A new season means new style — but just what should we be wearing in autumn winter 2017? In this blog post, Fulton Umbrellas outlines the key colours, prints and styles that are poised to be huge this season.

Raw nature

AW17 is all about natural prints and textures. Complement autumnal hues like rich reds and deep browns with a statement print—we’re taking everything from bold leopard and snake prints to floral and leafy patterns. Textures are important too — think natural materials like tweed and wool.

How to wear it: Because raw nature is such a bold trend, choose one standout statement piece like a skirt, coat or umbrella and keep other aspects of your outfit muted. Alternatively, introduce prints subtly through your accessories — an umbrella or handbag is the perfect place to start. If you’re not ready to embrace animal prints, go for a chunky woollen coat or jumper.

Mystical grunge

We’ve seen the revival of grunge in recent seasons and AW17 is set to be no different. With a colour palette of grey-greens, dark blues and rich purples, look out for dark and dramatic prints with Victorian and Gothic influences. Of course, darker floral prints, metallic tones and galaxy patterns remain staples of this grungy trend.

How to wear it: Don’t leave more dramatic prints just for the night. Incorporate them to your daytime wardrobe, whether it’s through a scarf or a dress that can be worn with chunky tights, boots and a cardigan.

Modern nostalgia

If you’re already a fan of quirky, vintage-inspired styles, you’ll love the modern nostalgia trend that is set to be huge this season. Combining patterns of the past — like tweed, herringbone, dogtooth and chintzy florals — with the shapes of the present day, this trend combines the best of both worlds for one effortlessly stylish trend.

How to wear it: Vintage patterns can be incorporated into almost any outfit. Go bold with a dogtooth coat or introduce vintage inspiration subtly through accessories.

Expressive innocence

Playful prints will be huge in AW17. With a focus on sustainable fashion, look for fun prints and textures, such as spots, doodles and brushstrokes. Prints should be composed from darker colours like navy, grey and green, with brighter accent colours.

How to wear it: This trend is perhaps the most wearable of all of AW17’s trends. Whether you’re going to work or out with friends, this print can be effortlessly incorporated into your wardrobe through dresses, blouses and more.

Find the latest umbrellas for the new season in Fulton Umbrellas’ collection of ladies umbrellas.

Nobody likes the wind — it covers our gardens with leaves, makes keeping our hair in-place almost impossible and is just generally a nuisance! But where in Britain is the windiest? Fulton Umbrellas, creators of windproof umbrellas, explores…

The windiest place in Britain

If you’re not a fan of the wind (or flying a kite for that matter), you might want to stay clear of these places — they’re amongst the windiest in the UK.

It’s unsurprising that some of the UK’s highest wind speeds have been recorded in mountainous locations. The highest wind speed was recorded in 1986 at Cairngorm Summit in the Scottish Highlands, when wind whipped up to 150.3 knots!

Aside from one-off gusts, where is the windiest place in the UK? Using data from 1981 to 2010, the Met Office places the Shetlands as the windiest location in Britain, with an average wind speed of 14.7 knots. This is followed by Buteshire (14.5 knots) and Orkney (14.3 knots).

When you consider that the average wind speed in UK cities is 8.1 knots, the above regions are certainly windy!

The least windiest place in Britain

Now we know where to avoid, where should wind-haters visit instead? Of all of the cities in the UK, St Alban’s receives the least wind, averaging at just 5 knots. Following in second is Hereford with 5.3 knots and Durham at 6 knots.

The windiest time of year

As you would expect, winter is the windiest time of year in the UK. This is because our weather system’s jet stream is further back, meaning the UK is more vulnerable to storms from the Atlantic. Typically, January is the windiest month in a year.

In 2015, Britain experienced its windiest year since 1995, with no ‘calm’ days in a three-month period. Calm days are days where gusts of 11mph or less are recorded by a minimum of 20 weather stations.

