Let's just say that we've been stuck in the Parisian rain without the proper gear one too many times.  But we've wised up and created a list of must-have items for when it pours.  Buy 'em below, and while you're at it play a little old school jam by Missy Elliot ("Rain", duh).

Raincoat- Go for waterproof and make a statement with bright yellow, like the one above by Adidas Originals.  For a classier look, pull out the slim-fit trench coat. Girls love men in the trenches.

Boots- Wellingtons are the most practical footwear for the rain...no water's gettin' in those bad boys! But if Wellies aren't your thing, Timberland's got a great new line of boots for the Fall. If you're goin' for a more casual vibe,  buy a pair of high-tops with a thick sole to keep you above water (like the Lanvins up top).

Pants - We're not fans of waterproof pants...they're just a little, well, weird. So pack up some corduroys to keep ya warm when you're wet.

Extras- Life's never fun without some extras.  Backpacks and totes from Jack Spade should keep your papers dry, an umbrella should keep your dope new 'do from frizzin' and an Ipod should keep ya...yup, singin' in the rain. 

If you're in Paris or NYC, you may have noticed that bow ties and suspenders are running the streets!  We thought it'd be nice to clear up what works (here) vs. what doesn't (ahem, Chris Brown, here).  Bow ties are made to be classy but they're also a great way to make a statement, so look for bright colors or edgy designs that don't match your outfit, but instead bring attention to it!  Wide ones are harder to pull off, unless you can rock Lanvin, so stick to the smaller, well-cut versions from brands like Band of Outsiders. (The tie above is by The News - LA). As for suspenders, keep 'em toned down and always slim.  Navy blue, black, grey, or even red are solid color choices...just do us a favor and stay away from the neon, because you'll lose friends (no, really, you will).  Need a little guide? Buy some of our favorite choices of bow ties and suspenders below!

The question for Fall is...what you got in that BAG?!  It's high-time to throw out backpacks, plastic bags, and whatever else you carry your computer/shoes/Iphone in and invest in a buttery leather messenger bag that'll work both at the Office (sorry that you work in an Office) or at the park (much more our style).  We found Jouan rockin' a rich brown vintage attache by Italian brand Manufactus up in Paris, and you gotta follow suit. In Fall, it's best to go with brown over black (more options for matching with the season's colors), and it's important to find a bag where the softness of the leather is relative to the price. But don't throw away your stand-by plastic bag just yet, we hear you can make it into a crisis-chic head band...more on that later. Buy from our favorite Fall messenger bags and some dope plaid pants below!

Sometimes, we need to rely on our uber-fashionable friends to give us insight on what's about to BLOW UP in the streets. Leave it to Sarah (above) to give us the low-down on what Fall's got in store. She's not only our favorite Parisian chick but she happens to be the Editor of trendy fashion magazine, Ghubar...yup, she knows what's up.  Word on the street is that studs- from silver to gold or copper - are about to emblazon the sides of shoes, shirts, blazers and, well, everything else.  Balmain's already on the studdin' game, and brands like H&M, Louis Vuitton and Prada have studded items in their Fall/Winter '09 lineup, for both men and women.  But no need to drop Euros or dolla dolla bills on expensive threads, when you can just add some hand-crafted bling to your own wardrobe...Sarah did.  Watch backstage footage of a recent Ghubar shoot, buy a studded vest for Fall and connect with Ghubar Magazine's blog, all below!

Is it just us, or is God takin' to the streets? Recently, we told you about the rosary bead hittin' cities hard,  but holiness isn't only shown around the neck!  Women (and some men) are throwin' prayers around their wrists in the form of the Saint Bracelet.  Originally from Brazil, the bracelet - made of cherry wood or plastic - features a different Saint on each square.  But unlike other wrist candy, this one's got 'meaning' (or so we hear). Over time, the pictures of the Saints fall off, leaving just one man standing...well, that Survivor's your patron Saint.  It all sounds kinda ridiculous to us, but times are tough...we'll take any divine intervention we can!  Watch out for these bad boys on your block, or just buy your own and connect with Swagger: Paris on Twitter below!

We've always said that accessories can make any look POP!  But why settle for the typical bright watch or gold bangle, when you can spice up a look starting up TOP (no rhyme intended).  Head pieces are becoming popular on the streets and we're not talkin' scrunchies or barettes. Cool women are taking style chances with ornate feather headbands or even flashy metallic headwraps. Tara's got the headwrap-look with a leather bomber and, voila, she's the newest badass on the block!  But simple's always classy, so our modest girl Yi opted for a small creme flower to match her silk shirt...cute.  But, no matter what your style, you better start thinkin' about playing some HEAD GAMES.  See below for our favorite head piece and connect with Tara via her super-artsy website below!

There's nothing wrong with a little religious intervention...especially when it comes to your style!  Of course we all know about the old and over-done Kaballah bracelets, but it seems like there's a new messiah in town...the rosary bead.  Some are sportin' the necklace in plain black (like Akira above), but the most interesting looks have a little flair,  from gold-plated with crystals to diamond-crusted and opal (like Mike above).  Necklaces will always add a little extra to your look, why not give the big Guy a little love while you're wearin 'em?  Hmm...WWJD? Buy your own set of rosary beads below!

More from NYC all this week, back to Paris on Monday!

Your outfit might be bland, but if you throw on one or two FRESH accessories, you just might be the flyest kid on the block. One way to step up your style...the WATCH!  The watch-game has come back HARD this Summer - with flashy G-shock color bands to old school rubber throwbacks from Casio and Timex.  Aaron (above) is goin' for BRIGHT with a baby blue Adidas ticker, which adds a little funk to the blue collared shirt (buttoned all the way up, for freshness). But to take your watch game to the next level, try to double it up in different colors, textures or styles (like our girl Nicole)...the streets WILL take notice!  Watch a DOPE Public Enemy video (featuring 80s watches) and buy our favorite watch styles below!

Swagger Trends is a new feature that brings the dopest trends straight from the Parisian streets to you! In our first edition, we've gotta give some love to women's gladiator shoes!  They were trendy last year in just a few styles, but this Summer the Roman-inspired shoes are hittin' the streets in all different shapes, colors, sizes and styles.  We have two favorites (above): The first (from Sweden) are a little sexy with the straps, a little edgy in style and work well dressed down (think leggings and a T-shirt) or classed up (a slick skirt and top).  The second pair are little more reserved, but the funky texture and ribbing made our heads turn!  You better get on the trend before it's too late, buy Swagger's favorites below!