Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...

[plumtreeblossom]

With the Vegas trip taking place in sunny May, I'm going to need a parasol of some sort if we're going to spend any appreciable time outdoors, which I think we will. That's because Mare + Desert Sun = OH NOES.

I have plenty of parasols and could bring any of them, but I was looking online to see if I could find a compact collapsible parasol that isn't as bulky as my Chinese parasols. I had to use half a dozen search word combinations before unearthing a mere two, one of which is contoured for attaching to a baby's stroller. The other is an ugly bone-color and indistinguishable from a rain umbrella. For $42, no way. I could just use a rain umbrella, but that is beyond dorky. I might just have to resign to bringing one of the Chinese 'sols.

I'm surprised, though, that there isn't more of a market for this kind of thing. Someone appears to have a patent on a collapsible travel parasol, but apparently isn't doing anything with it. Not everyone needs full sun protection like me, but I've seen many people with skin much lighter than mine, and I know from experience that sunscreen alone isn't always enough. Maybe they only come out at night.

I suppose there is also the possibility of a big sun hat instead of the 'sol. There's a serious dork factor to be considered with that option, too, so I'd have to hunt widely and choose carefully.

Comments

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Ooh, are you going to see Benjamin? Say hi for me if you do!

I was thinking about a straw sun hat. I usually like them on other people, just haven't tried one on myself.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Awesome! Have a great time! :-)

[desireearmfeldt]

I think you'd get the most style points for the Chinese parasol (though they'd be quirky style points).

The floppy hat would probably be most practical.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Yes, I admit I like the idiosyncratic feel of the parasol. :-) I get compliments on it, mostly from elderly ladies who think it's pretty. Carrying it around indoor attractions gets cumbersome, though, so I think you're right about the hat being more practical. :-)

[vanguardcdk.livejournal.com]

You'll want to get something tough. When I was there the winds were very strong, enough so I stopped wearing my baseball cap. (which is also a "protecting skin from sun" thing...)

Obviously it may have just been kooky weather when I was there, but figured you should be aware of it. :)

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Good to know. In that case I'd get a hat with a neck string!

-Mare

[beowabbit]

Wide-brimmed straw hats never go out of style!

(I admit floppy fabric would be more scrunchable-up.)

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

I'm sure I'll find something suitable. :-) Maybe I'll hire people to hold palm fronds over me! :-D

[mdm-sosostris.livejournal.com]

You can get floppy, packable large-brimmed hats. (They're usually made out of paper. Sounds weird, but they look cool.) My biggest problem with my favorite (and biggest) hat is, as CDK mentioned, the wind factor. I find I have to incorporate bobby pins, or else I spend the entire time chasing my hat.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm seeing lots out there. The interwebs is my friend. Boston isn't very hatty, so I've observed.

[muffyjo]

In case you are feeling adventurous, you might wait and buy one there. You could always mail it back to yourself later. (See this link for some hat places)

[muffyjo]

Oooh! A bright RED one!

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

My, that's a lovely shape! Sort of a sexy Easter Bonnet. :-)

[mindflankr.livejournal.com]

I LOVE hats! I wear them all the time. You are right, the aesthetics of the parasol make it desirable, but the practicality of constantly carrying it around would make it unbearable for me in Las Vegas. From your little icons, I think this hat would look smashing on you....

http://www.coastlineadventures.com/ca1/adwear/peh/physician_endorsed_401_white.jpg

Here is some advice I give to all my friends from the east coast that visit me here (I live in the desert too).......

1- ask for a humidifier in your room....hotels usually have them on hand.
2- moisturize with Eucerin.....or your skin will feel tight
3- HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE! However, I also live at a very high altitude so it is even more important here.

Have fun!

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Oooh, thank you for the tips! I love Eucerine -- I have it on now. Also Reviva. And I love the hat. Wonder if they have it in black? :-)

[hammercock.livejournal.com]

When I lived in Australia, it was not uncommon to see people walking around with umbrellas on extremely bright, sunny days. I did that myself from time to time, since redhead skin + extreme sun = OH NOES as well. :)

Whether you use a parasol or a floppy hat, sunscreen is your friend.

[oneagain.livejournal.com]

Seconded. *Bathe* in the sunscreen.