Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Raining Cats and Dogs

It's a hot mess in Southern California right now folks.  We've had rain for 4 days straight and there's no end in sight.  Yesterday we were supposed to get between 5 and 10 inches and I wouldn't be one bit surprised if it was more.  People are either driving like maniacs or grannies - both techniques causing mad collisions:  approximately 264 on Saturday alone.  Drains are flooding, urban campers are fighting in the alleys over dry cardboard shelters and neighbors are arguing amongst themselves amidst the drone of car horn alarm systems far and wide that are failing due to wind and wet.

A trip to UPS allowed me to survey the damage and report back to you.  Warning:  unlike television's onsite reporters, I do not care to wear "the make-up" in a torrential downpour.  I do however enjoy hauling out the appropriate rain gear.  Might as well seize the day!

I call this the "wait a minute I think it's stopped".
No.  That would be a miscalculation on my part.
They call this maneuver the "wait! there's debris in the road!! I need
to slam on the brakes and get rear-ended by speeders behind me".
Flooded drains mean water darn near over the curb.
Cars splooshing through at top speed splashing pedestrians.
Niiiiiiiice last minute shoppers.
I came back home to the neighbors blasting
each other out as one moved out and apparently got
on the older lady neighbor's nerves.
Get over it honey!  We're all getting pelted in the face
with rain and playing cat and mouse in traffic!!
(of course I didn't actually say that, but sure did think it)

Onward and upward to Friday when I fly out to the motherland aka Canada for Christmas...what are the chances of me making it to LAX in under 2 hours without an ark?  (for a 20 minute drive...heeeeeelllllppp meeeeeeee).

P.S. - If you need a last minute gift for yourself or the BFF don't forget Melinda Maria Jewelry is offering 30% off everything in their online store to readers of This Free Bird now through January 15, 2011.  Use Promo Code FREEBIRD30 at checkout.

Outfit details:  Zac Posen for Target-Rain Jacket, Martin+Osa-Hoodie, American Apparel-Leggings, Hunter-Wellies+Liners, TK Bag

*UPDATE* - Have your guys visited Mara at M Loves M?  She is one of my daily reads - I love her kind heart and great outfits, as well as the fun relationship she shares with her fiance.  Mara's been hosting a Christmas Cookie Recipe Exchange and featured my Thimble Cookies today...totally check her out and read back through all the amazing and fun cookies that have been previewed!! I think these just might be the cutest ones I've ever seen.

80 comments:

Tiffany Kadani said...

Whoa! That rain is crazy!

Cute outfit! Love the Hunters!

Signe said...

You manage to look stylish even in a downpoar :)

Bethany Dirksen said...

I think the best thing to do when buying rain boots is go classic...yellow! Very cute.

ale said...

rain, how nice, i won't be see it in the next 3 months instead i'll have cold snow.

Hazel from Hazel Loves Design said...

My goodness absolutely love this entire outfit!! We have had a whole lot of rain here too, but combined with humidity it is absolutely icky, bring back the sunshine I say!!

:) Hazel
Hazel Loves Design

Anonymous said...

luuuuv this yellow bird outfit :D adorable!

and come on, this is just the normal fall weather in Germany ahhaha (I´m not kidding ok?)

allison said...

I love your rain gear! I don't have any rain boots, but they're so super cute. :)

Julie Leah said...

The most perfect rainy day outfit I've ever seen!!!

Anonymous said...

Carrie, you are like a pop of sunshine in that yellow amongst the gray skies! Oh... those neighbors at least they are entertaining, huh? We finally have flurries!!!! A Canada Christmas sounds so festive... you must be so excited to go home and see your family. xo

Diana Mieczan said...

I love your rain-outfit...Its so happy and sweet! I really need to get yellow rain-boots next season:) Hope you will get some sunshine soon, darling
Kisses

Lee Oliveira said...

With that big rain you manage to look fantastic
Love the colour of your coat
LOx

Jessica said...

Geez. I can't even imagine that much rain in such a short period. We'd be flooded completely here. Maybe I will keep my 5 inches of snow. ;-)

Claire Kiefer said...

I want some rain boots, and you're one of the reasons why. :) It doesn't quite rain enough in SF to justify them, but oh how they must change your whole day when it's pouring out.

Gotta say, I was pretty psyched to leave California's relentless rain (I got out on day two or something!) and get to Georgia where it is appropriately chilly, and there's even snow predicted on Christmas Day! Miraculous, I tell you.

Hope your trip to Canada is safe (I mean that in more ways than one, ha) and that you're in touch while you're there!

xoxoxo

LyddieGal said...

What awful weather to be having just before Christmas. Especially when people feel the need to be out shopping. I can't make it a day without needing to run to the store for something! (first for butter, then for milk, then powdered sugar, then again for stamps....ahhhh!)

Cool Gal said...

Cute raincoat. I love it!

I saw on the news that LA was getting a lot of rain. Just imagine if it were snow. That's what we've been dealing with where I live (dumped on again yesterday). I think Mother Nature needs to relax and give us all a break! LOL!

I hope you have a wonderful time in Canada.

Merry Christmas!

