in defense of cheap sunglasses

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Just as I’m convinced it is worthwhile to splash out for certain items, certain categories of items, other categories I am more than happy to skimp on and buy as cheaply as possible. Others I like to have representatives from several brackets, so I’ve got a few options re: quality. Lipstick is a great example of this, and I think all kinds of makeup and skincare. I like budget as well as luxe options in most categories. While it’s nice to invest in a great quality lipstick, there are too many beautiful colors to choose only one (so I say), and budget options are one way to have that variety. It’s just the same with sunglasses. Just the same.*

*You know when you’re entirely convinced how fitting an analogy is, and keep seeing parallels that reinforce its strength and integrity everywhere? This is one of those analogies right now.

I’ve invested in a few pairs of what I would call good sunglasses; quality lenses, sturdy construction, versatile styles I can wear any time, all the time. [I’m talking $100-$200 range sunglasses. Though sunglasses can get much more expensive than this, I doubt the quality improves much beyond this point.] I’ve mentioned them before.

(parenthetical photo recap:

IMG_6578Vuarnet, Vuarnet, Spektre, Ray-Ban)

This is all well and good, but…you know…what about the other kinds of sunglasses? There are so many appealing silhouettes, and it would be a shame not to play with them. [Wouldn’t it?]

Enter dirt cheap sunglasses. I mean $10 or less cheap, $5 or less . Mayyyybe $15ish. That would be an indulgent pair of cheap sunglasses, if you follow. I’m talking eBay, tourist stalls, Chinatown. Cheap (but with basic UV protection still). I had a specific list of styles I wanted to have at my disposal, but didn’t want to pay much to have them there. The sunglasses equivalents of costume jewelry. I found these gradually over many long winter months.

The list

1. Gold aviators with orange mirror lenses
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Basically a Ray-Ban clone. Like the pair I already have but with mirror lenses…

2. Circular lenses, retro look

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I found one I liked, then one I liked better… A weird or distinctive pair of sunglasses instantly adds interest, even to the most unremarkable ensemble.

3. Wayfarers and close cousins w/ patterned frames and/or mirror lenses

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Variations on the Spektre wayfarer-style pair I have and love, some fresh options. Wanted clear frames like this with mirror lenses. Oh, and I have that pair with white rubbery frames. Where did I put those?

4. Audrey shades with tortoiseshell or burgundy frames (or cream)

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Because this glam oversized look is not quite ME but I’ve wanted to experiment with it. I don’t always want to be exactly me, anyway. I like the fit and look of these better than I expected, a nice surprise. I couldn’t decide between these two…(if looking for this silhouette, use the keyword ‘Audrey’ evidently)

I think [I concede] this got a little out of hand, and I have too many pairs now. I do really like that concept of having only one or two signature pairs that go with everything. Like a signature lipstick (see!), or perfume. But I don’t have a signature lipstick or perfume, either, so I’m really very consistent in this story. Another addition to the volume of unnecessary/dumb stuff I spend my money on. And there’s that comforting knowledge that I’m free to sit on them or lose them without it constituting a notable loss. AND, if someone really likes them or needs to borrow them, I can spontaneously give them away. I like doing that, now and then.

into: sunglasses

 

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Utterly failed to keep myself out of this shot.

Sunglasses aren’t a summer-only accessory for me. Eyes need protection from the sun year-round, and I’m always carting at least one pair around. Here’s the current rotation:

1. Vuarnet square aviators

2. Vuarnet retro cat-eyes (wearing here)

French brand Vuarnet uses high performance glass mineral lenses (albeit in kind of cheap-feeling injected nylon frames), which can be selected for a bunch of different light contexts. The lenses really are incredible, protecting the eyes without compromising visibility whatsoever. These pleasant brown-toned lenses kind of make the world look like one big sepia photograph.

3. Spektre Nulla Etica Sine Aeshtetica  (wearing here – and all over)

An Italian brand using advanced polymer lenses. This was the ideal mix of orange mirror lenses and a tortoiseshell wayfarer-style frame – which was exactly what I was looking for. These are not cheap, but they don’t feel or look cheap, either.

4. Ray-Ban aviators (wearing here)

Another Italian brand, though a global one for a long time now. Love these gold frames and warm brown lenses (this frame is available with orange mirror lenses, too, though, and I keep going back to stare at them…think about them…though I do not need them…), which seem like sunglasses a baby lion would wear. Aviators aren’t for everyone but they are one of my favorite silhouettes, especially the more trapezoidal ones (as opposed to a teardrop/triangle). Imposing and somehow serious.

I investigated but could not find this one incredible pair of aviators from Italian brand Breil Milano (when it comes to quality sunglasses, Italy evidently has a gift). Some discontinued model…isn’t it always the way.