@26 WeeksΞ It is lashing rain out my window while I work on this post. Since my last post was all about my lack out outerwear, this one shall be about nothing but outerwear and my good ole trench coat. Yes, you’ve seen it before here, here, here, here and here. And if you ever see me on the street, I’ll probably be in it. But it is the perfect coat for spring and for Dublin. Ever gal, pregnant or not, should invest in a great little trench!

Rainy days require a good umbrella, but if you live in a blustery city like Dublin there’s no need to invest heavily in an umbrella that’s just going to break or get lost. This plain €6 number does the trick. Whatever you use please, please, stop taking those giant golf umbrellas out to walk along the narrow and crowded city centre sidewalks. You will stay dry with a normal sized one and you’re less likely to poke an eye out!

Rant over. This umbrella has provided loads of entertainment thanks to the self ejecting button that flings the thing open with unnecessary force. It’s pretty funny if you’re amused easily like me.

Back to the outfit. I didn’t want to wear a scarf, so I buttoned up the coat and popped up the collar. I don’t often do this, but I think it’s pretty cute. There’s great detailing in this Gap trench with big wooden buttons and a crescent shaped piece that connects the collar. PS: I saw a few non maternity version on the sale rack at the Dundrum Gap last week.

And the final touch to a rainy day outfit is the footwear. Good wellies are a must. It’s nearing festival season, so I’m sure there will be lots of welly-talk to come. The ongoing battle of fashion over function rages. In my opinion, it is worth investing in a good pair of proper boots by a trusted brand like Hunters or Joules. Cheap wellies split (especially if you use your foot to pull them off at the heel). Luckily the good brands come in a lot of cute patterns and colours if you need a little perking up on rainy days. I got these  Joules wellies 2 years ago as a gift from my MIL and they’ve lasted through some tough treks in the Wicklow Mountains and mean streets of Dublin.

The new season of wellies from Joules are super cute. Check them out

Christmas at Farmleigh House is one of my favourite holiday traditions. Okay, so this is the first year we went, but I love Farmleigh House year round and I’m determined to make their Christmas market a tradition in the years to come. It was a pretty spontaneous trip, so I quickly got pulled on my jeggings and my comfy oversized cowlneck grey jumper, tied my hair up in pigtails and topped it all off with my peacoat from Bitten. I got his coat 3 years ago for $20. Definitely one of the best purchase I’ve made. We wandered around Phoenix Park near the Papal Cross (until I got scared by dogs) so I wore my favourite Joules wellies to run around in the wet grass.

Farmleigh is a real gem in the centre of Dublin. I love wandering around the gardens and the old rusty Victorian greenhouses, visiting the monthly food market and saying hello to the donkeys, horses and ducks that live there. The OPW host a lot of wonderful free events at Farmleigh, you should definitely check ‘em out! We tend to go a little crazy at the food market. Back when I was training for the Mini Marathon it was my little reward after running 5K to get a spring roll, salmon roll, crepe, potato cake, smoothie and cheese samples. Yeah, all in one go. This time we just had some hot cider and brought home this giant head of kale (€1!). The Christmas Market is open again this weekend and the Celtic Tenors will perform. Check it out to stock up on last minute Christmas goodies, including fresh poultry!

Merry Christmas!

]]> http://stylebynumbers.info/2009/12/christmas-at-farmleigh/feed/ 0 http://stylebynumbers.info/2009/02/preppy-wellies/ http://stylebynumbers.info/2009/02/preppy-wellies/#comments Sat, 07 Feb 2009 21:43:04 +0000 laurendare http://stylebynumbers.wordpress.com/?p=15 This week’s must have item: Wellies!

And we’re not just talking about any ole pair of fashion wellies–cheap, flimsy and covered in mud from Glastonbury and Oxegen–weather this wild requires well-made, lined and sturdy boots made for work. With equestrian and hunting heritage, Brittish brands Joules and Hunter will do the trick!

We may be running out of grit, but you won’t miss a step in these practical and preppy wellies from Joules. Paired with Joule’s pink and white striped thermal socks, your tootsies will stay warm and dry in the ice and snow. I like ‘em best with thick grey stockings and short wool skirt. Who says you can’t look cute in the middle of ice and snow storms!

(Wellies £32, Socks £6 – Check out the new styles for Spring)