The Best New Gear for 2008

Beautiful Boots

Rubber rain boots always look cuter on other people than they look on me. It's not that I haven't given them their chance: I've bought polka-dotted, striped, even some with little ducks all over them. And while the boots look fun on other girls as they splash around in puddles, I always feel like they make my legs look clunky and weird. But Sperry to the rescue! They came out with these super stylish boots that are just as waterproof as normal galoshes. These knee-high wedge-heeled beauties will look good with jeans, pants tucked into them, or a skirt. These are definitely for grown-up gals. Even though I want them for myself, I'm not a selfish buyer. So I'm going to get a pair for my closest friend. She's one of those feminine girls who owns more skirts than jeans (a.k.a. not me) and can wear heels all day long without complaint. So while I could never picture her in childlike rain boots, these are right up her alley.

$69.95, www.sperrytopsider.com