Weather gear

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as the quasi-menopausal temperature shift that inevitably hits the East Coast each and every spring. One day, it’s 75 degrees and sunny and you’re ready to call out sick to play Frisbee in the park; the next, you’re bundled in a scarf, gloves and cursing the decision to live in a venerable winter wonderland 9 months of the year, wondering if those Floridian retirees are onto something.

When wearing white before Memorial Day is not an option and Ugg boots are out, what’s a lady to do to get through the wacky weather spell that blesses and curses New York City until the last week of June – when, undeniably, it will become so scorching hot you’ll have no choice but to indulge in Tasty D-Lite at regular intervals?

Like a good friend who reminds you to keep on working for the weekend (and those delicious roofdeck cocktails at the bar at 230 5th Avenue), The Vogue City presents its list of transitional wardrobe pieces that will not only carry you from spring to summer, but may even make you appreciate the hot and cold spells that are more sizzling and icier than the ones you give to your ex-boyfriend, twice removed.

-A lightweight cashmere cardigan is not only great for layering under a crisp poplin blazer, it also pairs well over a bikini at the beach. Just make sure to shake out the sand before you return to the office.
-A pashmina – or any big, comfortable and oversized scarf – doubles not only as a wrap over black tie cocktail dresses, but looks fresh when twisted into a necklace substitute with a tube top.
-Knee high leather boots – the same ones that got you through last month’s snow squalls – will keep it kicking until the end of April; pushing them into May is questionable. Proceed with caution and be forewarned that such a decision will leave even an Adidas-clad street meat vendor scratching his head in bewilderment.
-Ribbed tanks layer well under just about anything and everything and are an absolute staple from January to December.
-Moleskin pants and skirts – also known as faux suede – are heavy enough to block a gust of chilly wind, but light enough to give your gams room to breathe when the mercury rises. Switch to seersucker or a three-season wool blend come June.

Other items – a twill trench, peep toe flats and a penchant for bargains – are year-round staples that get the green light no matter what the weather. Just don’t blame us if your boss discovers you’re “home with a head cold” while shopping on 7th Avenue.

-Karyn Polewaczyk

The month of April brings about mixed emotions as all New Yorkers are THRILLED that old man winter is on his way out and warmer days are ahead, but the showers that this part of year brings about can be a nightmare for fellow fashionistas. (can I get an Amen from my fellow curly haired friends?) Our pooches on the other had will be begging for the rain to come, as that means they get to strut their stuff in New York Cities finest doggie rainwear!

Wagwear in the East Village knows the importance of combining style and safety for our canines as they stroll down the block and feature a reflective all weather raincoat that retails for $98.00 – $125.00.

If your pup is anything like mine and refuses to go to the bathroom in the rain, check out the pet umbrella on the website Pet Squared.  This handy contraption retails for just $19.99 and will keep fido happy and dry in rainy day weather.

Or maybe your dog is looking for something a bit more classic and timeless when it comes to rainwear fashion.  If so Canine Styles, who has many locations around the city, has a classic raincoat slicker that comes in a variety of fun bright spring colors retails for $45.00 – $65.00

– Lindsey

April showers supposedly bring May flowers. On the East Coast, however, April showers often bring a continuation of questionable precipitation (is that rain or – gasp – snow?), flooded sewer grates and a miserable congregation of New Yorkers who would give anything for a healthy dose of sunshine and relief from their respective Seasonal Affective Disorders.

The bright spot in any rainy day – no pun intended – is the selection of adorable, “Not your grandmother’s rain slicker” wet-wear accessories available to turn even the heaviest downpour to downright darling. And, dare we mention, dry?

Pare*Umbrela, an online specialty boutique that specializes in – you guessed it – fancy umbrellas, uses the motto “Stylish outfits meet stylish umbrellas.” Their Mod Battic umbrella, $65, available in purple or orange undertone, is sleek, cheerful – and bears a striking resemblance to a certain Italian design house’s (cough, Missoni, cough) signature print. I think the intent to knock off our favorite horizontal design maven is unintentional, though question the double digit price tag of an item meant to protect a girl from the elements that’s described on their website as “fragile and delicate.”

Hunter’s Wellington boots, $115 at J. Crew, are perfect for splashing in puddles, fly fishing and reminiscing about the days in the bayou.

Okay, fine – maybe I have a secret agenda against girls who rock ‘Wellies’ over elasticized skinny jeans on days where there’s not a single drop of rain in sight (save for the crocodile tears I cry at witnessing such a fashion faux pas). Trendy or not, these boots will keep your feet dry and happy. And while I’m not one for copycats, I give replicas – available everywhere from Target to department stores – the green light on this style.

Crisp, clean and structured, this white cotton trench by JCPenney’s in-house brand, east5th, will have you singing in the rain, on sale now for $89. The best part about this coat, aside from its cut and detail that suggest a much steeper price tag, is that it’s machine washable. Just don’t blame us when your dry cleaner serenades you in the street, begging for forgiveness and bi-weekly cleaning fees.

Looking stylish while springing forward no matter what the weather brings – now, that’s what we call a bargain.

-Karyn Polewaczyk