Miu Miu oversized retro sunglasses

It's around this time of year that the big design houses start reminding us what Spring/Summer dressing is all about, and in accessories that means the advent of brand new sunglasses. Oversized retro numbers for the ladies aren't going anywhere, and Miu Miu's new pairs are the perfect vintage homage.

These two pairs are new in at ASOS and take obvious inspiration from the sixties and seventies. Their seventies pair (left) have an added angular detail that makes them a truly genuine reproduction. With the use of classic tortoiseshell on both sets of frames, these make classics that avoid datedness easily.

How to get dressed: Sunglasses

Lasting doom is upon us this summer. How do we know? The invasion of coloured sunglasses
Once in a while, an everyday item strays so far from its original functional purpose that one finds oneself wondering whether civilisation really has plumbed so far into the depths of decadence that only universal and lasting doom is left.

If that sounds a little melodramatic, not to mention alliterative, I’m afraid coloured sunglasses are to blame. By coloured, I don’t mean the various muted shades of tortoiseshell or black that used to pass for choice in the dim and distant past when Reason still held sway. And by sunglasses, I don’t mean the lenses, where colour may indeed serve a useful ophthalmic purpose. I mean the frames. For as you will have noticed – unless you have been fortunate enough to have spent what passes for our laughable summer on Pluto – red, yellow, green and, lawksamercy, pink sunglasses are the very height of fashion this year.

That’s progress for you: last year, we had the very silly-looking white sunglasses craze. This year, we have the completely stupid school of Bob the Builder, multicoloured, very plastic look. Which means that if spending half the morning co-ordinating your hair extensions with your vast collection of Birkins isn’t enough to fulfil you creatively as an artist, then you can at least bolt on another hour or two while you decide whether to match or clash your specs with your toenails.

Perhaps it’s the experimental nature of this display that in part explains the appeal of coloured sunnies. Or perhaps Ray-Ban just sent out loads of freebies. Either way, all the usual suspects have been turning out in support of this trend: Lily Allen in a lime pair, Paris in – surprise, surprise – a pink pair, Jessica Simpson in a red pair, Drew Barrymore and Sienna in white (must be a retro thing), and where they so fearlessly tread, others follow. Type “coloured sunglasses” into Google and the screen leaps to life with blogs from lesser mortals plaintively asking where they can get hold of cheaper versions (Topshop, for starters).

The funny thing is that while sunglasses are supposed to be the modern-day equivalent of a mask, the expression on all these coloured sunglasses wearers is all too blatantly apparent. It’s the “Hey, I don’t take myself seriously, you know; now where’s that assistant who wipes the gunk off my shoes?” look. If sticking your tongue out at paps wasn’t so 2007 and flicking a V for Victory wasn’t so 1945, they’d do that instead. So top marks for ingenuity. And A* all round, I suppose, for reacting to this rubbish summer with an utterly rubbish pair of sunglasses.

As for why mere mortals are buying them in packs, my extensive research suggests that they find the classic tasteful sunglasses of their mothers boring. That would be boring in the same way that Mies van der Rohe is boring. Oh well, they’ll learn.

The right sunglasses help summer drivers stay safe

THE UK’s roadster and coupe cabriolet drivers are being given some timely advice about looking cool behind the wheel this summer – without compromising their safety.

The trick is to avoid making a spectacle of yourself by wearing naff shades while at the same time protecting your eyes from excessive glare.

The Eyecare Trust says that sunglasses are not merely a fashion statement, even though designer models can cost hundreds.

The Trust advises drivers to choose glasses bearing the CE or BS EN 1836:2005 marks for a safe level of protection.

Don’t choose really dark glasses which could impair vision when driving. But do choose lenses with anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare.

Sunglasses with slim arms provide the greatest all-round vision, bearing in mind drivers to see at least 120 degrees.

Beware of pink or blue tinted lenses which can distort colours, such as traffic lights.

Sunglasses with graduated-tint lenses are best for drivers. They give protection from bright overhead light and leave a lighter area that is best for reading maps or dashboard instruments.

Dame Mary Perkins, founder of the Specsavers chain, says: "Sunglasses make driving in bright light easier by reducing glare from the road, especially for drivers of open-top cars.

