Designer sunglasses: how much should I spend?

Well, Fiona, I'll just work this out on my special fashion calculator – it's the same one, incidentally, Elle Woods in Legally Blonde used to ace her paper, The History of Polka Dots. So, we take the uniqueness of the item, multiply it by the amount of work that went into making it, divide it by the naffness of the item itself, divide it again by the naffness of the people who wear it, subtract how easy it is to buy a version that is just as good on the high street, multiply it by how long the product lasts and, well, let's have a li'l look-see ... So that comes to ... minus £5,000,000. Spend any more than that and you're being royally ripped off.

Look, I'm as sympathetic to overspending as you'd expect someone who once bought a stupid Chloé Paddington bag. (The lining bunches up, it doesn't close properly, you can't fit anything in it, the giant lock makes it weigh a tonne – is temporary insanity a justifiable case for a tax rebate?) But when it comes to designer shades, I throw my Paddington to the ground and cry: "No! No! And thrice no – this just will not do! Paging Karl Marx: the 21st century requires your assistance!"

Of course, there is no harsher judge than a former convict and I freely hold my hands up here to admitting that, in my early 20s when I was dewy with naivete, I owned a pair of massive black Chanel sunglasses in the belief they would make me look like Jackie Kennedy (NEWSFLASH: they didn't). The gut-crunching panic I felt when I – finally and inevitably – lost them awakened me as harshly as the little boy bellowing about the king's nudity, and my nakedness was obvious to no one more than me (and to my now unprotected, sun-dazzled eyes).

Designer sunglasses are the butt-end of the worst side of the fashion world. They play entirely on the idea that fashion is merely about flaunting designer labels, quality of products be damned, and boil the idea that brand names are there to be flaunted down to its barest bones or, in this case, cheap plastic base. Whether it's those once-ubiquitous Chloé sunglasses with the diamante hearts, those now ubiquitous Tom Ford figure-8 style glasses or, yes, giant black Chanel glasses, the appeal of designer sunglasses lies simply in telling people that you have happily paid over £100 for a bit of plastic tat that you will probably sit on or lose before the week is out. You may as well walk around wearing a sign proclaiming, "I AM A TOTAL IDIOT", which would be both cheaper and more self-aware.

It is no secret that the fashion world is pretty much funded on, not the clothes (please!) and certainly not the couture (um, hello?), but the cheap stuff that is covered in designer labels so that people feel like they are getting a shimmer of the designer brand, albeit perhaps without the designer quality. Perfume, makeup, designer jeans and logo-heavy T-shirts are some of the obvious examples of this rather less than savoury foundation of the fashion business. Designer sunglasses are obviously another part, too and, like all the jeans-and-T-shirt tat that has been supporting various fashion empires more than they'd like to admit for some time, they are just worthless landfill, trash knocked out by sniggering designers who cackle as they imagine the silly rich customers who buy this stuff to prove their allegiance to the brand and the foolish poor(er) customers who think buying a pair of Armani sunglasses makes them look cool. It doesn't. This is nothing against designer brands but buying tat purely because it has designer labels on it is the opposite of cool. It is sad. It is sheep-like. And it reflects badly on everyone all round.

Seriously, Fiona, just go to the high street. H&M has brilliant sunglasses and for less than a fiver, while Topshop is always good for novelty ones that you don't mind losing after a weekend at Bestival. If you really are desperate for a designer label, not buying three pairs of designer sunglasses will buy you, depending on the label, a nice bag or skirt, and you won't, presumably, lose either of those under the seat of your car. After all, as that noted fashion commentator Loudon Wainwright III once sagely observed: "Yeah, it might feel like fun when you're sporting sunglasses, but really you're just one more fool."

Helpful Suggestions for Purchasing Sunglasses

There are so many styles to choose from, just how do you pick the best sunglasses for you? Following are some important points to consider.

Sunglasses are a necessary form of protection for anyone venturing outdoors. Sunglasses protect our eyes from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays while reducing glare and protecting eyes from sun-related eye problems. That said there have never been more sunglasses options, designs, technology and styles to choose from.

Whether your sunglasses needs are in a designer pair of sunglasses, sunglasses for your children, performance and sport sunglasses, prescription or non-prescription sunglasses it will be difficult to select just one pair.

There are a few helpful suggestions to aid you when purchasing sunglasses. It is important that the frame fits comfortably on your face, if you do select a frame that is too large keep in mind it can often be adjusted. If metal frames are chosen they can sometimes be slightly bent for a better fit, plastic frames can often be heated for a better fit. There are recommendations for finding sunglass shapes and colors that will complement your own face shape and coloring, ask your salesperson for ideas. It might be noted that sunglasses in general are taking on larger sizes, as wearers want ultimate protection from the sun's harmful rays.

It is also important to only purchase sunglasses with ninety nine to one hundred percent UVA and UVB protection, labels should be attached to the lenses. It is a good idea to wear sunglasses that block the sun from all angles by wearing a large framed pair of glasses that wrap around the face. A wide brimmed hat may also be worn for further protection.

