Great Places to Find Cute and Functional Rain Gear in Seattle

It's back. The rainy season, which in the wet Emerald City begins around September or October and ends in... well, September or October. We might get a slight reprieve in July or August. Remember hitting a record 103 degrees this past summer? How could you not? It was torture for us aquatic mammals here in the Northwest.

And remember dreading the day your mom would make you wear your brown and pea green galoshes along with something resembling a tarp to school because you knew other kids would have a field day with how ridiculous you looked?

Now the dreaded - for some, beloved - rain has returned in all its hair-and-makeup-ruining glory, and if you're new to Seattle or just want a fall makeover, we compiled a list of places to get rain gear that'll keep you warm and dry... and looking good.

Simply! Seattle

Most people think of this charming little store as a place for tourists to pick up Seattle-themed souvenirs, but it's also a great place for locals and tourists alike to get decked out for the storm. And while you're there, you can seek out some cute Christmas gifts for your out-of-town friends and relatives. Simply Seattle has two downtown locations: At Pike Place Market on the corner of First and Pine, 1600 1st Ave. 98101, phone 206-448-2207; and at Pier 56 on the waterfront, 1201 Alaskan Way #102 98101, phone 206-447-BOAT. They're always open seven days a week, but hours vary by season, so call ahead of time to find out when they'll be open (toll free 800-347-0238). Their website unfortunately doesn't offer a preview of their merchandise, but going in is always so much more fun anyway.

McKenzie& Adams, Inc.

Their Ruff Duck Rainwear is exclusively industrial, but they also offer the recreational Viking Outdoor Wear for men, women, and kids. Most items come in a variety of colors and shades to suit your individual tastes. McKenzie and Adams is located at 5015 208th SW Suite 2B, Lynnwood, 98036, phone 1-800-929-3825.

L.L. Bean

You're going to pay a little more here than you would at some other places, but the quality is excellent. L.L. Bean rain gear will last you for years, even in the Great Northwest, so depending on how much time you spend in the outdoors - hiking and camping on the weekends or waiting for busses during the week - you may even save yourself some money in the long run. This is exclusively an online shopping experience, so visit their website to get yours.

Bella Umbrella

This, as the name makes clear, is a place dedicated only to making, selling, and renting the essential rainy day accessory - the umbrella. Pagoda umbrellas, ruffled umbrellas, double layered umbrellas, plaid, floral, and striped umbrellas, and our favorites: Asian parasols (though these last are more pretty that sheltering). You will spend some money on these, as they're exclusive designs made with high-quality materials such as bamboo and ivory resin, so this should definitely be considered a splurge item. 1421 NW 70th St. 98117, phone 206-297-1540

As for finding more affordable umbrellas...

Try Umbrellas.com. They have about 200 beautiful designs to choose from for both adults and children. Or, for custom printed umbrellas, try GolfUmbrellas.com. These are not your $5 drug store umbrellas - the quality is much higher and they will last you longer, but they're also very affordable at around fifteen to forty-five dollars each.

One last thing: Don't fall for the whole we-can-tell-out-of-towners-because-they're-the-ones-using-umbrellas spiel. That's just something some Seattleites say to make themselves feel important or something. Plenty of locals use umbrellas, especially the ones that would rather not arrive at work looking like they just showered in their clothes.