Where did you get your umbrella?

Hey Everyone!

I'm not sure if this belongs in Expat Life or Chit Chat, but I'm going with Expat Life. 

So, yeah, where did you get your umbrella? I need to buy one and I don't just want to buy anything because I don't want to buy something cheap and crappy that's going to break and not really be useful nor do I want to buy something that's overpriced for what it is. Does anyone have any recommendations? I'd very much appreciate them.

Thanks and stay dry UK-Y!

I get lots of free ones through work so I'm probably not much use, but if I had to pick a place to look, I would go with M&S 

I got my fancy-dancy umbrella from Geeta, when she was clearing out her flat in Edinburgh!
I keep it in my car in case of emergency, but I normally don't use a brolly at all, in favour of coats with hoods.  Hands-free, and pavement-friendly!  

I shipped my really nice one over from the States. It definitely came in handy today. Although a full length rain coat would have been better as I was drenched from the legs down.

I pretty much found all umbrellas to be useless, especially when I was in Ireland. They just couldn't compete against the wind and were more of a hassle than anything. However, the BEST one that I owned was one of those clear plastic ones that were a bit longer down the sides, so I could pull it down, but still be able to see through it. It didn't catch the wind as much as the smaller ones. The downer is there is no subtle way to carry it.

I have a ton of umbrellas but, like Tracey, I find it's usually more practical to go for a hooded raincoat. Often when it rains it's also very windy - so umbrellas just turn inside out. I had the same issue in the US.

However, there are times when I definitely use an umbrella. I like the little ones that I can tuck into my handbag, but they tend to be the least sturdy, at least in my experience.

Last Christmas, my husband got me a huge big Lulu Guinness one which I adore - it's really strong and sturdy and has the advantage of being clear so I can see where I'm going. Plus, it's that shape that comes down quite far so it keeps me drier than the traditional style.

It's this one:


It is quite pricey for an umbrella, though, so you might want something else. I've also had good luck with big golf style ones - again, they seem to hold up better in the wind.

Just don't scrimp too much. I've found that the cheap ones really don't last long and you wind up spending more because you have to keep replacing them.

x-posted with CCG!

Oh yes, I much favour rain hats and/or hoods and waterproof trousers and shoes to brollys.  Especially lately.  

And you can't cycle to work with a brolly!  

I have a ton of umbrellas but, like Tracey, I find it's usually more practical to go for a hooded raincoat. Often when it rains it's also very windy - so umbrellas just turn inside out. I had the same issue in the US.

However, there are times when I definitely use an umbrella. I like the little ones that I can tuck into my handbag, but they tend to be the least sturdy, at least in my experience.

Last Christmas, my husband got me a huge big Lulu Guinness one which I adore - it's really strong and sturdy and has the advantage of being clear so I can see where I'm going. Plus, it's that shape that comes down quite far so it keeps me drier than the traditional style.

It's this one:


It is quite pricey for an umbrella, though, so you might want something else. I've also had good luck with big golf style ones - again, they seem to hold up better in the wind.

Just don't scrimp too much. I've found that the cheap ones really don't last long and you wind up spending more because you have to keep replacing them.

x-posted with CCG!

Yes! This is the style I had! But mine was much cheaper.    I actually had to leave it when I moved to Ireland because I couldn't get it to fit into a box or suitcase. I was bummed.

Chary, you and I are umbrella twins!  The only thing I don't like about mine is that it's awkward to carry when the rain stops.  Otherwise, a great investment!

I bought a compact umbrella from TKMaxx. It's lasted two years so far and tiny! Perfect to stick into any bag, and quite reasonable price wise.

After going through about 900 in under 3 years because they kept flipping inside out, hubby ordered me one online. I'm not sure where he ordered it from, but so far it hasn't flipped inside out once. It is wind resistant. Joy!

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! 

I'm also in the process of finding hooded raincoat that I like. I prefer them as well, but I like to walk and I don't mind walking with just a hood when it's lightly/moderately raining, but I like to have an umbrella handy when it unexpectedly starts pouring.

I have to say, although it was pricey at the time, my wax jacket and hat are two of the best investments I made when I was here back in 2007-2008. It keeps the rain off, and its quite stylish...and they last donkey's years if you keep them maintained. Mine is due to be rewaxed but still looks brand new and I bought it 5 years ago. I know people that have had their waxes for 20+ years. When the wind is blowing the rain sideways like it was here today though, unless you're wearing rain proof trousers...some part of you is going to get wet!

What on earth is a wax jacket? I have never heard of that and am very interested!

For umbrellas - I've had my big, strong, collapsible Tote umbrella for about 20 years. It was about $25 when I bought it, so it was quite expensive back then. I use that for torrential downpours.  It folds up fairly small considering how big it is when it is open.

However, it is too heavy to keep in my handbag, so I bought a tiny Totes last year.  It is good for light-medium rain.

I love that clear "mushroom" umbrella pictured in this thread. I had a similar one as a little girl.

I've gone through so many.  It doesn't help that Mr O hates them and won't let me take one with me if we're together.  There's this place that I've always wanted to check out, but it's never open when I am in the area:

http://www.james-smith.co.uk/