Blunt Designer Windproof Umbrellas

Well today in Scotland we are having winds like we’ve not experienced before. We are getting winds of nearly 100 mph, with gusts up to 160 mph, the Met Office has put out its highest alert possible, and the police are advising against all travel. Although the winds are focused on Scotland, the north of England and Northern Ireland are affected by high winds too, so this storm is affecting a huge swathe of the British Isles.

Blunt Designer UmbrellasStill, with all this inclement weather, there are very few umbrellas out there that can withstand such winds, however, one of the best designer umbrellas to be released this year – the Blunt Umbrella – can withstand high winds (up to 73 miles per hour) without collapsing in on itself. It has also been entirely redesigned, providing a very sleek and pleasing form, as we’re sure you’ll agree.

Based in New Zealand, Blunt are used to tackling all types of weather, and they have cleverly re-engineered the umbrella to improve its overall structural integrity whilst maintaining a flatter, more aerodynamic profile. Using their own radial tensioning system, which distributes and maintains tension throughout the entire canopy surface, Blunt umbrellas have created a structure that copes extremely well in high winds of up to 117 km per hour (73 miles per hour), providing an effective and secure barrier against both rain and wind.

In re-engineering the umbrella, they have not compromised on style. Indeed, I would go as far enough to say that this is one of the most attractive umbrellas I’ve seen of late. In making the canopy more aerodynamic, none of the edges of the umbrella are angular, giving a very stylised curved edging, including rounded corners for improved safety (particularly when passing by taller people!)

We currently offer:

We will also be stocking the New Blunt Mini range in the very near future.

Blunt Lite Umbrella

Blunt Lite UmbrellaRevolutionary extra-strong windproof umbrella with Radial Tensioning System. 6 Double struts with telescopic floating ribs. This redirects, transfers and distributes tension right to the edge, where it is needed most. Creating an unflappable, aerodynamic weather canopy which provides effective shelter even in stormy conditions way beyond the capability of any conventional umbrella. Very generous canopy.

The Blunt Lite umbrella has an easy-to-grip rubberised handle, an overall length of 79 cm, with an open-canopy span of approximately 110 cm.  Weighs only 455 g and includes a stylish tube for extra protection and storage.

Blunt Umbrella

Blunt UmbrellaAs with the Blunt-Lite Umbrella, this is an extra-strong windproof umbrella with Radial Tensioning System. 6 Double struts with telescopic floating ribs with an even more generous canopy.  The Blunt Umbrella includes the easy-to-grip rubberised handle and stylish tube for extra protection and storage, but has a greater length at 84 cm, with a larger canopy-span of approximately 120 cm.  Total weight is 640 g.  Still very lightweight and portable.

Blunt XL Golf Umbrella

Blunt XL Golf UmbrellaThis is the largest umbrella available in the Blunt range and has a generous golf sized canopy.  Extra-strong windproof umbrella with Radial Tensioning System. 6 Double struts with telescopic floating ribs.  Easy-to-grip rubberised handle.  Stylish, functional and durable, the Blunt XL Golf Umbrella certainly makes a statement!   Includes stylish tube for extra protection and storage.  Overall length of the umbrella is 94 cm, with a canopy-span of 137 cm when open. 875g in weight.

Blunt Umbrella sleeve

Blunt Umbrella SleeveWe also stock the Blunt Umbrella sleeve, which is a cool and comfortable carry sling for your cool, revolutionary and extra-strong Blunt windproof umbrella. (Adjustable strap and padded shoulder)  Length of Umbrella Sleve is 67 cm with an overall weight of 100 g.

So, if you’re out and about and don’t feel that your current umbrella is up-to-the-task, then feel free to have a look at the range of Blunt umbrellas we have in stock.  These will certainly keep the wind and rain at bay, and survive to see another day.

I know I’ll definitely be asking Santa for one of these this year!

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Rainbow of Milan Walking Length Umbrellas

In today’s Umbrella Boutique blog I thought we’d look at another new range we have in stock for you this season. We are lucky to be the exclusive UK stockist of a wide range of Rainbow of Milan umbrellas, and today we will take a closer look at the range of Cote Walking Length Umbrellas from Rainbow.

Rainbow have been making beautifully crafted umbrellas since 1949. This historic Italian company has a vast experience in the manufacture of quality umbrellas, attention to tradition and the evolution of fashion trends. Lightweight and solid, these umbrellas are ready to do their duty when required. So why not enjoy a bit of colourful Italian passion and style this Autumn-Winter, with a Cote Walking Length Umbrella from Rainbow?

