New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Sunglasses?

post #1 of 286
3/12/06 at 1:20pm
Thread Starter 
I went shopping yesterday for sunglasses and came to the realization that there are so many brands to choose from. Most of the high-end ones were brands that I've never even heard of. I practically spent 2 hours in the store trying on different styles before making up my mind. I ended up buying a decent pair of Versace sunglasses for a not so decent price. What kind do you all wear?

Reply
Reply

Features on Basenotes

Greatest Hits: Annick Menardo
Petals Falling From The Sky - A Report From The Cote d'Azur's Bataille De Fleurs
Basenotes Reader Awards 2013 - Finalists Announced.
post #2 of 286
3/12/06 at 2:01pm
I don't wear sunglasses that often. One reason being, its often not sunny where I live, and I think I have pretty nice eyes so I don't really cover them up too much.

My favorites are Aviators and I think Ray Bans know for making them but theirs Gucci and my favorite Dior Homme as well. Their probably my favorite but I rarely wear them, had a knock-off pair a year ago but they broke.

For some reason I never really liked the Versace sunglasses, I found them a little tacky, with the huge Medusa heads of the sides, too flashy for me to wear. I like more of a classic and simplistic look to sunglasses.
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 286
3/12/06 at 10:53pm
Thread Starter 
I LOVE aviators as well. I've always bought cheap/inexpensive aviator sunglasses usually from the flea market because I have the tendency to lose them or break them. I also agree about Versace glasses. Many of them are too flashy and feminine looking. The reason why I bought these ones is because they are surprisingly simple and lack the Medusa logo heads. The only logo they have is a small Versace name engraved on the sides so you wouldn't even know what brand they are unless you inspect them closely.

Keep it coming folks!
Reply
Reply
post #4 of 286
3/13/06 at 1:45am
I keep a pair of Calvin Klein typically understated sunglasses in the car - which I got last year. My favourite pair are some fairly ancient Emporio Armani sunglasses that I bought on holiday in the Canary Islands back in 1998. Squarish lenses with a nice black and stainless steel frame.
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 286
3/13/06 at 10:06am
I recommend the Persol brand, Oliver Peoples, Randolph, Ray Bans & Serengetti. They make proper lens.

For ultra-coolness, choose matsuda & Jean Paul Gaultier. Giorgio Armani is another good brand.
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 286
3/13/06 at 11:57am
I have a fake pair of Oakleys that cost me $20. I don't ever use them unless I'm at the beach or lifeguarding. I'm pretty used to the sun so I don't need them otherwise.

As for ones you shouldn't wear IMO.... Those bug glasses that girls have now. They look rediculous. They take up half of their face and they are always shiny and dumb looking. They need to go~
Reply
Reply
post #7 of 286
3/13/06 at 1:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by EnvYuS

I have a fake pair of Oakleys that cost me $20. I don't ever use them unless I'm at the beach or lifeguarding. I'm pretty used to the sun so I don't need them otherwise.

You wouldn't need them anyway, as they probably wouldn't provide you with protection from harmfull UV rays.
Reply
Reply
post #8 of 286
3/13/06 at 3:04pm
In this area I DEFINATELY prefer classical styling. Ray Bans. Aviators, etc. Oakleys and those crazy sporty shitd worn by MLB outfielders and Nascar drivers look terrible IMO. Utility and avant garde styling hit their peak in 1963, with Antioanni in Fellini's 8 1/2.
see: http://www.gonemovies.com/WWW/Drama/...umierGuido.jpg
anything more "modern" or "high-tech" than this looks AWFUL.
Reply
Reply
post #9 of 286
3/14/06 at 11:36pm
3 pairs versace, 1 chanel, 1 prada, 1 ysl

differing shapes and sizes!
Reply
Reply
post #10 of 286
3/15/06 at 10:58am
I agree with Joel on this one, classics are best - in fact almost anything's fine except those goofy wrap-around, chintzy-looking plastic spastic sunglasses that professional fishermen and NASCAR drivers seem to love. Personally, I'd be wearing an updated aviator style this year, if I could wear regular sunglasses. Alas, my eyes betrayed me a few years ago and I wear Rx glasses (I can't stand the thought of sticking my finger in my eyes every morning to wear contact lenses). Maybe later this year or next I will try laser eye surgery and reclaim my sunglass wearing ways.
Reply
Reply
post #11 of 286
3/16/06 at 8:06pm
I also love the classic style sunglasses. I never thought Ray Bans were appealing in the least when I was young. It was all about the techno, blue-mirror shaded, chrome metal look.

