Mar

31

All men look good in Prada

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Recently Vin Diesel, the ultimate man’s man, was photographed in Prada sunglasses. Though they were a basic Prada remake of the Aviator style, he pulled off the look with typical Vin Diesel masculinity and flare, even managing to make Prada look bad-ass. Though Vin Diesel does not have the grace, charm and fashion-forward hairdo of most Hollywood stars, his decisively manly fashion tastes give Prada a whole new arena of consumers, and prove that the brand is truly versatile.


Meanwhile, the thin, sickly-looking and pale models that the fashion industry (and literally no one else) finds ultra-attractive also look appealing in Prada and typify the opposite of the Vin Diesel type male persona.


There is a Prada look for every facial and body type, but some of the most popular looks are the following Prada designs for men. PR09HS sunglasses for men are one of the top looks for the sporty and active male. They look especially good on men with longer, darker hair or a scruffy and exotic, outdoorsmen look. For the professional man who takes pride in his ride, the PR50HS model is perfect, and epitomizes class, elegance and subtle masculine charm. For the partier with a nightlife so intense he needs sunglasses as part of his night wardrobe because he’ll be out until the sun comes up, the PR01LS model is the perfect blend of club scene and morning after protection. Finally, for the man who professes to know nothing of fashion, an emotional guitar player with a collection of poetry in the trunk, the PR61GS will hide the rolling tears and make the unwitting emo boy look hip and modern, a real Johnny Depp.


There you have it, from Vin Diesel to Johnny Depp and everything in between, Prada proves its versatility in the men’s collection.

Mar

27

Teenage Eyewear — What’s Popular with Your Kids

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As a parent, do you ever see your kids in something that looks ridiculous, like neon red Ray Ban Wayfarers, and wonder what’s happening in the fashion industry? Wonder no more. Kids need to feel that they fit in and are accepted by their peers, when a trend emerges in a middle or high school it will catch like wildfire and the entire school will be swept up in fashion fever. Here are a few tips to making your kids eyewear a bonus at school instead of a hindrance. With these recommendations you can elevate your kids to ‘fashion forward.’ Perhaps then he or she will become the trend setter instead of the fashion follower.


Simple but with a twist of unique- Creativity is smiled upon in school, so long as you don’t go overboard. Find a pair of glasses that are traditional in their shape, designer in brand, and slightly unique in a design or color twist. For example, a sure bet would be a design similar to the Giorgio Armani GA411 model, where the structure is traditional but with creative temple bars. This design is sure to be accepted by your child’s peers, and could even start a subtle trend.


Avoid temporary fads – Avoid any trend that is likely to fizzle in the next few years. You want your child to keep their designer eyewear around for quite some time. Try subtle variations on emerging fads, if your child must have the latest and greatest. For example, the Diesel DV0024 model is a great choice right now as thick black eyewear is currently in style. However, this particular style is likely to stick around for only a year, two at most, so the brown frames will be able to outlast the trend.


Buying your child designer eyewear could be construed as spoiling them. However, with your child’s health you’ll want the best optometry can provide, and designer eyewear is sturdy, guaranteed, and will teach your child the value of taking care of a nice item.

Mar

24

Retro Eyewear

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Unsure which brands are best for the retro look that is all the style in ’09? Check out Ray Ban’s, Diesel, and Ermenegildo Zegna for the best adaptations of yesteryear’s hot trends.


Buddy Holly retro- For a truly recognizable flashback to the past try Buddy Holly eyewear. The Ray Ban Wayfarer frames with prescription clear lenses are a look that says “I’m so talented I don’t have to worry about a thing!”

Horn-rimmed for men and women- This look is back in style for men, since the emergence of Noah Bennet in Heroes, men’s horn-rimmed glasses have returned to the fashion world. Check out YSL men’s fashion for the best in modern retro. Women can check out Diesel for their more subtle horn-rimmed fashion, like Tina Fey’s rock star frames.


Jackie-O’s- These classy shades have become very fashionable in recent years, especially among young women. The look is best for girls with pointed or triangle-shaped faces and small mouths, the glasses act to make the face appear more coquettish. Check out Christian Dior and Versace for the latest in Jackie-O adaptations.


Blue’s Brothers – These classy gents wore Ray Ban Wayfarers, proving that the kings of cool were clad in their Sunday finest everyday, which would please the penguins immensely. Top of the look with a black suit, razor-thin black tie and a felt hat and shiny shoes and you’ll be in retro high fashion.


McArthur- In the post WWII period, General Douglas McArthur was more than a national hero, he was an icon to emulate in every conceivable way. His eyewear of choice, the Ray Ban Aviators (he landed in Normandy in a pair) shot to popularity. Check out a modern variation on this retro look with Ermenegildo Zegna sunglasses.

Mar

20

Eyewear in Fight Club

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With the tenth anniversary of the film Fight Club soon approaching, the designers of Brad Pitt’s extensive and flashy eyewear collection, Oliver Peoples, have announced a special, limited edition re-release of the OP523 design featured in the film. Though they are likely to disappear the instant they hit the shelves some distributors will carry the flashy shades online, which is your best bet to acquire a pair of these icon shades in 2009. If you are unfortunately one of the late consumers, get a nearly identical look with more recently released Oliver Peoples shades in black with red tinted lenses.


