CF Fabulous Finds: Marc by Marc Jacobs Umbrella
As college students, we are one of the most targeted age groups out there for advertisers. Everything from furniture to clothing to beauty products is specifically packaged and aimed at us, which would be so much better if most of us weren’t living on such tight budgets!
Therefore, in this bi-weekly column I’ll let you know about some products that I think are really worth spending your money on. I’ll be looking at pieces that I think are essential for college students, great bargain finds, and things that I just love!
To begin, this week I’ll be looking at an important and functional accessory that is often overlooked: the umbrella.
As college students, we are forced to endure rainy weather in order to get around, which makes durable raingear essential. And I would have been significantly less fashionable—and wetter!—braving those rainy days without the help of the trusty Marc by Marc Jacobs umbrella I was lucky enough to discover at the Marc Jacobs Accessory Store last year!
Why I Love It:
While I know a designer umbrella may sound ridiculous to suggest as a budget-friendly buy, I swear it’s not as crazy as it sounds:
First, the umbrella costs under $20, which is a pretty fair price for an umbrella. Most reliable umbrellas retail for around $20 now, so it’s just about what you would pay for any department store umbrella.
Second, you can buy it in a bunch of cute patterns and colors. The one in the picture above—modeled by my lovely roommate—is decorated with adorable hearts, but they also sell them in leopard print, paisley, and many other prints.
Having an umbrella with a fun print is a great way to add excitement to your typical rain boots-and-jeans rainy-day look. It also cheers me up a little to be a bright spot on the street amongst a see of big, bulky black umbrellas!
Third, and most importantly, this umbrella really works! And when I say works, I mean it is the perfect size (just big enough for you and maybe one other person to squeeze under), will not flip inside out (because that is the ultimate problem I have had in the past with other umbrellas), and absolutely will not break no matter how bad the weather gets (it has held its own battling New York City winds!).
In my experience, this umbrella has held up better than any other my friends have had. Besides that, it is also so much cuter than your average umbrella! From the pattern down to the easy-to-grasp plastic handle, it is the perfect addition to any bad-weather outfit.
Rainy days are tough enough, from devising a splash-friendly ensemble to smoothing down your frizzing hair while trying to navigate campus with a floppy hood hanging over your eyes. This umbrella will ensure you look fashionable, put-together, and all around fabulous while you brave the weather throughout your day!
What Do You Think?
Do you have an umbrella that has really worked for you?
What do you think of this Marc Jacobs one as far as style goes?
Is cute rainy day style important to you?
What other accessories do you add to your outfit to battle bad weather?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
And if you have any product ideas you think deserve a spot in “CF Fabulous Finds,” let me know! We may feature yours in the next edition.
Posted on on October 25, 2009 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: Budget, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Product Review, Rainy Day Fashion, Umbrella
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Giselle
I would definitely consider one! The one in the pic is adorable, but I just bought a really cute yellow umbrella with a curved purple handle from Old Navy…like 12 bucks :)
Sam
The umbrella is so cute! I typically buy my umbrellas from the children’s department. They are cute and cheap. I’m not sure I’d pay $20 for an umbrella, considering that I lose them pretty easily. But for more responsible people, this is a really good find.
anubha
cute. but i wont be needing them till july next year. monsoons over!!!
Leia
Your umbrella is GORGEOUS! Do you know if M by MJ umbrellas are available online? I did a quick search but couldn’t find anything. I love my umbrella: it folds up into a tiny pouch so it fits in almost all of my handbags (essential for unpredictable London weather!) It’s bright and flowery, but is a *bit* small and wimpy. My mum just bought me an umbrella with sparkling lights on it that I’m dying to try out! But for me, all practical umbrellas must be foldable, because you may leave the house when the sun is shining brightly, only to be caught in a shower later :)
Luinae
I would actually consider it- doesn’t sound like too much money and it sooooooo adorable.
Isabelle
I love the idea for this column, and the umbrella is definitely a must have – super adorable!
thisizkim
It’s sooo cute, but I would never spend $20 on an umbrella.