Cote Walking Length Umbrellas from Rainbow of Milan

The Cote is a superior ladies walking length automatic opening umbrella from Rainbow of Milan. Featuring a beautiful check pattern in all the latest fashion colours for ths season. The frame is of a high quality manufacture and the acrylic self coloured crook handle is made in Italy to an excellent finish. This umbrella is at the top of the umbrella range and as such would make an excellent gift for someone special, or even better a real treat for yourself!

  • High quality manufacture
  • Carries a 3 year manufacturers guarantee
  • High performance polyester pongee cover
  • Automatic aluminium/fibreglass frame, 8 ribs
  • Self coloured acylic crook handle, made in Italy
  • Length 91cm
  • Span when open approx 105cm
  • Weight 525g

The Rainbow Cote Walking length Umbrella is available in 6 different styles (Click on each umbrella to take you to the Umbrella Boutique site to see more images):

Lavender Raspberry
Cote Automatic Walking Length Umbrella - Lavender Cote Automatic Walking Length Umbrella - Raspberry
Ocean Harvest
Cote Automatic Walking Length Umbrella - Ocean Cote Automatic Walking Length Umbrella - Harvest
Strawberry Kingfisher
Cote Automatic Walking Length Umbrella - Strawberry Cote Automatic Walking Length Umbrella - Kingfisher
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Chantal Thomass

Today in our Umbrella Boutique blog, you’re in for a treat! Many of our Brolliesgalore fans will have recently received an email from us highlighting our range of exquisite Chantal Thomass umbrellas. Today I thought we’d take a closer look at a few from the collection. If you like a bit of designer-flair in your umbrellas, look no further than Chantal Thomass at Umbrella Boutique & Brolliesgalore!

Chantal Thomass - Brolliesgalore & Umbrella Boutique

Chiffon Pagoda Parasol with a Velvet Ribbon Edging by Chantal Thomass

Chiffon Pagoda Parasol with a Velvet Ribbon Edging by Chantal ThomassAttractive dark grey pagoda-shaped parasol by Chantal Thomass. The canopy is trimmed with a black velvet ribbon finishing with a delicate and sensuous black chiffon frill. The fabric has been treated with a UV reflective treatment, giving a sun protection factor of 50+ as tested by the French Textile Institute. Fully waterproof.

  • Manual opening
  • Black lacquered derby crook handle.
  • black metal frame
  • black wooden shaft
  • Made in France
  • Length 76cm
  • Span when open approx 79cm
  • Weight 350g

Capitonne Parasol by Chantal Thomass

Capitonne Parasol by Chantal ThomassThis is a unique parasol by Chantal Thomass, the canopy is made from a black quilted fabric and is lined in a brilliant red. The crook handle is covered with a black shiny leatherette. The edges of the canopy are scalloped to give a starred outline.

  • Manual opening
  • Shiny black leatherette covered crook handle
  • black metal frame
  • silver metal shaft
  • Made in France
  • Length 80cm
  • Span when open approx 92cm
  • Weight 525g

Ivory Rococo Lace Umbrella by Chantal Thomass

Ivory Rococo Lace Umbrella by Chantal ThomassA very stylish umbrella with a domed pagoda shaped canopy, printed with black lace in rococo style swirls on an ivory background. Laquered black crook bauble handle. A very elegant and stylish umbrella.

  • Manual opening, black wooden shaft and black metal frame.
  • Black lacquered wooden crook bauble handle.
  • Made in France
  • Length including handle 92cm
  • Span when open approx 92cm
  • Weight 500g

Tulle Froncé Umbrella by Chantal Thomass

Tulle Froncé Umbrella by Chantal ThomassDelightfully naughty umbrella by Chantal Thomass, a deep pink cerise domed umbrella covered in an extravagant layer of black net and frills. The fastener is a garter like ring of frilled net which can be positioned at any height of the rolled umbrella.

  • Manual opening
  • Black frame
  • Black lacquered crook handle
  • Length 84cm
  • Span when open approx 82cm
  • Weight 490g
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Glass Votive Candle Holders

Looking for an ideal gift this Christmas for your friends, but not looking to spend a fortune in these difficult economic times? Why not take a look at the Glass Votive Candle Holders that we offer at Umbrella Boutique?

Available in a range of different colours and different styles, these votive candle holders will hold any standard tea-lights, and will look particularly festive in any livingroom over Christmas and New Year, giving a warm welcoming glow during the winter months.  Why not also buy some scented tea-lights to give your room a welcoming scent too!

