Fall Fashion Shades :: Sunglasses with style
No one disputes the fashion supremacy of shades- least of all Victoria Beckham. (Note to VB: get a new look already, girl! Those oversized shades are on the wrong side of everyone’s fashion slope.)
Fashion is fab, but what many folk forget is that we absolutely need to protect eyes from the glare of the sun. In fact, the FDA, which oversees sunglass manufacture and sales in the U.S., recommends that you look for sunglasses with lenses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation.
How to be sure? The label should indicate either UV 400 or 100% UV protection for maximal protection. While 99 Cents stores may be great for eggs and enemas, the cheaply manufactured, typically imperfect shades you buy there are strongly discouraged. If you need to undergo hypnosis or cognitive therapy to remember not to lose your glasses, either is a far better option than the sun damage caused by cheap, dime store shades! And by all means, do not forget: Sunglasses are not just summer wear. The sun’s rays beat strongly all year round, and you should definitely use these when in direct sunlight; on city streets and ski slopes alike.
The season’s slickest shades? We’ve got you covered, for fashion and eye safety both.
Tag Heuer
The esteemed Swiss watch company has been making advanced-protection sunglasses since 2002. All styles combine sleek, even avant-garde styling, with extreme comfort and performance protection for even the most light-sensitive eyes. We love their new futuristic Zenith frames with 100% UVA/UVB coverage, and adjustable temples, nose-piece, and arms. They’re posh and perfect for men and women alike, and come in a vivid variety of shade and frame colors, from Havana beige to pink.
$295 at fine optical shops nationwide and www.tagheueur.com/eyewear
Vuarnet
These classic ’80s "cat eyes" are all the rage on the Left Coast. French, funky, and fabulous- with lenses that majorly protect your eyes from the sun- you’ll soon be Huey Lewis- or at least be making major fashion news.
Get these and all the other retro style sunglasses that made Vuarnet a household name 20 years ago, at Awesome Avenue.biz, a retro- and vintage-oriented online pop culture store that is so cool it hurts.
$121.00 at www.awesomeavenue.biz
Moscot
Moscot, the historical New York optical shop, has become hot-as-a-pistol in recent years. With old-meets-new style stars, it’s clear why the marviest Manhattanies make Moscot their shades. (In 1915, when the company began, NYC’s Lower East Side played home to immigrants; now, the nabe’s shtetl is chic.)
We’re crazy about the ’Lemtosh’ style; you’ll find frames to fall in love with yourself-and special bonus points for a wonderful website with vintage photos galore.
$159.00 at www.moscot.com
Julbo Addict Zebra
Too cool for school? You will be, with these extra-sexy-and-extra-protective-shades for Julbo. The wrap design provides first-rate coverage; add to this a flexible nose-piece, low-profile temples, and super resilience and you’ve got a safe, stylin’ way to hike, play volleyball, or just be your own gorgeous self- country or town. Added bonus: the lens automatically adjusts to changes in light for safe, sure vision wherever you are.
$110 at REI, EMS, and other major outdoor stores, or at www.julbousa.com
Julbo Dub
Trendy and classic looks in one set of shades? With Julbo’s Dub, we vote a resounding "yes!" This is a way-modern take on the aviator style sunglass that will have you looking equally hot for street or sport. They’re available with a Polar+ or Category 3 lens for ultimate protection from brightness, and with Julbo’s patented adjustable nose-piece. With a choice of chrome/pink; chrome/green, or black/amber colorways, this may be the ultimate unisex shade.
$150 (Polar) or $80 (Spectron) at REI, EMS, and other major outdoors stores, or at www.julbousa.com
For more fabulous fashion and fun from David and EDGE’s other fashion superstars, check back next week!
