Where's a good place to buy an umbrella?

[PatTracy]

I don't have one, and Spring is upon us! I'm looking for something compact that wont flip up every time a wee breeze whistles by. So, you know, something a bit nicer than the usual selection at Walgreen's. Also, how much should I expect to pay or a decent umbrella?

Enjoy the sun...for now...

[Crescent]

Sometimes those big luggage/bag stores downtown have great umbrellas like you're talking about.

Or I would even try like TJ Maxx or Marshall's. They have tons.

[bagnall]

i have a beautiful model with a wooden duck head that i purchased from a downtown cvs (retail about $10-$12, i think). the duck has served me well.

but i've seen fancy umbrellas at places like luggage stores, if that's what you're after. there's a fancy luggage store in the nordstrom mall.

[Hendo]

www.sharperimage.com (http://www.sharperimage.com)

they have those umbrellas that are "windproof".

[stonelake]

Since, to me, umbrellas are basically disposable, I tend to go cheap.

I'd love to hang on to one, but the universe wants some things from me and will not accept no for an answer; umbrellas, socks, sunglasses, and cigarette lighters are among its demands.

If I were in the market for a decent umbrella, I'd go to a department store and get a nice cane-handled wind-proof golf umbrella. An umbrella should be carried proudly. You can't properly gesture with a plastic collapsible gadget.

If a compact model fits your lifestyle better, then I still think the mens' section of a department store is your best bet. And get some cufflinks while you're there. And a bowler hat.

[Gina Little]

I had one of those wind resistant umbrellas. It eventually broke on me like the others, but it did last a bit longer (I would say 1 year as opposed to 3 months). The thing I didn't like about it is that it was not as compact as other umbrellas. Now I go with the cheap, compact models that do not last as long but fir nicely in my small backpack.

That didn't answer your question of where to find them (my mom gave me mine as a gift), but I thought I'd pass the info on the wind resistant models.

[Edison]

Any of the places already mentioned should have a good selection. Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Target, CVS. If you want something kinda cool and different, try the luggage stores. Maybe try one of the 'illuminated' umbrellas. They have a little light in the dome for rainy nights.
They also manufacture 'hands-free' umbrellas, that kind of hook over your shoulder.

[Hendo]

They also manufacture 'hands-free' umbrellas, that kind of hook over your shoulder.

Wait... what? This sounds awesome! Can you post a pic?

[speedymarie]

I have a small compact one that had a bag it goes in that clips to my shoulder bag. I haven't lost this one yet (so far so good). I just picked it up at Walgreens.

[Edison]

Wait... what? This sounds awesome! Can you post a pic?

http://images.drleonards.com/items/19962_large.gif

Here's one, but there are variations.
Just Google 'hands free umbrella' and stuff comes up.
These ideas are out there.

[stonelake]

Just Google 'hands free umbrella' and stuff comes up.


Just make sure you keep the word "umbrella" in there.

[PatTracy]

Thanks for your input, dudes. It eventually came down to the fact CVS was closest store to me.

Although the duck-handled umbrella was enticing, the compact umbrella to its right was exactly what I was looking for.

http://a1061.g.akamai.net/7/1061/5412/home/www.walgreens.com/dbimagecache/229560.jpg

Stay dry, ya'll.