Vintage Glass Candle Holders (with faceted glass)
Turquoise Vintage Glass Candle Holder (faceted disc) Vintage Glass Candle Holder (with embossed design). These popular beautiful and elegant candle holders will definitely have your house guests asking ‘where did you buy those?’ when they see them! Available in a range of colours: Turquoise, Purple, Mango, Chartreuse and Fuchsia Pink, we are sure we will have the ideal glass holder to suit any decor scheme that you may have.

Vintage Glass Candle Holders (with embossed design)

If you prefer a more tumbler-shaped candle holder, then Fuchsia Pink Vintage Glass Candle Holder (embossed design) check out our Vintage Glass Candle Holders (with embossed design.)  These are ideal if you have smaller children and prefer to have the naked flame of the candle shielded from your children’s straying hands.

Beautifully designed with an elegant embossed-glass façade, these candle holders are available in the same range of colours as above: Turquoise, Purple, Mango, Chartreuse and Fuchsia Pink. Why not mix and match between the two ranges?

Silver Mercury Glass Votive Candle Holder

Gold and Silver Glass Votive Candle Holders

We have these gorgeous votive candle holders available in 2 different styles: ‘circle motif’ in silver and gold, and ‘liquid motif’ in silver and gold. Both of which, when lit, give out a beautiful glow that will warm any livingroom this festive season!

http://www.umbrellaboutique.co.uk/acatalog/Clear_Gilded_Glass_Candle_Holder__horizontal_accents_.html

Clear Gilder Glass Votive Candle Holders

These delicately designed candle holders provide a painted glass façade with gilded accents. Stunning when lit and will suit any type of home-decor. They would also make an ideal gift for friends and family this Christmas.

Available with horizontal accents (as shown), vertical accents, or circular accents.

Why not visit Umbrella Boutique today to check out the full range of our votive candle holders.

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Ella Doran Umbrellas

Ella DoranElla Doran’s work is immediately recognizable. She has transformed everyday objects into design-conscious pieces through the clever manipulation of the photographic image, either on its own, in repeat or combined with striking hand-coloured backgrounds. With an inherent eye for detail, Ella takes her cue from the everyday world, from the close-up of a flower petal to abstract US road signage, the hustle and bustle of a Moroccan souk to simple kitchen utensils. She has transferred her vision into a wide range of products that have breathed modern life into many interiors, from London to Tokyo and even film heroine Bridget Jones’s kitchen and Buckingham Palace!

Proving that creativity and commercial acumen can work in synthesis, Ella Doran sits in quite a unique position. She is held in high regard by both the contemporary UK design community and retailers alike and has an enviable commercial client list, successfully working in collaboration with well-known brands, retailers and manufacturers as diverse as John Lewis, Habitat, Tate Enterprises, The Glasgow School of Art and Churchill china. Ella Doran is highly flexible and has adapted her photography into many differing areas. Working at the cutting edge of digital technology she has translated images onto a variety of media including tabletop accessories, stationery, cards and paper, blinds, cushions and books, as well as working with interior designers and architects to produce digital imagery on an impressive scale.

Grand Designs Awards 2010Ella Doran has been at the forefront of fabric and housewares design for many years; she became a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 2006 and has continued to attract accolades throughout her career from local business awards, to her recent Most Influential Designer award from her peers at Hidden Art and winner at the Grand Designs Awards 2010.  We at Umbrella Boutique are excited to be able to bring you Ella Doran’s beautiful Umbrella designs at excellent prices!

Ella Doran Superslim Mini Folding Umbrella – Geo

Ella Doran Superslim Mini Folding Umbrella - GeoExtremely compact mini folding umbrella only 3cm wide, yet still opens to full size. The beautiful Geo pattern featured on this umbrella is the design for which Ella Doran became overall winner of The Evening Standard’s Homes & Property Product of the Year.

Exceptionally light, 3 stage aluminium and fibreglass frame, 6 ribs.

By Fulton Umbrellas and featuring a fabric design by Ella Doran and bearing the Ella Doran label on the case.

Ella Doran Tiny Mini Folding Umbrella – Sunlight Through Leaves

Ella Doran Tiny Mini Folding Umbrella - Sunlight Through Leaves This is an exceptionally compact, flat umbrella by Fulton Umbrellas, featuring a fabric design by Ella Doran and bearing the Ella Doran label on the case.

  • Black soft touch handle with a laser etched Ella Doran logo.
  • Manual Tiny folding umbrella manufactured by Fulton Umbrellas
  • Lightweight aluminium & fibreglass frame – only 158g
  • Very compact, only 15cm long when folded.
  • Full size cover when open, approx 87cm, 6 ribs.

