This is BEAUTIFUL and functional. I purchased this after getting sunburned at a Renaissance Faire. I wanted something that would blend well with my Renaissance cosplay but still provide excellent protection. This fits the bill perfectly! I know some people complained that it's hard to open. It is a bit tricky the first time (it folds up " backward"). Once you get it open once, though, it opens up easily ever after. I love how compact it is. It makes it easy to carry, especially with the little carrying bag. The only annoyance is that you take up a hand to hold it, but that is true of any umbrella.