Fulton Women's Kensington 1 Umbrella, Blue (Midnight), One Size

I was very pleased upon opening the parcel today. This review is based on my first impressions of the umbrella, I haven't yet had the chance to test it outside.It seems to be very good quality and sturdy. The rubberised handle looks almost like wood, it's a medium to dark brown, as personal preference I would have preferred it a bit of lighter brown but it is definitely not a deal breaker. It's comfortable to hold and it isn't heavy. The frame is black and not silver and it seems to be so much more sturdier than any other umbrella I have owned, admittedly much cheaper umbrellas. The canopy is made of 100% polyester. To fasten it close you just turn the material around and clip it into place, there are two of these, one to close the brolly and a smaller one further down to keep the little knobs into place. I have opened it and it's quiet big and wide without looking cumbersome, I stood under it with my 4 and 6 year old and we just about fit. By no means it's as portable as a telescopic umbrella but it can be rested on your arm using the crooked handle, if you wish to carry your umbrella in your bag then this is not for you. I did buy this umbrella specifically for the school run as I have been caught a couple of times under heavy rain and struggled to get home so hopefully it will serve me well.I will update the review and comment on its performance once I get the chance to test it outside.UPDATE 15/01/2014:The english weather has soon given me the chance to test this product's performance. It shields from the rain well and can also cope with mildly windy weather although I doubt it would cope with strong winds. I might still buy a compact version too and I would certainly buy another Fulton as the quality is very good.I will comment on its durability in due course.I will list the care instructions on the label below:- Leave umbrella open to dry- Prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause fabric to fade- Clean fabric using plain water only- Use caution in strong winds- Wind damage does not constitute a faulty frameSome extra facts as written on label:- Lightweight and strong fibreglass construction- Soft feel rubberised handle- Sophisticated Italian styling- High performance polyester fabric- Large cover approx 100cm diameter when open

It looks beautiful, but after a few uses I've noticed the "wood coloring" of the handle is chipping off leaving it white.

I absolutely love this umbrella!! I bought it to go with my outfit for a day at the races, it is both stylish and functional and attracted many compliments - I honestly don't think i can say that about any other umbrella I've owned.

Good, solid umbrella, yet not heavy to carry. I've only used it twice since I purchased it but both times, the umbrella withstood the heavy wind. Would recommend but it definitely won't fit in a handbag and will need to be carried by hand.

More silver than grey

Love this umbrella! Great in the worse weather and stands the test of time. I love the handle as well!

great umbrella!!

Very pleased with this umbrella. Lovely colour and large enough to keep me dry even during the heaviest rainstorm.