Rain ahead? Let a (cute) umbrella be your smile

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Where there's been a wet winter and a soggy spring, rain gear has become almost everyday wear.

But lucky for those of us who care about such things, there are plenty of stylish options: brightly patterned rain boots, umbrellas in a variety of shapes and colors, and raincoats in trendy cuts and colors.

You might even find yourself wishing for rain.

Umbrellas have been around for ages, but they remain one of the handiest devices to have around during a downpour.

But as useful and cute as they can be, what happens when an umbrella is blown inside-out by wind or crushed in a car door?

Most models are made of polyester and metal or plastic, but the makers of the Brelli (www.thebrelli.com), claim it's the world's first biodegradable umbrella.

Made of bamboo, a renewable resource, cotton string and a biodegradable clear canopy, the Brelli is meant to disintegrate in a landfill (but not a downpour) in less than five years. Totes, the well-known rainwear brand, is getting in on the green trend too, with its Eco line of products made of recycled materials.

Perhaps even more than umbrellas, rubber rain boots have taken young women by storm. In the past couple of years, styles in an amazing array of patterns and colors have been popping up everywhere, including college campuses and the closets of well-dressed middle schoolers.

Prices are $50 and higher at high-end department stores, but there are more affordable styles at discounters including Wal-Mart and Target.

If it's a classic look you crave, Barbour, a British company, has been making waterproof sportswear for more than 100 years, and it counts among its clients Queen Elizabeth and other members of the royal family.

The extreme colors and patterns of trendier styles cannot be found here — the Classic Moorland Jacket is available in soothing colors of olive and sandstone — but details include 100 percent quilted cotton linings, and zippered and studded fronts.

Grown-ups have recently fallen in love with rainwear all over again, but children's styles of raincoats, boots and umbrellas have been perennial favorites.

Eco-friendly retailer Hatley (www.hatleystore.com) offers raincoats and accessories for infants and children featuring brilliant hues and cheerful prints of everything from Curious George to prancing ponies. All products are PVC free, and many use organic materials.