Page 3: Author: Andrew Bates

Finding the ideal Halloween costume isn’t always easy. There are so many possibilities, but how do you decide on just one? And, how do you actually put the outfit together once you have?

The easiest thing to do is start off with a theme and build your costume around that. So, why not umbrellas? To help you look the part this year, we’ve found the most famous umbrella-holding characters in film and literature to bring you the best umbrella costumes for Halloween. Easy to make and ideal if you’re trick or treating with the kids in bad weather, check out these creative Halloween costumes.

Willy Wonka

 

Getting free sweets is a huge part of Halloween, so why not be the world’s most famous fictional confectionary craftsman? Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is one of those films that everyone knows, but few people seem to copy because they think it’ll be too hard. So, you’re sure to get recognised if you dress up as the leading man.

It’s up to you whether you want to go down the Gene Wilder or Johnny Depp route, but we’ll stick with the original. All you need for the clothing part of this umbrella costume is:

• Purple blazer or long jacket.
• Flower or paisley patterned shirt.
• Beige chino pants and matching bow tie.
• Brown top hat.
• Plain brown or black dress shoes.

For the umbrella, get a plain design and use paint to recreate the famous mushroom parasol carried by Willy Wonka in the ‘Land of Candy’ scene. In the film, it’s a yellow background with large lime spots. Children’s umbrellas are a good option, as the prop is quite small in the film, and we suggest painting your design the night before to make sure it dries in time.

Jiminy Cricket

 

Who wouldn’t want help being the voice of conscience on hectic, sugar-loaded Halloweens? Jiminy Cricket is one of Disney’s most loved characters and this creative Halloween costume is a great idea if you’re hosting a kids’ party. For the outfit, simply get:

• Red/orange waistcoat.
• Beige chinos or plain trousers.
• White shirt with turned-up collar.
• Long black blazer or coat.
• Yellow/gold ascot.
• Blue top hat with a gold band (use ribbon if you like).

Jiminy uses a crimson umbrella in the film and wears cream-coloured gloves. If you want to go all out, get some olive face paint for the full Jiminy Cricket effect. Even better if you can get someone to partner up as Pinocchio.

Christopher Robin

 

There’s a chance it might rain on Halloween — which is another reason these umbrella Halloween costume ideas should be a hit. One of the most famous Winnie the Pooh tales is Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day, which is when the woodland gang are hit by a storm and are rescued by Christopher Robin. This creative Halloween costume is simple but effective and kids tend to love it — whether they’re wearing it or you are.

For the Christopher Robin costume, get together:

• Long, bright yellow raincoat and matching rainhat.
• Navy shorts.
• Black wellies.
• Plain yellow polo top or t-shirt to wear underneath your coat.

Christopher Robin uses a black umbrella to save his friends, which is easy to find online. And if you can, turn this upside down and fill it with Winnie the Pooh soft toys to recreate the flood rescue!

Mary Poppins

 

Who can forget when Mary Poppins glides on screen hanging onto her umbrella? Not only is Mary Poppins one of the most popular ‘World Book Day’ characters for pupils and teachers across the UK, but she also makes a practically perfect umbrella costume for Halloween.

Easy to do and guaranteed to get the praise she deserves; start your outfit by getting a black ladies’ umbrella. If you can, customise this using the head of a soft toy parrot to stick on the brolly’s handle to represent the talking bird she has in the film. Then, grab:

• Long, black formal coat.
• Navy maxi skirt.
• White blouse.
• Black tights.
• Black, patent leather shoes with a short block heel.
• Red and orange knitted scarf.
• Carpet bag.
• White gloves.

Mary Poppins’ hat is black with flowers around the rim. If you don’t have one of these around, make one with using a straw boater hat, black spray paint, artificial flowers, and glue. Be sure to pin your hair up to properly replicate the stern-but-sweet nanny look.

Gene Kelly in Singing in the Rain

 

A rundown of umbrella costumes wouldn’t be complete without a nod to 1952 musical, Singing in the Rain. If you’re looking for a creative Halloween costume, there’s plenty you can do with this one. In the iconic scene where Gene dances in puddles, he uses a dark-coloured man’s umbrella with a wooden handle. For the outfit, it’s even simpler:

• Short grey belted coat.
• Grey dress trousers.
• Light blue shirt.
• Black tie.
• Plain formal shoes.

Slick back your hair and put on a trilby hat to finish the outfit.

Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady

 

If you’re headed to an adult party and want a creative Halloween costume that makes you look elegant and sophisticated, what better than the outfit Eliza Doolittle wore for the Ascot races in the 1964 classic? In fact, this iconic dress, worn by Audrey Hepburn, sold at auction for £2.9 million in 2011!

For the outfit, you’ll need a long, high-collar, figure-hugging, white-lace dress that trails along the ground after you topped off with a huge feathered hat. Although this might take more time than the other umbrella costumes, it’ll be worth the effort and you’ll feel like a star carrying the stunning white, frilled parasol made famous in the film.

Umbrellas are an every-day, handy prop for creating a stand-out Halloween costume. Browse the range of umbrella styles and designers we have here to help you make your outfit in time for the big night.

The trends that feature on the London Fashion Week catwalks are normally a clear indicator of the styles we’ll be wearing a few months down the line. As the fashion shows draw to a close, what have we learned from London Fashion Week 2017? Here, we outline the trends that we predict will go from the catwalk straight into your wardrobe, and how you can incorporate them through your accessories:

Pink

Many catwalk models looked pretty in pink, featuring heavily in catwalk shows by Preen, Emporio Armani and JW Anderson. While brighter shades did make an appearance, pastel pink dominated, featuring on everything from shoes to dresses.

How do you wear it? Unlike some catwalk trends, this colour is very wearable. For a fashion-forward look, choose a pale pink dress, top or skirt. To incorporate the shade more subtly into your look, use it as an accent colour through your accessories, such as a handbag or umbrella. Our Kensington pale pink umbrella is a great choice, with its ruche and bow detailing adding a sophisticated touch.

Transparency

Sheer fabrics and clear plastics were worn by models for many fashion houses, including Burberry and Emporio Armani. While models weren’t afraid to flash the flesh, you’ll need to layer up this trend to make it wearable on a day-to-day basis.

How do you wear it? Choose dresses and tops with tulle detailing or sheer panels. Don’t be afraid to layer a simple vest top or dress underneath for additional coverage. To channel the clear plastic trend, keep it simple with a clear umbrella. For a more daring look, experiment with clear or frosted plastic rain coats.

Ruffles

Ruffles were another popular London Fashion Week trend. Naturally, catwalk styles were a lot more dramatic than the versions you can expect to see on the high street — Simone Rocha’s designs featured some of the largest ruffles we’ve ever seen.

How do you wear it? When ruffles hit the high street, we can expect to see them toned down a lot—think delicate detailing on dresses, jumpers, tops and skirts. Ruffles are likely to make an appearance on our accessories too, including clutch bags and shoes.

As the excitement of London Fashion Week comes to an end, we can expect to see the above trends — amongst others — making their emergence onto the high street. Stay a step ahead and incorporate these styles into your wardrobe now.

Shop Fulton Umbrella’s collection of designer umbrellas and add a piece of LFW style to your outfit.

September has arrived. While some of us are mourning the loss of the summer, many are celebrating the shopping opportunities that the new season brings!

Autumn winter 2017 calls for a wardrobe refresh, but what new season essentials should we invest in? Here, we provide an overview of the key pieces that will see you through the cold snap, whatever the weather throws at you!

Umbrella

We all know how unpredictable the British weather can be, so don’t leave home without an umbrella. It’s always worth spending a little more on an umbrella you can depend on — you don’t want to be caught out mid-downpour with a broken umbrella.

Our golf umbrellas are ideal when the wind is against you too. Our Cyclone umbrella, for example, has been wind tunnel tested to 78mph. For the fashion forward, our new collection includes all of the latest trends, from dark florals to rich checks. Who said an umbrella can’t be a fashion accessory?

 

Scarf

During autumn, temperatures remain quite mild, so you don’t want to be reaching for your thick woolly scarf just yet. Instead, choose a lightweight check scarf in an autumnal shade — think red, navy and green. Perfect for men and women, you can wear the scarf loosely around your neck with an open coat or jacket for effortless early season style.

Coat

For men and women, there’s only one coat that will help them transition from summer to autumn: the classic trench coat. They’re thin enough to keep you cool in milder weather but still offer enough protection from those pesky showers.

The trench coat is super versatile; perfect when worn over your suit or smart dress for work or with a relaxed check shirt and jeans for those off-duty days.

When winter finally arrives, it’s time to swap the trench coat for a super-cosy down jacket. These padded jackets are well-insulated, providing exceptional warmth in even the coldest conditions.