Ella Doran Tiny Mini Folding Umbrella – Jeannie Flower

Ella Doran Tiny Mini Folding Umbrella - Jeannie Flower This is an exceptionally compact, flat umbrella by Fulton Umbrellas, featuring a fabric design by Ella Doran and bearing the Ella Doran label on the case.

  • Black soft touch handle with a laser etched Ella Doran logo.
  • Manual Tiny folding umbrella manufactured by Fulton Umbrellas
  • Lightweight aluminium & fibreglass frame – only 158g
  • Very compact, only 15cm long when folded.
  • Full size cover when open, approx 87cm, 6 ribs.

If you like these, why not visit our store and check out our fantastic range of Ella Doran Designer Umbrellas. We are sure you will find the umbrella you are looking for at Umbrella Boutique!

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Dots Umbrellas

Double Canopy Rose Bouquet - Burgundy & PinkDouble Canopy Rose Bouquet Umbrella - BlackToday I thought I’d take a closer look at a particular range of our Dots Umbrellas. The four beautiful umbrellas in this designer range take the traditional umbrella and give it a bit of a twist – traditionally, umbrellas have the pattern on the outside and a plain colour on the underside. With these umbrellas they have reversed this trend to beautiful effect!

With a dual-layered fabric canopy, all of the umbrellas in this range are fully waterproof and UV protective, with a canopy made from UVoutex treated lightweight polyester fabric. These umbrellas are therefore ideal in both rain or shine!

Each of these is a manual walking length umbrella with a UV treated fabric canopy composed of two layers of fabric. The outer is a plain coloured fabric and the inner layer is printed with a charming rose bouquet pattern. The canopy edge is bound with the rose pattern fabric. Wooden crook handle

  • Canopy made from UVoutex treated lightweight polyester fabric
  • Healthy, cool and comfortable
  • Protects your skin from harmful UV
  • Unique shading qualities
  • Keeps you cooler and more comfortable
  • Quality grey metal manual frame
  • With 8 grey fibreglass ribs for extra strength
  • Length 93cm
  • Span when open approx 98cm
  • Weight 400g

Available in Burgundy/Pink, Black, Chocolate/Duck Egg, Camel/Ivory, you are sure to find a Dots UVP Umbrella that suits at Umbrella Boutique!

Double Canopy Rose Bouquet Umbrella - Chocolate/Duck EggDouble Canopy Rose Bouquet Umbrella - Camel/Ivory

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Fantastic Fans

Well, today’s post takes a slight detour away from our umbrellas and looks at one of the lovely accessories we also sell – the Fan. The humble fan has a long history, dating back at least 3000 years. Few forms of art combine functional, ceremonial and decorative uses as exquisitely as the fan.

Graphic evidence shows the use of fans from aroun 3000 BC, including ecidence that fans were used by southern mediterranean civilisations, such as the Greeks, Etruscans andOverview of a FanRomans, as cooling devices, while there is written evidence that the ancient Chinese civilisations associated fans with mythical and historical characters. The earliest fans were of a fixed type, with the folding fan not making an appearance until relatively late in history, in either the East or the West.

Inspired by prototypes brought into Europe by merchant traders from the far East, the first folding fans appeared.  Typically reserved for the upper-classes and royalty, these fans were very much a status symbol, with the handle (monture) typically made of exotic materials such as ivory, mother of pearl and tortoiseshell, and carved or ornamented with precious minerals, silver or gold.

The folding fan became increasingly popular in the 18th and 19th Centuries, where increasing trade made it possible for greater numbers of fans from the Far-East to be imported.  Particularly in France, an entire formal ettiquete of fan-display and symbology emerged.

In the 20th Century, the use of the fan started to wane throughout Europe, with only Spain retaining a habitual use of the fan in everyday society.  Still, today, fans are used during more formal occasions (e.g. weddings, particularly in the summer), or as ornamentation for the house.  There is still life in the humble fan today, remaining very much collectible and sought-after.

(Source, and more information, at the Fan Museum)

At Umbrella Boutique we offer 3 broad types of fan:

Battenberg Lace Fan

The Battenberg Lace Fans, which are beautifully and elegantly crafted, featuring an intricately woven lace surface, and available in either Cream or White.



Sunflower Sandalwood Hand FanThe Sunflower Sandalwood Hand Fan, made from sandalwood and intricately carved in a filigree pierced pattern.



Solid Colour Paper Hand FanThird, we have our paper fans.  We have our solid colour paper hand fans available in 7 colours, with bamboo frames.



