best bets

Best Bet: Madewell Rainy Day Umbrella

For all of the messy, gray, and generally terrible weather days like today, a sturdy umbrella is a necessity. Cheap and frail versions from your local Duane Reade will do in a pinch, but they usually wind up sadly discarded once a strong gust of wind hits. This version from Madewell is a sturdy upgrade and has a cheerful safari print to brighten up all of those impending April shower days.

Madewell rainy-day umbrella, $35 at Madewell.