Jul

22

Best Sunglasses for Bikers, Drivers and motorway fans

Filed Under Brands' Profile, Designer Sunglasses, Eyewear Knowledge | View Comments 

For long distance drivers and bikers, you’ll want a pair of sturdy, lightweight, high UV protection sunglasses that are comfortable, form-fitted and designed for prolonged wear. For men, Police sunglasses are especially popular because of the comfort, design and the increased blockage of peripheral glare and light that is so commonly the cause of eye strain and skin damage. Police sunglasses have some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities as supporters including Justin Timberlake, George Clooney and Antonio Bandaras. For bikers, drivers and motorway fans Police sunglasses are recognizable, bold and a smart choice for optimal protection.

For female drivers and bikers, there are several options for eyewear that will be comfortable with long-term wear. It is important for women not to buy men’s sunglasses, regardless of how much they may love some of the male designs. Women have smaller heads and the area between lenses on men’s sunglasses could be too large for prolonged comfort. You may also find that men’s sunglasses are a bit heavier. There are tougher options for women that still have a masculine edge, like the Ray Bans designed for her, or some of Bolle’s recreational sunglasses. Women might also enjoy Prada and Dior sunglasses for driving or biking because of the larger lenses and frames. They may not fit the biker wardrobe, but they do offer UV protection, durability, comfort and some fairly creative designs.

Many serious bikers consider changing to goggles for long drives, and this isn’t a bad practice although you might get a few strange looks from passers by. Goggles, like those by Ed Hardy, can be fashionable and bold as well as protective and cleanable so bug carcasses that land against the lenses can easily be wiped clean.

Jul

14

Top Five Eyeglasses Designs of 2010

Filed Under Brand Wave, Brands' Profile, Designer Eyeglasses, Eyewear Knowledge | View Comments 

It isn’t always easy to find designer eyeglasses that fit your look, personality and style and yet stand out enough to be worth the investment for the designer brand. In 2010, however, some designers have emerged victoriously in the eyeglasses market for their high quality, high fashion designs.

Gucci. Always a favorite for sunglasses, Gucci’s eyeglasses are a simple and yet high fashion solution for your eyeglasses needs. The wireless designs are especially popular with women because they maintain a high fashion feel without compromising your visual range or becoming overly bulky. (See image of Gucci eyeglasses).

Christian Dior. For a more urban, retro feel check out Christian Dior’s black frame collection. These heavier black frames are all the rage this year, and have been popular on men and women. We foresee a slow shift from the black frames to tortoiseshell frames over the fall.

Ermenegildo Zenga. If you want a European look that does not have even the slightest bit of Americana in it, you’ll want to look at the Zenga eyeglasses collection. These interesting frames have emphasis on the temple bars, come in a wide range of colors and have a bit more diversity than your Gucci or Dior eyeglasses collections.

Ed Hardy. If you want to go a bit wild with your eyeglasses, then Ed Hardy is where you’ll want to head for your next pair of glasses. The lenses themselves are in a fairly traditional size and shape, but the temple bars are where the magic happens. You have to see it to believe it, each model looks amazingly bold and creative and will infuse any look with a splash of color.

Roberto Cavalli. If you want elegance and interesting features on your eyeglasses, you’ll have to check out the amazingly intricate and fancy designs of Cavalli. From lace-like temple bars to frameless designs, this is where you’ll want to go if you have a fancy bone in your body itching to be expressed.

 

Jul

8

Sunglasses for Off-road Biking and Hiking

Filed Under Brand Wave, Brands' Profile, Designer Sunglasses, Eyewear Knowledge | View Comments 

Outdoors sunglasses are an important accessory for any biking or hiking activity, especially as the summer gets hotter and cases of sun damage and eye stress can ruin a good outdoor time. One of the best brands for hiking is Serengeti, their casual look and feel make them a non-obtrusive option. The gradient tint gives stronger protection on the top with more visibility on the bottom so you can see where you place each footstep.