Designer sunglasses have never been more abundant or popular. The sunglasses usually keep in step with the particular image that the designer has already created with their clothing, advertising and accessory designs. Most often if you like the clothing from a designer you will appreciate their sunglasses lines. The only way to know for sure is to try the glasses on and find what looks best on you. Along with designer sunglasses celebrities are bringing out designs Like the designers they try to stay consistent with the image they have created through their music, movies, television and modeling.

Sunglasses are just as important for children as they are for adults, probably even more so considering most children spend more time playing outdoors in direct sunlight then do adults. It may however be a bit difficult to get your children to wear sunglasses when outdoors. Fortunately the options in children's sunglasses prove to be quite appealing for children, and hopefully the designs available will keep them wearing the shades on a regular basis. Children's sunglasses are available for purchase at specialty sunglasses stores, optical shops, and optical chain stores and from your optician. It should be noted that sunglass lenses are impact resistant (this is required by the FDA) but not shatterproof, which is why many parents prefer the polycarbonate (shatterproof) lenses for their children's sunglasses since they are strong and durable. Sports sunglasses and sports eyewear are another option for children instead of regular sunglasses, as the sports sunglasses will be more durable. Sunglass clip-ons for children's prescription eyeglasses can also be purchased.

The popularity of outdoors sports such as skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, rock climbing, golfing, sailing and kayaking have created top of the line designs and excellent technology in sports lenses. Sports sunglasses are available in lightweight, durable materials, flexible designs with no slip designs and wonderful lenses options. Tinted lenses are made in a variety of shades to help efficiency in certain situations. The polycarbonate (shatterproof) lenses are extremely strong and impact-resistant giving benefit to people involved in high impact sports. The polarized lenses are a great choice for people participating in sports such as sailing and skiing where water and snow are involved. Of course there are multipurpose sunglasses, with some sunglasses in a changeable lens system design offering different lenses for different conditions.

Prescription eyeglass wearers can purchase prescription sunglasses with all the styles and options of regular sunglasses. The nice thing about owning prescription sunglasses is that you can wear your sunglasses outdoors and not have to continually be searching for your clip-on eyeglass covers. Prescription sunglasses are available from basic to high prescription needs with bifocal and progressive lens options. Prescription sunglasses are also available in designer and celebrity designs, unless there is a severe curve in the wrap, which would cause distortion. The photochromic lenses are a convenient choice allowing the wearer to go from sunlight in which the lenses would be dark to the indoors where the lenses become lighter, unfortunately with these particular sunglasses the UV is not in the lens unless specially applied.

The non-prescription (plano) sunglasses come in a vast variety of styling, designs and materials. The shapes and styles for both men and women range from sporty, to retro, rectangular, futuristic and glamorous to bejeweled and embellished looks. The Jackie O shapes, and variety of tinted lenses from blue to coral are the most popular styles of the moment. There are also designs, which come in rimless and semi-rimless options. Frame materials include plastic, metal and specialty metals such as stainless steel, aluminum and titanium (all offering lightweight and durability). The classic aviator style of the 1950 and 1960's is another popular option. Jewels and rhinestones on the front or temples is another trend.

Sci-Fi Sunglasses Are Big in Georgia, Too

The futuristic, pint-sized lenses made a cameo at It-kid designer Gola Damian’s show, fit for a beady-eyed alien, while Datuna’s version came flared for a warped Trekkie appeal. The trend appeared on the sidewalks outside the show, too. There they took on a raver vibe, tinted in saccharine shades and worn with all things slouchy. Fun fact: Bella Hadid, who often wears Tbilisi-based designer Situationist, has also sported the yesteryear-meets-lightyear sunglasses. Need we say more?

Sunglasses briefly come off as Vogue's Anna Wintour is made a dame

Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of American Vogue, has been made a dame at Buckingham Palace.

Wintour, 67, who has headed up the magazine for almost 30 years, was honoured in the diplomatic and overseas list for services to fashion and journalism.

She wore her trademark sunglasses to the palace but removed them before entering the ballroom, where she received the award from the Queen.

The famously enigmatic editor smiled broadly after the ceremony, which she attended with her daughter Bee Shaffer, describing the award as “extra special”.

She also revealed that the Queen had struggled to attach the insignia to her pink, belted Chanel outfit during the ceremony.

“She couldn’t find where to put the brooch,” she said. “I congratulated her on Prince Philip’s service because obviously that’s so remarkable and such an inspiration to us all.”

Wintour also lavished praise on other members of the royal family. “I think everyone in the United States has such admiration for the British royal family, and with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge there’s a whole new interest in the younger generation,” she said.

“She has such style and she’s so charming. They seem so real and authentic, which I think is the right way to be today.”

Wintour edited British Vogue between 1985 and 1987. She took the helm of the flagship US edition in 1988. Known for her flawless sense of style and trademark bob haircut, she has become a familiar face on fashion show front rows.

She was born in London but later became a US citizen. “Obviously this is a city that I grew up in, a city that I have so much affection and love for,” she said. “It’s always wonderful to get an award, but this one is extra special.”

Wintour was among a host of distinguished figures who were honoured by the Queen during the service, including the former bishop of Liverpool James Jones.

