Sunglasses that protect with panache

By Lillian Charles | Photos by Sara Hanna

Sunglasses: They’re a summer staple and, unlike other accessories, they’re occasion-specific. Local wardrobe consultant Lillian Charles scouted out the best shades for all the fun outdoor activities of the season and, as always, all of these classy glasses can be found in our neighborhood.

Pool Perfection

I stopped into the mecca of swimwear, Atlanta Beach, to pick out the perfect pair for the pool and voilà: Michael Stars “blush” sunglasses practically jumped into my face. They’re simple, fun and moderately priced—how many times have you dropped your shades on the hard ground around the pool?—and offer 100 percent UV protection. The blush color is subtle enough to complement a patterned swimsuit or wear with any color solid suit. Michael Stars “Blush”: $88, Atlanta Beach.

Rave Reflections

Blake Lively, Zac Efron, Jessica Alba—just a few of America’s favorite celebs who are leading the way in the (gender neutral) mirror sunglasses trend. I snagged these frosted frames with rad reflective lenses as our “epic eyewear” for festival season. Eye Haven offers them in a variety of combinations: frosted frames with orange-mirrored lenses, army green frames with yellow-mirrored lenses and more. Sport them all summer long and catch your friends checking themselves out in your glasses. Ray-Ban “CATS 5000 Flash Lenses”: $167 (for polarized lenses), Eye Haven.

Wow ’em in White

These bright white shades will stand out marvelously against the glow of your fresh summer tan. Channel Jackie O in these chic and sassy sunglasses with polarized lenses, integrated nose guards and the signature Kate Spade logo on the temple. Pair them with a colorful sundress or your new favorite “wear all white” outfit (see page XX for details). Drop by Kate Spade’s new shop at Phipps Plaza to check out these beauties and an assortment of other fabulous frames. Adamina sunglasses: $158, Kate Spade Stores.

Into the Wild

Smith Optics’ “Chief” sunglasses immediately grabbed my attention upon entering The Fish Hawk; the designers truly nailed the look of linen in these high performance shades. A true sportsman’s design—for both ladies and gents—these sturdy frames hold anti-reflective, polarized and hydrophobic lenses. Whether you’re fly fishing on the Chattahoochee or spending the day on Lake Lanier, these commanding shades will look sharp and provide the protection you need. Chief “Brown Linen”: $209, The Fish Hawk.

Butterfly Beauty

Tom Ford’s iconic “butterfly” style is sleek, minimalist and luxurious, free of loud logos and flashy features. I’m loving these for day-to-day wear—around town, poolside, picnics in the park, you name it. Although a larger-sized frame, the simple nature of the design makes them elegant; they work best on heart, oval and square face shapes. Tom Ford “Abbey”: $380, Sunglass Hut.

Atlanta Beach | www.atlantabeach.com 
3145 Peachtree Road N.E. | Atlanta 30305
404.239.0612

Eye Haven | www.eyehaven.com 
1418 Dresden Drive | Atlanta 30319
404.239.0272

Kate Spade, Phipps Plaza | www.katespade.com 
3500 Peachtree Road N.E. | Suite A-9A | Atlanta 30326
404.949.9879

Sunglass Hut, Lenox Square | www.sunglasshut.com 
3393 Peachtree Road N.E. |Atlanta 30326
404.237.0931

The Fish Hawk | www.thefishhawk.com
3095 Peachtree Road N.E. | Atlanta 30305
404.237.3473