Do you have a nice pair of sunglasses that you wear every day and never want to get rid of? Have you never had a good pair that you can count on? Do you already have an extensive collection but cannot get away from getting more? Personally, I have too many to count and I am the one that cannot get away from getting more 🤷♀️
Welcome to your personal guide and answer to all of your questions!
Sunglasses are made to be a statement and also safe for your eyes, but let be honest - its more a statement. There are too many brands to even count that provide great collectible pieces while also protecting your eyes. Although we LOVE our fashion brands, typically they are not as great quality as others since they will be more of a fashion piece. Of course, I wont have time to go through so many brands, however I will go over my top ones for you. Splurge or not, I am here to share the classics, the must haves and the worthy statement pieces.
#1 The Classic
Here is to the never going out of style aviator sunglasses 🥂 If you have never gotten a nicer pair of sunglasses or you do not like to think about what pair goes with each outfit...this is a great start for you. Every brand makes aviators, variations of sizes and colors may be a hard decision since there is so many options. You can't get more classic than Ray-Ban (gold with the dark green G-15 lens). With Ray-Ban, you can customize lens color and frame to give you your optimal color combo.
Already have an aviator style and want to get a nice fashion aviator? Here for it! Prada and Tom Ford are most likely my go to brands. Prada makes classic look modern and Tom Ford.... I mean, it's Tom Ford.
Pro note: If you want a pair, however have high cheek bones and the aviator tear drop shape hits your cheeks too much - get a modified aviator, don't just discard the style. These will still give you the look but with a squared out bottom.
#2 The Beach Pair
This one is an interesting one. We all want a perfect look for the beach and that being said, we need to make sure that specially at the beach we protect our eyes and polarized sunglasses is a must!
What is polarized?
To not get extra complicated on this, polarized lenses means that you are reducing the reflection of the light. If you have ever been driving without polarized glasses and you notice on the road ahead of you and large glare in the pavement that almost looks like water reflection, polarized glasses will prevent that. Polarized sunglasses also give an extra layer lens to your eyes so they feel protected. Now, if you are driving and you have digital car panels or tinted windows...it will most probably look a bit funky due to the lenses. Unfortunately is like placing two negative magnets together, they just wont stick and this is why some people quickly say "I hate polarized sunglasses" and that it okay but I definitely recommend them either way!
Pro note: Polarized sunglasses will also mean more expensive, typically $30 - $50 more depending on the brand. It will also mean a darker lens than the regular one and not all colored lenses can allow for the polarize technology. If you don't want to pay the extra for polarized, I recommend getting a gradient lens as it will be best for your eye to adjust to the change in lighting around you.
Now, lets get back to that perfect beach pair. There are definitely fashion pairs that will offer polarized lenses, however just because it says polarized doesn't mean is great. There are many brands that offer great options and my favorites - perhaps a bit biased - Maui Jims are the go to on this. Maui Jims offer a great variety of colors in lenses and frames with amazing combinations on each and all of their glasses are polarized. Yes, they are pricier than some polarized sunglasses however they definitely have a superior lens technology and most of them have super thin glass lenses rather than the typical poly-carbonate.
#3 The Statement
This is where it gets fun. Fashion pairs are definitely the go to on this category. Fashion brands get extra creative, fun, colorful and my favorite, limited/special edition collectibles! There are many brands that are known for some extravaganzas like Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, Miu Miu and Gucci. These and many more have done crazy designs with hand made flowers, insane cat eyes, all glass pairs and the list goes on. Between all the options, it is definitely hard to pick a favorite in this category. I am going to confess, I have a pair of each of these (oops 🤭) and I love to mix it up when I can. Since I can't pick, I will share my current favorites out there on the slideshow picture below.
#4 The Bonus Pair
I can't finish writing without giving you guys the scoop on my ALL TIME favorite brand and absolute MUST for anyone who is looking for a forever pair or just simply adding to a collection. Welcome to team Persol! These sunglasses are the definition of ultimate craftsmanship and timeless history with outstanding quality to them - I mean, they have been around since 1917. Unlike other brands that have been bought along the way and now made in mass quantities, Persol has kept its roots. Persol still makes every pair in Italy, by hand and with the same detailed craftsmanship than when they started. Yes, this means that the price tag is definitely a pricey one (average of $300) however absolutely worth every penny! They have an array of styles too, including transition lenses and polarized ones. The patented arrow hinge and beautiful acetate color blends in the frame make these my ultimate favorite pair anyone could have.
Pro note: The foldable Persol style is a must for traveling. This one is perfect to take up almost no space and easy to carry around.
The next time you are looking for the right pair, think of exactly what are you wanting them for and I hope that these guidelines help you when making the decision!
xo,
Valeria Michelle
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