The search for flawless frames is not a speedy process. It’s a never-ending personal journey that involves careful online research and visits to—gasp!—brick-and-mortar retailers to try on the eyewear in the flesh. You may even have to bring along your BFF or SO to answer the all-important question: “So, can I pull these off?”

As with most accessories, sunglass trends evolve with the season. One day oversize frames are in, the next they’re replaced by tiny spectacles worn by the likes of Kendall Jenner—it’s hard to keep up, I know. To top it off, there are hundreds of eyewear brands out there. Because shopping for sunglasses is a struggle, I’m kick-starting your search with 13 label suggestions, and the pair we’re lusting over from each.

Carolina Lemke

This European eyewear brand celebrated its official launch in the US this year through a collab with Kim Kardashian. Right in time for festival season, the two released a seven-piece sunglasses collection, from sporty frames to science class goggles-inspired shades. If you’re looking for a less trendy, oversized accessory, however, the brand offers those too. You’ll find everything from plain black aviators to square frames, all around the affordable $75 mark.

Ganni

Scandinavian brand Ganni not only makes cult-favorite dresses and sweaters, but also the most amazing accessories. You can find everything from a cool western croc-effect leather boot to a knit beanie to sunglasses. The latter’s selections are surprisingly strong, with a variety of round and cat-eye frames. They feature thick, sometimes asymmetrical, designs and are statement accessories to complement your floral summer dresses.

Diff Eyewear

Similar to TOMS giving back model, for every pair of glasses bought, Diff Eyewear donates a pair to someone in need through its give one program. Since the brand launched in 2015, it has donated more than 1 million pairs of reading glasses around the world. Both its optical and sunglasses are designed in its SoCal studio and uses high-quality materials. For example, the sunglass frames are hand-cut from a single piece of acetate, which makes them comfortable and flexible. Fans of the brand include Shay Mitchell and Demi Lovato.

Privé Revaux

For those on a budget, Privé Revaux has affordable sunglasses that don’t lack in style. Every pair is $30 and has potential for that ‘gram photo, whether you’re on a roof top enjoying drinks or tanning on the beach. There are over 100 handcrafted styles, so you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect one for summer. Celebrity followers include Ashley Benson, Hailee Steinfeld, Jennifer Lopez, and Emily Ratajkowski. If it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for me.

Roberi & Fraud

The rise of Roberi & Fraud sunglasses can be traced back to Bella Hadid, who was the first star to be spotted in the brand when the site launched last year. Founded by Ali Mehrdad Soudbakhsh and Stefan Foster, the young label offers ’80s and ’90s-inspired frames—a nod to sunglasses from their parents’ pasts—for around $200. This means there’s no longer any need to sacrifice your entire paycheck for that one pair of trendy frames you just had to have because Rihanna wore something similar.

State Optical Co.

What sets this five-year-old brand apart from its competitors is the fact all of State Optical Co.’s eyewear is made exclusively in the United States—Chicago to be exact. (Go bulls!) The luxury sunglasses retail from $381 to $429, and are meticulously handcrafted by an in-house team of “eyewear artisans,” who ensure the sun or optical lens (they make standard glasses, too, for you visually impaired ladies) you receive is of the highest caliber.

HAZE

The design of every HAZE piece is inspired by architecture, which you’ll undoubtedly immediately notice. Take the “Nott” sunglasses, whose strong lines and split lenses mirror the details of the Caruso St. John Nottingham Contemporary Building in London, I’m told. A quick Google image search reveals the resemblance between the sunglasses and the building is quite uncanny.

Poppy Lissiman

Poppy Lissiman’s eyewear creations fall into the popular category of “very Instagrammable.” The Australian-born designer started her eponymous label in 2008 and ventured into the specs space in 2015. The sunglasses are playful, quirky, and come in vibrant sorbet hues. Some frames are even designed with crystal embellishments or star prints—suitable for music festivals, if that’s what you’re into. Prices range from the super-affordable $95 to a moderate $130.

Krewe

The brain child of Stirling Barrett, Krewe (pronounced “crew”) is a Louisiana-based eyewear brand that’s gained a legion of star-studded followers from Beyoncé to Selena Gomez. The stunning designs vary from acetate polarized lens to titanium matte aviators—not your run-of-the-mill frames. Depending on the style, prices for sunglasses range from $215 to $375 and opticals come in just under $300.

Covry

When you shop for sunglasses, one of the most important aspects is how well they sit on your face. Covry tackled this elusive issue by creating “elevated fit” spectacles that feature longer nose pads, reduced frame curvature, and a narrower nose bridge. In layman’s terms: Now your sunglasses won’t slide down your nose every time you glance down at your phone. This specialized design is popular with the Asian community, who have struggled to find sunglasses that fit their face shapes.

Le Specs

Australian label Le Specs should be on your radar, if it isn’t already. The brand has collaborated with the likes of Self-Portrait and Adam Selman (this season marks Selman and Le Specs fourth collab), offering wallet-friendly designer shades for just under $130. The Selman partnership gave birth to the popular style “The Last Lolita,” a coveted summer staple of models like Gigi Hadid. Le Specs gets my vote for being stylish and affordable.

SWIMSUIT TRENDS

FOR SUMMER!!

Whether you’re jetting off on a spring break getaway or simply counting down the days until summer, swimsuit season is officially upon us. A classic one-piece or bikini never goes out of style, but Summer 2019 is bringing forth a fresh batch of fun swim trends to try. From retro styles like underwire bikini tops and high-waisted bottoms to sexy high-cut suits and beyond, these are the top 5 trends to try this season.

The Trends

 High-Cut

Take it back to the ’80s with ultra high-cut swimsuits ranging from sleek one-pieces to cheeky bikinis.

Animal Prints

The animal print craze isn’t slowing down for summer. From leopard to zebra and tiger to snakeskin, there’s an animal print swimsuit for every style this season.

Underwire Tops

From sporty styles to high-waisted bikinis, retro swimsuits are back in a big way. But standing out as the throwback style that feels most fresh is the return of underwire bikini tops and one-pieces.

Belts and Hoops

Add a little unexpected flair to your swimsuit in the form of a belt or ring and hoop details.

Smocked and Sweet

One-Piece Swimsuits to Wear on Your Next Vacation

Last summer, one-pieces dominated the swim scene and good news: the look is here to stay for 2019. Flattering, effortless, and often even sexier than a bikini, there are plenty of one-piece options to choose from this season. From waist-accentuating belted suits to ’80s-inspired cuts, these are the swim trends to try now. Whether you’re jetting off on a tropical winter getaway or getting an early start for summer, click through to shop some the best of the season so far.

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton