The weather has been particularly wet over the past few months.  And in D.C., the weather is usually wet and hot.  My least favorite conditions.

I addition to being murder on my hair, 90-degrees and raining also happens to be murder on my shoe collection.  After all, who can stand to wear tall rain boots in the humid summer months?  Frankly, it’s like trapping your calves in a Native America Sweat Lodge for your entire commute.  By the time you get to work, your gams have more condensation on them than a bottle of beer on a hot summer day.

So what’s the solution?  Rain shoes.  That’s right, shoes.

The pair at left are from Hunter and they are perfect for the warmer months since they keep your feet dry (and safe from whatever flesh eating bacteria are in a D.C. puddle) and provide your calves with the ability to breathe.  This pair in the lovely two-tone will set you back $95 at Zappos.  

If you’re looking for something a bit cheaper, Melissa shoes offers a waterproof plastic ballet flat in a punchy coral color.  You’ll be dry and on trend for just $55.

Of course, you still can wear your rain boots.  I’m not going to stop you.  But a word of caution…I wore my rain boots over my bare legs several times this spring and discovered that after a couple of days in a row, the tan would wear off my calves.  This left my legs noticeable darker above the knee than they were below.  Good thing ombre is currently trending.

So if your calves are crying out for relief from their rubber prison, try a pair of rain shoes to keep your feet dry and your legs cool.  And let’s just pray that this wet weather lets up at some point.

**Update** CUSP has a few sizes of Hunter shoes on sale for $47.

Polyvore Set Found Here.

The Swash Scarf is proof that a hideous scarf when unfolded can look really cool when draped properly.  I love the mix of colors in textures in the pattern.  Grey and muted nudes will be lovely all year round.

A wooden clutch is something new and different.  And you’d be surprised how adding an avant garde piece like this can really lift a white sundress or LBD.  So instead of the standard canvas or raffia, branch out.

I loved the brogues that seemed to be everywhere last Fall.  Unfortunately, I have size 9 boat feet, and without a little skin showing, my feet look huge.  These cut-out saddle shoes are the perfect solution.

Sometimes it’s nice to have a few inexpensive sundresses around for Summer weekend wear.  This way, you don’t have to worry if they get stained, sweat on or need to be thrown away in August.  This floral dress from Delia’s is adorable and perfect for a weekend picnic.

Nail polish in the warm weather months can get a little crazy: yellow, aqua, white, etc.  But I like to keep mine either classic red or bright pink.  This honeysuckle nail polish, from OPI, is called Elephantastic.  GOP pride and a pretty polish? Sold.

I have a thing for birds, esp. swallows, so I love this simple hammered cuff.  Perfect with casual or work attire, it’s a real statement piece.