Make a splash in fashionable rain gear

By HELEN MALANI

Flood of colors and styles will whet your interest in spring showers.

We all know that April showers bring May flowers, but this season April is also bringing some of the cutest rain gear I’ve seen in a long time. For him and her, kids and furry friends alike, there’s something to keep everyone dry.

UIn the trenches: Few things will make you look as fashionable and put together as a trench coat. Luckily, Overstock.com has them from Michael Kors to London Fog to Jou Jou and Anne Klein available in every color, fabric and length you can imagine — all for under $100. There’s a smaller selection for men, but still a nice bunch of deals on classic coats to be had. Just remember that inventory is dynamic, so what’s there today might be gone tomorrow.

UUnique umbrellas: There are tons of stylish umbrellas out there, but the Parade Girl has got to be my favorite. The top of the umbrella is actually a modish woman’s head (think sleek black hair and a red cupid’s bow of a mouth), the fabric is wrapped like a chic red, belted dress when closed and the handle is her black galoshes. Priceless! Well, actually, $24.99 at Perpetualkid.com.

UA happy kid is a dry kid: Make dressing for a rainy day delightful instead of a dreaded chore with fun designs made to look like everything from a firefighter to a frog to a flower. Kids will love the look and parents will like that many jackets are lined with fleece or other soft, yummy fabrics for an extra layer against the cold. Let-it-rain.com carries umbrellas and boots and everything in between.

UA good dog is a dry dog: When something smells bad in a somewhat unidentifiable way, people often say it smells like Wet Dog. Avoid bringing the real thing into your home by outfitting Fido in waterproof gear. I love the reversible black-pink-and-white raincoat from grooming-pet-supplies.com. It ranges from $12 to $18, depending upon size, and closes with Velcro tabs at the neck and belly for ease in putting on. If both you and your pooch are game, consider waterproof doggie booties to prevent paw prints on the couch.

With all these options in rain gear, I’m eager for a shower or two. Well, that may be a bit of an overstatement, but at least I know I’ll be able to proudly strut my stylish stuff when it does rain.