The rainy season isn't just around the corner; it is upon us. And while Bismarck's isn't exactly of Seattle or London proportions (and yay for that!), that doesn't mean we don't want to stay dry and stylish when it is coming down. But just like Seattle doesn't give a thought to snow gear until the one day a year they're buried in it, many here in Bismarck probably do not have an umbrella within reach at all times (or ever). So if you've suddenly found yourself in the market for some cute and affordable rain gear, here are a few ideas:

For an Umbrella 

Try -- what else? -- Umbrellas.com.  No matter the style you're looking for, from a basic black one for the businessman in your life or one that's shaped like a ladybug for your little girl, you'll find it here. You can narrow your search by category, color, price, best sellers, even arc size and open/close style. These are going to cost more than the one you might gab at the drugstore, but at an average of $20-25, they're still very affordable, and they'll last longer than those drugstore brands. If you're looking for umbrellas for the whole family, Umbrellas.com offers free shipping on orders over $70. And an umbrella can be a fun way to introduce color in to an otherwise neutral ensemble. We love these particular choices:

 

For a Raincoat and Boots

Check out SierraTradingPost.com. On their About page, they explain:

There are brand names you love, brands that pretty much tell the world who you are – inside and out. At Sierra Trading Post, it's our calling to put those can't-live-without brands within your reach.

Which pretty much sums it up. The site offers lots of comfortable, effective gear in classic cuts that never go out of style for very reasonable prices. It also has a live-chat feature for any questions you need answered before heading to checkout, and registered users can build a wish list for future use. Take a look at these picks:

White Sierra women's jacket for $36.95 (comes in ten beautiful colors!)

Trespass Qikpac kids' jacket for $24.95 (comes in four fun colors!)

White Sierra men's jacket for $36.95 (comes in eight colors!)

Rocky Gore-Tex men's boots for $49.95 (Hurry! This is a clearance price.)

 

For your hair

Rain and untreated hair are the perfect recipe for frizz, and lots of it. Make sure you use a frizz-control serum to help keep your tresses on their best behavior. For that, good ol' Target is your best bet for quality at a low price. We like:

 

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