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Posts Tagged ‘designer sunglasses’

While eyeglasses are a necessity for many, the designer eyewear industry is based primary on want versus need. And with the help of flash sales and members-only sites such as Gilt and HauteLook, and online retailers such as Eyeglasses.com, the average consumer can now afford to purchase designer goods at a tremendous savings. We are also finding that the luxury sales sector is increasing rapidly with Generation Y leading the charge in all fashion categories, including premium luxury and full-priced online luxury retail.

Generation Y increased premium luxury fashion by 33 percent in 2011 over 2010. Though it represents the smallest group of luxury consumers, this group of twenty-somethings has also led the charge of full-priced online luxury retail, spending 31 percent more on designer duds than the year before. They have also shown and increase in spending among all groups in specific retail categories, such as jewelry, shelling out 27 percent more in 2011.

While the financial standpoint on designer eyewear will vary among working youngsters, many limit their eyewear purchases to a minimum. Those with insurance typically have one pair of glasses with little to no extras and keep an old pair for backup. One popular trend is to layer contact lenses and oversized sunglasses. For eyeglasses, the trend is something along the lines of a Clark Kent horned rim eyeglass frame or retro (read: ironic), possibly vintage eyeglasses.

“Most [generation Y-ers] are unaware of differences in lens types and just go with whatever lenses their optometrist's office recommends,” says Kate Baker, 29, at Moneywise Payroll in Charlottesville, Va. “Most have to pay extra for anti-glare and scratch-resistance, if they can afford it; optical insurance isn't that common.”

In terms of specialty glasses, the young members of Generation Y are often unaware of their existence or usefulness. While few of the students are interested in spending additional cash on special glasses, an explanation of why they are special or what they do help move them toward buying.

These tech-savvy shoppers take to the Internet to research eyewear options and compare prices. In fact, females in their 20s often window shop in person to examine the product firsthand but search online for a better deal. But this is not the only advantage online shopping provides: Many Gen-Y-ers relay convenience as web's biggest advantage to brick and mortar retail. This added convenience has only made it that much easier for them to spend on luxury items they may not have had access to before.

Prescription sunglasses are important for everyday use. Not only do these sunglasses block out sun glare when walking or driving, sunglass lenses also protect your eyes from UV rays. Whether you decide to purchase designer sunglasses or eyeglasses with Transitions lenses, any type of sun protection will prove beneficial.

Having a eyeglass prescription no longer equals a limited range of sunglass frames. There are many different types of sunglass frames available for use with your prescription including polarized sunglasses, designer and vintage sunglasses. Sport specific sunglasses are also available for fishing, golfing, boating, and driving. You can also find these sunglasses in children's sizes since their eyes need to be protected as well.

When determining the type of sunglasses that would like to purchase, you need to ask yourself for what purpose they are going to be used for. Do you only want them for the style that they give, the function of protecting your eyes, or the simple fact that you just feel comfortable not allowing people to see your eyes?

There are many different types of lenses available for your prescription sunglasses. For anyone interested in a light shade from the sun may want to choose a light gray gradient polycarbonate lens. These lenses help to shade the eyes but yet others to be able to see the person's eyes. You will find that there are different grades of darkness that can be applied to your sunglasses. You might also consider the type of material that your frames will be made of. Active people who are on the go constantly or may have jobs that are very physical, may want to purchase frames that are lightweight and more flexible such as the Gucci 2908/S Sunglasses. You can choose from plastic or metal types of materials.

You also have to think about the actual shape of the frame when it pertains to your glasses. You can find several different websites on the Internet that will take into consideration the shape of your face and actually tell you what shape of frame would best compliment your look. The many shapes that are available include oval, round, rectangular, cat eye, and aviator. You can also decide on exactly how much frame you want to cover the glasses. You can choose from a full frame, half frame, or a rimless frame which is becoming very popular.

The most important factor about purchasing any eyewear whether they are prescription sunglasses or everyday eyeglasses is the way they fit and how you feel in them. Consider you next pair of glasses as an investment since you will wear them on a daily basis. Make sure that you find a frame that feels good and will stand up to your lifestyle. Regardless of how expensive a pair of glasses is, if you are not comfortable in them or they do not frame your face the way you had hoped, you will know right away these glasses are not for you. Once you find a quality sunglass frame that looks and feels good to you, be sure to have prescription lenses put in. It is definitely money well spent.

With eyeglass frames towing the line between function and fashion, it’s no surprise that the shape of eyeglass frames is changing in some dramatic ways. Some of the new options have vintage qualities to them with rounded, cat-eye, aviator and wayfarer shapes; while others have a more ultramodern approach with spikes, curves, and shapes that are more avant-garde than everyday. Round eyeglasses are scaling up in size and offering more complex shapes such as hexagons and octagons. This new strain of oversized eyeglasses and sunglasses are great for anonymity, and are on trend with celebrity style eyewar. However, these larger scale eyeglass frames can be quite tricky to wear as this style doesn’t necessarily work with most facial shapes. Be sure to carefully select a frame that does not engulf your entire face.

Even square frames make an appearance this season alongside oval and 70s glam rock throwbacks. But on a whole, the current availability of eyeglass and sunglass frames range from retro to futuristic.

Speaking of futuristic eyeglasses, Oakley and Google are both working on glasses that will project information directly on to the lenses. Oakley with it's Smart Glasses, and Google with Project Glass. The smart glasses use a technology called augmented reality which gives users information about real life objects or places. Oakley is targeting athletes for its line of "smart glasses". The company is also looking to incorporate augmented reality in its military subsidiary, Eye Safety Systems. These latest developments in eyewear technology have truly turned wearing eyeglasses into a multimedia experience.

And while Oakley and Google look towards the future, Lafont Eyewear harkens back to the past with the classic shapes and colors of Lafont Babel glasses with horned rim, cateye, and other retro styles.

For those interested in serious vintage eyeglasses, as opposed to retro eyeglasses that just appear to be vintage, there is always unique vintage eyewear available online and in excellent condition. Many vintage frames provide the perfect touch of old Hollywood glamour. An elegant pair of Schiaparelli catseye frame with rhinestones and flower design may just be the frame for you. However, if rhinestones piqued your interest or you prefer a more modern, urban chic pair of glasses, then you'll love the Swarovski crystals collection. Swarovski designer sunglasses feature an assortment of frames in metal and acetate with their signature color and clear crystal accents. Other stylish models come in black, gold and blush and include a strong silhouette that is softened by the Swanflower motif on the temple arms. Delicate frames, pinks and pastels, amber and honey hues, and frosted tortoise frames breathe new life into these classic eyeglass frame styles.

This season, designer eyewear collection range fancy to futuristic, rock 'n' roll to demur, and everything in between. No matter if you decide to go vintage or retro, you'll love what the designer collections have in store for you this season.