He said it was an “extraordinary moment” to receive a knighthood for his services to bereaved families and justice, after chairing the Hillsborough Independent Panel.

“Although I’m very honoured, I’m also very mindful of all those who’ve been bereaved through tragedy and have suffered injustice,” he said.

The Times political cartoonist Peter Brookes, 73, was made a CBE, and rock’n’roll star Marty Wilde, 78, was made an MBE, along with the Olympic gold medallists Matt Langridge, Constantine Louloudis and George Nash after their success in rowing at the Rio Games.

A police officer who risked his life during a shootout with a gang member in Tottenham, north London, in 2014 was also recognised. Martin Finney received the George Medal, the second-highest civil award for bravery.

Wear Sunglasses to Complement Your Look

Wearing sunglasses, be it replica sunglasses, polarized sunglasses or fashion sunglasses has become a common fashion trend in the summers. Not only celebrities and the trendy young generation love wearing sunglasses, it is also highly preferred by sports persons. For the athletes there is a special range of sports sunglasses exclusively designed as men's sports sunglasses and women sports sunglasses.

A beautifully designed sunglasses can actually give an elegant look to the wearer. It is seen that most of the wholesale sunglasses dealers introduce a special range of sunglasses every year for the fashion conscious group. Whether it is a high street sunglasses wholesale shop or an online sunglass dealer, you can see different types of sunglasses displays from where you can choose the best ones that suits you. Moreover you can compare the prices of the sunglasses of different types and get the best quote. Most wholesale sunglass stores also offer seasonal discounts and free sunglass accessories along with the purchases you make. Therefore before you buy sunglasses, have a careful market study. You can be sure of getting a pair of beautiful fashion sunglasses for the cheapest rate.

Though the main purpose of wearing sunglasses to keep our eyes safe from the scorch heat of the sun, one cannot deny its importance as a fashion accessory. Some trendy looking sunglasses can actually complement the appearance of a person. Especially, sunglasses are a great boon to persons having eye defect. They don't need to be extra careful to hide their defective eyes. Instead by wearing a fashion sunglass they can actually complement their appearance. Thus wearing sunglasses can give an elegant look to persons at times.

Every year the sunglasses wholesalers and manufacturers launch a wide range of sunglasses. Some of them are prescription sunglasses and polarized sunglasses that are primarily meant for eye protection. But it is seen that people buy sunglasses that are well designed and cheap, irrespective of its other merits.

Though the purpose of wearing sunglasses may be different for different persons, it is quite evident that most of them wear sunglasses to keep pace with the changing fashion trends. Therefore, the most popular fashion sunglasses are always the ones that have an up-to-the-minute look.

So, check around and find out a suitable pair of fashion sunglasses that can complement your style and look.

How to Choose Cheap Sunglasses For Women

Women love sunglasses and usually purchase them every season as per the changing trends and style. Sunglasses meant for women are slightly different from men' varieties, so when you are choosing sun glasses for the women, you should keep in mind certain factors. This is more important when you are choosing cheap sun glasses so that you do not make the mistake of buying sunglasses which are fake.

Here are some significant features of cheap sun glasses which are meant for women and which you should check for when you are purchasing sun glasses.

• If you have bought cheap sun glasses earlier, you probably know how these sun glasses are and how you can differentiate them from fake sunglasses, but if you are purchasing them for the first time, you need to be a little careful. They are available in huge varieties - so you have huge options in choosing them.

• Women love functional sunglasses - so when you are purchasing sunglasses for women you have to look for different features in these sunglasses. There are many different features which are available in sunglasses - you even have cameras fitted well in the sunglasses, so that you can capture the images of sun glasses. These specialized sunglasses are very functional and known as spy sunglasses, because they are meant for recording videos and images. They are popular as spy sun glasses are very helpful for women, because now they know who is coming just behind them. If women are driving too, they can see which vehicles are behind them without taking the risk of turning back. Women love sun glasses which have additional features in them. When you are choosing sunglasses check out if they are providing UV protection from the rays of the sun. This is one of the most indispensable features of sun glasses. If you are looking for cheap sunglasses it does not mean that you will have to compromise on the functional properties of sunglass - you will still get some of the great features relevant to the brand of sunglasses they are purchasing.

• Cheap sunglasses also offer polarization feature of the lens. It means that these sunglasses offer extra protection to the users under all circumstances. Moreover, these sunglasses are thought be offer security to everyone who is wearing the sunglasses.

• When you are purchasing cheap sunglasses, you can even choose from the branded varieties of sunglasses. You can choose sunglasses from popular brands such as Versace, Ray Ban and Dior sunglasses which will are offered at some unbelievable discounted prices. Thus, you have the option of choosing some of the best in branded varieties.

When you are choosing cheap sunglasses, you need to pay special attention to the dealer from whom you are purchasing these sunglasses. This is very important because if you do not buy sunglasses from any reliable dealer, you might be duped into buying fake sunglasses. It is very important to differentiate between fake sunglasses and cheap sunglasses because until you know the difference between the two you wont be able to make the right choice in sunglasses.