Knitwear

We ditched it in the summer, but knitwear comes back with a vengeance in autumn winter. Choose finer knits for early autumn, before digging out those chunky winter cable-knits in time for the colder weather.

Don’t shy away from patterns, especially near to Christmas time. Fair Isle jumpers are cute and cosy, helping you to get into the festive spirit.

A new season means new style — but just what should we be wearing in autumn winter 2017? In this blog post, Fulton Umbrellas outlines the key colours, prints and styles that are poised to be huge this season.

Raw nature

AW17 is all about natural prints and textures. Complement autumnal hues like rich reds and deep browns with a statement print—we’re taking everything from bold leopard and snake prints to floral and leafy patterns. Textures are important too — think natural materials like tweed and wool.

How to wear it: Because raw nature is such a bold trend, choose one standout statement piece like a skirt, coat or umbrella and keep other aspects of your outfit muted. Alternatively, introduce prints subtly through your accessories — an umbrella or handbag is the perfect place to start. If you’re not ready to embrace animal prints, go for a chunky woollen coat or jumper.

Mystical grunge

We’ve seen the revival of grunge in recent seasons and AW17 is set to be no different. With a colour palette of grey-greens, dark blues and rich purples, look out for dark and dramatic prints with Victorian and Gothic influences. Of course, darker floral prints, metallic tones and galaxy patterns remain staples of this grungy trend.

How to wear it: Don’t leave more dramatic prints just for the night. Incorporate them to your daytime wardrobe, whether it’s through a scarf or a dress that can be worn with chunky tights, boots and a cardigan.

Modern nostalgia

If you’re already a fan of quirky, vintage-inspired styles, you’ll love the modern nostalgia trend that is set to be huge this season. Combining patterns of the past — like tweed, herringbone, dogtooth and chintzy florals — with the shapes of the present day, this trend combines the best of both worlds for one effortlessly stylish trend.

How to wear it: Vintage patterns can be incorporated into almost any outfit. Go bold with a dogtooth coat or introduce vintage inspiration subtly through accessories.

Expressive innocence

Playful prints will be huge in AW17. With a focus on sustainable fashion, look for fun prints and textures, such as spots, doodles and brushstrokes. Prints should be composed from darker colours like navy, grey and green, with brighter accent colours.

How to wear it: This trend is perhaps the most wearable of all of AW17’s trends. Whether you’re going to work or out with friends, this print can be effortlessly incorporated into your wardrobe through dresses, blouses and more.

Find the latest umbrellas for the new season in Fulton Umbrellas’ collection of ladies umbrellas.

Nobody likes the wind — it covers our gardens with leaves, makes keeping our hair in-place almost impossible and is just generally a nuisance! But where in Britain is the windiest? Fulton Umbrellas, creators of windproof umbrellas, explores…

The windiest place in Britain

If you’re not a fan of the wind (or flying a kite for that matter), you might want to stay clear of these places — they’re amongst the windiest in the UK.

It’s unsurprising that some of the UK’s highest wind speeds have been recorded in mountainous locations. The highest wind speed was recorded in 1986 at Cairngorm Summit in the Scottish Highlands, when wind whipped up to 150.3 knots!

Aside from one-off gusts, where is the windiest place in the UK? Using data from 1981 to 2010, the Met Office places the Shetlands as the windiest location in Britain, with an average wind speed of 14.7 knots. This is followed by Buteshire (14.5 knots) and Orkney (14.3 knots).

When you consider that the average wind speed in UK cities is 8.1 knots, the above regions are certainly windy!

The least windiest place in Britain

Now we know where to avoid, where should wind-haters visit instead? Of all of the cities in the UK, St Alban’s receives the least wind, averaging at just 5 knots. Following in second is Hereford with 5.3 knots and Durham at 6 knots.

The windiest time of year

As you would expect, winter is the windiest time of year in the UK. This is because our weather system’s jet stream is further back, meaning the UK is more vulnerable to storms from the Atlantic. Typically, January is the windiest month in a year.

In 2015, Britain experienced its windiest year since 1995, with no ‘calm’ days in a three-month period. Calm days are days where gusts of 11mph or less are recorded by a minimum of 20 weather stations.

Dressing for wind

• Avoid floaty clothing — tight-fitting dresses are a better choice than floaty styles, as there is less chance of them blowing up.
• Wear a scarf — tuck your face into a cosy scarf for additional protection from the wind.
• Tie your hair up — keep the tangles at bay and tie your hair up when heading out into the wind. You’ll thank us when it comes to brushing your hair later!
• Invest in a sturdy umbrella — a windproof umbrella is a great investment for when the elements are against you, avoiding any embarrassing umbrella mishaps!

