I have received quite a few question about sunglasses, including:- Mrs.Muffy, Where did you purchase your "Aviator" sunglasses that you are pictured in in quite a few posts? I hate to ask, in the event that they are more than my allowance permits, seeing that I spent this month's on a pair of new, much needed Sperry Topsiders. I am in the hunt for a new pair of sunglasses, I would greatly appreciate it if you could let me know. Thank you. PS. I live off of your blog; it gets me through World Lit :)
- What are thoughts on Preppy eyewear & sunglasses? I see there’s a comeback on the old School boy horn rim frames which I own (Brand Anglo-American made in the UK). Ben Silver has the best collection of aka Preppy eyewear.You thoughts dear lady:)
- Dear Ms. Aldrich, I have recently discovered your blog, The Daily Prep, and have greatly enjoyed reading your views on preppy lifestyle. This morning as I was dressing, a thought crossed my mind; "I need to get my eyes checked again." This subsequently triggered other thoughts about getting a new pair of eyeglasses, and I wondered, "what are preppy eyeglasses?" Any thoughts you have on this question would be greatly appreciated. Regards.
- Hi Muffy, Here's a question under the category of things that can ruin an outfit. What kinds of glasses are acceptable (preppy) and which are beyond the pale? I know you don't wear glasses, but I'm sure you have opinions on the subject. Thanks
The sunglasses that I am currently wearing are a pair that I “borrowed” from my husband. They are made by Revo, and although they are on the heavy side, the quality of the lenses is superb. This was meant to be a temporary situation while I look for some of my own, but what I really need is a sunglass “wardrobe” of sorts - different glasses for different situations.
 |
| I don't think my husband is getting his sunglasses back. |
There are many factors that I consider when selecting sunglasses. Obviously protection is at the top of the list. And my eyes are so sensitive that I wear them constantly, so weight is also a consideration. Add to that my desire for polarized lenses, and it becomes a little trickier to find the right pair. (And I am not so fond of the oversized styles currently available for women.)
So far I have been getting sunglasses either from Revo (for example), Maui Jim (for example) or Ray Ban.
- For more active pursuits it is hard to beat Maui Jim. They have high quality, polarized lenses that are extremely comfortable and lightweight to wear. This will be my first stop in my quest for a new pair to wear in the pool this summer. But I do find it difficult to find good looking options from them.
- Ray Ban of course makes the original Aviator style (which have traditionally not been polarized due to the need to read LCD based displays such as in airplanes, cameras and GPS) and Wayfarer. Their site is a little overwhelming and requires careful reading of the descriptions.
- There is also Persol and, as the reader mentioned, Anglo-American, although I do not have any experience with either of these.
For more affordable options, I would look at Lands’ End and L.L. Bean.
For eyewear, I agree that some of the best looking classic frames can be found at Ben Silver. My favorite material is tortoise and great options include The Pantheon Shape, The Silver Line, The Liberty Frame and Round Frames. Ben Silver does offer sunglasses, although better styles for men than for women.
Also see Bill Stephenson's excellent entry on eyeglasses on Ivy Style.
 |
| I want to get a pair like my father (in front) is wearing in this picture. |
25 comments:
Ray Ban does make a polarized version now...a bit more expensive but worth it. The main issue is NOT to wear cheap shades...it is actually more harmful than no shades at all: The colored glass allows the pupil to expand and if there is insufficient protection from poorly made, inexpensive unglasses..more harmful UV penetrates the eye.
Oh yeah...those Revos look smashing on you...and they are well made and offer good protection
I personally find the big "Jackie O" sunglasses a lot of women are wearing these days to be quite fetching, as long as the frames are rendered in a subtle black, brown, or tortoiseshell. You can't go wrong with torties for eyeglasses, either, for men or women. I happened on a nice pair from Lacoste when I had to buy new frames last year. They get a lot of nice comments, although the Harry Potter and Waldo jokes wear kind of thin.
@Main Line Sportsman - Many thanks! And excellent point about the cheap lenses.
@John - Really? :) Well, she could pull it off, but few others, then and now, can. IMO
I favor Ray Ban Aviators. I do agree with MLS (as I usually do) on two points: 1) don't buy cheap glasses and 2) you look great, but I credit the smile as much as the Revos.
Give me a good ol' pair of tortoiseshell, Ray Ban Wayfarers and I'm happy.
I've worn them since junior high school aka middle school and they've never steared me wrong.
I like that they aren't too expensive since I've had to replace a couple of pairs (fell overboard while sailing, lost a pair in Mexico and lost a pair fishing). This was pre-croakie knowledge.
I also likie that they give good eye coverage.
However, I can't resist a man in a nice pair of Avaiators. However, he has to be an actual aviator and his name has to be Val Kilmer aka (Iceman) and he has to have a blond, flat top. Shhhh don't tell my husband.
Your Revos look great! I sneaked a pair of sunglasses away from my husband, too : )
I have to wear polarized lenses... eye doctor's orders. I have a wonderful pair of tortoise shell Ray-Bans that I have somehow managed to hold on to for years (I have a talent for losing sunglasses).
Over Christmas I purchased a pair of aviator-style Ralph by Ralph Lauren frames... they are a bit trendier but substantial... the Ray-Ban aviators felt too fragile for me.
