Cheeky Umbrella: Chic and Functional Giveaway and Review~ 11/20

Momma Told Me: Nothing's going to come between me and my shopping list!

Sure, it sounds like a cute rhyme, but Momma didn't mean it as a method of remembering when to plant her begonias. The true origin of this age old saying is a bit of advice that reminds us all, while it may be raining today, the sun will be out tomorrow- and ahead of every trial, is something beautiful waiting to bloom. I just wish I could share that news with my fellow Southern California neighbors. It seems like every time I take to the road in the slightest of rain they're driving like it's the End of Days. Emergency lights start flashing in a mist, people park on the side of the road with a drizzle, and with any precipitation in excess of an hour roads are shut down and prophets start preaching on the corners. Think I'm being dramatic? Just try driving anywhere near LA on an overcast day; it puts even the worst of Los Angeles traffic myths to shame.

So, naturally, as a native So Cal resident, I'm lumped into the large portion of the population which isn't prepared for inclement weather. It actually does rain here for about 14 days out of the year, annually- and those 14 days we typically make due with plastic bags and newspapers. Exactly what you think of when you envision chic Young Hollywood, right? Not only do umbrellas fly off the shelves like hotcakes when our 'rain weeks' hit, but they're often the least utilitarian in design. Either I'm left buying an overpriced, ornate, umbrella with more attention to graphics than function, or a $5 retractable that turns inside out with the first gust of wind. Local shops don't exactly stock quality umbrellas year round here.

Ironically, Cheeky Umbrella founder, Jen Zurowski never owned an umbrella well into her adulthood. In a transition I would envision similar to me moving to Seattle, she jumped (rain boots first) into a life in notoriously rainy Vancouver, BC. Ready to invest in an accessory she was sure would well earn it's cost in convenience and dry clothes, Jen searched the Canada coast for a quality umbrella. Her efforts turned up discoveries similar to mine, either style lacking functionality, or a sturdy umbrella with ill thought design. And just like that Cheeky Umbrella was born with hopes of bringing style and execution back to rain protection.

The Cheeky Umbrella mantra is simple; an umbrella is just as much an extension of the owner as a purse or pair of sunglasses. While serving a valuable service in function, it should be fun, vibrant, and sassy. Not only do the umbrellas feature chic, modern, colors and illustrations, but serve a purpose as identification in dark or low visibility. To top of the execution, each and every umbrella in the line is created with consideration to use in inclement weather (who'd have thought, considering an umbrella has to work- in the rain!) Each line of Long, Golf, Bridal, and Kids umbrellas feature a Strong Warranty and are made with the finest, lightweight, materials. The Clear and Compact lines include a 60 day warranty.

I'll admit, the first time I saw a Cheeky Umbrella I was drawn in by the colors- for some reason (possibly because they sit in a corner as decoration more than for use where I live), there's nothing more alluring than a chic umbrella. The second time I saw one, it was in front of a bus stop, held onto by an adorable young girl. This kid's umbrella was much different than the sleek and sexy Long Umbrella I'd seen prior. It featured thoughtful safety features such as a rounded tips, manual open, reflective trim, and Cheeky's signature stain resistant, quick-dry fabric. This particular umbrella was very bright, almost translucent, and easy to spot in a crowd. I recall the witty statement and splashy graphics meant to appeal to kids and parents.

When I had the chance to pick out a Cheeky Umbrella of my own, for review here on Momma Told Me, I was excited to get my hands on my first 'real' umbrella. I received a 'This Is Shopping Weather' Long Umbrella and was immediately impressed. Right out of the packaging I could tell this was a high quality, durable, umbrella. The top was weighted and capped with a metallic silver finish, highly polished. The wide scoop handle was over sized, and made from a slip resistant material. I quickly took note that the ample sized hook was perfect for latching on an arm when not in use (great for shopping, vacations, theme parks, and questionable weather).

The lightweight aluminum shaft was strong, and featured a push button open function I especially enjoyed. The company's omitted this from their children's line for safety reasons, but it proved to be one of my favorite features. I like to close the umbrella, then push the release button, to dispel any collected water, before storing my umbrella or heading indoors. This works with the water resistant hood to create an incredibly dry outdoor to indoor transition! I cannot explain how amazing it is to head indoors from pouring rain and not have to handle a dripping umbrella- I love it! I also appreciate the chic duo tone top, with bright violet interior, easy to spot in fog and thick rain when crossing the street or a parking lot.

More recently I received a Polka Dots Clear Umbrella (SRV $30), which has an entirely different, chic, appeal. One of 3 Clear Cheeky Umbrellas, this offers an unobstructed view of the world around you. And what better time to see all the lush green beauty, and where you're going, than in the rain? The clear umbrellas also feature a push open format and taller canopy that surrounds the user with water protection (think parasol). On one of the panels, of pink, white, and black polka dots, is the cheeky phrase 'I Can See You', while the transparent canopy offers natural lighting at sporting events or while walking the dog. I also love the extra wide, easy grip, handle that fits comfortably in my palm, and enables smooth handling when juggling my purse and groceries. Cheeky is my favorite brand of umbrellas, I always receive compliments when out with one, and you can't beat their limited warranty!

What Daughter Says: This winter grab your Cheeky Umbrella for Shopping Weather!

One lucky Momma Told Me follower will win a Cheeky Umbrella of their choice!