Friday, August 14, 2009

I Am Addicted to Sunglasses!

I'll admit it. I have a problem. I am obsessed with sunglasses. I suppose it started in high school. The summer before my junior year (1990), my parents took me with them on a trip to Vienna. The trip started out as a cultural event. I climbed the hill that Richard the Lionheart climbed to claim his crown. I hiked up the steps of St. Stephens cathedral. We saw more art than I can even begin to say.
One of my mom's good friends was with us, too. After oh, the eleventy-millionth Rubens museum, she blurted out in all her Texan glory, "I'm tired of museums! If you've seen one fat butt, you've seen 'em all. Let's go shopping." And since everyone but my dad agreed, off we went!
I came home with a Louis Vuitton wallet that I still carry today. And a new pair of sunglasses. Kenzo sunglasses. The lens glass was etched just so that if you fogged them up with your breath, you could see their signature "K" very faintly.
I loved those sunglasses and wore the hell outta them for several years.
My obsession continued into college. I went to a party at a fraternity house. And I found a pair of Georgio Armani aviators. They were not in great shape, but hey! Armani! I asked around and no one claimed them, so I took them home with me, lovingly restored them, and wore them for a summer. They are still in my drawer. I still have all my sunglasses, actually. My collection has grown as my tastes have changed. Lately, though, I've been averaging one new pair a year. What I learned early on, was that if you were label-conscious, or lived in a place that was, sunglasses were the easiest and most inexpensive way to "wear" a designer. They still are!
In my top dresser drawer, you will find my Kenzos, the Armanis, two pair of Guccis, two pair of Ralph Lauren, Chanel, D&G, and Prada. Being the bargain-hunter that I am, I have only paid full retail on three pair.
And now, I've set my sights on the latest pair I must have... These Ed Hardy bad boys: