Nevertheless, during summer, we are known to have very intense heatwaves, particularly in July and August (and this year, even in March!) It is during these unexpected warm and sunny spells that common sense tends to be eschewed for our more base instincts to rush out into the sun and bake ourselves for the day! Now, we don’t need to tell you the damage this can do to your skin, not to mention the many people who suffer from unexpected heatstroke. All this, however, could be avoided if we were to become as familiar with the humble parasol as we are with the umbrella!

So today, I thought we’d look through the stunning assortment of designer parasols that we have available at Umbrella Boutique, and select a few of our favourites. Why not be seen with the latest parasol fashions along the waterfront, or in the high-street, this summer, and complete your summer outfit with a stunning parasol!

Cancan Parasol – Cream by Guy de Jean

Four layers of deep frilling make the Cancan parasol by designer Guy de Jean one of the most extravagant in our collection. It will keep the sun off and the rain too as it is fully waterproof. The fabric has a sun protection factor of 50+. Tested by the French Textile Institute.

• Manual opening, black wooden shaft and black metal frame.
• Lacquered black crook handle.
• Made in France
• Length including handle 71cm
• Span when open approx 78cm
• Weight 525g

Fifi – UVP Sun Parasol – Beige with coloured organza trim by Pierre Vaux

The Fifi UVP parasol by designer Pierre Vaux is a stunning and theatrical parasol that simply exudes personality and style. Edged with a thick fluffy pink and cream fine net frill to a creamy beige linen fabric, it also has a long looped bamboo handle. This parasol will turn heads wherever you go. Treated with UV protection to minimise harmful UV radiation and waterproof too. Manual opening, wooden shaft and metal frame.

• Length 85cm
• Span when open approx 70cm
• weight 456g

Papillion Lace Pagoda Parasol by Chantal Thomass

The Papillion pagoda parsol by designer Chantal Thomass is a unique pagoda shaped parasol in a bright cerise pink, featuring a charming black butterfly lace lining and a black lace frilled edging to the outer canopy. The fabric has been treated with a UV repellent giving a sun protection factor of 50+ as tested by the French Textile Institute and it is waterproof too.

• Manual opening, black wooden shaft and black metal frame.
• Dainty black lacquered derby handle.
• Made in France
• Length including handle 75cm
• Span when open approx 80cm
• Weight 414g

Amelie – UVP Caramel Embroidery Anglaise Parasol by Pierre Vaux

The Amelie UVP Parasol by designer Pierre Vaux has exquisite embroidery-anglaise edges on its canopy, which is itself made from a caramel linen-like material. The embroidery is scalloped and pierced and oversewn. Wooden shaft finishing in a straight wooden handle with corded tassle, manual opening. Treated with UV protection to minimise harmful UV radiation and waterproof too.

• Length 85cm
• Span when open approx 74cm
• weight 388g

Pasotti, established in Italy in 1956, have over 50 years of experience in designing and creating fashionable umbrellas, and throughout those years they have been at the cutting edge of umbrella design with their beautiful collections of the best quality umbrellas; continuing in “Made in Italy” tradition. Pasotti’s style is emblematic and easily recognisable thanks to its sumptuous glamour. They create wonderful umbrellas embellished with authentic Swarovski and other precious crystals in order to carry the largest collection of luxury umbrellas in the world.

Jaguar Luxury Umbrella with Applique Belt and Bows by Pasotti

The Jaguar is a luxurious double canopy umbrella by Pasotti using the finest Italian polyester satin fabric. Plain purple exterior canopy with a brown and cream animal print interior canopy covering the frame. The outer canopy has an applique belt and two bows in the animal print fabric, the same as the inner canopy. Purple plexiglass handle, with a manual metal gilt frame and a bow tie fastening.

• Length 89cm
• Span when open approx 96cm
• Weight 500g

Black Zoo Double Canopy Luxury Umbrella by Pasotti

The Black Zoo is a Luxury double canopy umbrella by Pasotti in the finest Italian polyester satin fabric, black outer canopy with a striking pink, black and grey patchwork effect animal prints inner canopy. Gold gilt manual metal frame with a clear and pink plexiglass crook handle. This umbrella is fastened with a gold gilt ring when closed, this allows to umbrella to be shown off at its best when closed and does not spoil the umbrellas profile when open by a flapping tie band and fastener.