Tibetan Flame Paper Hand FanIn addition we have the Tibetan Flame paper hand fan, which is made from a beautifully textured natural fibre paper and hand painted in a traditional Tibetan pattern.




So, whether it’s as a gift for a friend, an accessory for a formal occasion, or purely as a treat for yourself, we are sure you will find a beautiful fan to suit your needs at Umbrella Boutique.

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Hello, Brolly!

Excuse the blatant pilfering pun from ‘Hello, Dolly!’, but the umbrellas today will definitely put you in that ‘GiGi’-'My Fair Lady’-'Hello, Dolly’! kind of mood.

Today we are taking a look at the outstandingly plush FiFi Frilly Walking Length Umbrella.

This beautiful ladies’ umbrella is covered with layers and layers of frills, giving it a delightfully sumptuous feminine parasol feel.

The FiFi umbrella is available in a variety of trendy fashionable vibrant colours, currently available in: Bright Red, Night Black, Lovely Lilac, Rich Cream, Fuchsia Pink and Ice White.  It is perfect for Sun or Rain!

Our FiFi umbrellas have:

  • Manual opening, black metal frame and fibreglass ribs.
  • Bamboo effect crook handle and ferrule.
  • Black corded tassle.
  • Velcro fastening with button
  • 100% polyester fabric
  • Length including handle 92 cm
  • Span when open approx 95 cm
  • Weight 454 g

The FiFi umbrella is most definitely the perfect accessory for weddings, the races or just to brighten your day.

These beautiful umbrellas would also make an ideal gift for your loved one this Christmas too!

Indeed, with only 11 weeks left, why not take a look around our store, Umbrella Boutique, and order today.  We are sure we have the ideal gift for you this Christmas!

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Discount on our Signature Bella Pagoda Umbrellas

At Umbrella Boutique we currently have the Signature range of pagoda umbrellas from Bella Umbrella discounted at the moment.

This Signature Bella umbrella collection is inspired by the age of innocence. With the re-emergence of umbrellas as a most desired fashion accessory, Bella Umbrella has gone back in time to create an umbrella unlike any other available today. The Signature Bella umbrella provides a distinctive personal accessory or gift.

A stunning pagoda shaped canopy with graceful sweeping lines for that elegant victoriana style. The Signature Bella Umbrella can also be used as a parasol. Unlike most umbrellas the lilac handle is detachable, perfect for travelling in a suitcase.

These beautiful umbrellas have:

  • Manual steel/fibreglass 16 rib frame
  • 100% polyester fabric
  • Detachable lilac handle
  • Length including handle 97cm
  • Length excluding handle 72cm
  • Span when open approx 86cm
  • Weight 500g

We are currently offering both the Black and Chocolate Signature Umbrellas at 30% OFF. They did retail at £89.99, but we are currently selling them for an affordable £62.99. They would certainly make an ideal gift this Christmas!

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Enjoy the Sun in Style

With the sun still warming all parts of the UK, we truly are being spoilt by this unseasonably hot weather.  In yesterday’s Brolliesgalore post, we looked at our range of UV protective umbrellas.  Today I thought we’d take the theme further and look at how you can shade yourself from the sun in style!

At Umbrella Boutique, our range of exquisite Ladies’ Sun Parasols are very popular with our customers.  Whether it’s to shade yourself while relaxing in the park, or you’re taking a romantic stroll along the beach, we are sure you’ll find these parasols capture the essence of the moment with style, grace and élan.

Guy de Jean ‘Cancan’ Parasols

These designer parasols, by French designer Guy de Jean, capture the essence of the French boulevard perfectly. These frilly umbrellas will shade you from the sun, but also protect you from the rain too as they are fully waterproof. Four layers of deep frilling makes this parasol one of the most extravagant in our collection. The fabric has a sun protection factor of 50+ and it is fully tested by the French Textile Institute. At £110, these beautifully elegant parasols are available in the following colours: Cream (as seen here), Black and Old Rose.

Pierre Vaux ‘Amelie’ Embroidery Anglaise Parasol

These delicately designed parasols exude both style and grace.  The exquisite embroidery anglaise edges of the canopy are made from beautiful linen-like material.  The embroidery is scalloped and integrated beautifully into the parasol’s canopy.  With a wooden shaft, and polished straight wooden handle, this parasol conveys old-world charm balanced with the new technology of a UV protective canopy to protect the user from the sun’s harmful rays.  At £169.99, this gorgeous parasol is bound to attract attention as vous faites une promenade!  Currently available in Beige (as seen here) and Black.

Feel free to check out our wide range of parasols at Umbrella Boutique.

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