Dressing for wind

• Avoid floaty clothing — tight-fitting dresses are a better choice than floaty styles, as there is less chance of them blowing up.
• Wear a scarf — tuck your face into a cosy scarf for additional protection from the wind.
• Tie your hair up — keep the tangles at bay and tie your hair up when heading out into the wind. You’ll thank us when it comes to brushing your hair later!
• Invest in a sturdy umbrella — a windproof umbrella is a great investment for when the elements are against you, avoiding any embarrassing umbrella mishaps!

The 146^th Open takes place between 16^th and 23^rd July 2017 at the Royal Birkdale links. Located on the North West coast, this challenging course is sure to test the abilities of even the most skilled golfers.

Since 1860, The Open has been essential viewing for all avid golfers. If you’re lucky enough to be attending the event this year, take a look at our advice below to find out what to wear and bring with you to make the most of your day:

Clothing

Unlike other events like Royal Ascot, The Open doesn’t have a dress code in place as such. However, given the nature of the sport itself — where players will dress smartly and appropriately — attendees will usually adopt a smart-casual dress code.

A classic golf shirt tucked into a pair of tailored chinos is a great choice for men. Loose-fitting sundresses or lightweight blouses and trousers work well for women. Avoid patterns and stick to neutral colours for a timeless look. Of course, if the weather is fine, you can easily swap your trousers for a pair of tailored shorts — and pack a waterproof jacket should the heavens open!

The essentials

The right clothing is essential — but preparing for The Open doesn’t end there. Here are the essentials you’ll need to take with you. Naturally, you won’t want to carry a huge, heavy backpack around with you all day, but the following items are all must-haves:

Umbrella

Of course, the British weather is unpredictable, so pack an umbrella to stay dry as you explore. Don’t forget about that North West wind the course is exposed to — invest in a windproof umbrella for extra sturdiness.

Sunscreen

On the flip side, you never know when the sun will make an appearance! Sunscreen is a must, even on days when it’s slightly cloudy. Apply it before you go and keep a travel-size bottle in your bag to top up your protection.

Sunglasses

If the sun is in your eyes, you risk missing some of the action on the course. Take some sunglasses with you to keep your attention on the play.

Hat

Rain or shine, a hat will come in handy at The Open!

Headphones

The Open has created a downloadable app, which is available on all popular app stores. Spectators will be able to access live video and radio broadcasts, so organisers are advising guests to bring their headphones to take advantage of the streams.

Fulton Umbrellas is a classic British brand. With a dedication to quality and durability, we’re now the UK’s largest supplier of umbrellas and rainwear and have even received the royal seal of approval.

A large part of our success lies in our craft. Over the past 60 years, we’ve been refining our production processes, becoming masters of our craft and giving you the finest choice of umbrellas. So how do we do it? In this blog post, we give you a sneak peek into how each of our umbrellas is created.

Inspiration

To some people, an umbrella is an umbrella. To us, an umbrella is a means of expression — a style statement, if you will. Our designers travel across the world looking for inspiration for new prints (usually around 60 new designs a year).

Craftsmanship

The finest quality rests upon premium components and thorough manufacturing methods. Our umbrellas are handmade by skilled craftsmen and, since Fulton Umbrellas was established in 1956, we’ve developed our own manufacturing method, centred on quality and consistency.

 

We analyse every component to ensure the best materials are used and most suitable designs are chosen in order to create a superior end product. We’d love to explain more about our production process but it’s top secret!

Quality Control

Each of our umbrellas undergoes a strict quality control process, designed to test its strength and durability. This ensures each umbrella we create meets Fulton Umbrella’s high standards.

Now you know how they’re created, shop our collection of men’s, women’s and children’s umbrellas.

It’s official: festival season is in full swing! Whether you’re chilling out at a local festival or heading to some of the big players like Glastonbury or V, packing is essential. If you like to leave things to the last minute, don’t fear! Fulton Umbrellas has created this handy festival checklist; pack your backpack full of these and we guarantee you’ll be set whatever the weather!

