Cat-Eye Couture

It is hard to believe that we are in the middle of winter with all of this sunshine and warm weather. Many of you fashionistas may be holding off on buying sunglasses, but it may not be so bad to get a head start!

Ray Ban has been known for providing a classic array of sunglasses, and now they have added a new style to their collection—the cat-eye! For those of you willing to take a risk this spring, these cat-eye sunglasses are a great way to start. Not too cat-like compared to some of the other sunglasses out there, Ray Ban has created the perfect frame for those of you willing to take that risk. So, if you’re ready to get that head start, put away your winter accessories and get a head start on spring with Ray Ban’s chic, retro cat-eyes.

Text Sydney Ruby 
Source Ray Ban 
Image Nordstrom

Brilliantly Bright Shades

It's time to throw out those dull brown and black sunglasses and grab yourself a pair of vibrantly colored shades that will surely give your outfit the extra umph it needs to make a bold statement for this year's fast approaching spring season! From sultry red, to bright blue, to fluorescent pink, these strikingly colorful frames are currently the talk of the fashion industry, offering a fun and quirky twist to your classic style of eyewear. Even celebrity trendsetters by the likes of Alexa Chung, Jessica Alba, and Gwen Stefani have all been spotted sporting this lovely trend.

Available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and color palettes, you will certainly find a flattering pair to suit your personal style. Stella McCartney has a fabulous pair of Round Frame Sunglasses that costs $225 and offers a playful pop of color to any outfit. Matthew Williamson also has a pair of splurge-worthy Curved-Square Sunglasses that costs $369 and gives your outfit that cool, effortless look that we all wish we could pull off naturally.

But, for all of you money-conscious fashionistas out there, don't worry; there are plenty of inexpensive alternatives to choose from. Try Urban Outfitters' Extreme Cat Eye Sunglasses that cost only $16. American Apparel also offers an irresistibly affordable pair of Jody Sunglasses for $35. So, brighten up your look with a pair of colorful frames, and bring high fashion to your wardrobe for spring 2012.

Text Jasmine Song
Source and Image Who What Wear

Face Time With Lanvin

Geek just got way chicer, and this time around, you don’t have Harry Potter or Tina Fey to thank. French fashion house Lanvin just announced that they’re launching a glasses line for the spring. (After all, who hasn’t been dying to get a pair like head designer Alber Elbaz’s, anyway?) The fashion favorite, who just arrived on the sunglasses scene, as well, is sure to find four-eyed fans of its line of frames, which vary from thick, retro specs to the industrial aesthetic Elbaz is so well known for.

As excited as we are about Lanvin’s sunglasses, we predict all eyes will be on the glasses line — admit it, that cat-eyed pair pictured above has you rethinking your Lasik surgery. And, if the phrase “Lanvin eyewear” doesn’t already have you in a tizzy, check out this behind-the-scenes video of the collection. Talk about specs appeal!

Text Kara Solarz
Image and Source Racked.com

Sunglass Hut Gets Warm And Fuzzy

 

Magda Sayeg, the brains behind KNITTA and the founder of Knitta Please, is famously known as the "mother of yarn bombing." Originating in the United States, what started out as wrapping yarn on a doorknob has since expanded into a world-wide movement. As a result, colorfully knitted fixtures are popping up everywhere, from Australia to Rome, and altering global landscapes.

Spinning yarn on new territory (fashion accessories), Sayeg has teamed up with Sunglass Hut to produce a crafty collection of yarn-bombed frames. On Tuesday, the sunglasses superstore launched its 4th annual Artist Series Collection in collaboration with KNITTA, presenting a line of limited-edition shades. Each knit-wrapped pair is one-of-a-kind, signed and numbered by Sayeg herself. Best of all, $30 of your purchase will be donated to OneSight, an international organization dedicated to providing vision care to those in need.

More than an art project gone wild, Sayeg's work serves as a refreshing reminder that we have the power to beautify our world through creative expression. Adding intimate elements to urban places (or objects) gives off a humanizing effect, which is something we all can appreciate. Now, you too can be a part of the viral phenomenon and see the world through a different lens — one that's yarn-bombed.

Text Jennifer Bernard
Image Sunglass Hut
Sources Sunglass Hut and Knitta Please

Prada's Fall/Winter ad campaign: Ladies who lunch

Prada recently came out with their new advertising campaign, featuring six models who did a fantastic job drawing the crowd into their fall/winter 2011 line. Prada is known for their rich, innovative and edgy pictorials that ultimately do astonishingly well for them in the long run. The 23 photos from Prada.com showcase their new line of women’s shoes, handbags, sunglasses and ready-to-wear.
Snake skin seems to be a common occurrence in the line; the shoes, clutches and even the socks are displaying the slithering pattern. The shoes are mostly square heeled with button open closure; they certainly add a sense of chic chunkiness. Another favorite aspect to this campaign is their new folding glasses. High end designers everywhere need to take notes from Prada’s cutting-edge gift to their customers; accessibility.