For biking, especially the kind with pedals, you’ll want something that is impact resistant, fits firmly on your head and can withstand moisture with anti-fog (and perspiration) coatings on the lenses. A great option for this is Oakley, as their high-quality frames and lenses are a perfect melody of durability and performance-enhancing attributes. Likewise, Nike’s similar athletic shades are a bit less expensive and offer similar quality and design.

For biking of the motorized kind, Oakley sunglasses might land you in the hot spot. Instead, you’ll want to investigate something a bit more aggressive than your average sports sunglasses. For example, Police sunglasses with their stark designs and bold frames are a great option and go nicely with any Harley or BMW classic. Throw on a pair of denim jeans and a leather jacket and you’ll look exactly the biker part. Likewise, and for a bit less bold a look, you could always stick to the more traditional biker option of Ray Ban aviators and Wayfarers are a great bikers choice and are durable and snug.

Jul

1

Eye Exams

Filed Under Designer Eyeglasses, Eyewear Knowledge | View Comments 

If you have never had an eye exam before, the thought of this simple procedure could seem scary and daunting. We’re here to walk you through the steps of an exam so you know what to expect and how to react to each phase of the exam.1.) Once you arrive at the optometrist’s office you’ll have some paperwork to fill out, including your family’s past illnesses. This is important, so find out about your family history before you go to the office, including history of migraines, diabetes, seizures, etc.

2.) Even if you want contact lenses its best to get a pair of glasses as a backup. Arrive early so you have time to pick out your frames. Just so you know, frames are usually quoted separately from the lenses. You’ll have to pay for both. Contacts are, of course, separate as well.

3.) When your exam begins you will be taken into a slightly darkened room. This helps your eyes relax. You’ll stick your face flush against a machine that usually shows a picture of a house or barn or some other object in the distance. Don’t focus on anything, and the machine will show how your eyes react to light and movement. The next machine sends a bolt of air into your eye. This is the scary part for most people, but be aware that it simply does not hurt, it is just a bit startling.

4.) Finally, you’ll get to the fun part of reading the ol’ eye chart. Do your best, but don’t strain yourself. The doctor will put a new machine in front of your eyes that simulates a pair of glasses. He’ll move lenses in and out until you can see the chart clearly. Be patient and make sure you have the best possible lenses in front of you before you say, “A or B.”

5.) Finally, you’ll be measured for the distance between your eyes and the doctor will add in any correction needed for astigmatism or any other eye conditions. He or she will write out a prescription for you and you’ll be able to order your glasses the same day.

Jun

24

Summer Sports and Athletic Eyewear

Filed Under Brand Wave, Brands' Profile, Designer Sunglasses, Eyewear Knowledge | View Comments 

For summer, there are few designer sunglasses brands more popular than Ray Ban. But if you want something a bit edgier and modern, we’ve got a list of amazing up and coming summer favorites that will keep you looking fresh, trendy and sporty.

Take, for example, Serengeti sunglasses. These shades are perfect for the adventurous personality and also offers a bit of a sporty feel to give you a well rounded and yet designer look. For men and women alike, Serengeti offers something for everyone. You’ll be impressed by the light brown (almost bronze) lenses that give the world a softer, almost sepia tone hue.

For a more sporty look, Bolle does a similar sunglasses line that covers the biking and hiking crowd. These sit firmly in place, offer supreme protection, and look like they belong in the great (albeit designer) outdoors. For active, sporty and adventurous men and women, Bolle and Serengeti are your top two picks.

For flare, creativity and spunk, you’ll want something with a bit more color than your Bolle, Serengeti or Ray Ban options. Alexander McQueen just might be the design house for you. These frames are creative in shape and spectacular in hue. Although the designer of the same name recently passed away, the brand continues on the tradition of true innovation and fun. These may be somewhat less appropriate for sports, but for casual athletics like hiking or easy bike riding, these will suit perfectly.

