With the rainy season finally descending on L.A., what’s an upscale Angeleno to do to stay fashionably warm and dry? Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills has begun stocking cashmere-lined gloves, wraps, jackets and nylon raincoats that sell for around $1,000 apiece.
There are cashmere wraps by Italian designer Loro Piana that start at $185 and go up to $4,500. Other rain gear includes a Prada cherry-red umbrella that sells for $185.
Parool Campbell, Neiman’s spokeswoman, recommends that those who insist on being color coordinated during a downpour consider combining the cherry-red umbrella with a Piana nylon jacket for $995, then finish the outfit off with a pair of Prada hiking boots for $410.
For him, Neiman offers the Paul & Shark Solar Jacket for a mere $1,200. It comes complete with a solar panel to recharge your cell phone and an inside phone-storage pocket with a special lining that protects its contents from electromagnetic waves.
Another winter offering is the Vakko Pintuck Zip Jacket, made of Italian lambskin coat and retailing for $500.
“It might not keep you dry in rain, but it will keep you warm,” said Campbell.
True, these togs might set you back a ways, especially if the holiday shopping season depleted your cash reserves. But don’t worry, says Campbell. “There is something for everybody at Neiman Marcus. We have gifts here for $5 and up.”
What can one buy for five bucks?
A box of chocolate truffles, Campbell responds.
“After buying your rain gear, you can purchase a box of truffles and go sit on a park bench out in the rain and eat your truffles,” she suggests.
If the truffles are all you can afford, you may want to eat them indoors, or save them for a sunny day.
