Karen Walker and Advanced Style
So it’s time to start thinking about sunglasses as the sun seems to be shining at last. Here in London, sunglasses appear to have taken on a whole new level of importance for stylish folk, as we have adopted the European approach to eye wear, with statement sunglasses becoming as important as say an “it” bag or French bulldog, to accessorise an outfit.
The great thing about sunglasses is they add an extra level of drama to a look (assuming that’s what you want!). They finish off an outfit with a flourish and even the most ridiculous shapes look good on any age – which is more than can be said for some garments.
Last year it was all about the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer and the oversize round shape (think Iris Apfel meets Rossana Orlandi) and indeed these styles are still perfectly acceptable. But if you fancy updating your summer look with a dramatic new shape, this season it’s all about the cat eye. The cat eye not only suits an older woman, it’s made for us. It says stylish, in control and ever so slightly scary – which works for me.
I’m not overly fond of shopping for sunglasses as I find the choice overwhelming and always feel a little bit ridiculous trying them on in front of everyone else in the shop (with the bored shop assistant hovering over me with the keys to the cabinet!). I also find the varies prices very confusing as they seem to range from as little as £10 to as much as £300. But over the years I’ve learnt to treat my sun-glass purchases in the same way as my footwear choices – it’s all about comfort. Spend £20 on a pair of sunglasses and they may look good, but they will probably pinch the side of your head and fall apart after a few months. Spend a bit more and the lens’s will be better, the frames more sturdy and the fact that you’ve spent £100 means you are less likely to leave them on a table in a beer garden
Tom Ford
Tom Ford has an amazing range of cat eyes – but they are V expensive – with the orange pair above being my favourites. I also love the Prada and Mui Mui ranges, in particular the Prada Two tone cat eyes.
Prada Two Tone
ASOS also have a great range of much cheaper (but you have been warned, they might hurt) cat eyes – I just love the scary English teacher ones on the bottom left.
A selection from ASOS
It’s worth checking out some of the great online sunglasses shops. I got mine from Red Hot Sunglasses, who have a great range and do free delivery – so you can order a few pairs, try them on at home and return the ones that don’t suit – which eliminates that awkward trying on scenario!