Back to the pictorial, the ladies who lunch are soft and endearing meets cultivated and relaxed. Models, Frida Gustavsson, Kelly Mittendorf, Ondria Hardin, Antonia Wesseloh, Julia Zimmer, and Dorte Limkilde practically dove, gracefully into a pool of snow with their furry swim caps ready for the chilly winter; which they pulled off impeccably. The couch set up was relative to those numbing winter days, when staying warm and lounging inside is a given. Now, the given is to be wearing Prada’s 2011 Fall/winter line while doing so. Inventive and creative thinking are the most important bearings that any designer’s advertisers can have. The visionary thinking of Prada’s ad campaign team really hit the nail on the head revealing these pictorials to the world; someone needs to snatch those snake skin high socks, immediately-they rock!

Text Jordan Bossman
Source(s): Prada

Lunettes De Soleil

Part of the reason we all dress up on a day-to-day basis is for so-called "self-expression," but the other is slightly more obscure. Just like the mysterious aspects of fashion, sunglasses have become modes of adding mystère and a personal sense of cool to otherwise dull ensembles. They are not merely accessories in the sense of being an extra bit of apparel on the body, but rather in the sense of giving one access to versions of one's style that one never knew existed. They allow us to grow. And lately, as pointed out by the street stylistas at the men's shows in Europe, the gentlemen have grown a knack for choosing über chic shades for even the most unexpected of occasions.

These nose-rimmed spectacles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, but the vintage look is more popular than ever, especially for the summer season. Think John Lennon's iconic spectacles, and one arrives at an understanding of just how far back fashion circles are traveling in regards to current trends. It's all about sleek lines, classic designs, and a carefree attitude. The perfect combination of all three will help one battle both the sun's rays and the insufferable curse of bad style.

Text Ricardo Hernandez

Image courtesy of Tommy Ton

Gaze Into The Future: Karen Walker's Futuristic Specs

Take your eye-wear to the next level with the latest from Karen Walker. Sleek, funky, and ultra futuristic are the sunnies from her latest lookbook. Styles range from goggle inspired frames to over-sized circles (pictured above). Yet, what really makes the lookbook and the glasses so fantastic to oogle over are the models. The mannequins from outer space -with their impossibly slick, white hair and wax-like complexions-are the perfect blank canvas for allowing the eccentric shades to really pop!

So whether you're searching for the perfect pair of lucite shades (HUGE trend this season) or you're looking to become the third member of Daft Punk...Karen Walker's collection definitely will have something for you!

Text Lauryn Stone

Source(s): Karen Walker

Trend Watch: Stay Shady

Any fashion It-girl or Olsen twin wannabe/fanatic would probably do unspeakable things to get their hands on a pair of Alexander Wang/Linda Farrow cat-eye sunglasses, but luckily, the new “It-shape” is popping up all across the market.

Sure, the classic wayfarer and aviator looks are great no matter what age/face shape/borough/coast; but at such low prices, trendy sunglasses are the perfect way to stay current and edgy without burning serious holes in your pockets. You can get the futuristic cat-eye shape from brands like Spitfire, that sell different pairs in a variety of colors and materials, all for under $50. The Olsens themselves put out a great pair of cat-eyes under Elizabeth and James as well, for the slightly higher price of $155.

Not digging the shape? Another of-the-moment-trend taking over sites like Shopbop and 80‘s Purple are John Lennon-style round frames, in all colors. Big, bug eyed lenses are also still going strong, but overall, a retro feel is definitely a must. And at such cheap prices, if you just happen to leave them poolside by your empty wine glass, so be it.

Text Liza Sokol
Source(s): Refinery 29, Shopbop

Shine By Three For DITA Eyewear

Margaret Zhang, Australian blogger-cum-styling prodigy is wise beyond her 17 years on this earth. Her sophisticated writing and fashion-forward yet age-appropriate ensembles seen on her blog, Shine By Three, are fragrant of someone who definitely knows how to put an edgy look together. Local designers seem to agree, including Rachel Gilbert, who sent Zhang one of her striking cutout gowns to don on prom night.

Not only can she work her magic from the neck down, she can also do it from the neck up; that’s evident in the styling job she recently did for DITA Eyewear’s newest collection. It’s kind of tough to make aviator reading spectacles look up-to-date and avoid clichéd Napoleon Dynamite feedback, but somehow the budding Aussie creates an obscenely chic mystique behind the must-have tortoise shell throwbacks for the Los Angeles-based company that has been offering up vintage styles for more than a decade now.

Text Valerie Friedrich

Images courtesy of DITA Eyewear

Sources Margaret Zhang of Shine By Three

Who Knew Kristen Dunst is The New Face of Bvlgari?

