Best Spring (Break) Sunnies
If you know us personally (or even just from scrolling through our IGs), you know that we LIVE in sunglasses. I’m talking some “I-don’t-care-that-it’s-7pm-and-dark-outside-and-I-can-barely-see-the-haters-are-still-outside” type of dedication. That “All-I-want-in-my-life-is-to-be-as-relevant-as-Migos-so-that-I-can-wear-shades-indoors” type of dedication.
Now, as many of you are embarking on your various destinations for Spring Break, wherever it will take you, we decided to write about our top brands for sunnies (aka sunglasses. Ya, we know we’re hip asf). Let’s face it – whether you’re going to Punta Cana (S/O Seniors), Europe (so jealous of you all), or Cancun (hi Sophomores), there may not be sun out 100% of the time, but there are always haters out – so bring on the SUNNIES.
Now, we must first state that EVERY girl should have a pair of cheap ass sunnies in her wardrobe, which cost next to nothing, still look stylish, and don’t make you shudder at the thought of losing or breaking them. This is what I call the “Punta Cana Sunglasses,” because God knows when you’re on your fifth mojito, frolicking at the (somewhat terrifying) Foam Pool Party, or running around to see where the hell your friends went, sh*t happens, and shades get lost into the Spring Break Abyss. So, below the name-brand sunglasses we listed some cheaper, still hip, versions that can be your sh*tty drunk shades that you won’t cry over losing.
Exhibit A: Raybans that we recovered from the ground of EDC New York, aka the perfect "sh*tty drunk shades" aka the "i-think-this-mf-monkey-was-trained-to-thief-these-shades" shades.
We have separated out the brands according to two styles to make this easier for our readers (you know which gal you are): "The Classic Gal" and "The Risk Taker."
THE CLASSIC GAL
CLEO NICCI – “New Yorker chic”
We stumbled upon this brand while on a trip to NYC, and were delighted with the inventive take on the classic cat-eye shade that this brand provided. They also use local designers to create their unique pieces so you know you're getting something original.
This is the brand's "Cat Eye" style, which we love as an everyday statement eye-wear piece.
I've always wanted to caption this "Catch flights not...." ha ha get it? The hat. The hat says "FEELINGS."
Shop Cleo Nicci's "Cat Eye" here.
They also carry a larger frame that has a similar ~vibe~ which Kath rocks.
RAY-BAN – “The Timeless Look”
If you know us, you know that our dream is to do a SWALLOWTWINS x RAY-BAN Collab, so most of our sunnies collection is thanks to this brand (sorry, bank account).
If you don’t own circular Raybans yet, you just should. Circular frames look good on virtually everyone, and they allow for a better tan than if you were to wear oversized sunglasses.
CAUTION: DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT LET YOUR BOYFRIEND TRY THEM ON. They WILL look good on him, and he WILL want to rock them the rest of the trip. I don’t know this from personal experience as I repulse men and am in a perpetual state of being single, but I have seen this occur.
We are huge fans of this brand due to the great quality and versatility of the styles – I can wear the same frames in all four seasons, and they just make sense.
EXHIBIT A: CIRCULAR SHADES IN SUMMER
exhibit B: THE SAME circular shades in COLD ASS MOTHERF*JKDKDKING BOSTON WINTER
Even though Raybans can be pricey – your bank account may be down a couple hundred – this is, quite simply, the price to pay for great quality and a lasting product. Not to mention the website offers FREE overnight shipping, which is pretty f*cking cool.
Now, the classic look of Bans (yes, we are on a mono-syllabic basis with the brand) isn’t to say that they don’t have some fun looks – you can easily customize your sunnies via the website, which is what we did to get our rose gold circular beauties (WE HAD THEM FIRST. THAT IS A FACT. DON'T TRY TO DISPUTE US ON THIS ONE.)
Shop Ray-Ban's circular frames here.
FOR THE CLASSIC GAL ON A BUDGET
Shop the "Zarita Cat-Eye Sunglasses" for only $14 from Francesca's here.
Or shop Francesca's "Olwyn Cat Eye Sunglasses" here.
You might as well buy both, as there is a 2 for $20 deal on the website!
For a Cleo Nicci Vibe for a (much) cheaper price, check out this pair we found (we’re talking literally only $5 cheap). Now that’s a steal AND you won’t have to worry about losing these on the beach when you’re sh*tty drunk—hey, we’re not judging.