My tastes are different now (or maybe I'm just getting old) so Ray Ban Wayfarers look pretty cool to my eyes all of a sudden (Well, maybe not on 80s rock band members.) I may look for glasses with a smaller proportion and a turtoise shell design soon.

But of course, that's after I gain all the weight I lost recently. I feel like a skinny rat... :-/
Reply
Reply
post #12 of 286
3/16/06 at 9:07pm
I have two pairs: Kenneth Cole aviators, and a pair of DKNY. I generally can't recommend a particular brand simply because few things actually look good on me. It's hard for me to find a pair I like.
Reply
Reply
post #13 of 286
3/18/06 at 2:28am
I have a a pair of Gucci, and one of Arnette...
Reply
Reply
post #14 of 286
3/18/06 at 10:54am
Thread Starter 
Wow. Thanks for all the replies guys. What's funny is that since starting this post, I ended up going back to the store and bought a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses. They look simple/boring but boy are they the best quality shades I've ever worn.
Reply
Reply
post #15 of 286
3/18/06 at 3:12pm
I wear Fossil, it goes well with one of my watches that is also Fossil, and they are quite affordable.
Reply
Reply
post #16 of 286
3/18/06 at 6:01pm
Speaking of flashy, metallic cheeseglasses, I just went to my parent's house and brought back some boxes of my old stuff they had packed away. At the bottom of one of the boxes were a late-80s pair pair of Oakley Frogskins bright-ass metallic red lenses plastic framed Wayfarer wannabes. I may have to wear them to work for a giggle.
Reply
Reply
post #17 of 286
3/19/06 at 6:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by teflondog

Wow. Thanks for all the replies guys. What's funny is that since starting this post, I ended up going back to the store and bought a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses. They look simple/boring but boy are they the best quality shades I've ever worn.

Excellent! Which Maui Jim's did you get? I have the "Big Island" version. They cost over $300 bucks, but worth every penny.

11 layers of polarization is hard to argue with ...
Reply
Reply
post #18 of 286
3/27/06 at 6:07pm
I bought a pair of aviator style prescription sunglasses (I'm nearsighted) this year made by Structure and I am very happy with them.
Reply
Reply
post #19 of 286
3/31/06 at 12:19am
I have a few
Steve Maddens (my fav beach wear)
Urban Outfitters (my fav casual wear)
BXBCG
Tommy Hilfiger
Dockers (my fav fashionable/formal wear).

I am not too big on aviator styles. but I do have some that are similar but less rounded...i stick within the $10-$50 range for shades...since there is always a chance to misplace them or break them....

Reply
Reply
post #20 of 286
4/9/06 at 4:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by teflondog

Wow. Thanks for all the replies guys. What's funny is that since starting this post, I ended up going back to the store and bought a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses. They look simple/boring but boy are they the best quality shades I've ever worn.

If you like your Maui Jim's, you might also want to check into the Costa Del Mar line. Great lenses as well with some add'l styling options. They are a bit harder to find (not a line Sunglass Hut carries), but are amongst my favorites. The polarization is superb, particularly the Wave 580 lenses. While fishing in Key West, I noticed that the broad majority of fishing charter captains and staff were wearing these lenses. I've also tried a variety of Maui Jim's and like them alot. I prefer both Costa Del Mar and Maui Jim's to Revo, which seem to have taken a hit on quality over the years.

Cheers,
Jim
Reply
Reply
post #21 of 286
4/11/06 at 2:03am
If it's "technically" daytime,im wearing sunglasses...I have about 10 pair...Mostly inexpensive except for a few.
Reply
Reply
post #22 of 286
4/19/06 at 9:15am
I use my oakley wrap around for the beach. solid black, whatever the entry level one that kids get. nothing fancy, been out a while. My daughter got a black pair and does not wear them, so when we go to the lake or beach, they are great. Keep sun from coming in through the side and reflecting back in to the eye.

