Lady Gaga's Workshop Sunglasses

For the holiday season Lady Gaga is taking up residence at Barneys New York.  Gaga's Workshop is rolling out a healthy does of crazy, including some of the singer's style signatures such as wildly carved and painted press-on nails, a Little Monster plush set, t-shirts, and tea cups.

But if the idea of a Gaga face cookie leaves you cold, consider her optical options. Pushing sunglass style along with the rest of her edgy vibe, Gaga's sunny picks include styles from Linda Farrow, A-Morir by Kerin.Rose, as well as a private collection for the workshop.

Tony Bourdain Samples Persol

Last night the latest Anthony Bourdain extravaganza, The Layover, debuted on The Travel Channel. His first stop: Roma! Home to delicious treats, plentiful wine, and...Persols!

The fussiest badass you'll be able to tolerate on tv took time out from his busy schedule of disdaining popular tourist attractions, boozing on enviable vintages and brews, and scarfing down organ meats to get his shop on for some genuine Italian shades. Opting for basic black with a high keyhole bridge Persol, Bourdain joins the ranks of classic stylists with the lovely arrow-templed beauties.

If one sauteed them with sheep brains and extra virgin olive oil, would Tony give them a taste, too?

Sunglass Puppy

Well this is just adorable. In case you aren't getting enough cuteness in your day-to-day life, I strongly suggest making Boo a part of your life. This little Pomeranian has become a big celeb, complete with his own Facebook fan page. Of course, we like that every once in a while he goes all cute and sunny with a pair of shades!

Just in Case: Thomaspaul

Finding good sunglasses is fun and exciting.

Wearing your faves is pretty much the best.

But reaching into your bag and realizing there's a big scratch right in the middle of the lens of your new, relatively new, or miraculously well-preserved shades can just ruin your day. So stick them in a case, duh!

However, those of us who favor the larger sunglass may find that the bulky logo clamshells are more suited to server AS an evening clutch rather than fit IN a handbag.

New York native designer Thomas Paul, creator of digities in the 90s, he went on to silk pillows and mastered patterns from squids and whales to digital cameras and typewriters on an expanding range of everything from scarves and lights to stationery and rugs.

But what catches our attention is his designs for sunglass cases that please the eye with color and fresh, modern pattern.

A little 80s, a little 90s, and a lot right now, these cases are definitely something to get wrapped up in.

My Sparkliest Sunglasses

Some days are rough. Everything is irritating. You never get to go anyplace or do anything fun. And you're not allowed to hit anyone without getting fired or arrested or both. Pooh.

On those days there's pretty much only one thing that makes me feel better: incredibly sparkly sunglasses.

Not sorta stoned.

Not kinda bling-y.

Certainly not subtly detailed.

I mean way, way, waaayyy over-the-top shiny encrusted beauties that people see and involuntarily sigh "sparkly!"

My go to are a lovely pair of Pucci sunglasses from the Florence collection, named after the Pucci palazzo/family's hometown. They are big. Of course.

And they are blue. Which is fun in a world that features sparkle with black and red, but sometimes forgets the cooler colors.

Today I have been wearing these dazzlers at my desk for about the last two hours. They serve as encouragement and a warning. Encouragement for me to remember that there is fabulousity out there just waiting for the partaking. And a warning to all who dare to enter my office: enter at your own squinty risk.

Val Kilmer's Sunglasses Made Me Cry

Once upon a time, there was a girl from New Jersey who watched a lot of cable television. And during a very special time in her life, Top Gun was played approximately 50 times a day by the Home Box Office (in the dark, bleak, days before True Blood).

And for many, many years afterward, the phrase "Ice Is Nice" made her feel happy and tingly.

Then came along stupid Comic-Con this year and ruined it all by allowing Val Kilmer to appear in public with his face looking not ice-y or nice at all.

And the sunglasses don't help. Roy Orbison owns that look from Beyond the Grave, Val. OWNS IT! So back off, go to the gym, get a tan, put on some mirrored sunglasses, and take off your shirt. The way God meant things to be.

Sunglasses Endanger Robert Downey Jr.!

Ordinarily the only danger I'd point out in blue-lensed sunglasses is being too hot or looking too much like big blue wearers Robert Downey Jr. (shown here with custom lenses in Oliver Peoples style Sheldrake ) and Johnny Depp. L'sigh!

But I just read this article from Lighthouse International that raises some questions about the potential damage to the eye that can result from blue lenses. It seems that blue UV is some of the most hazardous to the eye and blue lenses, you guessed it, don't block blue light. In fact, the report advises that blue lenses are extra risky because:

"They may look cool, but blue tint actually emits ultraviolet light ― which should be blocked out."

