The last time I bought a new pair of sunglasses was 1997, at the upscale Highland Park Village in Dallas. I remember picking up a roundish, Oliver Peoples, tortoise frame with clear glass. Using my best Marilyn Monroe imitation I put them on and turned to my mother and said, “Don’t you think these make me look smarter?”
In all seriousness mother replied, “No, I don’t.” While I knew something was wrong, I didn’t know dementia had already laid claim to mother’s brain. My attempt at humor had bombed.
I bought the frames anyway and had dark, prescription lenses put in them. I loved those sunglasses so much—and since my prescription has barely changed—they’ve been my only sunglasses for 20 years… Until Lulu peed on them… Who knew? Urine’s not the best thing for the lens coating. While I could have replaced just the lenses, after 20 years, I decided I was due for a new pair of “sunshades!”
Inspired by all the great sunglass selfies on Instagram—especially those of Judith Maria Bradley and Tamera Beardsley—I bought a new pair by Tory Burch. I love them!
I wish I could buy fun, trendy sunglasses like candy, but when you figure in the special lenses to reduce the thickness of my blind as a bat prescription and progressive bifocals… a cute pair from Target isn’t in the picture for me.
Here are some great sunglass shapes. Some are classics, like my Oliver Peoples, while others make more of a fashion statement. Some I can’t afford, but it’s fun to look!
These are from Tory Burch!
Are you familiar with Linda Farrow? Originally a fashion designer, Linda Farrow was one of the first to treat sunglasses as fashion. After a 20 year hiatus, the brand was revived by Linda’s son, Simon, when he discovered a vast archive of vintage sunglasses in the family’s London warehouse. Here are some of her top sellers!
The pair on the left are similar to the Oliver Peoples glasses Lulu ruined.
Did you know you can get Ray Ban’s zoomy lenses in prescription?
These are from Versace…
And some that won’t break the bank!
5 Comments
Enjoy….still like Highland Park! But the old days were the best!
After I moved mother to San Antonio to be near me, I haven’t gotten there as often, but you’re right. It’s not the same as it was in the old days!
The one accessory I never leave home without. But I never buy expensive as I lose them or break them. Well done you for keeping yours for so long!
Hi Hilda, I wish I could have lots of fun pairs of sunglasses but can’t afford to because of my expensive, blind as a bat lenses. That’s what makes me take such good care of them. Thanks for reading! I appreciate you! Brenda
I love a good pair of sunglasses! I personally feel they’re one thing you are better to spend money on – a bit like a coat. I feel I can throw on a simple cotton dress (I’ll always choose natural fibres over synthetic) in summer, add an expensive pair of sunnies and my outfit is elevated to a completely different level. Each to their own and I understand they’re not cheap, but I’ve had the same pair for five years now, so if you figure in cost per wear, that’s pretty good. Plus specialist sunglass brands and stores should be able to advise on the right frames for your face, etc. which is important. I love yours! Essie xx