I use Maui Jims for business and running around, playing golf. I have two pair. One is a regular rectangular shape with green lenses. Good for heavy sun. I have a titanium pair with the rose colored lens, good for low light or cloudy conditions.

Sam
Reply
Reply
post #23 of 286
5/8/06 at 1:12am
Kieselstein-Cord. As good as they come and a price to go with them. Paid $450 for mine several years ago. I rarely find anything less than $300 that I like, although I know there are some good ones for less than that.
Reply
Reply
post #24 of 286
5/8/06 at 1:15am
Anybody know of good places, either online or in-store for some relatively cheap, but reliable sunglasses. I'm leaning toward aviator style.
Reply
Reply
post #25 of 286
5/13/06 at 9:39am
I like the classic wire framed oval lense style (19th century riding glasses?) would be nice to find a pair with the riding style cable temples.
Reply
Reply
post #26 of 286
5/15/06 at 3:42am
Does anyone know where i can get a pair of sunglasses like Tom Cruise wears in Top Gun

Thanks
Reply
Reply
post #27 of 286
5/15/06 at 11:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by LeighG

Does anyone know where i can get a pair of sunglasses like Tom Cruise wears in Top Gun

Thanks

I think Cruise wears Ray Ban aviators in Top Gun.
Reply
Reply
post #28 of 286
9/16/06 at 1:39am
Im always with my Raybans, I have a few pairs.
Aviators too, I even have some that are half smoked and half clear. I think that Raybans have excellent quality
Reply
Reply
post #29 of 286
9/30/06 at 7:20am
Dita - niche shades baby

if you have prescription glasses go to lenscrafter with a AAA card I saved 175 on my glasses there. , I was so surprised at that. and it's very cheap. like 1/3 what my optometrist wanted.
Reply
Reply
post #30 of 286
10/5/06 at 3:17am
Dita "pusher" to be more specific was like my big sunglasses this year.
Reply
Reply
post #31 of 286
10/14/06 at 8:30pm
I have a pair of Oakley X-metal Juliets that I'm loving to death...



I'm a big Oakley geardo...and what does that mean?

Frags + Oakley = broke man.
Reply
Reply
post #32 of 286
10/19/06 at 2:37pm
I have to make a confession, I wore this summer a best sunglasses so far. I asked a NYC located friend to get me sunglasses from former-gucci-ysl guru Tom Ford's (Fonda Shiny Frame ''black'') private line.
Money well spent, as I used them constantly, and felt so comfortoble wearing them. It was like wearing a perfect pair of jeans, there's nothing quite like it.
Reply
Reply
post #33 of 286
10/23/06 at 7:08am
So am I hearing the rumours right? That BIG sunglasses are the current direction in fashion?

I've had a pair of Oakley gators for a long time, they're a bit beat up. I've also got a nice pair of ReVos, but those are more function than fashion. (Mostly use those for skiing)

One note of caution with Ray-Ban aviators. Being glass, they're a bit heavy. Make sure that you or whoever you're buying them for is OK with that before acquiring.
Reply
Reply
post #34 of 286
10/24/06 at 8:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by radix023

So am I hearing the rumours right? That BIG sunglasses are the current direction in fashion?

I've had a pair of Oakley gators for a long time, they're a bit beat up. I've also got a nice pair of ReVos, but those are more function than fashion. (Mostly use those for skiing)

One note of caution with Ray-Ban aviators. Being glass, they're a bit heavy. Make sure that you or whoever you're buying them for is OK with that before acquiring.

Well, no not really. Bigger glasses are in for women, but even extra large ones have become a joke. Men have much more of a trend for classical designs, things you'd expect in a Fellini film.
Reply
Reply
post #35 of 286
10/27/06 at 9:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisW

Anybody know of good places, either online or in-store for some relatively cheap, but reliable sunglasses. I'm leaning toward aviator style.

Here ya go.

Just ordered a pair these sunglasses from them.


Dan
Reply
Reply
post #36 of 286
10/28/06 at 12:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lightninrod

Here ya go.

Just ordered a pair these sunglasses from them.


Dan

haha, thanks Dan! Actually, I ended up picking up a pair of RayBan Aviators this summer. I thought I wouldn't look good in them (and make my face look all distorted), but they look a lot better then expected! Thanks though!
Reply
Reply
post #37 of 286
10/28/06 at 12:27am
As long as you don't wear them as a hairband and the frames aren't white (almost) anything goes...
Reply
Reply
post #38 of 286
10/28/06 at 4:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisW

haha, thanks Dan! Actually, I ended up picking up a pair of RayBan Aviators this summer. I thought I wouldn't look good in them (and make my face look all distorted), but they look a lot better then expected! Thanks though!

I didn't notice this thread was started in March !

Dan
Reply
Reply
post #39 of 286
11/4/06 at 2:37pm
I bought a pair of Fossil sunglasses last year and I really like them. They weren't overly expensive either, I think somewhere around $50.
Reply
Reply
post #40 of 286
11/11/06 at 1:12am
I used to wear Ray-Ban, but the last pair I got kinda made me mad. The design of the frames guaranteed that the temples would scratch the lenses when stored. The glass lens, aviator style just doesn't look good on me, so I started shopping. I wound up with a pair of Oakleys that I love. Now I'm on my second pair, using the first pair for outdoor activities.

Be sure to check the UV ratings on sunglasses. If the sunglasses you buy don't block UV, they might be damaging your eyes because the shaded lenses let your eyes open wider in sunlight, allowing more damaging UV rays in.
Reply
Reply
post #41 of 286
11/22/06 at 8:47am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lightninrod

I didn't notice this thread was started in March !

Dan

Wow. I forgot all about this post. Well, as an update...I've limited my collection down to two very reliable pairs of sunglasses. Both are Maui Jim: Kahuna and Moana. Though lacking in style, they're the most comfortable shades I've ever worn. However, if you look hard enough I'm sure you can find very good sunglasses of the same quality for a fraction of the cost.
Reply
Reply
post #42 of 286
5/22/07 at 12:09pm
Don´t know if it is mentioned, POLAROID sunglasses are my favorites. They started with producing sunglasses 1937. (US Website)
List prices are from 50 to 80 € but at online shops or at ebay they are much cheaper. Could get one aviator style at last for 19,- € without 6,- € shipping.

The glasses are polarized and the frames have very good quality.

Recommended.
Reply
Reply
post #43 of 286
5/22/07 at 1:45pm
For me it's gotta be Ray-Ban (aviator style kind of) with a 'mono' grey/green lens for this summer. ref RB 3311. Check 'em out!
Reply
Reply
post #44 of 286
5/23/07 at 4:29am
3311 is fine but i prefer the original aviator style of rayban and polaroid. They are very similar, but polaroid is cheaper and have polarized glasses.
Reply
Reply
post #45 of 286
5/23/07 at 4:04pm
I bought two pairs of 'Police' aviators last summer and love the aviator style which looks good on most faces.
When I first saw the bug-eye style a few years ago I was totally blown away by the radical styling at that time. When I saw the mono lens/visor style of sunnies that are starting to appear here in the uk I was blown away again. They are yet another radical look that I believe, ina way, reflects global climate change and the need for a more complete eye protection system. I have seen some extreme (and expensive) versions of the look but I have settled for the aviator version which again suits most faces but still keeping the mono/visor look.
Reply
Reply
post #46 of 286
5/23/07 at 8:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by teflondog View Post

Wow. I forgot all about this post. Well, as an update...I've limited my collection down to two very reliable pairs of sunglasses. Both are Maui Jim: Kahuna and Moana. Though lacking in style, they're the most comfortable shades I've ever worn. However, if you look hard enough I'm sure you can find very good sunglasses of the same quality for a fraction of the cost.

It may actually have been your post that inspired me, I'm not sure, but I recently got a pair of Maui Jim's, and I agree: they are incredibly comfortable. Easily the most comfortable glasses I've worn. Good lenses as well.
Reply
Reply
post #47 of 286
6/1/07 at 6:23am
I have heard of head shapes and "framing" with sunglasses, how does that work?
Is it effective?
How do you do it?

