Pumps & Pleats: Rainy day jellies

Story and photo by Michèle De Meglio


April showers bring May flowers — and the need for rubber shoes.


Oftentimes, rainstorms compel folks to don their oldest, dingiest pair of boots. While the look isn’t chic, it’s understandable. C’mon, who wants to break out their new leather stilettos in nasty weather?


But trust me, you can stay dry and be cute at the same time! All you need is a great pair of fun and functional rubber shoes.


If you’re looking for something really fab, try high-end designers like Jimmy Choo (currently creating posh crocodile wellies for Hunter Boots) or Kenneth Cole, whose $98 Midnight Rain Rubber Boot has been seen on Ashlee Simpson-Wentz as she parades around Manhattan.


It also pays to check out the goods from Melissa, a Brazilian brand using natural and sustainable rubber to make jazzy jellies.


Epaulet, a boutique in Carroll Gardens, already has Melissa’s spring styles in stock.


The Ashanti Ankle Bootie ($120) in black rubber looks like shiny patent. It’s as sleek as any $500 bootie at Bloomies.


Melissa teamed with Vivienne Westwood to create a classic ankle boot ($130). This one gets some pizazz thanks to three extra large gold buttons down the side.


The $100 Numa + Lovefoxx Sandal is a mix of sweet and eek! The ballerina flat boasts a peep-toe cutout, t-strap and — a black plastic mouse attached to the strap! Imagine you’re in a dirty subway station and a giant rat crawls across your foot. Yeah, that’s what this shoe looks like.


When shopping for jellies, there’s one very important thing to remember — you must make sure they’re super comfortable. Since these shoes are made of rubber, they won’t stretch like leather shoes do. So if they pinch your toes, they’ll keep on pinching unless you get a bigger size. Shop wisely!


Epaulet is located at 231 Smith Street. For hours, call 718-522-3800 or visit www.epauletshop.com.


Michèle De Meglio is a native Brooklynite addicted to all things chic. Check out Pumps & Pleats each week for more adventures as she scours the borough for fab duds and accessories.