Six Better-Than-Average Umbrellas

Following the Swims post, you might guess we have a rain theme going on today. What can we say? It's been raining a lot here lately. During the drearier months an adequate umbrella is essential, especially for urbanites who face longer treks than from the parking lot to the office. Fortunately, umbrellas have been getting much needed overhauls lately with designers making them, lighter, stronger …

Wingrider Bicycle Clip

To add a little Greek god/comic book style to your daily bike commute, these winged straps will do the trick. They'll also do double duty by protecting your pant cuffs from rips and grease stains caused by the chain. Designed by Droog co-founder Gijs Bakker (who got his start designing jewelry), they're made with a reflective PVC for night safety that's also weatherproof. The pair …

YMYL Unisex Holster

by Christina Panas Intended as a safeguard for the gizmo du jour—the iPod—this handsome body-conscious holster by newly minted label YMYL slips easily under a jacket, hoodie, or sweater keeping your pockets empty and your silhouette sleek. And with its dapper design, shaped to sit flush against your side for discreet portage, only the most exhaustive frisking will betray its presence. "We wanted to create …