• Dry shampoo — you might be in the middle of a field, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have great hair!
• Sunhat — the British weather is interchangeable, so pack a hat for when the sun’s out to avoid sunstroke.
• Umbrellas — rain is synonymous with festivals. Don’t forget your brolly — check out our designer range for one that will stand out from the crowd.
• Wellies — an obvious one, but essential none the less!
• Waterproof jacket — keep dry and pack a waterproof jacket for when the heaven’s open.
• Reusable water bottle — festivals usually provide water stations, so you can dodge those high prices and fill up for free.
• Torch — finding your way back to the tent can be difficult; a torch will help.
• Tent & sleeping equipment—pop-up tents are great for taking the hassle out of pitching. You’ll also need an airbed or roll mat, sleeping bag and pillows.
• Sun lotion — make protecting your skin a priority and pack an SPF.
• ID — festivals are tough on under-age drinking, so prove your old enough and take along your ID.
• Toilet roll—don’t rely on those portable toilets
• Wet wipes — perfect for freshening up after a day of dancing.
• Phone charger — how else are you going to share all those photos if your battery dies? Most festivals provide charging points.
• Towel — if the heavens open during the last act of the day, a towel will help you dry off before bed.
• Camping chairs — more comfortable than grass, pack some if you’re camping at a festival.
• Earplugs — noisy neighbours be gone!
• Sunglasses — a festival must-have that makes it easier for you to catch all of the on-stage action.
• Bin bags — throw a couple of bin bags in your backpack to collect your rubbish during and after your festival fun.

With the essentials in place, you’re all set for having the time of your life, whatever festival you attend!

We can’t all be kings and queens, yet that doesn’t mean we can’t live like royalty. Royal Warrants are essentially a stamp of approval, giving a business’ products a huge thumbs up direct from the royal family.

As Royal Warrant holders ourselves, we take a look at the history of this prestigious recognition, showing how it has grown into a clear mark of distinction.

The beginning

While the Royal Warrant Holders Association wasn’t established until 1840, businesses have been providing the royal family with products and services as far back as we can remember. For example, in 1155, King Henry II awarded a Royal Charter to the Weavers’ Company following the provision of clothes and castle hangings. Likewise, in 1476, William Caxton became the King’s Printer.

This royal recognition was proudly displayed across businesses, and ever since has become a much sought-after achievement for brands across the nation. So what does it take?

The qualifying criteria

To qualify for a Royal Warrant, businesses must provide goods or services to the royal family on a regular basis. The regulations state that to apply, businesses must supply their products for a minimum of five years out of seven, including the year prior to their application.

Companies will also need to have evidence of an appropriate environmental and sustainability policy in place.

Royal Warrants today

There are approximately 800 Royal Warrants in Britain, although this figure fluctuates on a monthly basis. Some of Britain’s best-loved brands feature, including Barbour, Twinings and of course, Fulton Umbrellas.

We hold our long-standing Royal Warrant to Her Majesty The Queen, and previously Her Majesty The Queen Mother. Through our commitment to quality, craftsmanship and innovation, we aim to continue this in the years to come.

Discover our incredible range of women’s, men’s and children’s umbrellas online today.

There’s nothing quite like the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the world’s favourite flower show that showcases the finest in garden design. A firm favourite with gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts, the event takes place between Tuesday 23^rd May and Saturday 27^th May 2017.

Of course, an event that showcases fabulous flowers needs the right weather — rain simply won’t cut it. While we’re all praying that the sun will shine, what has the weather been like in previous years?

RHS Chelsea Flower Show weather

With the exception of the two World Wars, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been held every year since 1913. Visitors have witnessed almost every weather condition — here are the years that stick in our minds:

In 1932, severe rain hit the show, causing the complete destruction of a summer house, while other years received so much rain the event was nicknamed ‘The Chelsea Shower Flow’. However, it’s not just the weather at the event that we need to worry about — yes, we’d prefer sunshine but we can easily take shelter from the downpours with an umbrella.

