While the Gulf Coast is known for its beautiful beaches and tasty crawfish, residents know just how much rain we endure around these parts during the summer and fall. For locals, the term "sun showers" gets thrown around like AP poll information, particularly around this time of year. Just when you think you're in for a sunny stroll around town, torrential downpour strikes. Puddles everywhere! So, you ruin a great pair of shoes (especially if you're like me and clumsy as all get out) while running through the short space from the store to your car. And even if you don't exactly ruin your shoes, you've certainly grown uncomfortable as the water floods in and soaks your socks and feet. Sure, we don't fear pneumonia in these parts, but that squishy feeling of wet shoes is enough to put a damper on any day.

            Luckily, our locals are bright and so are their solutions to the wet weather. Wellies adorn the feet of many who dare to roam about in our region's unpredictable weather. These rain boots are made of waterproof rubber and do an excellent job of keeping the feet both dry and warm on the days when traipsing through puddles is unavoidable. The gumboots are as affordable as they are high-functioning, ranging anywhere from $20 to $120. Available in bold colors and vibrant patterns, Wellies pop in even the dreariest of days.

            The shoes were introduced by the 1st Duke of Wellington during the early 19th century, hence the name “Wellington” or “Wellies” for short. While the boots were originally made from leather, sometime during the 1850s an American businessman named Henry Lee Norris started crafting the shoes out of vulcanized rubber. Now officially recognized as the Hunter Wellington Boot, the waterproof kicks are worn by farmers and arid feet seeking locals alike. Formerly the proper boot for Russian socialists to wear, Wellies have found favor in all walks of life. Thanks to a simple rubber shoe we can now look forward to actually focusing on our day to day routines instead of cursing cold, wet feet.

     These rain boots are absolutely timeless (even my neighbor's three-year-old has a pair) and look great when paired with jeans or a cute skirt. The houndstooth print ones (available at Target) are especially hot as they allow you to pay homage to The Bear while keeping your feet from feeling flooded. So much for all those Bammer jokes, Auburn fans. We tend to be smart AND stylish. :)