Rosas L. Gonzales is a psychometric test library coordinator at Innovative HR Solutions in Dubai.
To test the 'integrity' of your mascara. Wear your favourite waterproof mascara, step out into the mid-afternoon sun. and snap open your umbrella.
Helps you stand apart. Meeting a friend who hasn't seen you in years. 'Meet me at 2pm, outside X cafeteria, I'll be wearing a black dress.' Sounds fine until you reach the place and discover that three more people are wearing the same outfit. Add 'I will be carrying a red polka dot umbrella'.
Builds a wall between you and the paparazzi. You want to regain your privacy after you've won the biggest lottery in the land. Put on lots of white make-up, red lipstick and sport an elaborate hairstyle. Top it with a Japanese bamboo parasol.
Helps you look good after a 'walkathon'. Getting parking space is a fine art or a miracle especially when you are running late for an important interview. Grab the umbrella and stride to your dream job! Even after a 15-minute walk you'll still look good.
To protect yourself from laser hair removal blues. Your face feels extremely sensitive and slightly swollen but you can't turn down your GM's invitation to watch him play golf. A sturdy golf umbrella will protect you from the sun and the wrong hit.
The scorching sun is no fun. If you're genetically predisposed to some beach-party-killjoy skin eruptions,
do not despair. Beach umbrellas and sunscreens are made for you.
To make a fashion statement. Create a lasting impression with your handy stylish umbrellas – neon coloured umbrellas, umbrellas with smileys and glow-in-the-dark umbrellas. Fabulous!
To find your way. You're on a leisurely souvenir hunt, only to find yourself lost after a few turns down the streets. Don't panic. Purchase a GPS umbrella from the nearest store and navigate your way home. This umbrella has internet connectivity too so you can chat with your friends as you find your way back.
To stay cool in the shade. (This is a new one, right?) Love watching cricket or football matches but can't stand the heat? Take a nice sporty umbrella to the game. It's win-win all
the way.
To stay prepared for unpredictable weather changes. With all these weird things happening to our planet – global warming, droughts, flash floods, melting polar caps and rising sea levels – anything is possible anytime. For rainy days which don't announce themselves ...
As told to Hina Navin, a Dubai-based freelancer
