April showers bring May flowers...

or so the saying goes. However, in northwestern Ohio, our April this year has so far been remarkably warm and dry. For the most part, our current weather is a welcome change from the cool and rainy Aprils we typically experience in these parts. But I actually find myself wishing for a day or two of drizzle because, aside from helping along the May flowers, a bit of rainy weather would give me the chance to sport around in these adorable rubber boots.

I picked up this spiffy black and white pair at Meijer a few weeks back for about twenty-five dollars. They are super comfortable and totally waterproof. Although my closet already contained various pairs of footwear lined with Gore-Tex that provide extremely functional rain protection, I simply could not resist the fun polka-dot pattern and classic design of these boots.

The simple styling of the boots is certainly nothing new, having been worn for decades by the sensible yet fashionable country set, as well as school children everywhere. The style first became vogue over a century and a half ago in Great Britain, where the boots are known as "wellies", named after the first Duke of Wellington, whom is said to have to first conceived the design.

Originally made of leather, the more modern rubber style became popular following the two World Wars, during which the Hunter Boot company produced huge quantities of the boots in rubber for British troops who needed to keep their feet dry in the flooded trenches and muddy battlefields of Europe. Following that, the civilian population began purchasing the rubber Hunter boots for normal wear, due to their practical nature and affordable price.

While the basic design is certainly a classic, the looks of these sturdy boots have received a welcome facelift as of late, and the boots are now being sold in a variety of bright colors and prints by various manufacturers. My black and white beauties are one example. Another, pictured below, belong to my friend Angel, who ordered this ultra cool Burberry pair around the same time I was contemplating the purchase of mine. Great minds think alike, it turns out. Angel's boots feature a funky graffiti-inspired design in combination with a spin on the classic Burberry plaid, although their designer pedigree of course means that they came at a bit higher price than my bargain buy.

The stylish options do not end there. For purists, Hunter Boot Ltd. still offers their traditional style for both men and women, but now available in a wide range of cool colors. For anyone desiring the Hunter styling at a much cheaper price, Target sells a great replica, in a rainbow of solid colors, for around twenty-five bucks. I also dig this kicky argyle boot from Gabriella Rocha and, although I don't do bows myself, I happen to love this pair from Kate Spade. Finally, in the now-they've-gone-too-far category, it turns out that that the Hunter boot company has hooked up with Jimmy Choo, who is selling this design for the fashionistas out there who lack common sense but not cash.

Design musings aside, I do know one thing for sure. Whenever the weather here in Ohio turns to rain and slush, although it may now require waiting a season or two, Angel and I will be running around dry, comfortable and looking rather chic in rubber boots. We definitely think we're onto something. If nothing else, it serves as a reminder that the most stylish of fashion choices are usually the most classic, simply tweaked in a fresh way to bring them up to date.