Columnist Muriel Stevens: Pouring on umbrella advice

Wednesday, July 14, 1999 | 9:38 a.m.

Muriel Stevens' shopping column appears Wednesdays. Her dining column appears Fridays. Reach her at muriel@vegas.com or 259-4080.

How did your umbrella hold up during the recent monsoon downpours? Full-size, old-fashioned umbrellas are still the most dependable, but the smaller fold-ups, which many of us carry, can easily be tucked inside a brief case or handbag.

If you're like me, you own more than one umbrella. And, if like me, you've had to discard more than one that was purchased in haste, be assured you are not alone. Expect to pay at least $20-$30 for a fine, well-made umbrella unless it's on sale. Since losing my favorite, most costly one, I now look for good buys at outlet malls, but you'd better know what makes a good umbrella.

The smallest collapsible umbrellas are easy to stow, but they're the least dependable. Don't fail to thoroughly inspect any umbrella for flaws before purchasing. I once found attractive, name-brand folding umbrellas at an outlet mall in New Hampshire. I'm always looking for gifts, so I bought four. The one I opened in the store worked perfectly, so I figured they were all OK. They weren't.

The one I tested I still have. The others were difficult to open. The edges of the ribs (the metal spokes) were dangerously sharp; they were difficult to open and close.

The first one I tried to open, wouldn't. It was so stiff it wouldn't move. With great effort I finally got it partially open and that was when I learned how dangerous are the edges of ribs that are not rolled. When I continued pushing to get it to fully open I got a nasty cut on a finger.

The remaining two were easier to open, but also had razor-sharp ribs. I tossed all three after realizing they would not make very safe gifts and I didn't want to risk more cut fingers.

Two folding umbrellas that I bought years ago at an Ann Klein outlet in upstate New York have proven to be indestructible. They're larger than I like, but are small enough to be tucked into a tote or a large handbag.

Why do I have so many umbrellas? It's called being prepared. I keep one at the office, another in my car, and I always keep one in the travel bag I use most.

Yes, I know you can move one umbrella from place to place as you need it, but before I hedged my weather bet my umbrella never seemed to be where I was.

There's an old superstition about it being bad luck to open an umbrella indoors, but that was a long time before folding umbrellas, so don't fail to open and inspect any umbrella you're considering.

Shopping notes:

ANTIQUE SHOW: Belz Factory Outlet at 7400 Las Vegas Blvd. South will host its annual antique show Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. More than 60 antique merchants from all parts of the country will be represented. Buy, sell or trade such collectibles and antiques as dishes, old photographs, furniture, toys and memorabilia. Don't forget -- bargaining is part of the fun.

'COLLEGE NIGHT:' Organized Living stores will present a "College Night" July 25 at the Summerlin store at 2180 N. Rainbow Blvd. A second "College Night" will take place at the Stephanie and Warm Springs location in Henderson Aug. 1. Students and parents are invited to learn how to make the most of small dorm rooms or apartments. There is no fee to attend. Register in advance at either store.