Let the showers begin

This hasn’t been the best of years as far as the monsoons go - with most places on the Indian map getting below-average rainfall. But there’s no better time than this to get prepared for the rains. It’s time to shop for the best brands and stock up on rainwear that’s stylish and chic.

Under the umbrella

The classic Burberry is a must for the rainy season. With checks in camel brown, faded black, maroons and black, so characteristic of the brand, it is a winner all the way. With its leather handle in topstitch detailing, and a decorative frill on top, the umbrella, done in polyester fabric, should be a dream to open, don’t you think? Priced at Rs 13,750.

Trench it tight

When there’s a lovely chill in the air, you should don this trench number from Chanel. It’s crafted in a signature Chanel black quilt, has a gorgeous silver and leather Chanel chain trim and very smart matte buttons in black. Also perfect for the rains is a pewter grey rain trench coat with classic Chanel details; collar with lapel, shoulder flaps, quilted bottom, double-breasted closure with black and silver buttons and much more. It’s glossy and shiny and perfect for a drench in the rains. Priced at Rs 1.15 lakh.

Shoes for a rain dance

The blogging community (especially those who share notes on luxury brands) are talking about the latest offering from the house of Jimmy Choo. Called “hunter boots”, these rubber boots (which made their debut last month in the US and UK) boast of an embossed crocodile pattern, leopard-print lining and gold buckles. A flashback to the Raj era, these boots might just work wonders in the Page 3 circles in India, especially if you’re waiting to complete a monsoon ensemble minus those regular flip-flops. Priced at Rs 25,000.

No running makeup, this

So what if you’re perfect from head to toe? You don’t want the colour of the lipstick, mascara and your precious foundation draining away from your face just when you want a bit of fun in the rain. So, here’s an idea: Accentuate your eyes this season with the long-lasting Powerpoint eye pencil from MAC (Rs 750) and finish off with a swish by applying just the right amount of waterproof mascara from Bobbi Brown. Price: Rs 2,500.

Wrapped in a raincoat

The story of rainwear is incomplete without Mackintosh, a brand which was developed in the early 18th century by Charles Macintosh (without the ‘k’), who transferred and spread rubber on cotton to create what the world would later know as the Mackintosh coat. This year’s collection of raincoats by the brand includes lovely neon colors in fuchsia, bright greens, bold browns and gorgeous floral prints in a riot of colours. Rs 45,000.