"They also enhance contrast, provide protection from the sun and significantly reduce eye fatigue.”

Picking The Wrong Pair Of Sunglasses Can Do More Harm Than Good

The summer sun can make for a lot of fun, but meteorologists and eye doctors agree - choosing the wrong pair of sunglasses can be hazardous to your health.

The sun can represent warmth, light and a chance for a tan, but it's no secret the bright star also poses potential dangers.

"Ultra-violet rays, people usually associate with getting a sunburn and skin cancer, but they can also damage your eyes, damage your cornea so that's the primary threat,"

That's where sunglasses come in. But if you pick the wrong pair, they can do more harm than good.


"Your pupils dilate to let in more light, and it's the same thing when you wear sunglasses. Your pupils dilate, they get bigger to let in more light, and if you don't have UV protection, ultra-violet protection on your sunglasses, you'll actually let more dangerous light into your eyes," Hall said.

Optometrists say smaller-sized sunglasses are not as protective against the sun’s rays because beams can still leak in through the top and bottom.

David Huntzberry, the owner and an optician at Longmeadow Eyecare said, "It can be uncomfortable as well as a little bit dangerous because you are allowing light in from the sides. It's not so much direct light but indirect light."

Huntzberry says polarized sunglasses are also easier on the eyes.

He added, "Glare being bright, unwanted, harsh, brilliant, reflective light. With that filter in the lens, it filters out reflective light and just allows more direct light in."

Meteorologist Ian Hall says UVA rays are commonly associated with wrinkles and aging, while UVB rays are known to cause sunburn and skin cancer.

Experts: Sunglasses more than fashion statement

The sun is getting brighter, the days are getting warmer and people are coming out of their houses.

This time of year means Little League, yard work and home improvements that have been put on hold by winter.

Dr. Terry Voirin, general ophthalmologist at Wheaton Eye Clinic in Plainfield, warns people that all these activities can damage eyes if protective measures are not taken.

To stress his point, he tells the story of a man who was cutting his grass on a riding lawn mower. While he was wearing sunglasses, the outside corner of his eyes were exposed.

A rock shot out from under the mower, struck the garage and ricochetted, hitting his eye on the unprotected side. It took two to three weeks for him to get his vision back.

"He was lucky because he gained his vision back," Voirin said. Most of the time, Voirin said, people just neglect eye protection.

"I think they just don't think anything is going to happen to them," he said.

But, it does.

When Voirin worked at a level one trauma center in Peoria, he said he saw numerous eye injuries caused by home improvements or outdoor sports that could have been prevented with proper eye protection.

"When I think cutting or hammering with nails, I think the goggles, wrap-around glasses are the best bet," he said.

People sometimes mistakenly think if they wear prescription eyeglasses that is enough protection for the eye. But, there is so much space that is not protected by regular glasses.

For children playing summer sports, protective eyewear is a must. If parents are concerned whether eyewear fits correctly or is the right choice, they should consult an eye doctor.

Adult recreational athletes also are in danger of eye injuries.

"I get a lot of guys that come in here and they are playing pick-up basketball and they got poked in the eye," Voirin said.

He said he also sees a lot of eye injuries in competitive badminton.

The most dangerous sport for the eyes, from Voirin's perspective, is paintball, especially because of the popular new plastic BBs.

"I have seen some horrific injuries from those," he said.

Proper protection can be an eye-saver. When it comes to paintball, sunglasses and regular goggles are not enough.

Instead, Voirin suggests participants use special paintball goggles.

It's not just those working around the house or playing sports who are in danger of damaging their eyes. Everyone must protect their eyes from the sun.

"The sun has been shown to increase the risk for macular degeneration and cataracts," Voirin said.

When shopping for sunglasses, people do not have to spend a lot of money. "As long as the little tag says UV protection, that's all you need," he said.

Sunglasses should be worn until the sun no longer is so bright that it causes a person to squint, he said.

Car windshields have some protection, but not enough.

For people who wear prescription glasses and like the convenience of lenses that darken in the sun, Voirin said improvements are on the way that will allow the lenses to darken in the car, despite the protection of the windshield.

