Tuesday, May 24, 2011

What’s Your Style? Finding the Quintessential Pair of Shades

It’s nearly summer...and I can’t wait! Finally leaving winter in the dust, rising temperatures are the only thing in sight. With Memorial Day practically on our doorsteps (only 6 days away!) and a bevy of cookouts and summer soirees to attend, it’s now time to start investing in summer wardrobe essentials. In addition to ultra-cool shorts, chic fedora straw hats, and fierce gladiator sandals, let’s not forget about SUNGLASSES!

Whether you are hitting the books, starting a new internship, or traveling the world, finding the perfect pair of shades is critical. As with any fashion trend (or non-trend), every fashion-savvy girl has her likes and dislikes. While some girls love hot pink heart-shaped sunglasses, others abhor them, preferring something a bit more subtle. My criterion for sunglasses, as follows: black, oversized, and tinted.

To splurge or to not splurge, that is the question. With some help from Shakespeare, I believe that we can all come to a common consensus on how much to spend on sunglasses. If you are a style chameleon and are constantly changing your look, you may want to stick with budget-friendly sunglasses. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on one pair of shades, you can purchase multiple pairs. Fabulously floral, dazzling orange and dramatic cat eye sunglasses can all be yours!

Bottom Line: If you are looking for a variety of sunglasses to mix and match with your ensembles AND won’t be heartbroken if they break by the end of the summer, then be economical and save!

If you are like me, however, and tend to gravitate toward one specific style and shape of sunglasses, then splurging may be your answer. The benefits of designer sunglasses (i.e. Chanel, Dior, Gucci, etc.) include better quality, higher craftsmanship, and the prestige that comes along with wearing them. Still not sure? Try this, a simple mathematical formula for fashionistas: divide the total cost of the pair of sunglasses that you desire by the number of times you think you will wear it (ex. $275 Gucci sunglasses/100 = $2.75). If you are content paying that individual cost the number of times you have specified, then go for it!

Bottom Line: If forking out $200+ on a pair of shades is what you consider an investment, then by all means, splurge away! I certainly don’t blame you, designer sunglasses are super lust-worthy!

Regardless of how much you spend on sunglasses, now is the time to experience with your style. Below you will find chic AND frugal sunglasses that won’t do serious damage to your wallet. All under $25 (one pair a mere $1.70!), feel guiltless purchasing multiple pairs of shades this summer!

Tip: To guarantee that your sunglasses have the longest lifespan possible, definitely consider buying a hard case for them. From my experience, a soft padded case is not very reliable. After breaking two pairs of sunglasses, believe me, I’ve learned my lesson!


Black and Bold

1. Free People - $18
2. Urban Outfitters - $14
3. Forever 21 - $5.80
4. Forever 21 - $5.80
5. Kohl’s - $24

Probably the most prevalent trend in sunglasses, black and bold suits a variety of tastes and styles. Always classy and chic, these sunglasses are made to fit a variety of face shapes. It’s just a matter of deciding whether you want uber big shades or something subtler. While Jackie O-inspired round frame sunglasses and Audrey Hepburn’s Ray-Ban wayfarers are timeless, heart shaped frames (more sophisticated than neon colored ones) are equally noteworthy.

Ever since I saw Olivia Palermo donning a pair of cat eye sunglasses, I’ve been yearning for them. Thanks to Free People, I currently own a pair…and they’re delightful!

Olivia Palermo, Lauren Conrad, and Rachel Bilson all know a thing or two on how to rock black and bold sunglasses.


Don’t Be Shy!

1. Forever 21 - $1.50
2. Modcloth - $12
3. Urban Outfitters - $10
4. Anthropologie - $24
5. Aldo - $12

Sure to add zing to any ensemble, rainbow hued shades allow you to be experimental with your outfit selections. This summer, I foresee red being the “it” color for brash sunglasses. Bold and fierce, they make a statement without overdoing it (see Rihanna’s image below).

- Channel your inner Katy Perry and don some heart-shaped shades. Pair with one of Betsey Johnson’s eclectically patterned dresses for a fun, quirky look.

- If you only want to add a pop of color to your ensemble, do what Leighton Meester does and try some orange shades. Just remember, a little color goes a long way!

Tip: To avoid appearing like a circus clown, keep the number of colors in your outfit to a minimum. While a colorful ensemble will certainly attract attention, it’s not the kind of attention you’re shooting for.

Although Katy Perry, Leighton Meester, and Rihanna have different styles, they are proof that bright colored sunglasses can work for everyone.


Floral Extravaganza!

1. Forever 21 - $5.80
2. Anthropologie - $24
3. Anthropologie - $24
4. Forever 21 - $5.80
5. Free People - $18

Sweet, feminine, and flirty, floral sunglasses are for ultimate girly girls. If you are super bohemian or have a style similar to Taylor Swift’s, then these shades are a must! Floral sunglasses are ideal for summer. Wear with strappy dresses, wedges, or pastel colored clothing for a look of flawless perfection.

Tip: Let the floral sunglasses be the focal point of your ensemble. Try and match colors found in the floral pattern on the sunglasses to what you’re wearing.

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