The 146^th Open takes place between 16^th and 23^rd July 2017 at the Royal Birkdale links. Located on the North West coast, this challenging course is sure to test the abilities of even the most skilled golfers.

Since 1860, The Open has been essential viewing for all avid golfers. If you’re lucky enough to be attending the event this year, take a look at our advice below to find out what to wear and bring with you to make the most of your day:

Clothing

Unlike other events like Royal Ascot, The Open doesn’t have a dress code in place as such. However, given the nature of the sport itself — where players will dress smartly and appropriately — attendees will usually adopt a smart-casual dress code.

A classic golf shirt tucked into a pair of tailored chinos is a great choice for men. Loose-fitting sundresses or lightweight blouses and trousers work well for women. Avoid patterns and stick to neutral colours for a timeless look. Of course, if the weather is fine, you can easily swap your trousers for a pair of tailored shorts — and pack a waterproof jacket should the heavens open!

The essentials

The right clothing is essential — but preparing for The Open doesn’t end there. Here are the essentials you’ll need to take with you. Naturally, you won’t want to carry a huge, heavy backpack around with you all day, but the following items are all must-haves:

Umbrella

Of course, the British weather is unpredictable, so pack an umbrella to stay dry as you explore. Don’t forget about that North West wind the course is exposed to — invest in a windproof umbrella for extra sturdiness.

Sunscreen

On the flip side, you never know when the sun will make an appearance! Sunscreen is a must, even on days when it’s slightly cloudy. Apply it before you go and keep a travel-size bottle in your bag to top up your protection.

Sunglasses

If the sun is in your eyes, you risk missing some of the action on the course. Take some sunglasses with you to keep your attention on the play.

Hat

Rain or shine, a hat will come in handy at The Open!

Headphones

The Open has created a downloadable app, which is available on all popular app stores. Spectators will be able to access live video and radio broadcasts, so organisers are advising guests to bring their headphones to take advantage of the streams.

Fulton Umbrellas is a classic British brand. With a dedication to quality and durability, we’re now the UK’s largest supplier of umbrellas and rainwear and have even received the royal seal of approval.

A large part of our success lies in our craft. Over the past 60 years, we’ve been refining our production processes, becoming masters of our craft and giving you the finest choice of umbrellas. So how do we do it? In this blog post, we give you a sneak peek into how each of our umbrellas is created.

Inspiration

To some people, an umbrella is an umbrella. To us, an umbrella is a means of expression — a style statement, if you will. Our designers travel across the world looking for inspiration for new prints (usually around 60 new designs a year).

Craftsmanship

The finest quality rests upon premium components and thorough manufacturing methods. Our umbrellas are handmade by skilled craftsmen and, since Fulton Umbrellas was established in 1956, we’ve developed our own manufacturing method, centred on quality and consistency.

 

We analyse every component to ensure the best materials are used and most suitable designs are chosen in order to create a superior end product. We’d love to explain more about our production process but it’s top secret!

Quality Control

Each of our umbrellas undergoes a strict quality control process, designed to test its strength and durability. This ensures each umbrella we create meets Fulton Umbrella’s high standards.

Now you know how they’re created, shop our collection of men’s, women’s and children’s umbrellas.

It’s official: festival season is in full swing! Whether you’re chilling out at a local festival or heading to some of the big players like Glastonbury or V, packing is essential. If you like to leave things to the last minute, don’t fear! Fulton Umbrellas has created this handy festival checklist; pack your backpack full of these and we guarantee you’ll be set whatever the weather!