You may have noticed Kristina Bravo blogged about Kirsten Dunst is starring in an upcoming film, Melancholia, but what she didn't mention was Dunst's new role as the face of Bvlgari's Summer 2011 Sunglasses Collection as well as the jewelry designer's new fragrance Mon Jasmin Noir. Of course she is also modeling the brand's latest jewelry collection, as well.

If you don't recall, I wrote about Julianne Moore modeling with lion cubs a few months back. During that time, cubs were a huge hit all over every magazine in ads and photo spreads. Now, we are seeing full grown animals on the pages, such as in the current Bvlgari ad campaign. At first, the brand was showing Dunst in sunglasses, and I personally did not know who the model was. In each issue, I would see this woman with odd lips and wonder what the significance was. In the May issues, they have finally revealed who she is: Kirsten Dunst. Wow, this was not expected at all. The actress has been nowhere to be scene in recent years. She was considered highly fashionable about six or seven years ago. She was the face of Miu Miu in the Spring 2008 Collection, then disappeared from the spotlight for a long period of time. Now, she is back shining directly in the fashion world through Bvlgari. Does this brilliant Little Women, Marie Antoinette and Spiderman star know how to make a comeback or what?

Test Alexandra Faye

Snowblind: Tom Ford

This year, I think my family's gift giving may have single handedly revitalized the global economy. And so, today marks the season in which I begin to wallow in Christmas wrap and have materialistic freak outs! Or, I mean, um, bubble over with peace and joy.

So let's get to the good stuff:

Among my ridiculous haul this year is...FA LA LA LA LA...A pair of Tom Ford sunnies!

Ford, most famous for re-vamping the Gucci image and heading Yves St Laurent, launched his own line in 2005. The TOM FORD line is world renowned for gorgeous tailored suits and curvy, seventies inspired sunglasses. In fact, A list celebrities from Brad and Angie, to Charlize Theron have been spotted wearing Ford's frames!

These babies are unlike any other sunglasses I've owned, they hug the curves of your face and have a wide tapered frame that seem like they might actually keep out sunlight and other champagne-hangover-inducing-nuisances. I fully believe this particular gifting was a test; I always said that when I am able to own nice sunglasses without sitting on them then I am a true adult..we'll see folks. Let's just put it this way: it was either Tom Ford sunnies or a semester of grad school. Uh, doy!

xoxo

Text Hannah Morris

Only the Bold Survive

GLAM. BEAUTIFUL. GLITTER. FIERCE. SEXY. I could keep writing words in caps to catch your attention but the designs by Kerin Rose say enough for you to stop scrolling and pay attention. Her designs leave nothing short of a bold statement! Fashion forward celebrities such as Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Ke$ha can pull off A-Morir by Kerin Rose’s eye wear and accessory designs.

Kerin’s website states, “there is nothing here for you”, which is true for those faint of heart - not everyone can handle the bedazzled collections. At the moment, the Barracuda’s are her best selling shades. These $350.00 treasures are completely covered in hand painted pyramid studs, and despite being adorned, you CAN see through them. The Barracuda is famously featured in the music video “Run This Town” with Rihanna and Jay-Z, and ever since - have been bursting off the shelves.

Founded two years ago, A-Morir by Kerin Rose has ‘necks snapping and jaws dropping’ with her one of a kind pieces that can be uniquely decorated in Swarovski crystals, spikes, chains, lace, and pearls.

The hand-crafted pieces bring, not only a theatrical element to your everyday look, but attitude and attention from those who will do a double take. With her no bull personality, Kerin Rose tells it like it is and it shows in her designs – if you’re too weak for her designs, it’s time to move along because in Kerin’s world, only the bold survive.

Text Jessica Moy

Chris Mendoza Paints on Ray Bans!

Maybe you have grown sick of everyone and their mom sporting those good old Ray Bans that your grandpa/dad was rockin' in the 1950's and then again in the early 80's. I mean shit, we can get them in basically every color under the sun. Could someone come up with something new? Well, maybe not a new rad style but, someone did come up with a way to take the Ray Bans to the next level. Not possible? Possible. Sunglass Hut/Ray Bans have teamed up and started an artist series, and New York City based painter Chris Mendoza is creating some buzz. Mendoza is doing what some would say hip-hop meets subway graffiti throw in a little South American flava and you've got a pretty dope update on the played out Ray Bans.

If you're still not rushing out the door to buy your newly updated Ray Bans, know that this is a gift to yourself that is also giving back. 25% of the proceeds go to the 'Give The Gift Of Sight' charity that gives glasses to those who are in need. This should give you a little piece of mind when you drop $250 on these bad boys. Don't miss out! These are sure to go fast, get them before the Olsen Twins do!

Available tomorrow, December 3 online @ www.sunglasshut.com

Peace & Love,

CHAOS Magazine

source: www.style.com