Welcome to the last part of GSW’s Rainy Day Essentials Series! We’ve talked about rain coats and rain boots, but I’ve saved the best for last: pretty and affordable umbrellas! This is the one piece of gear that I really think you should go bold and colorful in your choice. I still like a design that doesn’t clash with my outfit or style, but I love polka dots, stripes, or pretty floral designs. Solid colors are beautiful, too.
1. Paperchase Primavera Umbrella, Staples ($17.99)
2. Polka Print Mini Manual Compact, Target ($12.99)
3. Totes Stripe Print Compact Umbrella, Target ($12.99)
4. Paperchase Secret Garden Umbrella, Staples ($17.99)
5. Clifton Rose Bloomsbury Umbrella, Cath Kidson ($56.00) **Bonus: this one has polka dots on the inside!! I own it and it’s totally adorable and well-made. Very Mary Poppins and yet on trend.
6. Elite Rain Clear Bubble Umbrella, Staples ($36.66)
I adore all of these! And the clear bubble (#6) is just too much!! As a weird side note, you’ll notice #1, #4, and #6 I found at Staples!! They’re all Paperchase, which is a beautiful stationery and gift brand based out of UK. I highly recommend you check them out.
Here are a few ideas to keep in mind when shopping for a pretty and affordable umbrella :
1. Color!!!
Color is so important—go bright! My best advice here would be: never choose black. I love seeing a bright umbrella in a sea of sameys.
2. Buy more than one
If you live in a rainy climate, buy one for the car, your purse, and one to leave in your desk at work. Umbrellas come in all kinds of sizes, from minis to gigantic, so utilize them! I have a mini for my purse, two in my car (a mini for the glove compartment and a full size in the trunk), and one stashed at work. Preparedness pays off, my friends.
3. Quality
You want to look for sturdy umbrellas. Fortunately, most umbrella makers do a good job of making high quality umbrellas. However, steer clear of ones with plastic skeletons or that just feel flimsy to you. Definitely test in the store before you buy–muy importante! If it’s difficult to open or it sticks, pass!
Unlike rain boots and rain coats, affordable umbrellas (that are pretty too!) are in abundance!! Find one that fits your style and personality.
Have a wonderful week!
