Monday, July 6, 2009

Parasol Pretty

Umbrellas are a truly chic accessory. I love carrying an umbrella, but not so much the rain that comes with it. Lately I've had my eye on vintage parasols. One of my favorite looks in Sex and the City is when Carrie wears a white vintage dress with a matching lace parasol. And who can forget Mary Poppins and her trusty umbrella? Many brides choose to carry parasols to their weddings, which is nothing short of fanciful and romantic. I think a parasol would be a beautiful way of protecting myself from the sun on a hot afternoon. I would love to start collecting a few colorful and dramatic ones of my own. They would be perfect for an outdoor tea party or a stroll through an English garden. 




Bella Umbrella offers an extensive and beautiful collection of vintage and vintage inspired parasols that are available to rent and purchase. Renting parasols for an event like an outdoor wedding is a very clever idea. Not to mention they create a stunning backdrop. I love the signature bella pagoda parasol, which you can buy, pictured below. You can choose your own color combinations and the handles are interchangeable. 



These parasols to rent are such great eye candy. They're ideal for weddings, photo shoots, hot days, rainy days. They're breathtakingly unique. I'm so drawn to the striped and ombre parasols. They represent charm and whimsy. The handles too are works of art. 













These vintage inspired parasols at Etsy caught my fancy. The details such as the beading, lace, and trim makes these exquisite and lovely. They're a real treat for an umbrella collector. 











(photos courtesy of hbo.com, Rodney Smith, tvland.com)

15 comments:

  1. Have you heard of 'pare' umbrellas? They care them at tabletop here in dc -i did a post about them a year ago here

    http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2008/05/umbrellas.html

    i keep meaning to order one! I just love umbrellas :-) Why do a boring black one when you can do something interesting and pretty?

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  2. I was at my Lilly store recently and they had gorgeous parasols of idfferent sizes hanging upside down from the ceiling and it looked amazing!

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  3. I've never seen so many beautiful umbrellas. I almost want it to rain!

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  4. Stefan- I agree. Only jazzy umbrellas for me. Those 'pare' umbrellas come in many cool designs. Thanks for the rec.

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  5. annechovie- Oh, I'm sure it did look amazing. I haven't been to Lily in forever. Bet they come in fun colors!

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  6. Ingrid- I can't choose either. Pretty overload! Well, come to D.C. sometime. We've had too much rain lately. Thanks for visiting.

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  7. Just lovely, I adore parasols!

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  8. Sam- Oh, it'll rain again soon I'm sure.

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  9. Mary Jo- Thanks. They're so great.

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  10. So pretty and girly! This is one of my favorite posts that I have ever seen :) I have wanted one in a white, one in Tiffany's blue, and one in soft pink. Thanks for providing some great links - I will be sure to check them out...

    Madonna had created her line of rain wear products for children, entitled "English Roses", (from her storybook) which was very cute as well, not as elegant as the parasols, but incredibly cute!

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  11. Sarah- Thanks. : ) I'll be sure to check out Madonna's children's line--I'm intrigued.

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  12. I have a gorgeous red one at home that has the most incredible geometric underpinnings. I should take pictures.

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  13. Ooh! Those are awesome! Spacify offers Outdoor Umbrellas and more at reasonable prices.

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  14. What incredible photos and fashion ideas. I'd love to share with you a new vintage inspired parasol and umbrella website, www.hooplaparasols.com, should you be looking for something else similar!

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