As the sun comes out and its glare becomes too much, it becomes time to think about sunglasses. They're a summer essential that everyone should own. Not only because they're a fun way to accessorise, but because you should be thinking about your eye health.
You know how grown-ups usedto always tell you to never look into the sun as a kid, but you always tried anyway? That's exactly why everyone should own a pair of sunglasses. It doesn't matter where you buy them or whether you go designer or high street, as long as they have some sort of UV protection for your peepers.
For those of us with terrible eyesight, you're not excused. You should own at least one pair of prescription sunnies. The best option here is to go for a quality frame, possibly even a designer one, that you can take to your optometrist to have prescription lenses fitted.
Karen Walker designs some of the best-loved frames in the world. Worn by celebrities and commoners alike, she undoubtedly has a style to suit all tastes. This season she has released two collections - Little Aliens, inspired by all things outer space and UFO, and Fantastique, a series of gold or black filigree versions of some of Walker's classic, most-loved frames. Little Aliens and Fantastique frames all retail for upwards of $300.
If Walker doesn't have something to suit your desires, Zambesi have also released their first eyewear collection this year. Comprising just three sunglasses frames and three optical frames, the folks at Zambesi worked long and hard to perfect each one. Although they are slightly masculine, they're also a great combination of classic and contemporary - understated shapes with optional mismatched mirrored lenses. They retail for between $495 and $595.
Or, if you're like me and have a terrible habit of losing/breaking sunglasses, perhaps a collection of cheaper frames is a good option? Le Specs create fun, fashion-forward frames for about $70 to $80, or you could go one better and get a $20 pair from Glassons. If you opt for a classic shape, such as a wayfarer or aviator, you can guarantee they'll look good for as long as they last ... or until you leave them on your car seat and accidentally sit on them!
