Let's talk sunglasses

[ColleenSwerb]

So, I've never owned a nice pair of sunglasses in my life. I always just buy the cheapies from Walmart for $5 or $10, and then I don't worry about them. I'm not HARD on them (the pair I had to replace this weekend were like $10 from Walmart and lasted me at least 2 years, I can't remember when I even bought them), but I drop them on occasion, I go in water with them, etc.

I also don't want to be like my husband, who has expensive Oakley's and is INSANE about them. He freaks out if he accidentally drops them, etc.

So last weekend my cheapies broke. I went to clean the lenses and the frame had managed to snap in half and the lens fell out, lol. So I went and got another cheapie pair ($5). They were feeling a little snug on my head this morning, so I tried to bend the arms back a little, when the arm snapped off. You get what you paid for, right? LOL!

So anyway. My husband keeps saying I should just get a nice pair of sunglasses and take care of them, but I don't know where to even look. Any suggestions? I like the big bug-eyed look, lol. I'm willing to invest in them, but I'm not talking $300+ either, kwim?

Any help? Thanks guys!

[emmasmommy]

i just buy the cheaper ones at target (they're usually $15 or so). i'm hard on mine, so there's no point in spending lots of money.

DH likes Sunglass Hut...

[NeverendingJen]

I'm no help as mine are perscription.

[kscwgirl]

I buy the $10 ones from walmart too.. I'm HARD on sunglasses LOL

[scrappinsweetie]

i wear mine all the time because of a light sensativity so i got a pair of maui jims at sunglass hut. they were 100 bucks but i really really like them and they are sturdy adn strong.

[ColleenSwerb]

Yea, I don't really know of another place to go but sunglass hut, lol. Sooooo this thread was a little pointless I suppose.

Anyone know of a place online? In case I find a pair I like in the store and want to get them cheaper?

[scrappinsweetie]

a grilfriend of mine buys hers on ebay. i am picky and want to make sure they fit right first though so i buy in person.

[Penny Springmann]

I've been able to score some great deals at TJ Maxx (Coach, Kate Spade, Oakley, etc.), and check your outlet stores if there are any near you. If you purchase your sunglasses at the Oakley outlet, they still have the warranty, so if they break you can get them fixed.

[HeatherKS]

I'm like you, I always bought the cheapy ones because I tend to lose mine. I finally splurged on some Brighton shades three years ago and they're still going strong. I have found that I'm way more careful with them then I ever was with my cheapies. I bought a pair of RayBan aviators last year that I'm still in love with too. I got those at Dillards.

[Leah]

Sorry I'm not help either. I buy cheapies from Walmart so that when they get lost or broken, I don't cry. LOL

[4noisyboys]

We have a selection of sunglasses where I work, and I have to say...I LOVE THEM!!! I own about 10 pairs (I do get an amazing discount though).

I work at Brighton, and I can tell you that our frames are cut in the exact same factories as the most expensive pairs you'll find at Nordstrom. My manager has been to the factories and seen them being made side by side....ours range from $75 - $90 (compared to $300 for the designer pairs at Nordstrom), and they're prescription ready if you need to do that. The lens' are 100% UVA/UVB as well, and if they get scratched, they can be replaced for $5 a lens, or $7 for a temple. Unless you are one to just lose your glasses, this is an amazing deal.

you can see them here
http://www.brightonretail.com/store/...duct_list&c=9I

[4noisyboys]

and girls....

those cheapy lens are ruining your eyes! They do more damage than if you had nothing on at all. Also, having UVA/UVB protection around your eyes also protects the sensitive skin around your eyes.

[HeatherKS]

Thanks for the link Debra. Enabler.

Now I NEED these.

[scrappinsweetie]

not looking...not looking...not looking...crap i caved :P

[ColleenSwerb]

Deb, where can I find Brighton to try them on?

[crecia27]

I love my Brighton glasses, they've lasted years. I had no idea the lens could be replaced, I think I'm going to forget that info so I can get a new pair though. :-)

[aggiefamily]

I am hard on glasses and my hubby finally bought me some Costas. Yes, I use them for fishing but they are also great for driving and other outdoor activities. They have a variety of lens for a variety of uses. I have 2 pair and my husband has 4 pairs. They are the only brand of sunglasses that don't give me a headache when wearing them.

I have the Tortoise Harpon (with amber glass) and white Caballito with gray glass. I have had the Harpons for 3 years and just got the Caballitos for Christmas.

[4noisyboys]

Originally Posted by HeatherKS

Thanks for the link Debra. Enabler.

