I just read this article in The New York times about how sunglasses are replacing bags as the ‘must-have’ accessory. They have coined it as “it-bag fatigue”. I still don’t know how I feel about that phrase. But after reading the article, I immediately instant messaged one of my friends…
Me: should I write a column on sunglasses? they are being called the new accessory due to “it-bag fatigue”
Her: OMG, today I saw a republican southern looking guy the type that would work on the hill he was probably our age in a suit wearing PURPLE Kanye sunglasses the kind with the stripes
It’s times like this when a picture would have been nice. Seriously, I need a visual. But it also proves my point — right now it is all about the shades and the shoes. (side note: I was shocked when I moved back from Italy a few months ago at how popular old school trainers had become again. I would totally rock them I if could.)
What is not to love about sunglasses? They come in fun shapes, sizes and colors. You can hide behind them when you are walking around the city. Anyone looks hot in a pair of aviators. And for some reason, I still sort of get a kick out of wearing them inside airports.
But are they an accessory worth dropping serious bank on? Last summer I decided to splurge on an expensive pair. I wore them to the beach, got tipsy off of too much sangria, decided to go in the water with my shades on my head, and boom! Along came a wave and the ocean ate my Gucci’s.
From that moment on I became a serious advocate for cheap sunglasses. I am talking about the $5 kind that you can buy and not have to worry about if they get scratched, smashed or bent.
So here are my favorite places to score some cheap, stylie shades:
1. H&M (they never cost more than $9)
2. Pop (you better hurry though, they are going out business and everything is on sale, so the good stuff won’t last long!)
3. Carbon in Woodley Park (2643 Connecticut Avenue NW)
4. Forever 21 (sure, I may be the oldest one in the store. But they carry great knock-offs for uber-cheap)
5. Meeps on 18th Street, or any vintage store for that matter
And for those of you that do rock the pricey designer shades, I am jealous. I am just not that responsible.
BUT if you want to splurge ($1,770, ahem) check out these Louis Vuitton “Millionaire” shades designed by Pharrell.
What? Pop is closing? Why? Sadness. That was my one-of-a-kind-but-still-affordable fav place to shop…
July 11, 2008 at 1:43 pmTrue story:
Cale finds a pair of $9 sunglasses at H&M that he loves. He knows he will break/lose them so he buys 8 pairs. 8 pairs. Have broken or lost ALL OF THEM.
Re: 4. Forever 21 (sure, I may be the oldest one in the store. But they carry great knock-offs for uber-cheap)
I’m older.
July 11, 2008 at 1:49 pmMadalena:
Who: Pop
What: Countdown to Closing Sale
Where: 1803a 14th St, NW
When: starts this friday!
Why: Pop is closing its doors for good this August
The details:
Everything is 20% OFF and every week after, take an additional 10% off!
That means that August 1-2nd, everything will be 50% off.
On August 3rd, their last day, everything will be 50-75% off.
Cale:
A lady never tells… but I am a far cry from 21!
I just bought Forever 21 shades there for 5 dollars yesterday!! LOVE them. and ladies, 3 DOllar earrings.
they should change the name of that store really.
July 11, 2008 at 2:01 pmAnyone know how late Pop is open today?
July 11, 2008 at 2:09 pmThose “Kanye West” sunglasses are Jeremy Scott, I believe Paul Frank did a knock off as well.
July 11, 2008 at 2:26 pmI seem to remember them in some kind of 80’s thing too.
July 11, 2008 at 2:29 pmIn continental Europe, it’s called Forever 18.
No joke.
July 11, 2008 at 3:14 pmI rock the red Ray-Ban Wayfarers like there is no tomorrow. I love love love them. Also, oversized black Coach shades are my best friend.
I will spend cash on shades 24/7
July 11, 2008 at 3:53 pmi’m with you cale. the most i’ve ever paid for a pair of sunglasses was ten dollars. and the longest i’ve had a pair that i loved without losing them (forever, though i did lose them all the time) or breaking them was a year.
though if i had the money and could keep up with them i would love a pair of marc jacobs glasses.
July 11, 2008 at 4:43 pmI bought some insanely pricey ones in Madrid once. First weekend back , in NYC, hit up a hot BBQ, rock them all nice, sun goes down, tuck them into my t-shirt, BBQ gets crazy, start drumming, the glasses end up on the ground, stomped on. Never again with the pricey ones!
July 11, 2008 at 5:23 pmI want the Porsche folding sunglasses again, except wearing sunglasses gives me a headache, and if you’re the type of person who talks to someone while wearing sunglasses so you aren’t making eye contact? Please know that you’re always about half a second of control from being knocked on your ass. It’s fucking rude people.
July 11, 2008 at 6:04 pmI am a sunglass whore. My current sunglass collection (i.e. in constant rotation depending on mood, time of day, and outfit):
- Marc Jacobs black wire frame aviators
- Gucci clear-gray shields with white plastic frames
- Ray-Ban classic aviators
- Ray-Ban Wayfarers (black frame)
- Ray-Ban Wayfarers (white frame)
- Oakley tortoise shell (for running, biking, etc.)
I know I’m forgetting some. I’m still meaning to pick up a pair of Persols and another pair of Marc Jacobs. Ugh.
July 12, 2008 at 9:14 amhow is this for old:
i owned a pair of revo “v” series.
but blue-blockers are the way to go (great for night riding) and you can get ‘em cheapy cheap. and michael won’t knock you the fuck out for wearing them.
cale wears oakley frogs
July 12, 2008 at 10:31 am…but what if it’s a bright-ass day outside? I’m not taking off my sunglasses just to talk to someone, unless this is some sort of major transaction in which trust is a determining factor. I’m not taking off my shades to order an italian ice.
But when it’s dark wherever you are? And it’s obvious you’re wearing those sunglasses JUST BECAUSE YOU THINK YOU LOOK COOL? OMFG, get out of here with that shit. Sunglasses are functional, they just have the added benefit of sometimes looking cool.
Sunglasses in the dark is like wearing a scarf in the summer:
http://www.brightestyoungthings.com/downloads/indie-hipster-douchebag/
Shit I feels you on the pricey sunglasses an irresponsibility. It’s just not worth it if you’re a habitual dip shit.
Pradas - lost to some sketchy raver thieves I let into my home
Ray Ban Wayfarers 1 - victims of Nouveu Riche
Ray Ban Wayfarers 2 - swallowed by Shorts II
July 11, 2008 at 1:37 pm