The real concern lies in stunted plant growth ahead of the show as a result of adverse weather conditions. This has been a reality in previous years — for example, in 2012, gardeners experienced a cold winter, a hot and dry March followed by a wet April prior to the show. These difficult conditions meant that exhibitors had to rely on other means, such as heated greenhouses. A crew was even assembled to pump surface water out of the exhibition space.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show dress code

Time will tell what the weather will be like for visitors to this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show; however, as the event’s past shows us, anything is possible! If you are lucky enough to attend, you’ll need to dress appropriately.

While there isn’t a strict dress code for the event, there are some unwritten guidelines that you should follow. As one of the most prestigious flower shows in the world, it’s nice to look the part.

Go for a smart-casual look — for gents, casual chinos and a shirt are more than suitable, while ladies can follow suit with a tailored dress. In terms of footwear, keep it practical — you’ll do a lot of walking as you explore all the show has to offer. Avoid taking cumbersome backpacks with you, as you don’t want to damage the displays in one swift movement!

If you’re heading to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year, order your umbrellas in advance—take a look at the range of ladies and men’s umbrellas at Fulton Umbrellas.

Thought you were stylish? Think again! A new wave of fashionistas has emerged in recent years: the mini me! Following in the footsteps of their fashion-forward parents, these little ones are paving the way and putting us grown-ups to shame.

When it comes to child style icons, Prince George and Princess Charlotte obviously make the cut with their traditional yet super-cute dress. And, while it’s rare to see Kate and William dressing like their little ones, there are some A-list mums and dads who aren’t afraid to wear the same clothes as their children.

Two high-profile mini-me’s spring to mind: daughter of Beyoncé and Jay Z, Blue Ivy, and Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s little one, North. They’re regularly spotted across their parents’ social media donning the same designer clothing as their parents — notable posts include Beyoncé and Blue’s matching Gucci denim jackets and Kim and North’s super-elegant silver sequinned dresses.

The likes of Blue and North have become style icons within their own right, influencing the style of many children — and adults. It is trend figureheads like Blue and North that can largely be attributed to the rise of mini-me fashion on UK high streets.

In 2011, department store Selfridges witnessed an 80 percent growth in children’s versions of adult clothes, including Hunter wellingtons and children’s quilted Barbour jackets. According to Google Trends data, search interest in ‘mini me clothing’ and ‘mother and daughter matching outfits’ has grown significantly between 2012 and now. In fact, there are 810 searches per month on average across these two phrases in the UK — showing the trend’s increasing popularity over the years.

Many high street stores now offer capsule collections of their grown-up clothing range for children. Not only does this mean their little ones can stay ahead of the latest trends, it has given rise to the mini-me fashion trend in the UK, with many parents and children dressing the same.

At Fulton Umbrellas, our collection of children’s umbrellas has plenty of choice for your little mini me. Take your pick from the clear birdcage umbrellas in our ladies range and find a matching one in our range of kids Funbrellas. Even when the weather’s wet, our umbrellas will help you keep your matching look perfect — order yours today!

Everyone knows the right accessories can make an outfit — and nobody knows this better than Queen Elizabeth II. From head-to-toe, her majesty’s carefully chosen hats, handbags, shoes and umbrellas complete her perfectly polished look. Here, Fulton Umbrellas takes a look at her most iconic accessories in more detail.

Umbrella

Of course, because the British weather is ever-changing, the Queen is often spotted with umbrella in hand. She favours our clear, birdcage-style umbrellas, as they allow her to stay dry while still remaining visible to her public.

Each of the umbrellas we create for her majesty is completely bespoke. Ahead of an event, her Senior Dresser will send us a colour swatch of the outfit she’ll be wearing. We are then able to create an umbrella with a trim, handle and tip that perfectly matches her outfit, leaving nothing to chance.

To order your own slice of royal style, visit our collection of ladies umbrellas.

