This Aaron Thomas Hand Screen Printed Pillar Umbrella Stand ($389) was designed specifically for design fiend and international hotshot Kanye West. But, after Thomas carefully hand-illustrated the Roman-style pillar, burnt screens, and laid out the design, West ended up not purchasing them! It's made of acrylic and measures 10x 24 inches. If I had the dough, I'd snatch one up in a second. But, I doubt there are many folks out there who'd spend so much on, essentially, a waste basket. For those who dig the trompe-l'œil effect of this stand, and the monochrome palette, I've found a much more affordable alternative. To see it, read more.

The Umbra Loft Vazo Vase ($16.99) may not have a pillar design, but it is a very similar one. At 5.8-x-5.8-x-12.8 inches, it's about half the size of the pillar stand, so it'll certainly hold a smaller, purse-size umbrella. Or, you can use it as a vase! What do you think?