Photos Courtesy of - www.nordstrom.com

For whatever reason, I spent most of 2009 soaking wet.  That is, when it rained, I was equipped with nothing but a an angry face and a fast stride.  I own about 4 umbrellas, but they were never really where I needed them to be, when I needed them. I always wore a jacket - but never one that prevented me from getting wet.  One time over the summer, I was in so much angst about the weather conditions (and so unprepared), and so focussed on maintaining my hair and super cute ensemble - that I neglected to hold on to the rail, while walking down the stairs outside of my building.  You can imagine what the next 10 seconds were like (no need to relive such an embarassing moment).

At any rate, I finally realized - when developing my list for Santa this past Christmas - that I needed a raincoat.  Not just a coat that is water resistant... but a water resistant, all-weather, year round type of topper that won't resemble a muu-muu or a trash bag.  My mother took a stab at it over Christmas, but it wasn't exactly what I had in mind - so my search begins for the perfect rain-coat.

I have stalked the Zappos of the world, and taken a look online at some of our favorite department stores, Bloomies, Macy's and Nordstrom.  So far, Nordstrom has the best selection - and they are having a pretty decent sale.  Designer labels like Michael Kors, Calvin Klein and Betsey Johnson are bragging a price tag less than $100.  I'm not quite settled on which to tell Santa to bring (belated or not)... but I'm leaning toward these:

• The North Face 'Stella - Grace' Jacket
• Ellen Tracy Hooded Trench
• Mycra Pac Designer Wear Reversible Scrunch Neck Travel Coat
• London Fog All Weather Raincoat
• Gallery Satin Twill All Weather Trench Coat
• Merrell Ava

Whatever the case - I'm determined to be dry this year, and more importantly, not fall 5 stairs on my ass in the middle of a busy parking lot - because I'm trying to save my 'do' in the rain.