“The March wind doth blow” and “April showers bring May flowers,” are old sayings that still hold true every Spring. Yes, wind and rain are surely in the forecast for Spring. But you can make a fashion statement and radiate style, with two “investment” pieces that you will be glad to own for years to come.
After buying one too many umbrellas from a street vendor in in a discount store, you may have forgotten that a good umbrella is actually an excellent investment.
Recently, I re-discovered Knirps, a brand of umbrella that my discerning and fashionable mother insisted was the only umbrella to own. The Knirps X1 compact (srp. $49.00) is just 6.5″ long, but this ultra light and ”pocket friendly” sized umbrella expands to a generous 37″ diameter when open — and it’s only 8 ounces! It features an innovative design that is windproof and flip-resistant and has a rust proof high-tech fiberglass frame. In fact, just like luxury cars, Knirps umbrellas are wind-tunnel tested to 88 km/hr. When a stiff breeze blows by, your umbrella won’t crumple and leave you wet and looking to replace it at the next available stop.
The umbrella folds into a small fabric sleeve, and can also be nestled into a matching clamshell case with a gross-grain handle that can be opened and hooked onto a suitcase or tote. It is smaller than a shoe so it’s perfect for travel. It is a bit heavier than a super-lightweight, but it really covers you, and it’s much more durable (with a 9-rib design for stability). The Teflon Coated Micro-fiber canopy even offers a 75% UV protection (great for the beach) and the umbrella dries fast once you’re at your destination. The manual mechanism to open and close the umbrella is smooth and won’t stick when you need to open it quickly (how many times have you grappled with a cheap umbrella that simply won’t rise to the occasion?). A soft grip handle makes holding the umbrella, even against the wind, a lot more pleasant.
If you long for a more traditional and larger umbrella format, take a look at Knirps Model: Essential Large Automatic Umbrella with auto open-close and full-sized canopy in the “Shopper Girl” design. This has got to brighten your day, even if rain has made the atmosphere, dark and gloomy. It weighs 13.5 oz., is 11.5″ closed, with a canopy diameter of 39″ and it’s $39.00. A good investment to keep you dry and protected, and happy, too!
Isadora Duncan met her end after being strangled by her own scarf, but a long, beautifully tinted silk chiffon scarf chases the chill, makes a fashion statement, and can be stylishly wrapped around your head to keep the winds from ruining your hairstyle. It is a must-have fashion accessory, especially this Spring. For example, an investment in style is definitely the Neon Scarf by Miguelina (srp. $105.00).
Stunning , Dominican born, Miguelina Gambaccini, the founder and designer of the luxury lifestyle brand, Miguelina, was inspired from her jet set travels to international locales.It was a creative experiment of dying cheese cloth that launched her career and now, for the past 15 years, the Miguelina brand has been synonymous with luxury resort and beachwear. From colorful flowing dresses to silk caftans, “effortlessly chic” describes the women who adore Miguelina. Consider the three neon scarves above and just think of the possibilities!
Bright colors are a must-have for Spring 2012, but not everyone wants to be wrapped in neon head to toe. One of these silky, soft, long, luxe scarves can be worn as “jewelry” around your neckline, to give you a trendy, pop! of color that looks chic, not cheesy. If you are someone who travels, these scarves really are wardrobe expanders. They can be worn around your neck or head in the chill of Spring. If it’s a blustery day, these bright scarves will help you look more “la dolce vita” than simply drenched and wind-blown. This is a high quality silk chiffon that drapes beautifully and feels luxurious against your skin. It’s just a treat to wear. Twist two together, or wrap them around your waist as a belt–it’s just the perfect, must-have for Spring. Stuff one into your weekend bag and change that little black day dress into a statement dress for dinner. Wear it coyly wrapped around your bikini as a mini cover-up. If you can afford several, you’ll have a week’s worth of wardrobe-changers that fold flat in the space of a handkerchief!
Miguelina can be found in over 250 stores worldwide including luxury department stores and high-end boutiques such as Bergdorf Goodman and Harvey Nichols. Miguelina’s web site is: www.miguelina.com
