I recently discovered Retrosun, which is a retailer for authentic vintage sunglasses…these are the real brand new products from the 1970s and 80s in their original packaging!  I am new to the whole vintage scene, but I am really falling in love with it.

I am coveting these Retrosun vintage multicolor Cazal sunglasses.  I love the funky detailing in gold, red, and green on the white plastic frames…so retro!  Cazal sunglasses became popular in the 80s when hip-hop celebrities like Run DMC and The Fat Boys were photographed wearing their colorful and eccentric styles.  I love their designs because they are completely unique and they experiment with shapes and colors that are not usually seen in sunglasses frames.

Image: Net-A-Porter

Retrosun Vintage Cazal Sunglasses $270 at Net-A-Porter

Colorful plastic oversized aviators and vintage styles are really fashionable this summer, so sunglasses like the vintage Cazal are a perfect pick for a combination of the two trends.

Image: Net-A-Porter

Here is a close-up image of the detailing on the frame…love it!

Clothing designer Paul Smith and sunglasses designer Oakley have teamed up to re-create a line of the classic 1980’s rubber Frogskin sunglasses.  The iconic design featuring 100% rubber frames and mirrored lenses have been released in four colors:  pink, purple, turquoise, and pink camouflage.  Only 500 pairs of the limited edition sunglasses are being produced in each color.

Image: Paul Smith

Paul Smith/Oakley Frogskins in Pink Camouflage $325

I am a huge fan of the retro styles, bright colors, and patterned frames that they are using in their design but I’m not so sure that the pricetag of $325 per pair.  Yes, there are two big name designers involved in this collaboration, but these are still just rubber sunglasses.  Limited edition Frogskins in standard colors, like black rubber with colored mirrored lenses, are usually available for around $100, which I think is a very reasonable price.

Image: Paul Smith

Paul Smith/Oakley Frogskins in Purple $325

What do you think of these Frogskins?  Does the Limited Edition Paul Smith label make them worth over 300% more?

Helllllloooo world out there! I have recently returned from HoneymoonLand, where I lounged poolside with my newly minted husband. Which was a reminder that swimsuit season is here some places, and on its way to a northern clime near you! So, break out the thigh master and a super cute suit like this one:

This Scrunchkini suit by La Drama Queen has something for everyone. It has a lot of coverage, for one thing, which is great for you modest types, and for those of us who are just not ready to face the two piece. And the adorable pull up ties on the sides allow you to show as much or as little leg as you like. The red and white polka dot print looks totally retro-modern with the halter top, and the criss-cross back adds support for those who need it. Just add water! Available for $110 from La Drama Queen.

Photo Credit: La Drama Queen

Did you know that sunglasses were introduced to America in 1929 by Sam Foster? Sunglasses only really became popular as a fashion accessory in the 1940s and as many of us know, some of the older sunglasses styles still remain trendy and fashionable. Today, we’ll take a look at the beginning of what is now known as one of the best ways to spice up an outfit while simultaneously keeping our eyes protected from the sun’s rays.

Image: BestBuyEyeGlasses.com

Aviator sunglasses were introduced to U.S military aviators by Ray-Ban in 1936 and have managed to stay popular ever since. Now, in Hollywood, whether they be men, women, young or older you can count on seeing many a-pair of aviators. Aviators are defined by their teardrop shape and metal frames. Occasionally, they’ll have a plastic frame, but it’s a little less common.  Ray-Ban is one of the biggest, if not the biggest name for aviator shades and possibly sunglasses in general.

Image: Newscom

Though these next sunglasses aren’t a style so much as they are a brand, I thought they deserved their own category. Time for some more Ray Ban! These next sunglasses are possibly the most popular sunglasses right now and are said to be the best selling shades of all time. Pick any celebrity and chances are, they’ve probably been seen in a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers. These were introduced in 1952, but might be most memorably showcased on Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s.  From Vanessa Hudgens to Jude Law, these sunglasses are seen everywhere. It’s not hard to see why considering this style is cute and goes with almost anything.

Image: Newscom

Up next are Teashades. Also known as “John Lennon Glasses” and seen on rocker Ozzy Osbourne, these shades are not as popular right now as some of the other classic sunglasses styles. Featuring round metal frames and usually dark lenses they were popular in the 1960s, not typically used for any other reason than to be aesthetically pleasing. Unfortunately for those of you looking for a pair, they’re pretty hard to find in stores or boutiques, but replicas can be found in costume shops.

Oversized sunglasses were a defining style in the 1960s. Former first lady, Jackie Onassis Kennedy was quite a fashion icon, and one of her signatures was her big, round sunglasses. She constantly wore them and eventually the public started referring to certain shades as “Jackie-Os.” Elton John also wore oversized shades in the mid 1970s  as a part of his Captain Fantastic act. It’s a style that’s still extremely popular and continues to shine and be worn by many.

Though flip-ups come a little later than the previously mentioned styles, they are still mentionable. In the 1980s they were popularized by Dwayne Wayne, character from A Different World. Flip ups can be described as a design that allows the wearer to switch between regular glasses to sunglasses with a simple flip. The alternative to these is clip-ons, and the design’s popularity eventually died, and are not easy to find (thank goodness!).

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The print on this tote lends itself to the ’70s, no? So it would look fabulous with that new maxi dress you bought for summer, or maybe that cute swimsuit.

Brown vinyl trim, a big outer pocket and pretty ribbon straps. $38.

Get it at Orange Button

PS, get 25% off you total order at Orange Button with code “MAYSALE25.”

Got a love for the ’80s? Remember the boomboxes from back in the day? Well, share your love for both with zlanarama’s boombox necklace. It’s part of her “punky rocker” collection.

It’s just big enough that other people will notice, but nothing like Flava Flav’s clocks.

16″ long with 2″ extender. $16.

Get it at zlanarama

(thanks, Betsi!)

(image: kahri)

It’s a little 50’s swinger a little punk. I love Kahri’s stuff, because it just screams rock ‘n roll. The embellishments on this dress are great, and it’s something you could wear to another event, too.

In purple only. Small to large. $200.

Get it at Kahri’s shop.