Collette Osuna said...

I HATE rain like that....but you look super cute in my fav color:)

Stop by and say Hello:)
Statements in Fashion Blog♥

erica said...

Rain like that is the worst I hate it. It makes me think of terrible snowstorms. yuck! You look absolutely GORGEOUS in yellow!

xo

Alleen said...

I was watching all the rain on the news last night...sorry! I know I like a good rain storm but not a week long rain storm. xoxo

ps you look adorable in your rain coat and matching boats, though! :)

Laura said...

Absolutely love your rain outfit. Yellow wellies rule!!

L x

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

I do not at all miss Ca drivers in the rain, or the flooding, but I do miss the all day type of rain.

Have a great holiday Carrie!

Lilacandgrey said...

oh no! rain rain go away!

Chas said...

I love your outfit, especially your boots! You look great!

Staley Mc said...

I love your rainboots and raincoat!! Atleast you look chic in all the rain!

Kristen said...

I absolutely love your raingear. bright yellow is the way to go! Christmas in Canada is going to be so much fun!

Courtney Erin said...

I love your rain outfit - I used to have a yellow rain jacket that I would faithfully trot out when it poured and I really miss it. I hope your trip home goes smoothly - on my way back from Edmonton last month I had a three hour delay in the Edmonton International Airport that almost resulted in me missing my connection to New Haven so I hope everything works much better for you!


xoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

Jude said...

You are looking amazingly chic even in the direst downpour! I love those awesome pops of yellow (such a happy contrast to the grey grey grey!)

Blogs said...

i've been watching the weather channel....so keeping you in my thoughts:) stay safe....have a nice trip to Canada and have a lovely holiday....beautiful rain outfit...you totally rock the rain drops falling on my face:) xoxo

Jessica said...

I can't hardly believe all the rain you all are having! At least you have adorable yellow wellies to brave that mess in.

Blogs said...

oh and every time i see a bird (lots daily) i think of you;)

Blogs said...

and no i'm not a crazy stalker person...well maybe

Unknown said...

love your rain outfit x

Taylor said...

I knew you were in need of a raft....but the Arc sounds soo much swankier...as long as there is good shopping and drinks I'm down to join ya!

You look adorbs, love the coat....come visit so i can borrow your clothes!!!

And yes your rain has indeed led to our snow!

Anonymous said...

Its raining here today. I think Tulsa has mean drivers but Texas takes the lead in really mean drivers.
Here nobody yields and they all think they have to teach you a lesson if you arent driving how they think you should.

Closet Fashionista said...

UGH! Rain....that stinks...but on the plus side, you look so cute in your rain outfit!! :D
(and uh oh...better finish that shopping ;) )
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

Radiant Make Up said...

I'm used to the rain, here in northern england, but we're having to deal with snow :)
loving the yellow boots!! x

Jamie said...

I know I can't take it anymore!!! Someone make it stop!!! I'm not even leaving for the holidays so I can't escape!!

http://www.glamlatte.com

little luxury list said...

Whoa, hoping the weather lets up soon dear!

PhotoPuddle said...

Love the bright yellow rain gear! Definitely a great way to brighten up a grey wet day!!

Lisa Lisa Lisa said...

Wow!!! What insanity! We just have snow. And lots of it.
I never do my hair well when it rains. What's the point!

Unknown said...

that's crazy! my brother hasn't told me about these torrential downpours yet...man, i hope he didn't drown.

stay dry until you head to o! canada :)

xx

Val said...

The rain is crazy here North of La. Looks like there is no end in sight.

TheChambrayCountess said...

I love that although the world is gray and stormy, you look so cute! Hopefully it ends soon and the airport drive goes well... pack a canteen just in case though...

Anonymous said...

please stop with this rainy cuteness. you're like a happy little tugboat splashing in those puddles. this post reminds me of Rob's recent, hopefully latent, fascination with seeing Eli completely drenched. He wants to see his fur soaked. I don't know how he proposes to do this without dying, but I won't be around to see.

hi to the kitties! missed you!

C

Nadia said...

Sounds like Vancouver!

I would die in this city without my Hunters..

xo Nadia

Unknown said...

Oh my, sounds pretty awful! Good luck making it to LAX and getting out. You look so cute in your rainy-day gear!

Unknown said...

Hahahaha SO funny! It is like people act like the rain is ONLY happening to them....annnnd apparently nobody knows how to drive...

Angela said...

stay dry.

Amber said...

you are looking very snazzy in this outfit. I cant believe how much it rained near you, thats intense

Ms. Emmy N said...

Yikes! The only thing I hate more than rain, is driving in it!! But you are doing a good job making the most of it... Love the yellow rain gear!!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Best slicker ever! You look tres chic even in your rainy weather gear!

Valerie said...

You look so cute in your rain gear! The yellow really brightens up these dreary days. Will it ever stop raining??? I'm headed to Fresno in the morning for more rain up there. Good luck with your drive to the airport! I hope you have a safe trip. I'll be thinking of you.

xo
Val

Natalie said...

I just moved here and I've never seen this much rain!

You look adorable, love that rain coat.

