Fashion

There is a reason for the saying “En Abril, aguas mil” (In April, a thousand showers). This month, the Spanish skies open up and pour down rain for days on end. Getting stuck in a springtime shower is no fun, especially when your inexpensive umbrella flips inside out and cars cut too close to the sidewalk sending tides of mucky water your way.

To make sure the rain doesn’t convert your look into that of a drowned rat, there is a stylish and sturdy umbrella on the market. Rain Parade mini umbrellas from Fred Flare are designed to look like an amusing character dressed in a colorful raincoat wearing boots. The lime green, aqua and red nylon of the umbrella hugs the characters’ bodies, looking more like fashionable haute couture wraps than shower shades. Their stylish footwear handles provide great grip and umbrella tips with intiricately painted faces complete their chicness. Look nearly as fresh and put together as the immaculately made up females of the 50s and 60s—currently popularized by the American TV series Mad Men. CZ

$32, plus shipping