Check out this pair here.
THE CLASSIC GIRL: CIRCULAR FRAMES ON A BUDGET
Shop SHEIN for a cheaper alternative.
These beauties cost only SIX U.S. dollars. $6!! Shop them now.
This edgy black pair of circular shades is already in my cart. They're $7 with the code “SUNFLOWER.” Yes, this is a real promo code. You won’t get the significance of this if you didn’t read our “Let’s F*cking Glow: Beach Beauty Essentials” article- so go do that now so you don’t miss out.
These look really cool on the model (we swear) so go to Tobi and check them out.
“People look at me funny when I wear shades when it’s rainy and cloudy outside and I’m just here thinking ‘I’m sorry, do the haters stay INSIDE when the weather isn’t nice? I don’t think so. ”
THE RISK TAKER
ILLESTEVA – “The Cool Girl Vibe”
We recently stumbled upon this absolute gem of a brand thanks to good ole ~social media~ that the kids are using these days ~ and were immediately enamored with these hip shades.
You can channel your inner Bella Hadid or Olivia Culpo by purchasing any of these fashion-forward, small frames. Small frames can be tricky because they aren’t like circular Raybans – one size does NOT fit all. You WILL look absurd in some of the styles, and you WILL scream when you look in the mirror.
HOWEVER, once you find the style that fits your face shape, you will feel like an unstoppable goddess. The best part about small frames is that it allows you to channel your inner Migos and rock that sh*t indoors. When you grab a quick coffee before heading to class, you can simply push the frames lower on your nose, so that you aren’t looking through your sunglasses, and can see perfectly inside. This is super functional for an on-the-go girl, but also for someone like myself, who’s tryna shade myself from the haters one hunnit percent of the time.
Below, Kathy rocks Illesteva's "Isabella" sunnies.
"But Sarah, your shades won't go with any outfi........"
Here, Sarah is rocking Illesteva's "Marianne" shades. The red frames and mirrored lens makes for the coolest vibe. If you aren't feeling bold enough for this color, this style also comes in more subdued, neutral colors (we recommend the matte black).
Don't worry ladies, we've anticipated your next question. The pants are from LF, and were only $28 dollars (God bless sales).
For all of our Boston gals, we copped these beautiful two pairs at Illesteva's location on Newbury Street - shop away!
These shades, like Ray-Bans, are on the pricier side (we left the store $450 dollars down with two new amazing pairs of sunglasses), but it’s totally worth it.
Let me just state – we do NOT splurge like this every week, or even every month. Most of our wardrobe is thrifted, and I actually shudder at the thought of buying a top (or dress, or pants) for over $15, thanks to all of my vintage treasures. Most of our ensembles cost $25 or less TOTAL (ok, minus the shoes – and the shades).
LITERALLY LIFE VIBES.
However, when it comes to accessories like sunglasses that are so versatile, can be worn year-round, and can make any outfit instantly more chic, we believe that sometimes, it’s worth the extra money.
SOMEWHERE BETWEEN TREAT YOSELF & nvm prob shouldn't do that
LIT BOUTIQUE- "FOR THE EDGY BABE"
FUR COAT: MARSHALL'S, LACED SWEATER: SABOSKIRT
If you're Boston-based, you have to stop at LIT boutique's Newbury location (and try not to drop an entire paycheck on their adorable clothes while you're there). We stumbled upon this pair for around $70. They aren't currently available online, but if you love this look, check it out for other fun colorful frames.
FOR THE RISK TAKER ON A BUDGET
Here I am wearing shades that I purchased at Francesca's for EIGHT dollars. Yes, you heard me correctly, $8.
These aren't currently on the website (sorry), but they might still be in stores!
However, you can get a similar look with these $9.90 shades from F21.
Buy me here.
Now, if you're daring enough to do skinny frames (they're an acquired taste, we get it)...
Shop the "Flat Lens Sunglasses" from SHEIN here. The best part? They're only FIVE U.S. dollars.
Okay, this next Nastygal pair will scare 95% of you off (of the 5% still remaining after that last pair), but we think they're dope.
They're like goggles. Cool Orange Goggles. Shop them here for $10.
I hope you know that sharing our shades secrets with you guys means that we really like you. Because we really like shades.
It's time for us to go, but remember this famous quote by us: