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Sunglasses

Brian SD

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I really have no idea where to go with sunglasses, because I've never looked good in them until recent years, and now that I think I can pull it off, I don't know what to buy. I've been hearing things about certain brands of sunglasses (Oliver Peoples, Ic Berlin, Dior), but I am more confused about what kind of style creates a good look. I've looked at runway photos to get an idea, but as usual it's a bit too ... absurd for me to actually pull it off in real life. The trendy thing in LA is to get oversized aviator sunglasses, but I'm hoping to avoid such an obvious influence. Of course, discounted price is absolutely necessary, so I have been checking out a couple types on eBay that I am curious about. Oliver Peoples on eBay Dior on eBay If anyone has any sort of advice to lend, I would be grateful. I probably didn't describe enough about what I want, but to be honest, I don't know where to start, so if anyone has any helpful questions even, I would love to answer.
 

retronotmetro

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As I've posted in other threads on sunglasses, for me the optics are the most important thing. Â As long as the frames are reasonably stylish I'm happy. Â What counts for me is getting the best lens that suits the intended activity, and this is where the "fashion" makers tend to fall down. When will you be wearing the sunglasses? Â For example, I wear polarized glass sunglasses while driving. Â Polarized because it cuts road glare and windshield reflection, and glass because they are scratch resistant. Â On the other hand, I would not wear glass lenses to go mountain biking because polycarb lenses are shatter resistant and less likely to result in an eye injury if I wipe out. In LA I actually see more people wearing polycarbonate lenses with the flexible Ti frames than aviators. Â I have a pair of these Maui Jims which are sort of aviator influenced wraparounds--smaller than classic aviators--and rarely see anyone wearing anything like them:
LQG180-02.JPG
LFG180-02.JPG
I got them with gray polarized factory prescription lenses. Â They are the best sunglasses I have ever worn, including Oakleys, Vuarnets, pre-Luxottica Ray Bans, and pre- and post- Luxxotica Revos. Â Love them. Â Unfortunately they are probably out of budget for you, but you can sometimes track down sunglasses on eBay. The biggest problem with buying sunglasses online/on eBay (besides the obvious risk of counterfeits) is that unless you know how you look wearing the exact style you find, you have no idea whether you will like them once you get them. I'd say go to Sunglass Hut and try on some glasses to see what you like, then start trolling eBay. Â Sometimes Sunglass Hut has 20% off coupons, maybe you can save a few bucks that way. Of course, if you want superstylish sunglasses, I can't help you there. Â Call me boring . . .
 

faustian bargain

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how about some Agent Smith glasses? the way more affordable 'replicas' are Here. it's only cheesy if you go around telling people they are from the movie. otherwise i think they're pretty neat. /andrew - can't be bothered with contact lenses, so doesn't wear sunglasses anymore.
 

faustian bargain

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also UV blocking is important. I agree on the polarization as well - really useful if you're in a glarey-horizontal-surface environment (on the water, skiing, light or reflective pavement, etc.). or even on a bright sunny day, it cuts down on the sky glare.
 

retronotmetro

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/andrew - can't be bothered with contact lenses, so doesn't wear sunglasses anymore.
Prescription shades, my friend. Prescription shades.


(talk about sticker shock. at least I got some cash back from my optical insurance)
 

faustian bargain

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Prescription shades, my friend. Prescription shades.


(talk about sticker shock. at least I got some cash back from my optical insurance)

yeah...wish i had the optical insurance again. that's a good benefit.

are the photo-sensitive glasses any good nowadays? they always looked geeky on the kids who had them when i was younger...the shade stayed 'on' for so long after you got indoors.
 

Brian SD

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I am looking for something versatile, with black lenses.. I do not have any specific purpose for them in mind, although I do seem to wear my current (POS) sunglasses when almost always when driving during the day.

The agent smith glasses are a bit too large for the shape, I think, although I appreciate the input.
 

Brian SD

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retro, I've been into sunglass hut, but I honestly have no idea what looks good or bad on me from a developed taste (which is why I ask here). My friends will tell me something looks good or bad, but I am hoping to seek out some specific guidelines. Perhaps based on my facial structure? There is a picture of me on the picture thread on page 15 I believe, if that helps.
 

imageWIS

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The best glasses that I liked and that fit my face the best were these C Wires from Oakley. They were relatively expensive, since I need to purchase prescription lenses, which bumps the price to astronomical levels (I think they were close to $400 with tax). But, everyone has compliment how good I look in them; and better yet...they keep the sun out. The ones I purchased look exactly like this (but are available in different frame and lens colors):
enlarge_two.jpg
Jon.
 

retronotmetro

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retro, I've been into sunglass hut, but I honestly have no idea what looks good or bad on me from a developed taste (which is why I ask here). My friends will tell me something looks good or bad, but I am hoping to seek out some specific guidelines. Perhaps based on my facial structure? There is a picture of me on the picture thread on page 15 I believe, if that helps.
Brian, there's a healthy amount of good old personal preference involved here. Some retail websites will group frames by face shape--for example the Maui Jim site lets you pick frames based on "square face, oval face. etc." and that might help a bit. But sometimes you just have to make the jump and pick something you like. It does help to have a friend with you who can countermand any crazy ideas.
 

retronotmetro

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The best glasses that I liked and that fit my face the best were these C Wires from Oakley. They were relatively expensive, since I need to purchase prescription lenses, which bumps the price to astronomical levels (I think they were close to $400 with tax). But, everyone has compliment how good I look in them; and better yet...they keep the sun out. The ones I purchased look exactly like this (but are available in different frame and lens colors):
enlarge_two.jpg
Jon.
Jon, which lenses do you have? I wore a set of A-wires for about three years, in the polarized Black Iridium lenses. Nice, but I find that the gray Maui Jims have slightly better contrast. I haven't had the Maui Jims long enough to compare the coating quality, but in my experience Oakleys have one of the most fragile coatings around--very scratch prone. That's actually what kept me from replacing the lenses on my A-wires to keep them around a while longer. We'll see how my current glasses fare. I really like some of the Oakley prescription-line frames.
 

imageWIS

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Aw, man you made me go digging around all my boxes in the guest room (ok, so they are mostly shoe boxes)...hope your happy:

They the lenses are Oakley RX Black Iridium Pure Plutonite System lenses (whatever that means); I did not order the lenses with polarization. I used to have a pair of prescription BollÃ
00a9.png
s, and the Oakley's are definitely better.

Jon.
 

houston

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My girlfriend has a pair of Oliver Peoples. Very nice - stylish and classic and incredible optics.
 

LabelKing

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I really like Cutler & Gross. After someone introduced me to them on this very forum.

Although probably not everyone is into that oversized retro look.
 

banksmiranda

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I'm looking to buy some Rudy Project glasses - perhaps the Ketyum glasses. I wear Spy Neo Scoop glasses regularly for just loafing around and for playing sports.
 

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