued silently, and that's when it hit me. The only pair of high boots to be worn in the Caribbean should be Wellies/Galoshes/Rain boots!

It makes so much sense that I'm pissed I never contemplated it before. Wellies are just right for the rain in Trinidad - any body who's ever been caught on Independence Sq, P.O.S slushing through the waters from over clogged drains knows exactly what I'm talking about. Even if all you've had to endure were wet toes and sandals, you'd get my point. Rain in the Caribbean is no joke. The whole Hurricane season business that hits some islands harder than others, mixed with the usual rainy season floods and storms makes for soggy feet and dripping clothing - not stylish at all. So why not be fashionably practical and invest in a pair of rain boots like the Jeffery Campbell pair featured here? These days they come in more styles than the long time garden variety staples. You can get them with a wedge, stacked or kitten heel, a pointed, square or traditional rounded front, and even with a slim fit or a more roomy one. The patterns are endless and once they're taken care of, they can last for years.

Taking care of the feet during the rainy season is one thing, making sure the entire body is protected is another story. I know it can get tricky when it comes to the overcoat or raincoat options - some folks are rolling their eyes and saying sh%t right now like "I ain't want to look like no little girl in a raincoat, eh!" Be real, okay? You and I both know that when a good ole October rain comes down in the Caribbean, not even the largest house & land sized umbrella's going to save you from getting properly doused. That's where a sleek, knee length & waterproof overcoat is going to come in pretty handy. Even a number like the Burberry Trench pictured here would do the job. You're ideally looking for a coat that's thoroughly waterproof and lightly lined - remember we're not truckers in a snow drift, now, so no bulky shapes! Also, go beyond those thrift store umbrellas, because the cheapie ones can't stand up to more than an hr in the rain - The Burberry one above can do the job nicely. And inspect them well. Make sure the spokes and the hardware are all durable and functioning properly. And most of all, don't let a little shower keep you back from living your island life...

Be well!

L.M.N Harris.