Finally, your go-to brands for sporting eyewear- Oakley, Nike and Adidas. These offer great protection with performance enhancing attributes like slightly orange tinted lenses for optimal contrast, and protective coatings on the lenses for extreme weather and activity.

Jun

17

The ultimate dilemma- eyeglasses or contact lenses

Filed Under Brand Wave, Designer Eyeglasses, Eyewear Knowledge, Uncategorized | View Comments 

Many men and women with poor eyesight are faced with a dilemma—eyeglasses or contact lenses? With great contact lens companies like Acuvue selling top-of-the-line contacts, the bridge between glasses and contacts in terms of comfortability is lessening. At the same time, designer eyeglasses are making glasses more fun to wear—and more fashionable! Design houses like Jimmy Choo and Prada have shifted their focus from clothing to accessories, and the eyeglasses and sunglasses markets are some of the most popular in the accessory market. So with advances in both fields, the dilemma continues.


Many people meet the problem head on by purchasing both options. A few pairs of designer eyeglasses that are versatile and fun, and contact lenses for fancy occasions or sporting activities are a great way to benefit from both options. Designer eyeglasses are not only charming and character-enhancing, but can add a great deal to any look. See the image here?—this young lady looks equally attractive in both options, and the glasses add a bit of a nymph feel to her look.
While many people feel they cannot put in contacts with professionals to assist in the operation, the solution is quite possibly shifting from soft contacts to hard ones. Hard contacts are easier to install in the eye, and for many people with thicker eyelids, hard contacts are the only real solution. Softer lenses have a reputation of being more comfortable, but they also fall out more, but have a more breathable surface. Regardless, there is a pair of contact lenses out there for you if you decide you want to try contact lenses.

Jun

11

Five More Reasons to Love Ray Ban Wayfarers

Filed Under Brand Wave, Celebrity Watch, Designer Sunglasses, Eyewear Knowledge | View Comments 

As if their amazing designs, optical technology and comfort fit were not enough, Ray Bans have given us hundreds of reasons over the years to love their cornerstone product—the Wayfarer. Here are just a few more to keep you deeply in love with the granddaddy of all sunglasses fashion:1) A cinematic powerhouse. What do Risky Business, Blues Brothers, Top Gun and Crossroads have in common?—they all feature Ray Ban Wayfarers on their main characters. These shades have been a powerhouse in cinema for decades, a trend that only very recently other eyewear companies have delved into.

2) Design Genius. Simplicity is key in most successful, multi-generational fashions, and the Wayfarer achieves that by focusing on long-term comfort, classic lines and colors that match your wardrobe.

3) Versatility. Many designers cannot imagine a single product as it fits into its surrounding collection or overall design concept. Ray Ban is not like that. The Wayfarer, Clubmaster and Aviator all compliment each other, making it possible for you to have an entire wardrobe of eyewear fashions by one brand.

4) Bridging the Gap. You’ll sometimes see a grandparent at the park huffing about the degrading nature of the next generation. Meanwhile, a skater at the same park is mocking grandma. Ironically they are both wearing Wayfarer sunglasses, Nike shoes, Levi jeans and Old Navy shirts—there simply isn’t that big a difference when it comes down to it!

5) Reinvention. Ray Ban released a series of new colors on the Wayfarer, including a color-it-yourself set, checkered sets, and a new line of pastel colors. This makes the Wayfarer more accessible to a new generation obsessed with obvious style.

 

 

Jun

2

Black is Back in Eyewear Fashion

Filed Under Brand Wave, Celebrity Watch, Designer Sunglasses, Eyewear Knowledge | View Comments 

Christina Aguilera looks fantastic in these black Prada oversized sunglasses. With summer fast approaching you’d expect most celebrities to be donning lighter colored frames and more youthful, fun eyewear. Despite this, stars seem to be doing the opposite in keeping to their steadfast addiction to black sunglasses.

