Bus stop

With spring’s start, I can’t help but feel that something great is upon us. It begins with not a few very wet rainstorms. Then, there are some inordinately warm days for wintertime. The southern California foothills become quite green, and the sun stays up for the journey home from school or work. At this time, we’re in the midst of the very gorgeous mornings—you know what I mean—the morning time is light and bright, garnished with sparrows’ songs.


But, it’s not to say that there will be no more rainy days for a while, because springtime weather is notoriously changeable—which is why you need a reliable raincoat.


Here, my sister is borrowing the raincoat that used to be a staple in my wardrobe. (I wonder, does that make it vintage?) It’s a Target find from the time when the chain store first started featuring low priced designer items.

This raincoat is by Isaac Mizrahi, and I love everything about it. The standout tangerine color got my attention first, and somehow, it just works on otherwise all gray days. What’s more, it’s lined with polka dot fabric! But, that’s where the frivolity stops, because the coat’s lines are straight and no-nonsense, making water to slide off as on a duck’s back.



Some asides: Once upon a time, one of my main occupations was as a dolls’ fashion writer, and I wrote this catchy phrase: “One duck and two ducks and one raincoat girl.” Makes you want such a resilient raincoat, doesn’t it? Another memory with this raincoat in particular comes from when I was a poetry student at UCLA, and my teacher, Professor Cal Bedient, was a pretty snappy dresser himself. He appeared to enjoy when I wore this striking outer garment and used to comment that it seemed to make me walk more confidently—virtually stride, actually. It should be noted that Professor Bedient does not shy away from distinctive colors in his everyday dress.

I admire the way that Autumn pairs the tangerine with the white—the skirt, the sunglasses, and the bracelet—making for an effective one-two punch against the rainy day gray. It fits fashion designer Trina Turk's definition: “What’s the opposite of a wallflower?” Autumn looks as if she could be embarking on a grand adventure via Metro.



Practically, an umbrella would be a very good idea, but maybe you shouldn’t risk it if you believe what The Hollies sang some decades ago:

Bus stop, wet day, she’s there, I say,
Please share my umbrella.
Bus stop, bus go, she stays, love grows
Under my umbrella.

Autumn brought this video of the song "Bus Stop" to my attention, and you might like it, too. It’s only a few minutes long--just click on the blue "video."