i live in Georgia, where the weather changes by the minute (particularly in summer - it rains every afternoon for 20-30 minutes. around 3 p.m., usually), so i always check the weather and use either an old corduroy hobo from american eagle (i swear, it has a strap made out of some of the most gorgeous vintage-y looking leather i've ever seen on any bag) or a herve chaplier tote (if i'm going to school) if it might rain.