Remember Tom Cruise in Risky Business in his black Ray Ban Wayfarers? The film would have lost some of its pizzazz if he had been wearing any other color. Remember Tom Cruise in Top Gun? Would you have taken him seriously in anything other than black aviators? The point is that black is taken more seriously than any other color. Its one reason why we wear black to funerals, and the LBD (little black dress) is our safety net for any occasion we need to present a great first impression for. So, its no wonder the stars use this as their fallback.

What would The Devil Wears Prada be like if the star were wearing pink Prada, instead of black sunglasses? I’ll tell you what, she wouldn’t be very intimidating. The film would have flopped. No bad guy wears anything but black or deep purple, this is just a common, global understanding (although apparently the costume designer for Iron Man 2 didn’t get the memo).

For summer fashion, more color is usually a smarter choice, as are lighter colors like tan, white and beige, and more curls and summer fun. You don’t have to follow the stars’ examples in sticking to your winter black eyewear.

May

25

Top Five Eyewear for Professional Women

Filed Under Brand Wave, Designer Eyeglasses | View Comments 

 

<!–[if !vml]–>ca0525.JPG<!–[endif]–>Women in the business world have the unequivocal advantage over their female predecessors. There are more freedoms, more equality and more responsibility. Staying fashionable, chic and feminine while being a powerhouse in the firm is not an impossibility. Here are the top five eyewear models for successful and strong professional women.

1. Giorgio Armani’s executive-looking eyewear will bring you to a whole new level in office fashion. Pair any lovely Armani eyeglasses with a power skirts suit and you’ll not only turn heads, you’ll be remembered. For an even more award-winning look try thicker-framed glasses in burgundy or black.

2. For a more innovative and creative look, try out Cavalli eyeglasses for the office. You’ll absolutely love their creative yet modern designs. A lot of the design power falls on the temple bars, which leaves your face unobstructed while giving presentations or lectures.

3. Every woman has heard of Jimmy Choo, and if one were so lucky as to own an item by the famed designer she would fall asleep happy every night. The sleek designs scream ‘Milan!’ and ‘New York’ while the very foresight of owning Jimmy Choo eyewear whispers ‘upcoming promotion.’

4. Marc Jacobs eyewear is a bit more on the professional and streamlined edge than other designers. For the work place, this gives a more serious and yet upscale look.

5. Finally, a safe but still fashionable choice would be Oliver Peoples. While their sunglasses may be cutting edge, their eyeglasses are a safer, more versatile breed.

 

May

10

Best Gift Ideas for Spring

Filed Under Blogroll, Brand Wave, Designer Sunglasses | View Comments 

ca0510.jpgSpring is a time of renewal, growth, colors, and the slow but deliberate revelation of more skin from under the winter wardrobe. For spring birthdays, weddings, showers and other occasions gifts should reflect the season. Try the gift that keeps on giving-eyewear! Fashionable, spring fashions like Ray Ban Wayfarers are sure to transform any dreary outfit into a fashionable win. And since they also protect the eyes and body they are a thoughtful gift that protects, makes fashionable, is seasonal and will be used on a daily basis by the gift recipient.

If the Wayfarer isn’t your thing, don’t panic! There are many great spring sunglasses fashions. These will not only make the perfect gift, but show how fashionable and up-to-date you are. Take, for example, the lovely and fresh designs by Alexander McQueen. His vibrant colors, innovations in shape and materials and careful attention to how his designs fit the human form make his sunglasses one of the most sought after every spring time. Any Alexander McQueen gift will be met with a shrill happy shriek, or a slow, happy tearful smile.

Finally, while Prada, Gucci and Dior are always fashionable, spring is a time to try new things. Branch out into newer designers or less commercial (in the high fashion circle that is) brands that have something daring and vibrant to offer, like SPY eyewear that is both athletic and fashionable, sturdy and yet appears feminine and confident. Spy sunglasses are a sure spring favorite due to the sporty feel, the sleek, clean lines and the bold colors.

Next Page →