Throughout the film, and I don’t think I’m giving anything away here, Brad Pitt’s character, Tyler Durden, plays the alter ego to Ed Norton’s mundane character. Whenever we see Durden on screen it is actual the imagined self of Norton. A bit confusing, but basically its how one boring young work-a-holic imagines himself into the creator of an underground fighting club that erupts overnight into a nation-wide phenomenon. He is, therefore, a flashy, bold and ostentatious character who dresses and acts however he pleases.


Brad Pitt, the only man to be named twice to People Magazines Sexiest man, has since enshrined his fame by creating a relationship with People Magazine’s sexiest woman, Angelina Jolie. Get the Brad Pitt/Tyler Durden look with a classic pair of red-tinted Oliver Peoples, synthetic fur coats with track pants and an insanely colorful cut-off undershirt. Top the look with a felt hat and a three-day stubble and you’re on the road to breaking free of what Durden thinks is a disheveled and overly organized society.

Mar

16

Oscar Winners and their Favorite Designers

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The 2009 Oscar awards came deserving stars who support some of the fashion world’s biggest brands, like Dior and Ray Ban.


Kate Winslet gave a tear-jerking performance as Hanna Schmitz in the Oscar nominated film The Reader, and took away a much deserved best actress award. Winslet, who is known for taking challenging emotional and political roles on the silver screen, is known off the screen for her innovative use of high fashion mixed with a street-wise look. Winslet’s favorite accessories are her sunglasses and her wardrobe of purses. Dior, whose designs best enhance Winslet’s high cheekbones and small mouth, are her sunglasses of choice. She has been seen across Hollywood and even on vacation in classic girl-next-door attire but ever ready to dress it up with designer accessories. With the financial crisis in full swing in the USA, accessorizing is the only affordable way to stay chic.


Sean Penn, who won best actor for his portrayal as Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected political figure in America, is known off the screen as a passionate political activist and philanthropist. You might remember him during hurricane Katrina paddling through flooded streets with a shot gun, looking for survivors. His much deserved best actor award for Milk comes at good timing for Penn. Sean Penn’s fashion choices coincide with his friendship with the folks from Jackass and Bam, where he has made several guest appearances. Like the teens he hangs out with, Penn enjoys Ray Ban 3026 as his sunglasses of choice. For men’s fashion during the financial crisis, you can expect to see selective accessories, namely sunglasses and shoes, and cheap copies for belts, wallets or other gear that is not as noticeable. For Oscar worth style, check out Ray Bans and Dior, this year’s biggest winners in Hollywood.

Mar

13

Changing the Role of Sunglasses on the Silver Screen

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The role of eyewear in cinema is changing. Ray Bans, Prada and Police have all been given wardrobe roles in Hollywood’s latest hits. Have you seen the new animated hit Igor? If so, you probably commented on the odd role sunglasses played in that animated film. Perhaps a mocking parody of how some will follow fashion no matter how ridiculous it may look, or perhaps commentary on masking evil in beauty, the sunglasses played a vital costume role throughout the film.


This has been occurring in more and more films coming out of Hollywood, Europe and animation, meaning it is more than just one person’s social commentary. Remember in Rock’n’Rolla, every so called ‘bad guy’ was wearing large, ridiculously flashy and modern sunglasses from Dior to Prada to custom designs. It enhanced the film, and stepped outside the traditional use of sunglasses in films as either biker shades (as in Terminator) or sleek shades meant to make a character more modern, as in The Matrix.


Personally, I think the trend began when celebrities began picking up modeling contracts for designer brands. Part of most contracts stipulate that the spokesperson must be seen in the clothing label from time to time. For example, in Thick as Thieves, Antonio Bandaras wears a pair of Police sunglasses that look okay on him, but do not fit the character or the rest of his wardrobe. Why the costume choice then? Perhaps because Antonio is Police’s biggest spokesmen at present.


What can you expect in costume design in the next few years? Expect to see more designer eyewear in 2009 and 2010, but beyond that expect to see custom designed eyewear that is over-the-top in flair and color, and meant to inspire web chatter, jealousy and a layman’s desire for high fashion.

Mar

10

Eyewear in LOST

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To get the look of Charlie Pace from Lost (Dominic Monaghan) try Ray Ban RB4082 model sunglasses in black with gradient purple lenses, a T-shirt with a ridiculous image or saying on it and cargo shorts. To get the fugitive and alluring look of Kate (Evangeline Lilly) try a pair of Dolce & Gabbana DG6020 sunglasses in black with gradient lenses, a low cut but ‘girl next door’ T-shirt and Bermuda shorts. Though taken months apart, these images show the two stars have an addiction not only to each other, but to their eyewear!