So unless you're committed to the idea of a seeing eye dog and sassy white cane in your senior years, think twice before you head outdoors on a sunny day with blue-lensed sunnies and keep these cooler than cool lookers for your inside styling.

And if you're wondering just how dangerously you're living in terms of eye health, take a peek at Transitions Optical's Healthy Sight Calculator. Hopefully cool and safe add up for you.

See Red: Japanese Relief Sunglasses by Mykita

With the world seeming to end every day, it's easy to forget the tragedy before the most recent heartbreak. No, this is not going to turn into a sad-voiceover commentary...never fear. There are very cool sunglasses involved.


The eyewear geniuses (geniusi?) at Mykita have created a special edition of mirror-ific aviator model Franz...a partnership with designer Bernhard Willhelm...in a Mykita for Japan campaign. 

According to the company the white metal frame with mouthwatering red mirror lenses and temple tips is strictly limited to 100 pieces. They also note that:

"All proceeds from the sale of these glasses, minus the value added tax, will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross earthquake appeal. The FRANZ-for-Japan is sold at the special price of 250 Euros."

For more info or to lend a hand to an important cause visit www.mykita.com 

Sunglasses Fit for a Princess

Although Duchess Catherine and her Princely hubs Wills seem to have forgotten their shades in most of the pix I’ve seen from their Canadian and U.S. jaunt (Silly royals), with a princess in the country this weekend, one can’t help but feel a little extra regal and fancy.

If she was going to try on a pair or two for size, my regal recommendations would definitely include the following…

Dior Lady Lady

A style so ladylike the point is emphasized through repetition. Remember: one can’t blame Dior for a designer’s issues. But you can blame them for a crazy circus fashion show! These sunglasses prove that Dior still has that bedrock foundation of tasteful beauty. Fingers crossed for the clothing.

Chanel Prestige

And then there’s the granddaddy of them all, the Chanel Prestige Collection. Echoing the iconic Chanel purse strap with linked gold threaded with supple leather, this eyewear’s ad campaign is showing off Claudia Schiffer like she hasn’t been seen in about 10 years.  Definitely ready for the ball.

Sunglasses: Seeing Green

Now before we get started here I have to warn the tree huggers and other naturally inclined individuals: Big and Sunny loves the Earth. But this particular column is about green-colored lenses and their awesomeness.  We’ll be talking about the environmentally green in the near future.

And on to green lenses.

For retro fans, nothing says classic eyewear like a green sunlens. It’s elegant, it’s athletic, and it looks like it could go from a garden party to a grouse hunt to a safari…all with appropriate wardrobe changes but the same fantastic sunglass.

Visually speaking, green lenses are more than just a pretty accessory. According to The Optical Vision Site, green lenses feature the following attributes:

"Green has slightly better contrast than the gray colors, but is not considered a high contrast lens. Green maintains true color balance and is a good choice for varying light conditions. Used for tennis, driving, and golf, as well as an all-purpose color."

Now that it's officially summer and the world is in Technocolor, stock up on your green lenses to truly enjoy the show!

Fabulous Sunglass Day! (a Solstice celebration)

The weather is not exactly cooperating here in not-so-sunny Philly. But it's Solstice, the longest day of the year, and we can't let that opportunity for ongoing sunglass fabulousness go without a celebration of the sunglasses that will make the day even better. Whether you're a druid or a day-trader, these sunglasses will make you so happy that the sun isn't setting until well into the evening.

Nothing says "I am fabulous" like a Pucci sunglass...the shapes, the prints and patterns, the color. Everything about them is chic and fun and full of fancy. Add some champagne and a tanned houseboy with an open mind and you have a party!

If Pucci wasn't celebratory enough, start summer off by going right over the top with Prada's summer scene stealer: the Baroque...the runway look with curves, friezes has a wild sculptural effect. A little friendlier to the average face, but still curvy and delightful is the Minimal-Baroque with a round front.

Ok, ok, not everybody wants to go quite so far into Crazytown. But maybe, for just one party-filled day, you should fill up your wineskin, put on some fantastic sunglasses and head into the sun!

Sunglasses that Fit

Now here at Big and Sunny we spend a lot of time gently criticizing sunglasses wearers. Because we care. Mostly about the sunglasses that are being misused and poorly executed by their owners. Kind of like an ASPCA except for sunglasses. Which I guess would be ASPCS.

Anywhoo, one way to end up in the mockery crosshairs is to opt for a poorly fitting style. (Yes, that means you, tiny headed Taylor Swift.)