I never seem to know for sure what goes with what.
Reply
Reply
post #48 of 286
6/1/07 at 8:20pm
Ray Ban aviators here also - silver

Castorpollux, I think there is some truth in finding shades that compliment your head shape, chin, etc...I just can't remember the cardinal rules of it. It helps (for me) to not go sunglass shopping alone (salespeople get you to buy just about anything for a sale) and get a friend's opinion.
Reply
Reply
post #49 of 286
6/2/07 at 9:26pm
My favorite sunglasses are Maui Jim by far, Kahuna's are a staple for me.

I also wear Oakley Crosshairs for sport occasions.
Reply
Reply
post #50 of 286
6/3/07 at 11:57am
ray-ban aviators, white frame

they work well for florida.. if the white frames aren't appropriate, gunmetal frames for me
Reply
Reply
post #51 of 286
11/26/07 at 10:42am
I've got a bit of a sunglass fetish. My current faves are my Giorgio Armani 1545's... nice black temples, with rimless black rectangular lenses that go well with my features... can't find them for sale anywhere any longer as they are from the 2004 collection, although I only bought them a few months ago. For outdoors, my best are some cool Revo's that are rimless with rectangular blue reflective polarized lenses and gunmetal temples.

I've also got three pairs of Ray-Bans, mainly for running, and a pair each of Persol, Vogue, Polo Sport, Calvin Klein, and a "Bling" pair of Porta Romana's with wooden temples, blue gradient reflective lenses and gold details. Oh yeah, and a pair of Serengeti Nimbus that I keep on the visor in my car, for driving.
Reply
Reply
post #52 of 286
11/26/07 at 12:37pm
  • KMF
  • offline
  • Gender:
I have a pair of Ray Ban Aviators, Ray Ban Shields, & a winter pair from Prada...
Reply
Reply
post #53 of 286
12/10/07 at 12:17pm
I like Calvin Klein....


Reply
Reply
post #54 of 286
12/21/07 at 10:56am
Another RayBan Aviator fan. If you watch the tv show Dexter, they're the exact same ones his sister wears. (And she looks much better when she wears them because her eyes are crooked. What a weird looking chick. Pretty, but weird.)
Reply
Reply
post #55 of 286
12/28/07 at 7:45pm
Cartier rimless with African bubinga wood frames.
Reply
Reply
post #56 of 286
12/31/07 at 10:16am
I don't have any but you can't beat the Ray Bans. I really like the look of some of the Silhouette range.
Reply
Reply
post #57 of 286
1/21/08 at 7:43pm
I have a pair of Maui Jim's that are great, but I am going to spring for a pair from the best trad stylists in NYC, Meyrowitz and Dell on 44th St. near the Harvard Club who sell special lenses that are the best in the business, in the "Clark Kent" styled tortoise shell. Expensive as hell, but well... you know....
Reply
Reply
post #58 of 286
1/21/08 at 8:17pm
I wear my polarized Rayban's, always. No sun damage around my eyes, nor any cataracts please. Plus I feel like a spy, Mata Hari par-chance.
Reply
Reply
post #59 of 286
1/22/08 at 8:43am
Big, plastic, no "nose grippies", UV protectant, and cheap. Those are my general criteria. I break and lose sunglasses...I need them to be functional. I think they're pretty funky glam, too!
Reply
Reply
post #60 of 286
1/24/08 at 2:52pm
I always wear sunglasses when I'm out as I have blue eyes and I have those "floaters". You notice them if you look at the snow. The brands I wear are

Sunglasses:
Serengeti
Smith
Tifosi
Rudy Project
Native
Oakley

Goggles:
Smith
Bolle


I have many different types for skiing, mountain and road cycling, fishing, golf/tennis, driving, dress. They range from photochromatic, polarized, some able to change lens colors based on conditions. They have to be functional first though then stylish/fashionable.
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Fashion and Style

Features on Basenotes

Greatest Hits: Annick Menardo
Petals Falling From The Sky - A Report From The Cote d'Azur's Bataille De Fleurs
Basenotes Reader Awards 2013 - Finalists Announced.