And why do European women wear black boots all the time?

Walking + English rain + train travel + puddles = one big mess.

No, these are not striped socks. That is pure 100% English city grit ringing my soggy ankles. And those lumpy, dripping black things on my feet? Suede shoes.

Lesson learned: black boots, tucked in leggings and a BIG umbrella! Oh yeah, and a little glance at the weather channel before heading out of the flat.