Sunglass expert Eden Wexler of eyewear manufacturer Safilo walked a few editors from the New York Times through a Manhattan Solstice shop recently to discuss proper fitting tips for sunglasses. Before you make your seasonal sunglass investments, take a few minutes to review the segment.

Sunglass Flirtations

Who doesn't want some summer love? If you have your hand raised, put it down...you know you're lying! Today Big and Sunny is guest blogging over at eFlirt expert and providing a go-to dating guide that will help you select your summer love based on his or her sunglasses.

Enjoy getting your flirt on!

Return of the Sunny!

My air conditioning bill would say it's been summer for several weeks now, but my sunglass wardrobe and the calendar are begging to differ. Things are just now ready to get back to Big and Sunny for the sunniest time of year.

For my first sunglass of the season? I'm going super-duper, over-the-top glamazon...Swarovski's Amazing (yes that's the name) sunglasses. Now I went for the icy blue and she went for the blush, but otherwise we look exactly the same. It's uncanny. Sort of. Except for the clothes. And the body. And the body. And the Josh Duhamel. Well now this is going for a happy post to a discontented post!

Anyway, love love love these sunnies. I told myself I was going to go smaller this summer, but clearly there is always going to be a need for supa glamma.

Red Carpet Sunglasses?

So I was talking to a friend today about sunglasses and the red carpet. And he was absolutely adamant that sunglasses do not have a place on the red carpet...a stance which he deftly defended by noting:
1. It's a formal event and gowns are not a natural style pairing with sunglasses.
2. The ladies in particular have perfected their hair and makeup by investing hours and dollars into updos and photographer-ready foundation.

These are good arguments...

So now I might have to add the red carpet on my no sunglass list, joining sunglasses at night.

Men in sunglasses on the red carpet, however, I cannot mind. Just look at Brad Pitt. No reall. Just look at him. When he's in the right sunglasses, with a groomed face and no knit beanie, he may actually be hotter than he was in his youth.

Mykita and uslu airlines Nail It

Sigh. All of yesterday's talk of fiscal responsibility has awakened my inner escape artist. And looking at pix of the hoi polloi frolicking on the beaches of St. Barts hasn't helped the matter. Unfortunately, aside from trade shows, it looks like my travel schedule for the year is restricted to exits off of the NJ Turnpike.

The good news is that the designing minds in Berlin at Mykita are stepping up to take us all away from the harsh reality that there are no legal holidays in the U.S. until February. Mykita's latest launch with uslu airlines are two flight-ready chic sunnies models that you can totally justify as a practical purchase because not only do you get an amazing pair of sunglasses, you also get coordinating nail polish. Which is so sensible as to be borderline frugal. Right?

The styles BOB (airport code for Bora Bora's Motu Mute) and EVE (airport code for Norway's Evenes)  come in "Jet Sets," keen little suitcases with coordinating nail polish in frame hues of gray-brown, lilac, and neon yellow. Now if only they came with actual airline tickets, we'd be in business.

Thanks Tods Sunglasses

I don't know what's going on with the economy. Reading newspapers is just not my bag. Sure that sounds horrible and shallow, but when one is part of the working poor it's hard to feel bad about not reading other people's takes on just how bad things are.

But that's not to say SpinsterMiss has no sense of responsibility. In fact, just last month was the one-year anniversary of credit-card free life.

Yes, it completely sucks.

And yes, I did get a couple of strategic "lifetime" accessories prior to my incarceration in Camp Adulthood, including a "Good Bag" and "Classic Jewelry."

But my favorite item is a beloved pair of Tods leather aviator sunglasses. I've written about them before. They're gray...my favorite fashion color. And they're luxe as hell. Which has been such a help in the tough days of poverty that have ensued over the past year. Even if it was self delusion, wearing those sunglasses helped make my three-seasons-old shoes and Old Navy layerables feel fashionable.

Now some might say that purchases like Tods leather aviator sunglasses were just the kind of irresponsible consumerism that led me to my current life of paying with change, growing my hair out so the dog can get groomed, and coupon cutting. But, in my defense, there was an extremely deep industry discount (for which I am eternally grateful). And I'm totally going to ride on the one-pair-fits-all-so-I-didn't-have-to-buy-a-million-pairs-of-sunglasses ticket.

Moving into 2011, I'm going to try to look at less expensive sunglass options at least once a week. But I sincerely believe that, dollar-for-dollar a great, luxurious pair of sunglasses can bring you through some dark times better than a pair of throwaways from your friend's son's bar mitzvah. Happy New Year!