Friday, October 2, 2009

Sunglass progression

I have at last one really frivolous expensive fancy: Oakley sunglasses. Allow me to show the pairs I've loved...

1. Frogskins: bought 1994, about a week after I got contacts. Was really happy to get these as I had not adjusted to the contacts yet. Also thrilled as they were Oakleys and that meant cool. Bought at Mid Rivers Mall. Mine were a darker, smokey frame that was still semi-transparent. Lenses were grey/black.

2. Oakley Sub-Zeros: bought around 1997. LOVED these for years; still do and think about getting a pair off of ebay. Deliciously odd looking, great for biking. Very expensive for me at the time (ironically, still are on ebay!). Also bought at Mid Rivers Mall. The "planet X" print on the frame would wear off over time. Wore them until they fell apart (adhesive failure at lens connection) but repaired them and kept going. Eventually so scratched they were unusable.

3. Eye Jackets: bought around 2000 or so. First pair my (to-be) wife had input on. Great glasses, eventually went to sister and then eventually died.

4. Why 8.1: Attempt at looking sophisticated. Bought around 2003 or so. Still have them, still wear them. Obviously not good for sports.
5. Lance Armstrong signature edition M-Frames. Bought around 2004 or 2005. Used exclusively for road biking and softball (when I played). Replaceable lenses, so I have a clear lens for cloudy days.
6. X Metal XX: 10 year anniversary gift from my wife. Debated between these and the Juliets, but the Juliets are a little smaller and didn't cover my eyes as well (nor worked on my big head). Most expensive pair of sunglasses I will ever own (neglecting inflation). Made from a titanium alloy and allows replaceable lenses. Very agressive style as I went past the sophistication stage into the midlife crisis stage.
And that's the progression.

1 comment:

ThatOneRedhead said...

I have many fond memories of the Eye Jackets.

I saw the picture of you in the X Metal XX pair on flickr. They look really good.