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.