It has been raining cats and dogs these past few weeks. Typhoons really like to hang out here in the Philippines and I heard that there's one more Typhoon coming in. Typhoons and floods has always been a big part of our lives. We just have to live with it.

During the rainy season, what is the common thing that we bring to make sure that we stay dry on our way to work, not completely dry, but at least protect us from the rain?

Did you thought of umbrella? Yes, that is right! You didn't look at the title did you?

Anyhoo, for me, it is very important to bring with you an umbrella, to shield ourselves from the rain and from the rays of the sun. But is it enough that you bring an umbrella with you? I think not, what is important is to bring a sturdy umbrella with you. Here are a few umbrella brands that I have tried and tested, and I want to share my experiences about them with you!

1. Fibrella - I noticed that there were a lot of people using this brand of umbrella.This is probably the most popular brand in the Philippines when it comes to umbrellas. Some of my friends told me that they brand is really good and they had their Fibrellas for such a long time now. 

Since most of my friends recommended this brand, I went ahead and buy one from SM Department Store. It was in dark blue and costs arond 300-400php. 

Guess what? It didn't last me a month =( and it's probably my fault.

2. Hydro Techno - I haven't tried this one yet, but I heard a couple of good things about this umbrella brand. This brand is only sold at SM Department Stores. It's a bit more expensive than Fibrella since there usual umbrellas costs 400 and up. But with the designs of their umbrellas, I think they are a little worth it.

3. BENCH - Yes, they have garments, shoes, cosmetics, fragrance, bags, and umbrellas. I just discovered them last year and what can I say? Their umbrellas are definitely sturdy, I bought one and lasted me a very long time :) I even recommended the brand to my friends. I can use my umbrella even if it's very windy and it you will not have that awkward "baliktad payong" moment. The only thing is that they don't have a lot of designs and colors to choose from. As for me, I don't care as long as they are sturdy and won't let me down during the windy and rainy days of my life.

I can't find a photo of a BENCH umbrella on the internet as their umbrellas are not that popular. Just visit a BENCH store and check if they have them there.

4. Below 100 Umbrellas. They are a little worth it for their price and if you are on a budget. I'd suggest that you if you prefer these ones, go and buy two of them. I think there are 50php ones that you can buy :) They are not sturdy but they really have cute designs and color that can makeup for the quality. 

Choosing an umbrella is totally based on your preferences. If they fit your budget and you think it's worth it, then go ahead and buy it. Others, may prefer different ways to protect themselves from the rain, they may use raincoats instead of umbrellas, again it's your choice your payong. 

Just always remember to keep safe and stay dry! 

If you have any other umbrella brands that you can recommend to The Filipino Lifestyle blog readers, feel free to share them on the comment box below :) We love it when we receive comments from our readers.

Till next time!

Sometimes, I wish that I am waterproof. Most especially during that time of the year when Typhoons and floods are coming in.

Let's face the reality that we still have to go to work despite of the strong wind and heavy rain waiting for us outside our home. And if you take public transportation like me, you know that most of the time, you, will be soaking wet by the time you reached the office. Don't you just hate it?

What I hate the most is the fact that braving the hard rain can shorten the life of our favorite shoes. That's why I'm glad that Jelly Shoes came to my life. 

I know some of us will not like the idea of wearing Jelly Shoes. You might think that your feet will smell bad or that it might be slippery. But for me, I think that they are one of the many solutions that will help me get through the rainy days.

The first batch of Jelly Shoes that went out a few years ago were a bit hard to wear because of their designs, but thank goodness they changed! The ones that I can see right now in the Metro's famous tiangges can be worn easily to match most of our outfits. 

  

Here are some examples of the Jelly Shoes :

They now come in Animal Prints too! Rawr!

With Ribbons :)

This particular style is a cheaper. I believe they costs from P50 to P100 depending on where you'll buy it.

I don't think I'm going to wear one of these Jelly Boots. Coz I don't think I can pull it off.

This one is a bit hard to match with any outfit. Eto yung tipo ng may binabagayan talaga.

Just like the first boot.

This one I like :)

Again, this one is just like the first boot but on a different color. But still, this will not work for me.

I saw one of this, and hindi siya bagay sa paa ko unfortunately. Good thing I didn't buy one online.

Another example of may binabagayan. Remember : Not everything that looks good on your friend, will also be the same for you. Iba iba tayo, so make sure that you choose the ones na babagay sa inyo.

Bet ko rin to, but I will choose a different color.

I

I've seen girls wearing this kind of boots, and I think it looks good on them. Pero sakin malamang hindi, haha!

This one, I want!

Cute, but I think there's a lot going on.

This one is perfect if you're wearing a pair of shorts. 

Sometimes when it's raining we usually just bring slippers then change and wear our shoes when we  arrive at our destination right? Pero minsan, nakakainis kasi makikita mo yung suot mo or yung legs mo ay may talsik ng putik dahil sa paglalakad mo using your slippers. (Raise your hand if nangyayari sayo to most of the time!)

So the jelly sandals above can prevent that. Di ka na magkakaroon ng badtrip na talsik sa likod ng legs mo!

I am planning to buy one like this in the coming days, pero plain lang. Without the design and the tassel. 

Try to wear this one, baka ilipad ka pa kung traffic. Tipid pamasahe.

This lst one, di ko siya bet. Again, this will not look good on me.

So what do you think? Some of the designs will work for me and I love the idea that I can wear it during the rainy days without worrying that my shoes will be ruined. They actually don't smell bad, for me, that is. Been wearing them for almost a week now. So far they're ok :)

Just a tip, don't wear nail polishes when you are wearing closed Jelly Shoes, kasi since made of rubber sila, yung nail polish natin ay didikit dun sa rubber pag naglalakad tayo. Masisira lang. So if you are wearing a  nail polish, go for the jelly shoes' that are open toe. 

Don't forget to leave me some comments below :) Let me know what you think about Jelly Shoes!

Change of season means changing of style and updating your daily wardrobe to match the weather. How can you be trendy during this rainy season without sacrificing comfort and style?  Don’t let the weather bring you down. Rainy days might leave you feeling gloomy but it is not an excuse to dress down. This weather is an opportunity to use your styling prowess and brighten up the mood by wearing the right clothes and accessories for rainy season.

What to Wear During Rainy Season

Slip on Those Jelly Shoes

Leave those leather shoes when it’s raining outside. You wouldn’t want your favorite shoes to be damaged, would you? Jelly shoes are ideal replacement for your normal daily footwear. You can checkout latest style and choose a trendy pair of shoes to match your outfit. Jelly shoes are available in different styles from boots, flats, wedges, platforms and heels.

Use Matching Umbrella for Your Outfit

Who says that bringing umbrella can ruin your overall look? Umbrellas are actually nice when you choose the right color that matches your outfit. It can serve as an accessory that can complement your look. Also, the right style and color of your umbrella can stand out in the crown if you will choose a bright and sunny color.

Experiment on Layering

Rainy season gives us the excuse to play with our clothes and experiment on layers which we can’t do during hot weather. Take advantage of this opportunity and try layering your clothes. Make sure to match the colors, patterns and prints. You can be experimental too as long as you know that you look good wearing your own style.

Leave Your Leather Bag

If there are jelly shoes, of course, there are nylon bags to pair with your outfit. Leave your leather bags for now and use a water-proof nylon bag. The materials of the bag won’t get easily damaged by rain plus it can keep your things inside safe from getting wet.

Outfit for Rainy Days

It is your chance during rainy season to try something new and bring out your stylish side. Here are some trendy rainy season outfit inspirations you can wear when it starts drizzling again.