Now I NEED these.

I have those in the tortoise...they're a dark tortoise though...almost black! I LOVE THEM!!!

[4noisyboys]

Originally Posted by crecia27

I love my Brighton glasses, they've lasted years. I had no idea the lens could be replaced, I think I'm going to forget that info so I can get a new pair though. :-)

No! lol
Take them in for the new lens, get a new pair while you're there, and then use your old ones for at the beach or in the pool! That's what I do!

If they've been retired for awhile, they may not have the lens anymore at the factory. Some styles they seem to keep forever. I handle all the repairs, so I see a lot of what they won't or will fix.

[ColleenSwerb]

Greetings and Readings near my work carries Brighton. Hopefully they carry the sunglases too. I'm gonna check them out tomorrow over lunch I think

[Jamies Creations]

I tend to get mine at Target, or Ross/Marshall's. I have a 3 y/o who likes to try them on so, they have to last! The only thing (aside from style) I pay attention to is the UVA/UVB.

[4noisyboys]

Originally Posted by ColleenSwerb

Deb, where can I find Brighton to try them on?

Where in Maryland are you?
Are you close to DC area? There are two near there. One in the McClean (spelling?) mall, and one at the Tysons Corner mall.

There are two places in Baltimore

Amaryllis
612 Exeter st.
view map
Baltimore MD 21202
(410) 576-7622

Pendleton
878 Kenilworth Drive
view map
Towson-Baltimore MD 21204
(410) 832-4550

here is a link for the store locator.
http://www.brightonretailers.com/locator/

Really, for the price, they're the best around.

[4noisyboys]

Originally Posted by ColleenSwerb

Greetings and Readings near my work carries Brighton. Hopefully they carry the sunglases too. I'm gonna check them out tomorrow over lunch I think

Most popular styles are Petal Power, Gotta Have Heart, Twinkle, Scroll in the Park (black), Twirl (more of a wrap style on).

These are newer bigger frames. Look for these names when you try them on...or ask the girls. A place that sells Brighton won't have as much as a Brighton store.

Warning...the store can be addictive!!!

[4noisyboys]

Originally Posted by aggiefamily

I am hard on glasses and my hubby finally bought me some Costas. Yes, I use them for fishing but they are also great for driving and other outdoor activities. They have a variety of lens for a variety of uses. I have 2 pair and my husband has 4 pairs. They are the only brand of sunglasses that don't give me a headache when wearing them.

I have the Tortoise Harpon (with amber glass) and white Caballito with gray glass. I have had the Harpons for 3 years and just got the Caballitos for Christmas.

I'm going to look into these next for my dh. He has only had Maui Jim's...he has a really large head (not to look at, but I guess for glasses) and some of these look like they might work for him. They do look really lightweight!

[Nettio]

Originally Posted by ColleenSwerb

I also don't want to be like my husband, who has expensive Oakley's and is INSANE about them. He freaks out if he accidentally drops them, etc.

He just needs the military grade Oakley's. They won't break if he drops them.

I have a really nice pair of Ray-bans that Adam bought me like, 6 years ago and they're still in really fantastic shape. I was like you and would only buy cheap ones but he was tired of me complaining about them breaking so he bought them as a gift. I don't remember where I got mine though, it might have been Sunglass Hut, haha. I don't think they were too expensive, probably between $100-200. But the quality difference has been well worth the extra cost. No way would I got back to buying $10 glasses again.

[ColleenSwerb]

Originally Posted by 4noisyboys

Most popular styles are Petal Power, Gotta Have Heart, Twinkle, Scroll in the Park (black), Twirl (more of a wrap style on).

These are newer bigger frames. Look for these names when you try them on...or ask the girls. A place that sells Brighton won't have as much as a Brighton store.

Warning...the store can be addictive!!!

Thanks Deb. There's a Brighton Collectibles store 45 minutes from the house, I might check that one out this weekend if I like what I see in the other stores.

Lynnette, where can I get my hands on some of those? LOL!
Jordan wants me to get Oakley's or Ray-Bans. I'm more open to anything.

[jessica31876]

should not have looked at that link. Now I want these. I do need some prescription glasses though.

http://www.brightonretail.com/store/...etail&p=A11683



My husbands father used to do body work for a guy who sells frames/lenses to the optical places so I used to always get mine really cheap (like 100 dollars for two pairs with the really thin trasition lenses.)

[4noisyboys]

Those would be really cute on you Jessica.

