And Look Good Doing It

Chaco's Frieda (left) and Fidel sandals.

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URBAN SLICKS
When rain falls in an urban jungle, you’ve got loads of options for quick escape—an awning, a diner, a museum, the nearest pub... Such rampant availability dissolves a gear standby: While block-hopping, cotton doesn’t really kill. So guys, toss on your favorite pair of jeans, your new retro-hip ringer-T, and complement it with the tech-influenced, fashion-forward Rockaway Blazer by Spiewak ($93, www.spiewak.com). This cotton-and-poly blend is ultra-light, water-resistant, and just downright cool. After all, Brooklyn-based Spiewak’s produced arctic gear, uniforms, and military garments for over 100 years; when they started rolling out streetwear with high-tech sensibilities, we knew they’d get it right. The Rockaway’s loose fit keeps things breezy, a full-length zip will seal out the elements, and a line of exterior buttons conceals the zip from view, so you can slip from sudden rain shower to a swank dining establishment without sending the maitre d’ scurrying for the fallback dinner jacket.

For urban-bound women who know the value of seeking the nearest shelter, a hood is really just extra baggage and a serious crimp in your hairstyle. Spiewak's Hyson Jacket ($78) has Teflon coating to keep the elements out and an inner mesh lining that’s as breezy as a sun dress—but it’s also light and compact enough to stash in a bag and hip enough to don for a gallery opening. Or, invert contemporary outwear conventions entirely by donning Spiewak’s Rohn Storm Cape ($156). Think Mary Shelley meets Superman, and you’ve got the idea. The cape serves as a gothic force field, keeping weather’s tantrums at bay and out of your hair. Waterproof, breathable, taped seams, fashionable styling with a stand-out medieval flair—everything a girl could ask for in a classic cape.

POUND THE PAVEMENT
The staple sandal company Chaco (www.chacousa.com), forever loved by river rats and rock climbers for their custom-designed sport kicks (you get'em the way you want'em, not the way some company thinks you want'em), has recently branched into the wine-tasting realm with their first-ever series of leather sandals. The Ándale series marries the company’s bio-centric, très comfortable footbed with sleek leather styling to give you all-day sport-sandal support sans the river guide look. The men's Fidel slides ($125) are the perfect blend of coverage and style, with leather footbeds and slip-resistant rubber outsoles, while the femme equivalent, the Frieda ($120), offers lightweight polyurethane midsoles and rubber outsoles that'll keep traction over gravel, dirt, or urban blacktop. This sandal also comes in a variety of colors (pomegranate red and mango orange) if urban black doesn’t suit your color scheme. One caveat: give yourself a few weeks to break these beauties in; the leather needs to stretch, and you don’t want your first steps in a foreign land to leave you with raw skin below the ankles. That or pack a few Band-Aids. And please, people, leave the socks for those days when you’re wearing shoes, not sandals.