Piece On Earth

I know you've seen a lot of these before, but let this just be a friendly reminder when looking for a new pair of shades it's hard to go wrong with a shaped nose piece - and, no, that is not the official term.

-L.A.S

[Editor's Note: The official term is called a keyhole for people trying to keep their semantics tight.]

The Wayfarer Family

Ray Ban's iconic Wayfarer model might be my all time favorite due to their obvious embodiment of everything classic, badass and down right awesome.  With that being said I think that people often jump into buying a pair without giving any consideration to the various models that Ray Ban has to offer.  It's always better to try sunglasses on in person so that you know without a doubt they look good, but at the same time it's also integral to get a handle on the situation ahead of time to prepare yourself for the purchase.  Keep in mind that there are a few other models in the Wayfarer family not talked abut here (the folding RB4105, the hipster RB2143, etc.), but I am overlooking those because you shouldn't be buying those in the first place.


The Original Wayfarer - RB2140

The closet thing being sold to the original 1952 model today, the RB2140 is the standard of old school cool.  When buying these be careful of the lens size (most commonly 50mm and 54mm) because this seemingly small details makes a huge difference on how the sunglasses, which are of the larger variety, look and fit on your face.

The New Wayfarer - RB2132

The New Wayfarer was introduced a few years back as a smaller alternative to the original.  While they definitely are smaller I actually think Ray Ban messed with the proportions a little too much and the glasses seem more "squished" that anything else.  Granted this shape is much more appealing to people who think the original is a little too big or intense, but keep in mind that it does lack some of the edge and angles that made the original so iconic.

RB2113

This now defunct model, being phased out by Ray Ban, is the holy grail of Wayfarers as far as I am concerned.  It really is the perfect combination of the two styles above, keeping the personality of the original while streamlining the shape just enough with its trimmed up frames (especially around the lenses) as seen on the New Wayfarer.  While it's hard to tell the difference between this and the original on a computer screen, in person you can really see the improvements - I am assuming these minute differences are what caused Ray Ban to discontinue them in the first place as it must have proved confusing to customers.  Keep in mind that you can still buy the RB2113 all over the interwebs and many stores still have them in stock.

In closing, make sure you know what you are getting into before you drop upwards of $100 on a new pair and try them on in person if you can.  If you ever want to see the model number of the pair you are trying on it is always listed on the inside of the left stem and be sure not to overlook the importance of lens size either, even on the same model, as I have often found that is the most important factor.  Oh yeah and before I forget, only black and tortoise shell please - unless of course your style icon is Lindsay Lohan.

-L.A.S

[Editor's Note: The RB5121 is an optical version (for prescription glasses) of the RB2140.]

Attn: Martin + Osa New Arrivals

Martin + Osa's spring collection has hit their website and the iconic maritime styles are pretty damn good.  The thing about Martin + Osa is that their selection overall isn't as good as J. Crew's, but their top standout pieces can go toe to toe with anyone.  I especially love how unapologetic Martin + Osa is about biting well received brands and this collection takes obvious queues from Mister Freedom (the deck jacket and the nautical themed polo), Engineered Garments (the floral print shirts), and Drakes (the highland vest).  I'm never going to complain about this sort of thing because when it's done right it saves the consumer money.  As long as M+O don't mess things up they have my blessings.

Also of note are the Ray Ban High Street Wayfarers for sale, which are "part of Ray-Ban's High Street collection, the newest interpretation of their legendary Wayfarer subtly softens the classic look with taller, rounded lenses."  I may have to do some research on this collection as this is the first time I've heard of such a line.  I'll get back to you.

The new arrivals are available for purchases here and check out all of my personal favorites below.

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

-L.A.S

Holiday Recommendations: Ray Ban Caravan Sunglasses

Plastic frames were everywhere the past year.  Wayfarers, Club Masters and Persol 649/714's dominated the scene and while all of these are fantastic shades (I happen to have a couple pairs myself) it's about time to switch things up.  Aviator frames are classic, no doubt, and I'm particularly partial to Ray Ban's Caravan model.  Instead of opting for the massive teardrop lenses found on most aviators, the Caravan comes with smaller, squared up lenses.  What I like most about these is instead of going the military route, the Caravan is more 50's poolside cool.  With a bunch of frame and lense color options available it's not hard to find a pair you or someone else will love.  Ray Ban's quality speaks for itself and these are a great all-ages gift.  I'm currently eyeing a pair for my Pops who is in desperate need of his own sunglasses upgrade.  You can buy these straight from Ray Ban for $119 or you can hop on eBay and get them from a wholesaler for $10-$30 less.  You know what, I just may grab a pair for myself...

-L.A.S

The Great Wayfarer Flood of 2009

[Ray Ban Wayfarers]

If I learned anything from my first collegiate homecoming it's that everybody's now wearing Ray-Ban Wayfarers.  At a tailgate this past Saturday I'd venture to say that roughly 75% of those wearing sunglasses had on Wayfarers or some kind of knockoff.   Don't get me wrong, I love Wayfarers and own a black pair which I wear a lot, but at some point we need to pump the breaks and switch gears.  I own a few pairs of sunglasses and while there is no exact science behind picking which ones I wear out of the house, it just feels good to have options.  In an effort to remedy "The Great Wayfarer Flood of 2009" I've listed some alternatives below.  Note that I have left out prices for some and instead linked to eBay since you can almost always get the sunglasses you are looking for at about 40-70% off (even on a "buy it now").

I present to you Sartorially Inclined's Sunglasses Primer:

Persol 649

Persol 714

Persol is probably my favorite brand of sunglasses.  Italian's know their shades and the proof is in the pudding, or should I say product.  Instead of getting a pair of plastic frame aviators, try something like 0649's or 0714's which take the lens shape, but add a much more unique frame style.  Not to mention the silver accents on the stems are killer.  McQueen wore 'em. So can you.

 Ray Ban Clubmasters

Clubmasters just scream "old school Hollywood poolside cool".  Hard to find for a while, Ray Ban's Wayfarer success has led to these badboys finding their way back into stores, onto shelves and into my heart.  They have similar lenses to their Wayfarer cousins, but ditch the thick plastic frames for a much more subdued, sleeker silouhette.  A must have for any serious sunglasses aficionado.

Ray Ban Aviators

Got with the Outdoorsman model. 'Nuf said.

Super Flat Top 

You may have seen these on Kanye at some point this year as they were the rapper's go to shades for most of the year (they were one of his men.style.com's 10 Essentials).  I like Super's modern take on classic sunglasses, and the Flat Top is a cool reinterpretation of the classic Wayfarer shape.  These are a little harder to find as you'll notice by the sparse eBay listings.  Check their website for retailers near you.

Moscot Nebb

If you weren't lucky enough to nab the Common Projcets + Moscot callaboration, the Nebb is your next best bet.  Moscot have been making glasses since 1915 when they set up shop in NYC and their original models are just as fresh today as they were then.

So I guess the moral of the story is to keep your Wayfarers and wear them with pride, but somewhere along the way let's add some variety and change things up every ONCE in a while.

[Pictured: Sartorially Inclined's shades.  Top Row (left to right): Ray Ban Clubmasters, Ray Bay Wayfarers. Bottom Row (left to right): Persol 649, Persol 2761S.  Apologies for my point and shoot. I need an upgrade badly. I guess I should stop spending all my money on sunglasses.]

-L.A.S