Emily
That is a cute umbrella. I agree that they’re a good thing to spend a decent amount of money on. Mine right now is one I bought from the Ozdust Boutique (the store for the musical Wicked), and while it was ridiculously expensive for my price range, it’s both a good size and very sturdy, so I don’t regret it.
Suzi
I have NEVER had any success with umbrellas where I live next to the ocean, whenever it rains it’s always way too windy. But maybe I need to invest a few extra dollars for one like this.
Lena Michelle
where can we purchase it?
are they available online?
M.
Omg yesss there have been so many times ive walked out when it was pouring. lets just say my cute hair and perfectly planned outift was not so cute after 15 min out in the pouring rain. ironically, i had on rainboots. totally defeats the purpose….
so umbrellas are soooo worth the money. esp where i go to college it rains a lots and furiously. cute ones are an esp. good investment. still gotta look good rite?
:)
i love ur website btw! its perfect!
lalalina
This is a fabulous column idea! I love your product suggestion too! I actually have a J.Crew one that I got as a secret santa gift freshmen year. I know J. Crew umbrellas are around $40 (yikes) but I guard that thing with my life and I still have it now, my senior year. I am not saying you need to go out and get an expensive umbrella, but you need a sturdy one. The really cheap ones tend to flip the wrong way in a strong wind. This Marc by Marc Jacobs one sounds fab! I can’t wait to see what’s next for this series!
Kristin
This is such a cute umbrella. I always get crappy ones from CVS that break or get lost. I should really consider investing in a nicer one.
Colleen - NYU
Thanks everyone! I’m so exciting to be starting this column, and I’m glad you seem to like the idea of it.
To answer some of your questions, I am not positive you can find these umbrellas online. I have looked but only found more expensive ones. However, I know you can see the current style he has out on the Marc Jacobs website under “Special Items.”
While my roommate and I found ours at the Marc Jacobs Accessory store in New York, I have heard they also stock them in the “ready to wear” Marc Jacobs stores, so check to see if you have one of them by you (maybe even in a mall or something)!
I will keep investigating and let you know if I can find more places to get them!
Alana @ The Comm Ave Strut
I have a fantastic umbrella that I picked up at the grocery store! Living in Boston (which I think is the real windy city), I’ve already gone through a few destroyed umbrellas. This one seems to last though…and it’s pink!
Dashers
omg this post is soooo helpful!! i love the umbrella+that girls outfit. its not even awkward that its not raining in the pics.
i have the same umbrella and its lasted me for the past year. im usually the worst with umbrellas but i never leave it anywhere bc its so pretty! the marc jacobs accesory store has a ton of cute rain things
love you already colleen!!
Daniella
OMGGG I totally agree with Dashers. I would love if anyone got that for me as a Secret Santa or any gift… it’s a great price!
UGH i’m so jealous that girl was in union square!! wish i lived there
Tiffany
Great post, I never realized the significance of umbrellas until one flipped inside out and I got drenched in rain. I also wanted to point out that there are these really really cool “bubble” umbrellas that are see through but come with a strip of color around the bottom… Those are awesome because you can look up and see the rain and it provides a lot more coverage since it extends further down!
Have you heard anything about the quality of these? I just ordered some but I’m not sure if they are great quality; I just they’ll make the rain a lot more fun :)
Cara
Umbrellas are integral. I have a leopard print beauty that folds up quite small, and I carry it with me in my bookbag or purse always, because it’s wet at least as often as not here. It has a tendency to almost blow out, but the small size and portability is worth it for me. I think it cost about $18, which is not much at all for such functionality.
Maya
This looks to be a very promising series! I love the idea and mostly, that you’re actually giving us practical ideas. That umbrella is a seriously good point- It’s just something you really need to have because you’re in want of it often enough, lol. And I imagine buying a personalized, fashionable one will definitely help with forgetting it when going outdoors, what my greatest problem is! That’s actually real handy. I like the post!
Vancouver Umbrella
Cute patterns. Love the price too :)
clem
Usually, I’d never spend $20 on an umbrella, but on the other hand, thinking about all the ones I’ve gone through… I’m sure I’ve already spent over $20. :/ Who knows? Maybe I’ll be more mindful of it, too, if I have to spend more?