As most hard-core fanatics of LOST know, Evangeline Lilly (Kate) and Dominic Monaghan (Charlie) have been dating since 2004, when they met on the set of the LOST series in Hawaii, USA. Though a native hobbit from the UK, Charlie charmed Ms. Lilly, a Canadian model, instantly. Their romance, a uniquely thriving one, is unheard of in Hollywood, and the two continue to grow together learning new hobbies. Dominic has introduced Evangeline to surfing while she has in turn taught him to climb. They announced their engagement in 2006 when Dominic also let slip his eagerness to have a child. Though Dominic’s character was axed on the hit show Lost, Evangeline continues to film weekly episodes from their home in Hawaii.


While Lilly and Monaghan are an unlikely pairing considering their contrasting characters on Lost, their romance is one of adventure and style. Mimic their coolness with Dolce & Gabbana and the ever cool Ray Ban brand.

Mar

8

Kid’s Sunglasses

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Though some may say that asking whether to get Versace or Dior for your child’s eyeglasses could cause damage to their sense of responsibility and lead them to feel entitled, these critics are overlooking the importance of your child’s need to see clearly and your child’s intense fear of embarrassment at school. Cut corners elsewhere, but not when it comes to your child’s vision.


Children are an often overlooked group when it comes to eyewear. Perhaps a child is unaware that the world should not appear blurry. Perhaps they are unaware that not seeing a page clearly could be the cause of poor reading marks. It is massively important that parents have their children’s eyes checked frequently throughout their development, as problems can arise throughout one’s childhood. Many with vision problems that do not have them at birth will acquire them during puberty. It is thus imperative that children between the ages of 8-15 receive eye exams yearly. Buying your middle school child stylish designer eyewear will ensure they are not embarrassed to wear their specs in school, and thus will be able to focus on their subjects.


Children often forget to care for their eyes. Games like staring at the sun can lead to eye damage, and children need to be taught to be careful of the sun’s warm but dangerous rays. Buy sunglasses for your children and makes sure you lead by example by wearing yours when outdoors. Do not buy sunglasses that do not have UV protection. No joke or “cute” sunglasses will do. Bolle has a line of children’s sunglasses that are age specific, and tailored to meet the needs of a child. They are sleek and stylish, and thus something the child will treasure, but also they do not pretend to be “cute” and instead mimic adult fashion in miniature, which your child will surely appreciate.

Mar

7

Tina Fey Glasses

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In addition to an already stunning cast, Tina Fey’s hit NBC series 30Rock has attracted some of Hollywood’s hottest stars for guest appearances. Yet, for all its comic allure, men are crazy about Tina Fey, whose real age is well beyond the normal Hollywood hottie’s. Her trademark look, dark form-fit clothing and casual pants, is topped off with a pair of plastic horn rimmed Gucci glasses.


Tina Fey, who based the show on her experiences as the head writer for Saturday Night Live, wears Gucci 1579 glasses throughout the show. Despite the fact that Fey does not need glasses, they have become her on and off-stage trademark, marking the ever-emerging trend of eyeglasses as style rather than mere visual aids. Throughout the series 30Rock Liz Lemon (Fey’s character) is complaining that she is not taken seriously. By wearing the horn rimmed glasses she is asserting her right to be a leader through her wardrobe.


Although Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) constantly mocks Lemon’s clothing, he hardly comments on her designer eyewear look. In fact, across the web you’ll find more and more images of women donning eyewear very similar to the Tina Fey look. Since she skyrocketed to mainstream popularity with her portrayal of Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live, sales of black horn rimmed glasses have skyrocketed. In fact, Tina Fey proves that career women can have it all. She has been happily married since 2001 (a rarity in the American elite) and has won several outstanding acting and writing awards and is now one of the most recognizable women in comedy.

Mar

6

Fashion Week in Review

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With fashion week over, many design-crazy fans are trying to piece together the emerging trends of 2009. We’ll save you some legwork. From D&G to Versace and Dior, We’ll highlight the overall trends you can expect to see emerging in the ready-to-wear market.


In surprising prevalence, flannel and frills made a splash at fashion week. Multiple designers used flannel as a key element in their clothing designs. Accessories are sure to follow suit and you can expect to see flannel bags, shoes and even eyewear with flannel patterned temple bars.


Perhaps owing to the media’s portrayal of 2009 as “a touch time ahead” fashion has responded with a more masculine look in women’s fashion. This includes baggy Bermuda shorts, boot-heels and baggier shirts and jackets. Boyfriend jeans and black denim are also expected to emerge as a result of fashion week.


Finally, leopard print made a surprising come back this season, surly a sign of things to come this fall and winter. However, a trend that dramatic is unlikely to blossom quickly. Expect leopard print accessories, especially in varying colors, to appear late summer.


Themed clothing has always been in style. This year, themes were expanded upon to encapsulate entire fashion trends. Black and white horizontal stripes, which were in fashion late last year, have reemerged, but with a sailor twist. Similarly, black lace became popular in late 2008 and has resurfaced during fashion week mixed with masculine accessories to give a contradictory yet inspired appearance. Expect metro sexual styles to become ever more popular in 2009.

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