2010 Styles
OUTDOOR RETAILER, SLC UTAH
Words, Judith Ecochard
Eyewear brands cobble up serious floor space at any performance oriented tradeshow, as sunglasses that function and protect--- are mandatory for any outdoor endeavors.
What we found is that styles vary considerably, with frame shapes and colors, lens technology and colors, and materials all making a huge difference.
COSTA DEL MAR: BEYOND POLARIZED---“SEE OUT THERE, BE OUT THERE, PROTECT OUT THERE”
We have seen this Florida based eyewear brand practically everywhere there are sand dunes and/or marinas with bobbling boats docked. Which makes sense as the brand was founded in 1983 by a group of Sunshine state anglers “with the goal of building sunglasses that would perform in any situation on the water.”
IMPORTANT: Costa Del Mar's COSTA580™ Lens technology (100% UV protected, 100% polarized)---takes it further as it blocks yellow light from entering the eye. AND Costa Del Mar sunglasses shield forever, as they are not coated for safety but all this protection is embedded into the lenses and cannot be wiped off.
Assorted lens colors have every possible light condition (and desired fashiony effect---usually opposite one’s skin tone) covered.
Another plus--- COSTA580™ Lens technology makes the colors pop…like regular television versus HD High Def.
Comfort is key naturally…with rubberized nosepieces for the perfect fit and integral hinges that retain the frame shape…a must for us as we are always shoving our shades on top of our heads.
The new durable frame styles for 2010 that we saw, the José, Bomba, Cheeca, Bonita the Maya (ideal for smaller faces)--- and the light as air, Skimmer, easily go from the beach to the slopes…and the urban streets with flattering retro tinged frames for the former group…and a sleek ultra-light, interchangeable lenses for the latter.
OUR TOP PICK FOR CHICNESS: The best selling Isabela™ in snazzy white/tortoise frame colors, with spring hinges and feminine curves to glam, slightly oversized lenses.
And the Lago™ with an on trend keyhole nose…in shiny black frame, tortoise or very cool looking black/white.
WHAT ELSE: The two tone black (inside) white (outside) Caballito gets a jolt of the new with an eye catching a new coral/black frame color offering.
Metal wraparounds, are always popular…and Costa Del Mar’s Drago and shiny gold or gunmetal, wingmen style Placida--- both having unisex aviator appeal.
ADDED PLUS: The curled wave logo. LOVE!
And most styles are RX compatible.
MADE IN AMERICA…actually handcrafted in Daytona Beach.
AVAILABLE: Now…with MSRPS averaging $129-$189
INFO including E-commerce and retail outlets COSTA DEL MAR
ZEAL OPTICS:
Performance based technology with savvy sunglass styles that fit all face types has Zeal Optics really growing in terms of popularity beyond their cutting edge, buzzed about ‘Transcend The World’ GPS enabled, snow goggles.
With adjustable nose pads, great for gals like us with thin bridges at the top, flexible spring loaded hinges for frame shape retention after parking them on top, and most importantly the PPX POLARIZED (reduces glare by 99%, enhances vision), PHOTOCHROMIC (UV activated auto light adjusting tint), and exclusive- ZB TINT (most versatile all day, all conditions lens) and NXT LENS (superior optical clarity and tough, tough tough)…
--- Zeal Optics eyewear for 2010 might just make this the year the brand really starts turning heads with dialed up styles.
INCLUDING women specific frames and color stories like the trendy Sustain™
and the new retro sport shaped Ze Tour™ that’s great for small/medium faces.
We loved the tonal choices of these durable frames…as these shades come in shiny white, lacquer black and a bold summer worthy rapture rose.
and the new retro sport shaped Ze Tour™ that’s great for small/medium faces.
We loved the tonal choices of these durable frames…as these shades come in shiny white, lacquer black and a bold summer worthy rapture rose.
The Dignity™ is a bit boxier (a style good for round faces, we think) while the Tensai™ for smaller/medium faces has a neat looking wood strip frame with hints of geo blue.
Super cool---the one shield Airestream™ that’s a bit of an oversized wrap and our fav the Entice™ a sleek modern shield in shiny white/silver or lacquer black/silver. Very Hollywood hip but techy enough to protect against the elements and set a vision barrier with the paparazzi.
The new Zyaa sports a vintage retro hip frame with longer temples for guys’ faces--- and with the same performance features you’d expect from Zeal Optics.
INFO: Retail prices are typically $100-$130. http://www.zealoptics.com> ZEAL OPTICS