Forget fashion over function or vice versa, with these smart and stylish staples there are no sacrifices…

Shelter in a storm
Never again shall you suffer at the hands of gale-force winds or face the indignity of stuffing your broken umbrella into a rubbish bin – thanks to Blunt, the holy grail of rain repellers. These revolutionary umbrellas can withstand stormy conditions far greater than your comfort zone would consider safe. Each umbrella comes complete with fully tensioned canopies that are unflappable in the wind, boast storm resistancy and aerodynamic handling and have a two-year warranty. The new and improved Lite+UV umbrella also blocks out 99 per cent of harmful UV rays and, most importantly, there’s a colourway to suit any work or play ensemble.
* Blunt Lite+UV, $109 – www.bluntumbrellas.com/nz/

Smart switch
Any wearer of glasses will attest to the annoyance of having to swap between prescription specs and sunglasses, which is why the Moscot Smart Drive Package gets our tick. Released as part of Moscot’s 100-year anniversary series, this three-pack of clip-on sunglass lenses sit perfectly atop the classic Lemtosh optical frames and are each designed specifically to cater for a range of weather conditions; Vermillion lenses for overcast days; Polarised G-15 lenses for sunny skies and high-contrast yellow lenses for evening. They won’t take up precious space in your handbag either, thanks to the soft tri-fold case. You’ll never be caught short when faced with four seasons in one day.
* Moscot Smart Drive lenses, $389.95 – moscot.com

Huffer puffer
It’s hard to go past Huffer when it comes to stylish yet functional fashion, with their outerwear featuring technical elements so seamlessly hidden, they’re almost a surprise. The classic Huffer puffer has had a cute makeover for Winter ’15 with navy polka dot outer fabric and contrasting checked lining. While the toasty down-and-feather fill provides instant warmth, it’s the hidden inner phone pocket and audio sleeve for headphones which make this the ultimate go-everywhere garment.
* Huffer Classic Down Vest, $299 – huffer.co.nz

Too cool for school
Nothing beats the feeling of a cool glass of water post-workout and Adidas has managed to weave this sweet sensation into the fibres of their new Climachill apparel. With the combination of industry-first 3D aluminium-cooling spheres and titanium-infused SubZero flat yarn, each garment provides intuitive body-heat management technology to keep you cool in the heat and maintain the body’s core temperature. With this highly breathable fibre, you can now work out in the classic Kiwi uniform of head-to-toe black, even in the height of summer.
* Adidas Climachill tee, $65 – www.adidas.co.nz/climachill

Skinny love
Made with cycle enthusiasts in mind, the new Levi’s Commuter Skinny jeans are putting style into your daily commute. No longer will you need to don legs of Lycra to get from A to B. Levi’s Commuter Skinny jeans feature a higher back rise for coverage, stretch for mobility, deep back pockets, a water-and-dirt-resistant coating and reflective outer seams for visibility. They are the perfect combination of functionality, fit and fashion. Our favourite design feature? The navel-skimming waistband which sits comfortably high without ever digging in, no matter how far you lean forward over those handlebars.
* Levi’s Commuter Skinny jeans, $179.90 – www.levis.com.au