Friday Favorites: Julie’s Picks for Italy’s Rainy Season

Welcome to our newest series. In “Friday Favorites,” our team will share a handful of favorite items. These can range from clothes to beauty products to recipes to books and anything in between. Disclaimer: None of these companies are paying us to be included, we just like them! But Target, if you would like to pay us in gift cards … just putting it out there to the universe.

This week I’m sharing things that bring me daily happiness during our dreary, rainy season in northern Italy. Most of these are rain items, but I threw in a few random items that help make our mornings go smoother, too.

JOULES WOMEN’S EVEDON RAIN BOOT

I bought these during our first rainy season in Italy, and they’ve been so worth it. During the cold, dark and rainy months, these boots make me happy every time I put them on.

TAILORED WOOL COAT

When it’s cold out, the last thing I want to do is take off my nice warm sweatpants. I work from home, so I really don’t have to … but I also try to look slightly put together in public such as when I take my kids to school and run around town. A long camel coat is a miracle worker. I throw it on top of whatever I’m wearing, and I instantly look less sloppy. For someone who is a lazy dresser, this thing is a godsend.

WATERPROOF FELT FEDORA

I used to be self-conscious about wearing hats, but the older I get, the more I own it. Unwashed, unbrushed hair? Wear a hat. Another rainy day (all of November for us in northern Italy)? Put this waterproof hat on. I bought mine in a market, so it’s not this exact one linked, but it’s the same idea.

CLEAR BUBBLE UMBRELLA

I’m not going to spend a bunch of money on an umbrella. There might be something to an expensive umbrella (do they really last longer?), but for me, chances are, I’ll lose it or break it very quickly. This umbrella is cute and blocks out both wind and rain. It’s sturdier than your grocery store umbrella, but it won’t break the bank. Plus, if you want to match your kids, there’s a kid-size one, too!

PLASTIC CONTAINER FOR CARS

Stay with me here – this weird container really does bring me happiness. I think it’s meant to be a container for thread (?), but my 3-year-old uses it to store his Hot Wheel cars. For some strange reason, with this container, he LOVES cleaning up his cars. I don’t know why I act surprised, I also love putting his cars away in this container. It’s strangely VERY satisfying. I feel like this pick officially makes me super lame and boring, but hey, if anything helps our family be less messy, I’m going to love it.

WET BRUSH

My hair easily tangles and so does my daughter’s. This brush is amazing. It makes our mornings so much easier – my kid can brush her own hair, no tears, no struggles.