Fulton S/S 2011: Stylish Umbrellas for Spring

April showers may just come early this year and after previewing Fulton Umbrella's spring / summer 2011 collection, we can't help but anticipate the rainy days ahead. This family-run, UK brand has built a reputation backed by Her Royal Highness through quality, advanced engineering, and trendy designs that range from "tiny", their compact purse-size umbrella, right up to the Queen's favourite full-sized umbrella, the Birdcage. No matter which umbrella you choose, Fulton ensures you don't have to sacrifice style when it pours!

Richard Igra, President of Fulton Umbrellas Canada, shows off the Funbrella for children. Also available in adult size as the Birdcage.

So what's the secret to Fulton's style quotient? Keeping their eye on what's hot in fashion. Their London designers frequent fashion weeks in Paris and Milan each season to scour the runway for key trends that they then incorporate into their spring and fall collections each year. They also collaborate frequently with celebrity designers to create limited edition styles.

Lipstick and "He Loves Me Not" daisy print compact umbrellas designed by Lulu Guinness for Fulton.

Echoing the runway, their spring / summer 2011 collection features plenty of pattern, romantic accents, and bright colour. Here are the trendy umbrellas we love for hip urban girls who want to stay dry fashionably this spring:

Ruffle trimmed gingham, tribal stripes and playful florals in navy tones that go with everything.

Bright coloured 'brellas, bold stripes and flirty florals that stand out in a sea of black.

The iconic birdcage with spots that brighten the greyest of days.

Conservative black and white prints that still have a touch of whimsy.

Matching sets that remind us of our youth but are still age appropriate.

Fulton Umbrella for women, men and children are available at The Bay, Sears, Harry Rosen, Ogilvy, Simon's, Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques and select independent retailers across Canada with prices ranging from $15 to $80.

Thank you to Tamika Auwai, the Founder of Shop Socials for guest blogging on behalf of HUG.

Shop Socials is the brainchild of Tamika Auwai, a marketing and events specialist with a penchant for shopping, socializing, and all things stylish. After nearly eight years in corporate retail marketing, Tamika could no longer deny her affinity for fashion and decided to use her talents to create an affordable and engaging event marketing solution designed specifically to help indie retailers and emerging Canadian style brands build stronger relationships with the fashion-conscious women of Toronto.