San Francisco winters bring rain, wind, fog, and the bitter chill. While you can’t completely dodge the misery of being outdoors in the elements, you can make it bearable with some economical purchases!
Umbrella
The strongest impact the rain will have on you is if you forget your umbrella that day! Whether you are the type who forgets or loses your umbrella or just want something cheap as a quick replacement, try buying children’s umbrellas! They’re perfect for one person, cheap, cheerful, and perfect for punching the gray out of a dreary day. Pop into Daiso to get their cute $2 umbrellas!
Hair Bands
Pocket Warmer
Though not glamorous, pocket warmers will feel positively luxurious while you’re waiting in the biting cold. While New Yorkers can buy their edible pocket warmers from the nut vendors, you can opt forsomething that lasts a little longer without the calories. Choose from disposable ones that youcan keep in your pocket or stick on your body, or try this reusable warmer from Snapheat.com! In general, you can find pocket warmers at sports utility stores that carry camping supplies, or Ichiban Kan in Japantown.
Waterproofing Spray
Socks
Wearing a new, thick, cushy pair of socks is like walking on warm clouds. Try a pair of wool hiking socks with your boots and enjoy toasty, comfortable feet
Nothing else will strangle its way into the winter essentials list like a scarf can. Pick them up everywhere: Chinatown, the wharf, downtown, Forever 21, and the local boutique. They come in every color and in tonsof different materials, and you can even make them yourself very cheaply. Try knitting one for yourself (or your boyfriend or friends), or make yourself an infinity scarf by cutting the body off an old, over-sized t-shirt.
Belts
The beauty of belts lies in its simplicity and versatility in outfits. Nothing else will beat its ability to define your waistline! Waist belts remain big for this season, especially wide ones. Try wearing it over your outerwear to update your silhouette and give a fresh look to an existing piece in your closet! If you don’t have a favorite one already, try a leather harness-inspired belt or a girly bow belt!
Bold lips will always be a favorite during the fall and winter, and for good reason! They brighten
Red Lipstick
Otherwise known as the “little black dress of the lipstick
Wash Towel
Nothing feels more icky and horrible on a rainy day than the rain actually staying on you. While this item may seem a little odd and low tech, having a wash towel around can help you out in many situations, other than mopping off the rain. Use it to cover your sitting surface to protect your clothing or to keep your bare legs from sticking, or wipe off your hands if the bathroom ran out of paper towels—again. Get a cute one from Sanrio for under $10! And resist the temptation to steal the wash towel from the hotel you’re staying at.
All photos by Hayne Park