Handbag

Another of the Queen’s most iconic accessories is her handbag. With its distinctive long-handled shape, her Royale and Traviata Launer handbags are her preferred style, as the longer handles make handshaking easier. It is reported that her majesty has some 200 Launer handbags — an impressive collection in anyone’s eyes!

Some reports have suggested that her handbag is more than just an accessory — it’s a way of communicating with her staff. For example, one Telegraph article suggests that if her majesty places her handbag on the table, she is ready to leave an event.

Of course, these secret signals are unconfirmed. What we do know is that the Queen’s Launer handbags will go down in history as one of the most iconic accessories.

Hat

Over the years, her majesty has donned a number of hats and is rarely seen without one. Her milliner of choice, Rachel Trevor-Morgan, creates bespoke hats with carefully considered measurements to allow for ease of getting into – and out – of vehicles.

Just like her umbrella is designed not to obscure her face, the Queen is very rarely seen in wide-brimmed hats, as these can make her difficult to see.

Shoes

The Queen’s go-to shoe of choice is a pair of simple black shoes created by Anello & Davide with a 2.25-inch heel to ensure her comfort throughout every event she attends.

Although the shoes are specifically created for her feet, a member of staff will wear her shoes prior to an event to break them in. Reportedly, the staff member wears socks and only walks on carpet. However, the shoes are trialled outside once to ensure they have sufficient grip for her majesty.

Want to learn more about the Queen’s style secrets? Check out our blog post.

The Glastonbury 2017 line-up has been announced in full and we can’t contain our excitement! We’re counting down the days until music royalty Ed Sheeran, Foo Fighters and Radiohead descend on Worthy Farm — and we’re already contemplating our outfit.

As with many British days out, our outfits are usually dependent on the ever-changing British weather — but is it possible to predict the weather at Glastonbury 2017? Fulton Umbrellas takes a look at the (often wet) history of the festival to establish the chances of rain at this year’s event.

Now in its 47^th year, it’s difficult to believe that just eight Glastonbury Festivals have been dry! However, back in 1970 — the festival’s first year — it was a very different story. Revellers enjoyed dry, sunny weather — a far cry from what was awaiting them in years to come.

Any recount of Glastonbury’s weather has to mention 1997, or the ‘Year of Mud’ as it’s affectionately named. Before the festival had even began, rain had been falling for eight out of nine days. Fields were transformed into blogs and by the Sunday, stages were fully waterlogged and the Other Stage had even started to sink!

Surely, 1997 was rain at its worst—or was it? In 2016, Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis reported that the mud was the worst it had ever been. It was knee-deep in places, although it didn’t seem to put the thousands of festival-goers off. The region’s entire woodchip supply was used over the duration of the festival in an effort to make the mud more manageable.

Mud aside, the largest amount of rain fell in 2005, although the Thursday of the festival was fine and dry. However, by the Friday, the heaven’s had opened and nearly a month’s worth of rain fell in only a few hours. Fields became flooded, washing away tents and even completely submerging some.

But it doesn’t always rain at Glastonbury — the sun is known to make an appearance every now and again. In 2013, a rainy Thursday made way for mid-twenties temperatures that left many revellers suffering from heat exhaustion.

2010 was the hottest Glastonbury Festival in 40 years, with temperatures reaching 30°C. By Friday, over 1,000 people had been treated for heat-related conditions like sunstroke and dehydration.

So what does this mean for 2017? Well, the statistics show that historically, 83% of all Glastonbury festivals have been wet, so we definitely can’t rule out the chance of rain. However, the Met Office’s early predictions suggest that 2017 will be one of the warmest years on record, creating that ever-difficult scenario: how do you dress for warm, wet weather?

Want our advice? We’ll be packing our shorts and t-shirts, as well as our wellies, rain coats and of course, umbrellas. We’re hoping for sun but with rain almost certain, we’re taking no chances!

Prepare for Glastonbury 2017 and shop our fantastic range of clear umbrellas, available in our range of men’s and ladies umbrellas — they’ll keep you dry and you won’t miss any of the action!