One day as I was about set out on my 15 minute walk for the tube, I had to run back in and change. The weather was perfect! Sunny yet breezy. Cool, crisp air wisping around every tree. This called for short pants! I practically skipped down the sidewalk, not in the usual rushed pace with my head down (since no one acknowledges my "Good Morning" greetings there anyway). It was the best day! Didn't mind all the rude men pushing to cut in front of me on the way back. I was just looking forward to another breezy stroll on my way back to the house. As I emerged from the tube station, to my horror- dark skies and water everywhere. I was forced to immediately whip out my umbrella and squeeze myself, my oversized handbag (packed for all seasons) and my paper shopping bags under it. My leather sandals scooped up debris and cold water from every puddle. They would never smell the same again.
Do you always carry around an umbrella in Trinidad? I don't. What about a raincoat? Does anyone have one that they keep with them at all times? What about rain boots for when we are in flood prone times? Who packs a scarf for work for those cat and dog days when the office is an ice box? Do you think about which pair of jeans best suits which day? (I do this one- only skinny jeans on wet days because I am forever scarred by my UWI days of having the hem of my pants soak up disgusting drain water when campus would flood). What about those sheer blouses that have become wardrobe staples here? Do you stop to imagine what would happen if a drizzle were to catch them? What about fabrics? Do you wear cotton or other natural breathable fibred garments on hot days? Or do you don your Polyester 365 days a year? Handbags? Do you own a waterproof one? I see people in head to toe floor length sequined gowns at outdoor wedding receptions here. They can't be thinking about comfort and practicality.
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| Burberry Spring 2013 Bright Foil Raincoats and waterproof bags |
Just because we don't need to pull out a fur coat as year comes to a close, doesn't mean that our style is not seasonal. Day by day we endure changing temperatures and conditions. I've whined with friends about how we don't get to rock cool boots and jackets with our climate. Yet, we didn't think about cute umbrellas and raincoats and my new closet addition; Wellingtons. Nobody's really doing it yet, except for a few. People are shy to wear their Wellies because they don't want to run the risk of being called a freshwater Yankee. Well, I don't care what you call me, because my feet and jeans are dry and I can't catch ringworm. Ha.
Really interesting topic! After living for 2 years in England, and having to be so mindful of what is weather appropriate, I love that in Trinidad most of my pieces work all year round, I can wear whatever suits my mood, and not have to hold off on some of my favourite outfits for several months. The only habit I have brought back from the UK is that I do walk with an umbrella everywhere, so I'm liking the idea of getting different colours and patterns to suit my mood.
ReplyDeleteI also found I spent a lot more time outdoors in England getting around, whereas in Trinidad its more the car-building-car lifestyle, so you can brave most weather in any outfit for a couple of minutes to get to your vehicle. I think some Trinis are not game to walk around with extra 'load' as they put it, in the form of raincoats etc, but it is unfortunate as I loved seeing bright printed wellies and raincoats in the midst of the gloomy british weather. Maybe it is because our workplaces don't have dedicated 'coat rooms' where you can leave your wet garments instead of keeping them at your desk.
I 100% agree with you. I love the changing styles with the varying degrees and conditions! I wish more Trinis would adapt to walking more and not drive everywhere, no matter how short the distance! It's good exercise, would help clear up some traffic, and is a often convenient when you consider the poor parking we have on the main roads! I dream of seeing people strut in style down the sidewalks!
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