Not just your run of the mill sorta Sunnies – Great Sunglasses brands you may not have heard of, yet.

June is but days away, the temperature is creeping up, and the sun has got his hat on, occasionally. Now wearing sunglasses isn’t the prerogative of just Rock Star, Scary Fashion Magazine Editors and mafioso types. Sunglasses should offer protection to our eyes from the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, prevents us from squinting, hence reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles around our eyes and last of all if the right shape and colour are chosen for our face makes us look cool.

We’ve all heard of Ray Ban, Oakley and their pretty much isn’t a designer brand worth their salt that doesn’t produce a sunglasses range for you to buy into. But we’re gonna look at a couple of brands that may have gone unnoticed, as yet, by your good selves and in the process help you stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons. So whether lounging by the pool, dancing in the festival sun or just waiting to catch a glimpse of the Summer time, we’ve got a style for you.

imageFirst up is Ace & Tate who like to do things differently, every pair are hand crafted in Italy without costing the earth. A pair of frames by Ace & Tate is an accessory in the true sense of the word, to be switched up depending on mood. Just like a pair of sneakers. This quiet revolution in optics was launched in June 2013 by travel aficionado and die-hard music fan Mark de Lange. Mark sought to reframe the glasses-buying experience after questioning why it cost as much for new lenses as a pair of fancy new frames. After a crash-course in how to marry craftsmanship and design, Ace & Tate was born; so called after the acetate that the frames are made of. Ace & Tate’s secret is to cut out the middlemen that most optical brands depend on. Instead, the small and passionate Dutch design team liaises directly with Italian craftsmen to produce the boutique collection of high- finished frames.

imageNext is a brand with their first foray into eyewear and a brilliant collaboration in one. Camper have teamed up with Nendo, from the land of the Rising Sun, but inspired by the home of Camper, Majorca. A unique project with two results: this the first time the brand has developed a sunglasses range with a renowned designer and it’s the debut for Oki Sato, designer at Nendo. Created with minimum fanfare, taking the name, eclipse, they contain all the subtlety that characterises his work.

imageEye Respect have been make waves in the sunglasses world for few seasons, with collaborations with the likes of Oliver Spencer and A.Sauvage. The Brand is much more then a simple play on words, it offers a premium hand-crafted product at the correct price to market. The customer is able to choose from an assortment of high grade components that include cellulose options, colour and grade of lenses, hinge options and inside text personalisation service. All the while this level of service can be fitted to the customer on the spot, no less.

imageThan we have Triwa, back in 2007 four friend took the decision to quit their day jobs to focus on a shared dream. With the energy and conviction of true enthusiasts they dedicated themselves to producing a range of products that reflect real quality, design and style without over charging their customers. They built their offices within an old stable in the heart of Stockholm and set about creating their first range. The quartet have always prided themselves on looking outside the constraints of the industry to find inspiration, with the sphere of art proving as their best muse. For this season, Triwa has played around with vibrant colours, steel transparencies, heavy material thicknesses and bold shapes to add a little attitude to your summer disguise.

imageMore known for their brightly coloured timekeeping pieces, rather then their sun protecting properties Ice watch Eyewear. Part of a 20-piece collection – there are two truly iconic styles to choose from; Pulse, the brand’s fashionable design with a timeless shape, and Mood, a rounded model with retro detailing.

Perfect for the holiday season, the range of sunglasses from ICE-WATCH provide outstanding protection with category 3 anti-UV polycarbonate lenses, ensuring safety as well as comfort with its soft silicone finish.

The frames are ergonomic, lightweight and adapt to all facial types. They are produced in Europe without hinges and screws, so allowing them to withstand any deformation.

imageFinally, this season US brand Jack Spade known for their effortlessly stylish aesthetic have launched their first eyewear collection, included within it are a take on vintage classic shapes but all with that modern Jack Spade twist.

Are you hanging up your Stocking on the Wall – Great Stocking Fillers

728x90_CMTM_BannerNot long to go now, only a couple more sleeps til the big day ! How’s the shopping going ? Only a couple of bits left to go, please says its this rather then I’ve not even started yet ? Well, we though we’d offer you some suggestions on Stocking fillers and have come up some ideas that should keep, pretty much most members of the family happy –

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It’s that time of year and festivities are in full swing, but secretly are you wondering how you’re going to make it through to the next party? As ever, Aveda is on hand, keeping energy levels high and the Christmas spirit elevated – this yuletide survival saviour ! Don’t let the dread of the morning after take you home early, Aveda’s Blue Oil Balancing Concentrate will help you see the following day and this season through feeling energized and making any after-effects of the night before a little less painful! Let everyone else be exhausted by Christmas festivities, whilst you remain totally refreshed and ready to face the next revelry.

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The ‘Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge’ aims to raise awareness and funds to support wounded troops, and in support of this initiative, Savile Row’s finest Gieves & Hawkes is selling limited edition commemorative boot socks, with all profits going to the charity. The brave team team making the expedition to the South Pole, in awful conditions are Captain Disney, Kate Phelp, Ibrary Ali and Duncan Slater for the expedition is HRH Prince Harry, who is a patron of the charity. So do something good this Yuletide !

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A little something to delight your good lady’s Yuletide stocking is this credit card holder in this beautiful Liberty print, exclusively, no surprise, by elegant Department Store, Liberty 

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Another great stocking filler for a lady in your life, whether thats Mum, Girlfriend or daughter is this great luggage tag from Gucci. To create a special heirloom this item may be complimentary, personalised with two initials.

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A Perfect gift for mums are these elegant Soap Coffret – indulge her with 4 iconic soaps from Roger & Gallet.  Invented in 1879 the round soaps are still made using the  traditional cauldron method ensuring that the fragrance  remains down to the last fragment of soap. Beautifully  wrapped in pleated silk paper this four piece collection  includes Bois D’Orange, Rose, Fleur d’Osmanthus and Thé  Vert.

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Celebrate a Merry Hip-mas and emulate the great man, good ole St Nicolas, without losing any of your cool prowess with this great hat by Jack Spade.

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Make sure you look tip top dapper with the SuperFish FishGlue Matt Styling Gel which delivers a tough performance with an extra strong grip and the SuperFish Fishpaste Hardcore Hold Matt Effect Putty gives a matt finish to that ‘haven’t tried too hard’ tousled look.

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The Camo trend seems to be going nowhere, but can at times be a little tricky to wear. This tie from Banana Republic says yeah I’m hip, I know what I’m talking about without having you look like a TA reject.

 

 

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The All American jeans – Jack Spade Denim

The jack spade store on Brewer Street in London.

The jack spade store on Brewer Street in London.

Jack Spade is still a relatively unknown brand within the European market, unlike the US where its unique take on menswear, gadgets and general object d’art entice men into its stores in droves. Known for its accessories, bags and clothing ranges, it now adds denim to its expanding empire. The denim in question is produced exclusively in the USA by Cone Denim’s White Oak Mill in Greensboro, North Carolina, in fact nothing could be finer. They use a handcrafted waterless technique which makes for a very sturdy yet soft fabric and adding to its eco-credantials,  the white wash style is actually partially constructed with recycled beer bottles. With everything the brand signs up to, it always has to be mindful of the company moto;

“Good design solves a problem with straightforward solutions, using timeless and durable materials”.

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