• Length 88cm
• Span when open approx 96cm
• Weight 575g

Pink Snake Automatic Umbrella by Pasotti

The Pink Snake is a lovely automatic umbrella by Pasotti with an striking pink and grey snakeskin design.

The canopy is made from a fine polyester with a gold gilt frame and a pink plexiglass handle. Gold gilt button fastener.

• Automatic opening
• Made in Italy
• Length 89cm
• Span when open approx 104cm
• Weight 515g

Onda Frill Umbrella by Pasotti

The Onda Frill Umbrella by Pasotti is a beautiful automatic umbrella has a satin canopy featuring a black and white swirling pattern finished off with a black ruffled edge. The tie band fastens at three quarter height giving a wide flare to the top of the umbrella when rolled up. Clear plexiglass handle with black filling.

• Automatic silver gilt frame and shaft
• Black filled clear plexiglass crook handle
• Length 90cm
• Span when open approx 98cm
• Weight 565g

We certainly hope you have enjoyed this overview of the Pasotti range of umbrellas that we have available at Umbrella Boutique. To see our full range from Pasotti, why not visit our dedicated page.

Our exclusive selection of unique and limited edition umbrella and parasol designs especially hand finished for Umbrella Boutique. We have umbrellas made from the finest polyester satin, featuring exquisite handles. We have intricate pleats and frills, delicate bows with roses and flowers. For those wanting that something extra, we also have uniquely designed umbrellas and parasols embellished with swarovski crystals and velvet ribbons, each one exclusive to Umbrella Boutique. With our designs inspired by classic movies such as My Fair Lady and Gigi we are sure you will find that special umbrella or sun parasol with us!

White Wedding Umbrella with Scattered Pink Organza Rosebuds

An elegant white wedding umbrella or parasol. The canopy features a slightly domed period canopy and is trimmed with scattered pink organza rosebuds. The umbrella has a slender silver metal frame with a leatherette crook handle and matching tassel.

• Manual opening, silver metal frame and ribs
• Clear or white frame attachments
• 100% polyester fabric with white velcro fastener
• Dainty leatherette handle and tassle
• Length including handle 82cm
• Span when open approx 80cm
• Weight 250g

White Wedding Umbrella with Pleated frill and Cluny Lace

A beautiful wedding umbrella with an inset layer of a sheer pleated pleated frill edged with Cluny lace which emphasises the pencil pleat effect to the edge of the umbrella canopy. The rib corners are enhanced with a delicate pale ivory flower and trailing ribbon detail. The umbrella has a gold gilt metal frame and is automatic opening with a slender leatherette crook handle which is finished with a silk tassel.

• Automatic opening, golden metal frame and ribs.
• Dainty leatherette handle and tassle
• Ribbed detail to fabric
• Length including handle 95cm
• Span when open approx 97cm
• Weight 380g

Ivory Wedding Umbrella with Black Dot Rose Lace Trims

An elegant ivory wedding umbrella or parasol. The canopy features a slightly domed period canopy and is trimmed along the edge of the canopy and around the ferrule spike with a spotty rolled black rose net lace. The umbrella has a slender silver metal frame with a leatherette crook handle and matching tassel.

• Manual opening, silver metal frame and ribs
• Clear frame attachments
• 100% polyester fabric with white velcro fastener
• Dainty leatherette handle and tassle
• Length including handle 82cm
• Span when open approx 80cm
• Weight 250g

White Lace Parasol with Glitter and Crystal Trim

Ladies parasol exquisitely crafted in cotton Battenburg lace and embroidery. The embroidery has been accentuated with clear crystals and outlined with a silver glitter trim. It has a wooden manual shaft, with 10 ribs and a straight turned wooden handle. It has a tie to the rib tips. This parasol makes an elegant and striking accessory to any outfit but is not waterproof.

• Manual opening, silver frame and ribs.
• Wooden shaft and turned handle
• Length including handle 68cm
• Span when open approx 74cm
• Weight 320g

We hope this selection has provided you with some ideas of our beautiful range of exclusive and unique umbrellas at Umbrella Boutique. To see our full range, why not visit our dedicated page today!

Our store will be combining our fabulous stock from both the Stick and Cane Shop (www.stickandcaneshop.co.uk) and Umbrella Boutique (www.umbrellaboutique.co.uk) in to the one physical store, so that our customers have a place to visit, and to try out our lovely goods before they buy. We are currently renovating and modernising a beautiful barn at the Garden Centre, so we shall have photos ready for you next week, showing the transition and we will feature them on the Stick and Cane Shop’s Facebook page.