P.S. I linked to your bacon-wrapped date recipe today on my blog.

Nikki said...

how cute are you in your rain gear! love it!

and flowers pick themselves said...

eek! like everyone else, i'm loving the rain coat, though :)

xo Alison

A Crimson Kiss said...

At least you look adorable, despite the rain. It won't stop in SF either, and frankly, I've run out of cute outfits that incorporate my foul weather wear!

Hope everyone's travel goes smoothly-I'll be in and out of three different airports this holiday season!

Anonymous said...

Ok, how are you dressed so cute? Id look like a hot mess if that was going on here!

Annie said...

how insane is that rain - omg!!! I love how you have such cute rain gear. Have the best time in Canada!! XO

ejb said...

I am loving your yellow wellies! I have a pair of the black ones and whenever the clouds appear I feel its necessary to bust them out (I live in Phoenix...). I can't believe how much rain you're getting in LA! Its been cloudy here...but no rain. Happy Holidays and I hope you have a wonderful time in Canada!

kimbirdy said...

it's madness! madness i say!!! yesterday i picked up a friend at LAX and had to drive her home to redlands {inland empire}. the usual 1-1.5 hr drive took 3.5 hours yesterday. we went 40mph on the freeway the entire way. no one could see the road, or lines or each other. sheer madness. i actually got stuck out there because it got dark and i couldn't see to drive home. the hubby had to drive out and get me. it was a hard day in the life of car-driving kim. i'm determined to remain indoors today to recuperate. go away rain!

ps - i love your yellow rain gear! it definitely helps with the grey day.

Josie said...

Carrie, you look absolutely ADOORRRRABBBLLLEEE! I love your fun yellow Hunters and that darling rain coat. So chic. I hope you're doing okay in the rain. Have a fantastic holiday in Canada, my dear!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

FRANKIE HEARTS FASHION said...

You look so chic in your rain gear! And yes, i estimate about 2 hours for your trip to the airport..haha. Such a joke!

Marie a la Mode said...

I love your yellow rubber boots! And won't it be nice to leave the rain and welcome the snow when you land? Snow's much better than rain at Christmas time ; )

Lesley Rials Napper said...

Love your wellies! They make me want to trade in my boring black for the bright, fun yellow ones!

STYLE'N said...

You look so cute. Did Chef take these pictures? Love all the yellow. I just got Ariyana some of those socks for her hunters. I think I might need them too. I can't believe how much rain you guys have gotten recently. So you're off the Canada? how fun!

Gorgeous Glam said...

lol we had the same title for our post this week! girrl I can't take it anymore! I'm having pacific NW flashbacks! xo

this free bird said...

Taj!! That's too hilarious...and girl I am so there with you on the PNW flashes. Just finished saying that to a friend this aft. HAHA!! xo

Marcie said...

Now that weather doesn't feel like Ca! But your rainboots sure are cute! I love yellow rain jackets and boots. :)

xo M

Lisa Griffin said...

you poor thing! i keep seeing on the news you guys getting pelted, i hope it stops for christmas!!
www.indramaticfashion.com

Ashley/ MILK TEETHS said...

omg this weather is killing me! Honestly though, the rain is relentless! I've been holed up at home because the rain makes me lazy and i'd rather just hang around the house.

Also, isnt TBN super creepy!? I took the same picture with the angel stomping out a demon but I didn't post it! I've been before like 6 years ago and they had I remember that they had a giant cut out of George Bush just hangin in the gift shop.

xx
MILK TEETHS

laurenne said...

Urban campers? Ha! Love that. Nice boots. I'm flying out of Long Beach tomorrow morning! Can't decide if that's really smart or really stupid.

Punctuation Mark said...

even though "outside the weather is frightful" you got to wear your hunters... mine are safe and dry in my closet

Louise (Fifth Sparrow) said...

What is with the weather lately... everywhere?? That's insane about the rain, but now you get to come to the deep snow in Canada! (Alberta, right?) But you do look darling in your rain outfit, I'm seriously loving those yellow Hunters! xx

Poppies and Sunshine said...

Love your yellow coat and boots! I can't believe how much rain has been here in Cali. We definitely needed it I think. And I can't believe how many accidents there were on Saturday alone! I think I got out just in time.

Unknown said...

tell me about it, I don't even own a pair of rain boots! Our power went out yesterday from all the rain, yikes!

Leia said...

Hope it stops raining soon! I think you were probably the most stylish one out and about during the downpour ;)

Leia

Jess said...

Cutest rainy day outfit EVER!

Nikki said...

LOve your coat and boots! I heard the rain is awful down there right now. Hope you're staying afloat!

Paris in Pink said...

I love your rain outfit! I'm constantly trying to find ways to be stylish in terrible weather. The snow in Paris doesn't help! Well, off to explore some more of this lovely blog of yours :) Paris in Pink

Freelance Shop-A-Holic said...

Thanks for the new blog! Always welcoming new friends for sure...
I am over this rain! One of our roads washed away. Ah the life in the country!

Lesley said...

Ahh How did I not see that coat in Target? It's amazing!!! Very jealous!

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