Sun-Struck
There are certain fashion purchases so au courant that paying top dollar for them feels almost sensible. But when did designer sunglasses enter this arena?
Granted, eyewear is one of the first stops on the “accessible luxury” train. Few in this mortal coil will ever own a Chanel trompe-l’oiel dress with embroidered tulle pleats, yet walk two blocks down Robertson Boulevard on a busy afternoon and you’ll notice at least a dozen pair of Chanel shades—20 if you include The Ivy’s patio.
There’s undeniable cache in shielding yourself from the sun’s rays in Gucci or Dior. So here’s where to find superlative sunglasses that won’t rival, in cost, your Audi A4 payment.
Resale, but Resplendent
In town, there are two places to go: Our first choice is Decadestwo. With styles such as Dolce & Gabbana silver aviators ($110) and Chloe black mod sunglasses with cutouts ($150) peppering the highbrow designer resale shop, why would you even bother looking under the glass cases at Neimans? Everything offered is timeless, elegant, and, currently, well below $200.
The vintage sunglass shrine, courtesy of Decadestwo
If you’re in the market for more of a bargain, but less of a sure thing, Wasteland is at least a decent bet. While not exactly a transformative shopping experience (you may get strong-armed by some chick with plugs bent on snagging a Mike & Chris leather jacket on the rack), the designer sunglass offerings are substantive. Marc Jacobs, Gucci and a stunning pair of Dior Homme—the ones we spied were veritably unisex, only two-years-old and with knick-free lenses—were all found for $85 and under.
Decadestwo, 8214 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. (323) 655-1960. www.decadestwo.com
Wasteland, 7428 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. (323) 653-3028. www.wastelandclothing.com
New and Online
Snagging a pair of Oliver Peoples or Balenciagas becomes infinitely more feasible when they're marked down 40- to 70-percent off—which is always the case on Bluefly.com, the seminal website for spanking-new (albeit last season), discounted designer clothes and accessories. The online outpost boasts men's and women's shades from an avalanche of marquee labels, including Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Prada and Valentino.
Balenciaga shades at Bluefly.com
The prices still aren't bargain basement—you'll get the best deals from bricks-and-mortar secondhand stores—but snagging a pair of new Prada aviators at $198, down from $330, feels like a win-win.
Outnet.com, online designer haven Net-A-Porter's discount site, boasts a small-but-choice collection of designer sunglasses, marked down 40- to 55-percent off retail. Brands include Tom Ford, Chloe, Roberto Cavalli and Marc Jacobs.