We will still be continuing to sell online too, so it is very much business as usual for our online stores. Additionally, Brolliesgalore (www.brolliesgalore.co.uk) will continue as our online umbrella venture. Therefore nothing is changing on the web side-of-things, we just felt it was time to expand, offering a chance for our customers to visit a physical store to interact with our beautiful goods!

Please keep an eye out on our Facebook page for further details. And we hope to see you in person soon!

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With the weather improving and as we slowly move from Spring into Summer, Wedding season is beginning to get under way. With the unpredictability of the British weather, though, many people who are planning out their big day are purchasing umbrellas and parasols to complement the event in style. At Umbrella Boutique, we are your one-stop-shop for all things umbrella & parasol related, so whatever style you want to achieve on your Wedding day, we are sure we have the idea umbrella for you!

This week we look at our beautiful Ivory Wedding Umbrellas.

Anna Wedding Umbrella – Antique Ivory by Chrysalin Umbrellas

The Anna is a plain automatic opening wooden walker umbrella, light coloured wooden crook handle with wooden shaft and wooden tips to ribs.

• Automatic opening, silver metal frame and ribs.
• Light wooden crook handle.
• 100% polyester fabric
• Length including handle 89cm
• Span when open approx 98cm
• Weight 454g

Rosa Wedding Umbrella – Antique Ivory by Romanelli

The Rosa is a delicately designed ladies umbrella trimmed with box pleated satin ribbon, which gives a neat and precise edging to the canopy. This umbrella features a slender gold gilt metal frame and is manual opening with a slender leatherette covered crook handle finished with a silky tassle.

It is suitable to double as both as an umbrella and as a sun parasol

• Manual opening, golden metal frame and ribs.
• Dainty leatherette handle and tassle
• Satin ribbon trim
• Length including handle 90cm
• Span when open approx 85cm
• Weight 280g

Eva Parasol Umbrella – Antique Ivory by Chrysalin Umbrellas

The Eva is a parasol type umbrella suitable for a bride on her wedding day. Plain canopy with ruffle trim to ferrule tip, gives an old-fashioned parasol look.

• Automatic opening, gold metal frame and ribs.
• Self coloured wooden crook handle with gilt trim.
• 100% polyester fabric
• Length including handle 90cm
• Span when open approx 102cm
• Weight 550g

Parisienne Wedding Umbrella – Antique Ivory by Romanelli

The Parisienne is an elegant wedding umbrella which is also suitable to be used as a sun parasol. The canopy features a contemporary pencil pleat fabric in a waterproof polyester. The umbrella has a slender gold gilt metal frame and is automatic opening. The slender leatherette crook handle is finished with a silky tassle.

• Automatic opening, golden metal frame and ribs.
• Dainty leatherette handle and tassle
• Ribbed detail to fabric
• Length including handle 95cm
• Span when open approx 97cm
• Weight 380g

Sophia Lace Wedding Umbrella – Antique Lace by Romanelli

The Sophia is a beautiful retro styled ladies umbrella, which has a top layer of delicate deep ivory lace edged with a cream lace trim, underneath there is a second layer of waterproof ivory pongee polyester fabric making this umbrella waterproof. It features a slender gold gilt metal frame with a delicate leatherette covered crook handle, which is finished off with a silken tassle.

It is elegant enough to double as both as an umbrella and as a sun parasol.

• Manual opening, golden metal frame and ribs.
• Dainty leatherette handle and tassle
• Full Lace outer canopy, waterproof inner canopy
• Length including handle 90cm
• Span when open approx 88cm
• Weight 300g

To see our full range of beautiful Ivory Wedding Umbrellas, please visit our dedicated page at the Umbrella Boutique. Let us help you make your big day even more special!

Still, 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:

• Blunt Lite Umbrella in Aqua, Yellow and Red
• Blunt Umbrella in Silver, Aqua and Black
• Blunt XL Golf Umbrella in Silver Aqua and Black

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

Blunt Lite Umbrella

Revolutionary 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

As 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

This 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

We 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!

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
Ocean	Harvest
Strawberry	Kingfisher

Chiffon Pagoda Parasol with a Velvet Ribbon Edging by Chantal Thomass

Attractive 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

This 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

A 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

Delightfully 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

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)
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 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?

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!

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.

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.

Ella 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

Extremely 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

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

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!