Pumps & Pleats: This raincoat is rad!

Photo by Joe Maniscalco

Story by Michèle De Meglio

Rain, rain go away!

There’s always some brave — or eccentric — folks walking down the street during a rainstorm holding newspapers over their heads or wearing plastic ponchos resembling garbage bags. But what’s cute about that? Nothing!

Pumps & Pleats believes fashionistas must be chic at all times — even with hail hitting their heads.

My search for a rad raincoat began at Eponymy, a cozy women’s apparel and accessories boutique on Bergen Street between Flatbush and Fifth avenues in Park Slope. The shop’s collection of Melissa and Vivienne Westwood rubber shoes is quite cute and practical for puddles but there was no raincoat in sight.

Up next — Epaulet, a men’s and women’s clothing shop on Smith Street between Douglass and Butler streets in Carroll Gardens. A navy GANT parka was waterproof and casually cool but sadly, it was a men’s jacket — and $295. Too rich for my blood!

Looking for a wallet-friendly option, it was time to hit up the Atlantic Center Target in Prospect Heights. The bull’s-eye recently released a capsule collection by Zac Posen which included a neon yellow raincoat with black trim and industrial hook and loop closures. So stylish! But upon closer inspection, the designer frock was shapeless and unflattering. Ugh.

Defeated, I nearly gave up my raincoat search until I stumbled into Sears in the Kings Plaza mall in Mill Basin. Now I never shop at this frumpy chain but was looking for a new purse for my grandmother (she loves the place). I was pleasantly surprised to discover a range of casual apparel and footwear from Lands’ End, which seems like a more affordable version of L.L.Bean.

I quickly made a beeline for a row of bright jackets (that’s my natural response upon spotting cute clothes). A lightweight and waterproof windbreaker in the prettiest periwinkle fit like a dream. Finally! The best part — the jacket was reduced from $50 to $35. Cute and cheap! You better believe I’ll be singing in the rain!

Sears [5100 Kings Plaza at Avenue U and Flatbush Avenue in Mill Basin, (718) 677-2100].

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.