Bring on the Sun: Great Shades for Every Shape

You have some. I have some. Your parents even have some. Yep, almost everyone has a pair of sunglasses and most of us have more than one. I, to be perfectly honest, have about 15 pairs (that I can find…). I have aviator shades and oversized lenses. I have knock-off Ray Bans and sunglasses Jackie O. would be proud of. I have Gucci and Chanel. I have Forever 21 and H&M. High end, low end, trendy, classic – you name it, I’ve got it. But why? Why must have I have this assortment of sun-blocking shades? Because a great pair of sunglasses can be a girl’s best friend. If you’re in need of a new BFF, here’s what you should know…

If you have a heart-shaped face, go for large, rounded lenses, like these from Forever 21. (www.forever21.com)

If you have an oval-shaped face, BIG is the way to go. Big styles will help balance out the roundness in your face. Check out these stunners from Chanel. (www.chanel.com)

If you have a square-shaped face, go with a boxier look, such as the always popular aviator shade. Eye Spy Sunglasses has an array to choose from. (www.eyespysunglasses.com)

If you have a round face, opt for a clearly defined, square lens, such as these awesome (and cheap!) shades from Target. (www.target.com)

If you are just a brave face looking for a new look, trying out some brightly colored Ray-Bans (or knock-offs like these from Forever 21). (www.forever21.com)

Finding the pair of shades isn’t always easy. My advice is to go to your nearest Sunglass Hut, Nordstrom, or other sunglass retailer and try lots of shades on. Bring a pal (or a relative, if you want absolute honesty) and try on many different pairs. And don’t just go by this fabulous guideline either. Some faces look best in sunglasses that technically shouldn’t work for them. Try on different styles and looks to see what works best for you.

Whatever you do, get something to shield your eyes from the sun. Those UV rays can be brutal and can do serious damage to your eyes. Not only are sunglasses a fashion statement, but they’re good for you too which, by the way, is a great way to rationalize spending hundreds on a pair of designer shades. Who needs to pay rent when you’re saving your eyes from long-term damage? Pick up a new pair of shades today and save your eyes, one trendy lens at a time.

Spring Style Spotlight: Neon

Step out your door and into local DC hotspots and you’ll see that the ‘80s are back. Okay, maybe not everything ‘80s—so far only the super fashion-forward and a few daring celebrities are breaking out the shoulder pads—but neon, in all its highlighter-esque, attention-grabbing glory, has certainly made a comeback in the fashion scene. While it may have seemed like one of those trends we would look back on and shake our heads at, it seems that it’s back to stay (at least for the spring and summer seasons).

You don’t have to look hard to see those whoa-bright colors sprouting up around the nation’s capital this spring. From Fendi to Forever 21, both high and low end designers are embracing this trend. The question is: do you want to? Neon can be fun and certainly represents a light-hearted, springtime attitude that we’re all craving around this time of year. If you’re looking for something new to spice up your wardrobe, this is definitely the trend to try.

So how do you wear this trend without triggering ‘80s flashbacks? By using neon sparingly and pairing it with neutrals. According to The New York Times, this spring women “have taken Coco Chanel’s adage about accessories and turned it backward: Pile on all the beige, cream and navy you like, look in the mirror and then add one more piece in neon.” For the less fashion-conscious, even this simple equation can be a little nerve-wracking, but here are a few tips to get the look right: Excite your standard jeans-and-tee look with a hot pink belt or bright yellow daytime clutch. Liven up your little black dress with a neon green or orange belt or handbag. When slipping into this season’s array of khaki, beige, and taupe ensembles, consider how you might be able to make the outfit pop with a neon belt, bag, or shoe.

Not sure you want to commit to purchasing neon accessories? Try a neon nail color. Cheap and easily removed, neon nails are is a great way to try out the trend without having to worry how often you’re really going to wear those electric blue jeans.

All neon items pictured above can be found at www.forever21.com.