One of the greatest yet smallest joys of New York is that no matter the weather, there’s always a sidewalk vendor to help you get some relief.

Last night we were out and about until after the sun went down, and there was a chill in the air — one of the first cool evenings of the season (yay!). I was obviously unprepared, and had nothing to cover my goosebumped arms. After only a few blocks of chilly walking, I was wrapped in a $5 pashmina.

When it starts to really get cold, there will be pashminas, gloves, hats and scarves on almost every corner on the busy streets of Manhattan. All summer long, vendors sold $1 bottles of water to thirsty tourists. And most mysterious and wonderful of all, any time it rains (or might rain), there are people selling cheap umbrellas just when you think you’re destined to be drenched.

I guess disposable weather-related goods are in high demand in a city where people are always outdoors and the weather can catch you off guard. Nice for a pampered California gal like myself.