This rain is unbelievable! My husband and I went out to dinner last night, sat on the patio and froze! We actually moved inside for coffee and dessert, only  minutes before the rain fell.

Now that the Fall 09 Trend Report is out, * I have something to add. If you live in one of these abnormally rainy states this fall and you can only afford to invest in one new accessory for, I suggest A MINI UMBRELLA! I know I sound flip, but this isn’t just any umbrella. First it’s animal print-very cool, a top trend for fall. And it is tiny, about 8″ and light, about 6.5 oz. I bought this umbrella for my trip to Europe in the spring of ’08 and  absolutely love it. Needless to say, the cost per wear has been reduced to pennies!

The best thing about this umbrella, which is available at Saks Fifth Avenue**, is that unless you carry a really small handbag, you can keep it with you at all times. It’s so light you won’t even notice it. Oh, and it comes with a little cover, so that you can keep it reigned in and compact. Best of all, you won’t ruin your fabulous hair-do! It’s a little more expensive than what I would usually pay for something so utilitarian, but it’s so worth it.

*Click here to subscribe to my e-Style Tip of the month.

**If you buy it online, it is $32, but I’m pretty sure they’re only $28 in the store (unless they’ve just gone up in price.) Also, if animal print isn’t your thing, they come in black and a few other colors.

Now, I just need to buy a neutral raincoat for when it rains and gets cold. I’ve been telling myself I’ll buy brown, but I just saw a purple one in a magazine–so much cuter!