The second in a new series of ‘treasured possessions’ posts is this one, on my stolen sunglasses collection. Rather than sending you out to buy things, they are designed to make you take stock of your current wardrobe and repurpose, rediscover and fall back in love with things you already own (or have stolen, in my case).
From right:
This pair of 80s tortoiseshell, Ray Ban Wayfarer-esque frames were purloined from my father, many moons ago. I realised that the reason they suit me so well (as was my excuse at the time for nicking them) was because they suited Daddy so well and we have exactly the same face-shape. My bad. They are the darkest lenses I own so great for really sunny (read not UK) destinations.
I like to wear them when I’m worried an outfit is too girly looking, they add a little bit of ‘I’m with the band’ to any look. You know?
The middle pair (and my very favourites) were purchased by my mother for her honeymoon. They are unapologetic, take-up-half-your-face, retro brilliance. To me they say 70s Charlie ad, mixed with memories of my mama in an itsy-bitsy bikini on a farflung Greek isle in my youth. Yes, I stole these too, aged 21, and roll them out each summer, careful to avoid my mother as she swiftly remembers how good they are and asks for them back. Sheesh, what a bitch…
The far left pair were, shock horror, actually purchased by me last year, from The Outnet. They’re Marc by Marc Jacobs and although it’s hard to see here, they have teal arms and cobalt blue frames and are super light-weight. I’ve never worn coloured sunglasses before but I love the ‘pop’ of colour they add to a smart, monochrome outfit.
Next on my sunnies wish-list is a classic, Top Gun style pair of aviators. While when it comes to my optical glasses, I still don’t think you can beat Stella McCartney’s range.