My future's so bright..

... I gotta wear shades! As you may know by now, the PA/DC/MD area got hit pretty hard with a serious snowstorm yesterday. Today the sun is shining and it's almost blinding against the endless fields of white snow. It's really stunning. I love this kind of weather. The air is crisp and clean, everything is blanketed in gorgeous, sparkling, pure white snow and the contrast against the clear, blue sky is truly spectacular. You need a good pair of shades to function in it, though. Driving down the street can be a serious hazard because of the slippery snow, but also because of visibility due to the sun's glare against the snow. There are some shades that seem to keep coming back in style, so if you're wondering what will look good and remain classic, get yourself one of these styles:

Ray-Ban Wayfarer:

These classic shades were popular in the 60's, again in the 80' and now in 2010, they're back in full force once again. Perhaps it's the fact that all things retro are in vogue, or maybe people really do love this style. Or maybe it has to do with the fact that Ray Bans have been used in film and TV for decades. (Here's a fun fact for you: that unique product placement was the direct result of a deal signed between Ray-Ban and the company- you guessed it- Unique Product Placement in 1982.) Regardless of why they are so popular, the point is, they're hip right now and probably will be in another couple of decades. The ones pictured above are available at Amazon for $109, and more updated versions can be found just about anywhere. Unfortunately, that price is a little high for my budget. Fortunately, the Sunglass Shack offers a knock-off style for only $19.99 in both the classic black and this tortoise shell frame:

I remember back in the late 80's, early 90's it was popular to wear this style with black sides and neon colored front frames. Can you say, "HIDEOUS?" I admit, I had a pair. I think I bought them at the beach boardwalk for $5 when I was in 7th grade. What was I thinking? I'm pretty sure I paired them with a B.U.M. Equipment oversized t-shirt over my bathing suit. Thank goodness there are no pictures to document. At least, not to my knowledge.

Aviator Sunglasses:

 

Aviators look good on everyone and are so classic and timeless that you can wear them with confidence no matter what the current trend. These pictured above are Ray Bans from Amazon as well and sell for as little as $75 to as much as $200+ depending on the color combination and size. Of course, this style is also available in a less expensive version from the Sunglass Shack for only $25.99.

They have only four different color options for the lenses, unlike real Ray Ban Aviators that come in literally dozens of color combinations for frames and lenses. I recommend trying on lots of different colors to find the ones that work best for you. That's certainly an argument for buying name-brand because you can find the exact size and color that will be most flattering on your face shape, size and skin tone. However, if a less expensive version works well for you, then that's fabulous, too!

The bottom line with any sunglass style trend is that you should only participate if the style truly looks good on you. Some sunglasses are a bad idea no matter who you are. And don't forget to opt for polarized lenses whenever possible. Trust me, your eyes will thank you. Now for some fun. Can you name the celebrity who made the following sunglass styles famous? Leave a comment to guess.

 

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Have a great day, everyone!