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Made in the Shade

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Pick a pair of sunnies that will provide that cool and fabulous persona we all want and love.
There’s something about putting on a pair of sunnies that will brings out your alter ego. Maybe it’s because behind the dark lens you’re suddenly incognito and can take on the persona of a Hollywood celebrity, supermodel or rockstar. There’s a certain mystique and boost of confidence you can get when wearing a pair of sunglasses. Sunglasses are the No. 1 summer fashion accessory, because they are perfect for any age and gender. Sunglasses also protect you from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, which can cause cataracts. By reducing your long-term exposure to the blue and purple portion of the solar spectrum, sunglasses can also help lower your risk for macular degeneration. They also help maintain comfortable vision by protecting your eyes from the sun’s brightness and glare — meaning less squinting and less fine lines around the eyes. Sunglasses protect your eyes from dust, particles and debris all while enhancing your personal style.

TIPS FOR SELECTING YOUR NEXT PAIR OF SUNNIES

1. FACE SHAPE
Determine your face shape. It’s a simple equation of proportion. The five primary face shapes are: oval; round; square; heart; triangle; and diamond. Grab a mirror and study your face proportion to determine your shape.

2. OPPOSITES ATTRACT
The frame shape should contrast the shape of your face. This creates and maintains a balanced look. For example, if your face is round, pick an angular, narrow frame that is wider than deep in order to add length to the face.

3. SIZE MATTERS
Scale your sunnies to your face. Although when it comes to sunglasses, bigger is better because of more protection. At the same time, you want to scale your sunnies to your face. The goal is to achieve an overall balanced look. For example, a petite face with delicate features should avoid oversized frames — this will only dwarf the face. However, you still want to make sure your frames are in proportion with the rest of your face.

4. COMFORT ZONE
Don’t be afraid to wear the sunglasses for 10 to 15 minutes to measure the comfort level. How do they fit on the bridge of your nose? Is it a snug fit? Do they slide down? Are they too tight? What about behind the ears? Are your eyes looking through the center of the lens?

5. FREEZE FRAME 
Choose a frame color that complements your skin tone and features. Cool skin tones have pink or blue undertones. Warm skin tones have a yellow cast.

6. COLOR TONE
There are a wide array of lens colors to choose from. Dark, amber, mirrored and polarized lenses are only a few options available. Remember the color lens you select affects how well you differentiate color and detect contrast.

7. PROTECT YOURSELF
Sunglasses provide an important defense against UV rays, while protecting the eyes from sun brightness and glare. Make sure your sunnies have 100 percent UV protection.

 

Fashion Stylist: Tracee Dundas | @fashionablyyoursnola
New Orleans Fashion Week | @neworleansfashionweek
Photographer: Eduardo Benitez | @ebphotographs
Hair and Makeup Team: Paul Mitchell-Vanguard College: Karlie Parker and Ashley Vu, hairstylists; Lauren Hebert and Keyanna McKenzie, makeup artists
Models: Katherine Gainey, Tia Williams and William Rideau