• Dry shampoo — you might be in the middle of a field, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have great hair!
• Sunhat — the British weather is interchangeable, so pack a hat for when the sun’s out to avoid sunstroke.
• Umbrellas — rain is synonymous with festivals. Don’t forget your brolly — check out our designer range for one that will stand out from the crowd.
• Wellies — an obvious one, but essential none the less!
• Waterproof jacket — keep dry and pack a waterproof jacket for when the heaven’s open.
• Reusable water bottle — festivals usually provide water stations, so you can dodge those high prices and fill up for free.
• Torch — finding your way back to the tent can be difficult; a torch will help.
• Tent & sleeping equipment—pop-up tents are great for taking the hassle out of pitching. You’ll also need an airbed or roll mat, sleeping bag and pillows.
• Sun lotion — make protecting your skin a priority and pack an SPF.
• ID — festivals are tough on under-age drinking, so prove your old enough and take along your ID.
• Toilet roll—don’t rely on those portable toilets
• Wet wipes — perfect for freshening up after a day of dancing.
• Phone charger — how else are you going to share all those photos if your battery dies? Most festivals provide charging points.
• Towel — if the heavens open during the last act of the day, a towel will help you dry off before bed.
• Camping chairs — more comfortable than grass, pack some if you’re camping at a festival.
• Earplugs — noisy neighbours be gone!
• Sunglasses — a festival must-have that makes it easier for you to catch all of the on-stage action.
• Bin bags — throw a couple of bin bags in your backpack to collect your rubbish during and after your festival fun.

With the essentials in place, you’re all set for having the time of your life, whatever festival you attend!

We can’t all be kings and queens, yet that doesn’t mean we can’t live like royalty. Royal Warrants are essentially a stamp of approval, giving a business’ products a huge thumbs up direct from the royal family.

As Royal Warrant holders ourselves, we take a look at the history of this prestigious recognition, showing how it has grown into a clear mark of distinction.

The beginning

While the Royal Warrant Holders Association wasn’t established until 1840, businesses have been providing the royal family with products and services as far back as we can remember. For example, in 1155, King Henry II awarded a Royal Charter to the Weavers’ Company following the provision of clothes and castle hangings. Likewise, in 1476, William Caxton became the King’s Printer.

This royal recognition was proudly displayed across businesses, and ever since has become a much sought-after achievement for brands across the nation. So what does it take?

The qualifying criteria

To qualify for a Royal Warrant, businesses must provide goods or services to the royal family on a regular basis. The regulations state that to apply, businesses must supply their products for a minimum of five years out of seven, including the year prior to their application.

Companies will also need to have evidence of an appropriate environmental and sustainability policy in place.

Royal Warrants today

There are approximately 800 Royal Warrants in Britain, although this figure fluctuates on a monthly basis. Some of Britain’s best-loved brands feature, including Barbour, Twinings and of course, Fulton Umbrellas.

We hold our long-standing Royal Warrant to Her Majesty The Queen, and previously Her Majesty The Queen Mother. Through our commitment to quality, craftsmanship and innovation, we aim to continue this in the years to come.

Discover our incredible range of women’s, men’s and children’s umbrellas online today.

There’s nothing quite like the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the world’s favourite flower show that showcases the finest in garden design. A firm favourite with gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts, the event takes place between Tuesday 23^rd May and Saturday 27^th May 2017.

Of course, an event that showcases fabulous flowers needs the right weather — rain simply won’t cut it. While we’re all praying that the sun will shine, what has the weather been like in previous years?

RHS Chelsea Flower Show weather

With the exception of the two World Wars, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been held every year since 1913. Visitors have witnessed almost every weather condition — here are the years that stick in our minds:

In 1932, severe rain hit the show, causing the complete destruction of a summer house, while other years received so much rain the event was nicknamed ‘The Chelsea Shower Flow’. However, it’s not just the weather at the event that we need to worry about — yes, we’d prefer sunshine but we can easily take shelter from the downpours with an umbrella.

The real concern lies in stunted plant growth ahead of the show as a result of adverse weather conditions. This has been a reality in previous years — for example, in 2012, gardeners experienced a cold winter, a hot and dry March followed by a wet April prior to the show. These difficult conditions meant that exhibitors had to rely on other means, such as heated greenhouses. A crew was even assembled to pump surface water out of the exhibition space.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show dress code

Time will tell what the weather will be like for visitors to this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show; however, as the event’s past shows us, anything is possible! If you are lucky enough to attend, you’ll need to dress appropriately.

While there isn’t a strict dress code for the event, there are some unwritten guidelines that you should follow. As one of the most prestigious flower shows in the world, it’s nice to look the part.

Go for a smart-casual look — for gents, casual chinos and a shirt are more than suitable, while ladies can follow suit with a tailored dress. In terms of footwear, keep it practical — you’ll do a lot of walking as you explore all the show has to offer. Avoid taking cumbersome backpacks with you, as you don’t want to damage the displays in one swift movement!

If you’re heading to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year, order your umbrellas in advance—take a look at the range of ladies and men’s umbrellas at Fulton Umbrellas.