into: sunglasses

 

IMG_6578

Utterly failed to keep myself out of this shot.

Sunglasses aren’t a summer-only accessory for me. Eyes need protection from the sun year-round, and I’m always carting at least one pair around. Here’s the current rotation:

1. Vuarnet square aviators

2. Vuarnet retro cat-eyes (wearing here)

French brand Vuarnet uses high performance glass mineral lenses (albeit in kind of cheap-feeling injected nylon frames), which can be selected for a bunch of different light contexts. The lenses really are incredible, protecting the eyes without compromising visibility whatsoever. These pleasant brown-toned lenses kind of make the world look like one big sepia photograph.

3. Spektre Nulla Etica Sine Aeshtetica  (wearing here – and all over)

An Italian brand using advanced polymer lenses. This was the ideal mix of orange mirror lenses and a tortoiseshell wayfarer-style frame – which was exactly what I was looking for. These are not cheap, but they don’t feel or look cheap, either.

4. Ray-Ban aviators (wearing here)

Another Italian brand, though a global one for a long time now. Love these gold frames and warm brown lenses (this frame is available with orange mirror lenses, too, though, and I keep going back to stare at them…think about them…though I do not need them…), which seem like sunglasses a baby lion would wear. Aviators aren’t for everyone but they are one of my favorite silhouettes, especially the more trapezoidal ones (as opposed to a teardrop/triangle). Imposing and somehow serious.

I investigated but could not find this one incredible pair of aviators from Italian brand Breil Milano (when it comes to quality sunglasses, Italy evidently has a gift). Some discontinued model…isn’t it always the way.

classic freshwater pearl studs: a giveaway!* [closed]

*This post is not sponsored, etc.

Perhaps you will remember my oft-mentioned enthusiasm for pearls? My pearl stud size guide?

I have on a number of occasions now given pearls as gifts (not infrequently to myself), and each story is one of success. It’s hard to go wrong giving pearls away, so here we are!

For the size guide I modeled various sizes of gem quality freshwater pearls from the vendor Pearls of Joy, and I’m going to give away one of my favorites: the 7-8mm pair.

You can read about my thoughts on the different sizes in that post. The 7-8mm–these really measure in at 8mm–was the size I found the most proportionate and versatile; transitioning effortlessly from casual to elegant, suitable for a wide variety of ages.

It’s difficult to capture how beautiful they are in a photo. Excellent quality and luster.

IMG_6605Here’s what you can win:

1 pair 7-8mm white gem quality freshwater studs from Pearls of Joy with appraisal paperwork and pearl care card (here I am forced to admit that I don’t have a prettier gift box).

[These earrings were worn only once for the purpose of modeling. The posts have been sterilized and they are in pristine condition.]

IMG_6607Here’s how you can win:

for 1 entry:

  • leave a comment on THIS POST (if you are on the home page you will need to click on the post title above to see the post page and comment options) and
  • like my facebook page (you can use the shortcut in the sidebar or this link).

for extra entries:

**Let me know in your comment how many entries you qualify for (1, 2, or 3).**

So your comment might look something like: I wd luv to win pearlz! u r so stylish! 1 entry for me.

or: Hi from Raleigh! Cool blog! 2 entries, please!

or: I love peonies, too. x3 please!

You get the idea.

This giveaway is open internationally. It will close September 15, 2013 at midnight EST.  Please be honest about your number of entries: details of the winning comment will be verified. If you post more than one comment, only the first will count toward the giveaway. The winner will be announced on the blog on Thursday, September 19, 2013.

Good luck!