In today's Style section of the New York Times, Ellen Tien touches on an unusually feminine accessory: the parasol. Once the relegated to old ladies with Victorian sensibilities, parasols have recently made a comeback within hip urban circles. With the dangers of sun exposure (wrinkles, skin cancer, etc.) well known, the re-emergence of the parasol seems to be as much about being pragmatic as it is about being stylish. Especially considering that these new parasols are constructed to shield you from the sun and the rain.