Beautiful bumbershoots

Here comes the rain again.

But you don't have to feel so bad about it. Oh, no.

In fact, it's time to have some fun with an often-overlooked accessory -- not a handbag or a hat -- the humble, lovable umbrella.

Umbrellas, you see, have come a long way, far enough, indeed, to become the ultimate Northwest winter fashion statement.

Forget the basic black retractable automatic-launch 9-inch travel umbrella that you stuff into a floppy soaking wet sack, and open your mind to the age of the arty umbrella.

Think wooden hook handles, leather and jewel accents, carefully trimmed edges and high-style, durable designs for both men and women.

Satoko Kobayashi, owner of Pare Umbrella in Seattle, has been importing chic, colorful umbrellas from Tokyo since 2004 and business has been steady.

Though not every Northwesterner is part of the umbrella set -- certainly, Gore-Tex jackets with oversized hoods are more like it -- umbrellas sell briskly here.

"It's been great," said Kobayashi, who quit an import-export job to open her bumbershoot business. "There's not so many companies that sell umbrellas. I'm doing good."

Kobayashi's umbrella of the moment is called Beehive for My Honey, a sage-green beauty with purple honeycomb trim.

Polka-dots, large and small, are equally hot, Kobayashi said.

Check out Pare Umbrella's Sassy Dots, featuring green, medium-sized dots on a white background. If you're afraid of color, opt for the Pindot, a basic black umbrella covered in tiny white polka dots, accented by a white synthetic leather hook handle.

"It's cute and it goes with lots of things," Kobayashi said. "It doesn't choose the style for your clothes or coat. It's more fun than just solid."

Though many retail stores sell umbrellas seasonally and sporadically, Treasure House in Everett sells them year-round.

In fact, the quiet Colby Avenue gift shop has more than 15 umbrellas opened up for display, featuring all kinds of designs, including a black-and-white Elvis portrayal, classic paintings by Monet and a variety of floral designs that are bright and cheerful but not garish.

One umbrella in the front window features a dragonfly Tiffany lamp pattern of gold, orange, green and red. Not unlike yellow-lens sunglasses, it casts a sunny glow when light passes through it, even on cloudy days.

"They're great gifts," said Rosemary Stallings, who runs the shop. "They're good, substantial umbrellas. They don't fade. They're very strong."

Treasure House also carries matching handbags made of material similar to the umbrellas for a complete, water-resistant ensemble, just the thing to go with your solid-color trench coat.

Umbrellas are key accessories for many workers in downtown Everett, said Connie Tune, store manager at Renee's Contemporary Clothing in Everett, which refers customers to Treasure House for umbrellas.

"Always, we have customers with umbrellas coming in and out of the store. It's part of our culture," Tune said. "It's a Northwest thing. Unless you have a great, big hood you have to have something."

Plus, if you're dressed professionally, it hardly makes sense to don your North Face parka. Why not find an umbrella that expresses your sense of style?

"Umbrellas come in so many different patterns and so many different colors," Tune said. "It can match up with your coat or a whole outfit. You can spiff it up with an animal print or some bright floral."

If you are a traditionalist or if you love the low-profile and versatility of basic black -- but want to have a little fun -- consider the many artsy umbrellas from Tray 6 of Los Angeles, offering professional, stylish black models adorned with subtle designs such as pinwheels, flowers, leaves and birds.

Above all, don't be afraid to be a little bit playful.

"Get a fun umbrella," Tune said. "It will make that rainy day easier."



Reporter Sarah Jackson: 425-339-3037 or sjackson@heraldnet.com