I've found American Optical can't be beat for "real" aviator sunglasses. Great quality, made in the US, and affordable.
http://www.aosunglasses.com/
Muffy:
Take a look at the Maui Jim "Typhoon" model. They are similar to the ones your father is wearing in that picture. I believe they come in tortoiseshell as well as black (though I've got the black ones) and they are hands-down the best glasses I've ever owned -- especially good on the water. Also very comfortable.
EGF
"Jackie O's", all the way! My grandmothers, aunts and mother, and female cousins have all worn them, as do I. They also, at ages 80s, 40s-50s, 20s-30s, respectively, have few if any wrinkles around their eyes! Another perk to the larger lenses! Interestingly, my female cousins and I do not wear corrective lenses, perhaps another benefit to modern, and more protective, sunglass lenses.
Overall, as in most things, I feel that being "prep" isn't so much about the label as it is the lifestyle. Find a conservative, classic looking pair of shades in a style that suits your face and be comfortable and confident.
I agree that once you buy a pair of good sunglasses, you'll never be able to stand to wear a pair from Target again. I have a pair of Maui Jim that are several years old. That was the big Christmas gift for the kids this year--J4 got polarized New Wayfarer Ray Bans, J3 got Costas (frat boy glasses) and girls found a good looking Maui Jim frame that I'd not seen before. I'll ask J3 the name as she located them. They're not "too sporty" and not "too trendy"....they're just right.
I have to second the suggestion for American Optical. They made the original pilot sunglasses that were issued to Navy and Marine pilots, aircrew and NASA astronauts way back in 1958. They're also the most affordable and can be had for about $30; way less than the current military supplier, Randolph Engineering, and several orders of magnitude less than the Ray Ban aviators.
I do like Ray Bans, though, and the smaller size aviators are perfect for my wife. I also wear the polarized Wayfarers in black and find that they're the most versatile sunglasses I own.
Iceman..... Yes, he makes aviators look very nice! On a personal note, I have worn Ray Bans ever since high school. Once in a while I stray, but I always seem to return to Ray Bans.
I personally prefer the look of the Ray ban aviators, have worn them for years! they seem to stand the test of time with all the fades in eyewear I've seen over the years. Just a suggestion I know the boaters and fisherman in the south like the Del Costa brand not bad, worth a look at.
Your pere's sunglasses appear to be Ray-Ban Wayfarers, classically handsome and stylish and now available in a polarized model. Having worn specks for virtually my entire life and now, with age, having a reduced tolerance for contacts, I pay much more attention to frames. Anglo-American is the best frame made if preppy is your style. Ben Silver's catalogue seems to have some over-priced Anglo-Americans, so a trip to a good optician seems to make more sense. Don't forget that an optician can use any frame to make beautiful non-prescription preppy (or Jackie O) sunglasses in any color you like and often for less than the cost of those in a department store. I have a preference for bottle green lenses.
To anyone looking for new frames and script lenses, I'd look to Warby Parker (www.warbyparker.com). They have vintage inspired frames with no-glare, scratch resistant polycarbonate lenses all for $95. For every pair you buy, the company donates a pair to someone in need through restoringvision.org. Rumor has it they'll have a line of sunglasses available late spring/early summer.
Rayban has redesigned the Wayfarer recently. You may want to try a pair as they seem similar to the ones your Dad is sporting in the photo and much more streamlined than the older models.
I think the awkward look that the oversized glasses have is due to women who buy the label over the fit. Many of the shades sit too far up on the bridge of the nose making them look like very expensively dressed bugs.
I have been craving wayfarers for ages now...every time I see them they remind me of all the fun I had in my youth :O) Fortunately I will be in the city tomorrow and can have a look for them :O)
How funny, I was just thinking about sunglasses yesterday! Great minds and all that. I wonder if Revo makes a lighter pair? I also have sensitive eyes, so I wear sunglasses all the time, and don't like to feel to much weight.
Muffy, I'm jumping on the Maui Jim band wagon.... I've had my pair since college (let's see, I want to say 2002?!?!) and I absolutely love them. They are perfect for golfing and feel light on my face, although they are wonderful quality.
My lenses require correction so I can't just buy off the self. I just bought a pair of glasses with Anglo American frames. I love them. I had to look really hard to find them locally - every place I went tried to sell me the modern very narrow style frames. I knew Ben Silver sold them but I didn't want to purchase frames online. I also have perscription polarized sunglasses in the New Wayfarer frames. I like them better than the regular Wayfarer frames.
Best regards,
JRC
I agree with @Patsy. The "New Wayfarer" is a bit smaller than the classic Wayfarer. I think they're very reminiscent of what your father is wearing. I'm having Rx lenses added to a new pair as I type.
And to add to @Ryan, Warby Parker has an awesome "try at home" feature where you can select five pair to try on for free for five days. Shipping both ways is free. Another great--and similar source--is classicspecs.com. Great frames, very reasonable prices.
JB
Muffy, I've been reading your blog for a few months now, and I just wanted to drop a line to say thanks for your hard work--I love this blog!
It's also nice that your commenters are often so knowledgeable--I am in the market for new glasses and will be checking out a few of these links.
Hope you have a lovely day!
Thank You, Thank You! I will be investing in some Revos in the very near future.
Thanks,
Millie.
As someone who just bought a pair of Persol 714SM's I can tell you the quality of the frames and lenses is superb. The workmanship is second to none and style timeless. I know that these will be glasses I will be wearing 20 years from now quite happily.
Post a Comment