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Here comes the sun, and according to the meteorologists, it’s going to be a scorching spring and summer. Whether your patio needs a little light diffusion or you’re embracing parasols and sun hats in pursuit of extra SPF, pick umbrellas and personal shade gear with as much fashion as function.
Only the swankiest (and most wind- shielded) terraces should be tricked out in the Tuuci Razor Shade Platform (available at Design Within Reach, 435 King West, 416-977-4003, www.dwr.com). The $1,250 price tag means you probably don’t want a strong gust carrying it away.
A golden sparrow sits on the Droog Shadylace Parasol’s ($410, Klaus by Nienkämper, 300 King East, 416-362-3434, www.klausn.com) leafy top.
This green brolly’s ($29.95, Rolo, 24 Bellair, 416-920-0100, www.rolostore.com) underside gets brighted up with a Van Gogh sunflower print.
Pylones’ nylon Rain Parade umbrella collection comes in a rainbow of colours, each topped with a unique face-painted handle ball ($39.95, Rolo).
Ikea’s smaller-sized Ramsö parasol ($9.99, 1475 the Queensway, 416-646-4532, and other, www.ikea.ca) attaches to loungers, Muskoka chairs and balcony railings.
The Dyning beach mat ($24.99, Ikea) comes with its own shade arch so you can sand-nap minus the sunglass tan.
Wildhagen’s new Spruce hat ($125, 575 Queen West, second floor, 416-830-8589, www.wildhagenwear.com) keeps the sun out of your eyes with its baseball-cap-style brim.
Sunblock the kiddies with a playful giraffe-topped umbrella ($24.99, Ella + Elliot, 188 Strachan, 416-850-7890, www.ellaandelliot.com).
