Umbrellas & Parasols!

[Vintage Betty]

texasgirl, your first umbrella is circa 1920-1930 (I'd guess early-mid 30's) and the second umbrella is circa 1950.

Vintage Betty

 

[texasgirl]

Thanks Betty! That means I can use the black one for my reenacting. I thought that was about right- thank you!

 

[LaMedicine]

And black is not perfect for sunny days.

Black actually is BEST for sunny days. It cuts off the most amount of harmful UV rays of all colors. Black is the main color seen in parasols here, and has been for quite a number of years now, since the effectiveness of the color became widely known.

 

[Heather]

I quite like thesehttp://www.greatlookz.com/product/8PALH181/Romantic_Battenburg_Lace_Parasol_Adult_Size_with_Embroidery_in_8_Colors__8PALH181.html and I did find the same ones a little cheaper on ebay. I'm debating on whether or not to order one though. I do have a regular, rain umbrella in black. I'm not sure if it would work as well and I'm also worried about looking nuts vs lady-like. Does that make sense?[huh]

 

[graverobbergirl]

Black lacy parasols always put me in the mind of the whole goth scene, which does sometimes take into account vintage inspiration. Personally, I'd go for one of the softer colors.

But as always, it all depends on what you're wearing...

Heather, I don't think you'd look crazy. They used to be a staple accessory, and if you're going vintage...

 

[Heather]

How long are parasols suppose to be? Is 25-26" sound about right? They're suppose to be shorter than regular umbrella's...like mini-versions? [huh] Sorry for all the questions!

 

[Lotta Little]

I need one of these. I sunburn too easily!

 

[Heather]

Thats why I'm getting one Lotta Little! Plus they just look so dainty and feminine.

 

[Vintage Betty]

How long are parasols suppose to be? Is 25-26" sound about right? They're suppose to be shorter than regular umbrella's...like mini-versions? [huh] Sorry for all the questions!

It really depends on a few things:
1) Time period: Early 1900's had much longer parasols than the 1920's.
2) Type of parasol/umbrella/carriage parasol: Each of these has unique attributes which "identify" them as the type of parasol; one feature being their length. You will never find a carriage parasol with a 30"+ length rod.
3) Usage of parasol (decorative vs sunny day/rainy day. A decorative lacy parasol has different materials and weight than a 1950's sturdy umbrella designed to keep a woman dry in the rain.
4) Materials: If you are going to carry a parasol of ivory or hardwood, it will be much heavier than normal and you probably wouldn't purchase a long version of these materials, plus the added cost would make it prohibitive.

I have parasols from the early 1910's which are very long and reach my hip and children's carriage parasols which are extremely short - probably 12-14". I won't even bring doll parasols into this thread, because that's a whole 'nother discussion.

If you want to pick an average size, the 25" sounds about right to plug in a number as an average.

Vintage Betty

 

[Heather]

Thank you very much for all that information Vintage Betty!

 

[Vintage Betty]

Thank you very much for all that information Vintage Betty!

My pleasure. As mentioned earlier in this thread, I took out all my parasols and umbrellas and took about 150 pictures one day, intending to do a tuturial. Have been too busy....[huh]

 

[Miss 1929]

My pleasure. As mentioned earlier in this thread, I took out all my parasols and umbrellas and took about 150 pictures one day, intending to do a tuturial. Have been too busy....[huh]

fftopic: VINTAGE BETTY YOUR INBOX IS FULL
PLEASE GO READ THE EVENTS THREAD FOR MAY 1ST!!!

 

[AllaboutEve]

Mary I want your duvet cover, where did you get it?! I love it, I love anything with yellow roses on

 

[julia]

What is the best material for blocking the sun? Does nylon work well? I like this parasol, http://pearlriver.com/v2/FramesCat.asp?iGroup=297 do you think it will be effective? I want to end the summer paler than I began it!

 

[Vintage Betty]

Just found this parasol book on the web:

Sticks in Petticoatsarasol Manufacture for the Modern Costumer (Full Color)

Looks very good.

Vintage Betty

 

[Vintage Betty]

What is the best material for blocking the sun? Does nylon work well? I like this parasol, http://pearlriver.com/v2/FramesCat.asp?iGroup=297 do you think it will be effective? I want to end the summer paler than I began it!

Any parasol is much better to block the sun than no parasol at all. Since paper parasols are porous, I wouldn't recommend them as a long-term solution to protect your skin.

While significantly more expensive, you really want a parasol with a UV rating to block out the suns rays. Here is one website:

http://www.carasolparasols.com/

But you can also search UV Parasols and come up with other selections from other manufacturers. If you are wearing UV rated sunglasses or live in a climate with extra-bright sunlight (Australia) you might want a UV rated parasol too.

Cheers-

Vintage Betty

 

[texasgirl]

Just won this on ebay- so excited!

 

[December]

Wow TexasGirl! That's breathtaking!!

 

[Foofoogal]

No Way Unreal to find that in good condition. Fabulous. Thanks for the eye candy. I sold a 1964 Worlds Fair scarf but that parasol is the bomb.
http://www.sandysfancypants.blogspot.com

 

[Lauren]

WOW! That is AWESOME! I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for one like it- my husband digs the 33 fair. Good find!!