I will never be one of those girls who can pull off bright-colored rain boots. Some ladies can rock ducks, pieces of lemon, or polka dots and look pretty good. Whenever I so much as tried them on I have flashbacks of elementary school, complete with dunk-a-roos and fruit roll ups. I just feel silly. And now that this California girl has found herself attending school in Pittsburgh, rain boots were no longer a fashion option but a necessity.

I’ve been on the hunt for some more sophisticated rain boots. I was hoping to find a pair that look like a cute riding boot. Hunter boots seem to be the go-to college staple but I really wanted to find a pair that is a bit more feminine and less popular. For now anyway…

There are tons and tons of rain boots (and all sorts of shoes for that matter) on Planetshoe.com, including spunky colored ones if that’s your jam. When looking for a pair to review for you lovely readers of CollegeCandy I stumbled upon some boots made by Sperry Topsider. I didn’t even know Sperry made rain boots, but I suppose it made sense—the little loafers can’t always cut in the elements at sea, no?

When the boots arrived I was extremely thrilled. They pretty comfy (there’s a cushioned liner!) and I still love the look of them, especially the little buckle that adorns the base of the boot. I also really like the height of the boot; they’re not too short to guard against the endless showers of Pittsburgh. Finally, a pair of rain boots that are feminine, not bulky, but conveniently without any shades of neon.

My fall wardrobe just got a whole lot more fashionable…Check the boots out here.

Full Disclosure: Planetshoe.com provided these boots for free so I can review them.

Nothing brightens up an ugly rainy day like bold, colorful rain boots. Especially on those icky, brooding, stormy days where going to class seems like a life or death decision. That’s where Kamik comes in!

Kamik, a Canadian footwear company, manufactures the very rain boots that make a gray day that much brighter! Not only are they beautiful, they’re also functional. They’re waterproof, have great traction, and have soft, insulated Polartec on the inside of the boots to keep your feet warm and dry, despite any wind, rain, or snow!

But the coolest part of it all is that they’re made out of completely recycled materials. Can you believe it? The boots 100% recyclable!

The way these boots are made is also amazing. Kamik uses a green hydro-generated power source that uses and reuses the water so there’s practically no waste at all! Also, Kamik has had a long-standing recycling program that rescues scraps and old boots to create fresh pairs. From start to finish, Kamik is completely and 100% eco-friendly! How many other companies can say that?!

And because we think they’re so awesome – and because it’s Earth Day! – we’re going to give one of you, our devoted readers, your very own pair of Kamik rain boots.

How do you win?

1. Leave a comment below telling us one thing you’re doing to reduce your personal carbon footprint. That’s it. You’re automatically entered if you do that.  Oh, and make sure to use your real e-mail address so we can contact you if you win.

2. Contest closes at 11:59 PM on Sunday, April 24th, 2011

3. Please note this giveaway is only open to US residents. Also please expect 4-6 weeks for delivery. For official rules and more legal mumbo-jumbo, click here.

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Bad Surprise Number 1: Cleavage Overkill

In my opinion, overly exposed cleavage is never cute – even if you have a rack that rivals Scarlett Johansson’s in perkiness and perfect round shape. In the office, however, I think that this is particularly inappropriate. Last week I attended an intern meeting and could barely focus on the speaker because the girl sitting across from me was practically spilling out of her V-neck tee. Put ‘em away, ladies! It’s not professional, and more likely than not you’ll be confronted by one of your coworkers for violating the office dress code (which always exist, even if you haven’t been handed something in writing).

Bad Surprise Number 2: Rainboots
It’s basically been raining for the past 10 days and I no one dreads soggy toes quite like I do. Rainboots are a practical (and cute – I’m loving my green Hunter Wellington’s) way to stay dry as you race to make your 9:30 meeting, but they are only meant for the outdoors! When you get to your desk, swap your booties for a comfortable pair of heels, flats, or boots. Rainwear worn inside ends up looking sloppy and strange, and they make those weird squeaky sounds when you walk down the hall that are just downright annoying.

Bad Surprise Number 3: Scrunchies
They still make these?

Bad Surprise Number 4: All black
Isn’t summer  the time for bright colors and fun prints? Apparently not. You wouldn’t believe how many people I pass in the office wearing all-black ensembles a la Morticia Adams in the middle of winter. Lighten up, everyone! I’ll speak for myself when I say that I’ve fully embraced the white pant (which I admit that I wear all year round… forget those Memorial Day/Labor Day rules) and the floral dress and plan to wear them all summer long.

And one good surprise…

Good Surprise Number 1: Spandex worn right
I’ve always maintained that if you wear spandex, you must wear a shirt/dress/tunic that covers your butt (and ideally makes its way to mid thigh) unless you want some serious camel-toe or dimple-butt. Leggings aren’t substitutes for pants, and they shouldn’t be treated as such. But I’m ready to make an exception for those trendy stretchies that look like denim even though they’re regular old spandex (some styles even have zippers, pockets, or buttons) and pair perfectly with blouses and blazers. Member’s Only makes a really cute pair that are as dark (and concealing) as regular jeans so that you’re not walking around overexposed.

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2009/06/24/intern-diaries-what-not-to-wear/feed/ 9 Maddie - Tufts University cleavage http://collegecandy.com/2007/10/11/fashion-fix-designer-rainboots/ http://collegecandy.com/2007/10/11/fashion-fix-designer-rainboots/#comments Thu, 11 Oct 2007 17:07:00 +0000 CC Staff http://collegecandy.com/style/5689 Living in New York City, I’m the kind of girl who needs to carry my life around with me in one huge bag. I’m like Mary Poppins, if you need it I have it!

So if there’s one thing I know it’s come Fall weather, it’s super important to be prepared. This means a good (preferably long) sweater, a cute hat, an umbrella…and a pair of galoshes!

If you make like a Boy Scout you’ll never find yourself to be …

Living in New York City, I’m the kind of girl who needs to carry my life around with me in one huge bag. I’m like Mary Poppins, if you need it I have it!

So if there’s one thing I know it’s come Fall weather, it’s super important to be prepared. This means a good (preferably long) sweater, a cute hat, an umbrella…and a pair of galoshes!

If you make like a Boy Scout you’ll never find yourself to be uncomfortable. Taking off layers is way better than shivering on the street corner, cursing your wet feet.

But here’s a question: why are people still buying designer rainboots? They are a huge waste of money, no matter how important you think being trendy is. It’s much easier (and easier on your wallet) to go to the shoe store–Payless works–and pick up a pair for $20.

A smarter fall splurge? A raincoat!

Picking the perfect jacket for the fall is way more important than picking out what goes on your feet…a coat is practically your outfit when the weather turns gray.

Why not buy something to last? Check out Burberry or Gucci or you just have to go the designer route, if not there are other more…eccentric jackets that will make you stand out from the masses this fall.

This Fall, have a ton of fun with your wardrobe…don’t spend a ton for it!

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