Shades of summer

From goggles to rimless study glasses, designer boutiques are spilling with eyewear options this summer. It’s time to say ‘Eye do’ to sunglasses

Jimmy Choo
If exclusivity is anything to go by, eyewear from Jimmy Choo has made a smashing debut this year. With Choo, sunglasses only get bigger. Their Boo and Kat styles are perfect for those who love to remain incognito—even Jennifer Lopez is hiding her tired eyes behind them. Mostly oversized frames in red, topaz and pink, they even come with Swarovski detailing to add some glitter. Sex up your eyes with knotted snake effect of their JJ sunglasses (This style appears in their sandals too). A one-time splurge is guaranteed to get the twinkle back in many an eye.

Bottega Veneta
Through Bottega Veneta sunglasses, the world is definitely rosy. Aviator shades command as much attention as the bags at the Italian design brand this season. They command a stiff price too — walk into a store only if Rs 55,000 is not too much to spare. With their signature weave design; these handcrafted aviators come in earthy frames of old bronze and copper. Also, you can brighten up your days with their Gray Gradient sunglasses that are a winner. All their pairs come in a lovely case with the 'intrecciato' woven leather, so it's like buying two beautiful things for the price of one. And yes, each pair of sunglasses comes with a detachable leather cord so that you can comfortably wear them around your neck as well.

Gucci
Stabbing would be fashionable if women needed a prescription to wear Gucci eyewear. Retro looks with Lolita-heart glasses and tortoiseshell borders have made a serious comeback. Frames of Gucci's Spring Summer 2008 collection are a cure for sore eyes. The Black Horse Pit and the buckle frames are ones to watch out for. Mauves, reds, purples and yellows sit pretty on shelves and prettier on noses. No wonder our fashionistas have already created a demand-supply deficit as far as the sole Swarovski-studded pair in the collection goes.

Roberto Cavalli
Some summers are hot enough for a chic European look that demands a fabulous pair of Roberto Cavalli sunglasses. Aviator style glasses rule here too. Unlike his fixation with Swarovski and encrusted diamantes last year, these aviators feature metal stud details on the arms and bridge. It's hard to miss the meticulous detail in the laser inscribed logo on the side. Like every year, Cavalli's premiere couture line is sure to make heads turns.

Rating: Very good

At Shoppers Stop and leading optical boutiques

Moschino
Moschino's latest line leaves one spoilt for choice. It has 24 ophthalmic frames and 24 sunglasses in plastic and metal. One can tell Moschino by graphic icons like the heart, which appears predominantly throughout the collection, often embellished with Swarovski crystals. Other trademark motifs include peace symbols, question marks and studs. Colours range from bronze, gold, palladium, ruthenium, brown, black and ivory to Moschino favourite reds, blues and leopard prints.

Kavita Chougule
I have checked out the Jimmy Choo sunglasses online and found them great but right now, I am in love with my Tom Ford’s. They may be next, considering I buy myself a new pair every two-three months.

Mandira Bedi
I feel best behind very dark, huge sunglasses. Usually, it’s a pair of DKNY that I splurge on.

Maria Goretti
A classic pair of Gucci is a must-have. Although I have branded shades, I also have a stock of cheap but good sunglasses too. I have a tendency to lose them so they’re perfect.

Summer sunglasses: Bye, bye bling; opt for sophisticated and refined

When it comes to this year's hot sunglasses, leave the bling behind.

The coolest look for the summer of 2008 is understated and refined, says Michael Hansen, vice-president and general manager of the upscale retail chain Ilori. "There's less overt embellishment and logos, and more integrated details."

Shying away from glitz, though, doesn't mean sunglasses can't make a bold fashion statement.

"Embellishments have evolved from stones and Swarovski crystals to enamel work, laser cutouts and new foil printing techniques - the intermixing of materials in a translucent zile (plastic) that allows the metal to show through," Hansen says.

Colours also are strong. True, Hansen says, the wise first purchase probably is a black or tortoise-shell frame because it could be worn with anything, but as people begin to build a sunglasses wardrobe as they would handbags or shoes, you're seeing more navy, purple and red.

Coloured lenses are another stylish option, especially gradient ones in blues, greys and pink, Hansen reports. Gradient lenses are good for the evening hours because they block the glare while allowing light through, he adds.