[Julie Billingsley]

I just had an eye exam and was told that my eye insurance (eyemed) covers sunglasses! I was able to pick out a pair of sunglasses that were under $100 and got them for free! I picked out a pair of Elizabeth Arden ones that I just love. And Jacob picked out a pair of Oakley's and they just took off $100 from the cost. So, check with your insurance and see if they cover nonprescription sunglasses. If you haven't already used your frame benefit with regular glasses, you might be able to score a sweet deal!

[Julie Billingsley]

Hey Debra, do you know if Brighton takes insurance to cover the cost of sunglasses?

[scrappinsweetie]

jessica i have been eyeing those all morning. dang girls. you are evil...LOL!

[ColleenSwerb]

Originally Posted by Julie Billingsley

I just had an eye exam and was told that my eye insurance (eyemed) covers sunglasses! I was able to pick out a pair of sunglasses that were under $100 and got them for free! I picked out a pair of Elizabeth Arden ones that I just love. And Jacob picked out a pair of Oakley's and they just took off $100 from the cost. So, check with your insurance and see if they cover nonprescription sunglasses. If you haven't already used your frame benefit with regular glasses, you might be able to score a sweet deal!

That's actually an awesome idea Julie. I have vision insurance, but never ever use it because I don't have contacts or glasses. I'll have to look into that at home tonight!

[eranslow]

I think I'll be stopping at Brighton real soon! lol Thanks for enabling Debra

[lovely1m]

I bought a pair of $200 Dolce & Gabbanas at Sunglasses Hut almost 2 years ago. I still love them. They are so pretty and comfy and holding up great. I always bought the cheapies, too, but I couldn't find any I liked then. On a whim, I stopped there and tried some on. I loved them, but was like $200 for a pair of sunglasses? My dh (now, ex..lol) talked me into buying them and I am happy I did.

[lovely1m]

Originally Posted by HeatherKS

Thanks for the link Debra. Enabler.

Now I NEED these.

Umm...I might need those, too.

[LenaGardner]

Do you require a prescription? If so, I recommend www.zennioptical.com

They are wicked cheap and have the cutest glasses! The people I know who order from them are diehard believers in their quality and prices.

[cheltzey]

Originally Posted by 4noisyboys

The lens' are 100% UVA/UVB as well, and if they get scratched, they can be replaced for $5 a lens, or $7 for a temple. Unless you are one to just lose your glasses, this is an amazing deal.

you can see them here
http://www.brightonretail.com/store/...duct_list&c=9I

I think I'm sold. That's always the problem with my sunglasses. I spend $25ish on a pair, but I'm always dropping them or whatnot and I have to buy at least 2 pairs a year. Hubby might take some convincing though...

[4noisyboys]

Originally Posted by Julie Billingsley

Hey Debra, do you know if Brighton takes insurance to cover the cost of sunglasses?

Unfortunately they don't Julie.

and as for who will let you use them for prescriptions:
Costco won't let you use Brighton frames. They say they might break, but it's just because they want you to buy theirs. Sam's club usually will, Lens Crafters will and all private doctors should. I have never seen a pair break from having lens put in them.

[4noisyboys]

Originally Posted by Julie Billingsley

I just had an eye exam and was told that my eye insurance (eyemed) covers sunglasses! I was able to pick out a pair of sunglasses that were under $100 and got them for free! I picked out a pair of Elizabeth Arden ones that I just love. And Jacob picked out a pair of Oakley's and they just took off $100 from the cost. So, check with your insurance and see if they cover nonprescription sunglasses. If you haven't already used your frame benefit with regular glasses, you might be able to score a sweet deal!

We get new frames every two years Julie, so I've always done this for the boys since they didn't need glasses. I'll have to remember to do this for my two that just got put back on my insurance!

[AmberK]

I have heard other people who love zenni too. But my question is what if you get the glasses and put them on and decide you dont like them?

Originally Posted by LenaGardner

Do you require a prescription? If so, I recommend www.zennioptical.com

They are wicked cheap and have the cutest glasses! The people I know who order from them are diehard believers in their quality and prices.

[color of my heart]

mine are guess, and prescription. so i can't help much. (:
i love those brighton ones though. so pretty.

[ColleenSwerb]

Lena, my husband's Aunt actually JUST suggested that site. I do not need a prescription, but good to know it's a well respected site to get things from.

[4noisyboys]

I just got my prescription from my doctor and I was going to order a pair just to keep in the car (driving night time glasses). When I wear glasses, mine are progressive. I don't need that when I'm driving. I don't want to spend a ton of money!