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Spring and Summer 2013: Color Trends

This spring and summer are expected to be hot, lighting up the runways with a variety of bold hues, cool colors and even warm tones. Popular trends include:

  • Base Colors
    • Women’s – Grey, Khaki, Nude and Coppertone
    • Men’s – Grey, Straw and Sand
  • Cool Colors
    • Women’s – Jade, Green Calcite, Celery Root, Olive, Acid, Lilac, Purple, Sky, Crayon Blue, Electric Blue and Ink
    • Men’s – Emerald, Spearmint, Sage, Olive, Limeade, Lilac, Cerulean, Cobalt and Ink
  • Warm Colors
    • Women’s Red, Cinnabar, Peony, Gerber Daisy, Rose Quartz, Peach, Red Orange, Persimmon, Creamsicle, Goldenrod, Canary and Lemondrop
    • Men’s – Fuchsia, Red, Rust, Orange and Goldenrod

As these hues grace the spring and summer clothing lines, so too will complimentary sunglasses frames, styles and patterns follow suit. For people that strive to pair the latest fashion trends with popular accessories, consider the following spring styles:

  • Metallics – Not limited to simply gold and silver, metallics are being seen on everything and all types of accessories, ranging from precious metals to pastels.
  • Sheer – Sheer clothing is in this spring and for those that may not feel comfortable showing off too much skin, consider adding solid layers with sheer overtop.
  • Boho – The latest trend includes the ever-evolving, carefree bohemian look.
  • Welcome Back 60s – Mod prints, short hemlines, vibrant colors and even bouffant hair are gracing runways worldwide, beckoning fashionistas to get a hot cat and burn some rubber!
  • Black and White – Always iconic, this trend mixes the 1960s with black and white, giving it graphic styles of stripes and checks that are simply bold and daring.
  • Androgynous Fashions – Men’s-style suits are now popular for women, with slightly toned down looks that add feminine softness and appeal.
  • Pinafore – Completely innocent and sweet, this classic design has been reinvented to include leather and retro prints.
  • Cut-Aways – Adding windows to clothing to show off a woman’s best assets, cut-away clothing can be subtle, bold, refined or daring.
  • Floral Appliqués – These give any outfit an instant 3-D appeal, while adding soft feminine accents to any style.
  • Crop Tops – Back from the 1980s and taking revenge on teenagers and young adults everywhere, are the latest crop top styles.
  • Brushstroke Prints – These are whimsical and add artist flair to any outfit, adding simple paint splashes and brushstrokes to any clothing canvas.

Olympic Eyewear strives to offer the latest designer wholesale sunglasses, allowing trendsetters and fashion lovers to expand their upcoming spring and summer sunglasses collections. Popular brands include DG sunglasses, VG sunglasses and Wayfarer.

Wearing Sunglasses in the Spring Season is Important

If you are a sunglasses retailer you will soon start to notice a rise in the number of sunglasses sales as spring approaches full bloom and the weather gets increasingly warmer. More people will be getting sunglasses in the coming weeks and months because of the warmer weather; they will be spending more time outdoors and for longer periods, where it is sunnier. However probably not many of these customers will be thinking about the level of UV radiation they are exposed to during our spring season.

In North America, UV radiation, is in fact highest in late spring to early summer. While people tend to think of needing sunglasses for extra special conditions such as a day at the beach during the hottest days of summer, or boating on the water in glare conditions, UV radiation is possible wherever and whenever there is sunlight, whether it is bright or cloudy, which means that sunglasses are advisable year-round.

In any event, as the season warms up, make sure you have your stock of sunglasses to showcase the year’s latest sunglasses trends. Keep your ware in a location in your store where customers see them quickly and easily. On your countertop near the cash register is a good place; a standing rack on the floor in view of the entrance is also good.

Olympic Eyewear carries many discount designer brands like DG Sunglasses, X-Loop Sunglasses, and Locs Sunglasses with popular styles like aviators, cat-eye shapes, and wayfarer sunglasses.Keep a variety of styles to suit your customer’s varied tastes and be ready for spring!

Sunglasses for those who need them

Everyone who is exposed to sunlight will need to wear sunglasses to protect from the sun’s harmful UV rays. However, there are some individuals with an increased vulnerability to the sunlight and there are even some that are sensitive even to artificial light. There are also those that need to wear sunglasses because of their hobby or profession.

Here are some people who need to wear sunglasses:

Those taking photosensitizing drugs. Some patients take drugs to deal with a certain illness. However, these drugs may cause photosensitivity as part of the side effects. Photosensitivity causes inflammation of the skin since the skin (as well as the eyes) becomes overly sensitive to light. Medications for cancer, psoriasis, acne, depression, diabetes, as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitics, diuretic and antibiotic medications are some drugs that may cause photosensitivity. Since they are more sensitive to light, they need to wear DG sunglasses that have UV-absorbent and UV protection capabilities.

Those who have photophobia. This is a condition where a person is severely sensitive to light, even normal light. This sensitivity results in pain when exposed to light. Photophobia is commonly a symptom that points to another medical condition or infection. Sunglasses can ward off the pain since less light is able to penetrate into the eyes.

Patients who have undergone cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is more common that you think. There are around one million people who undergo cataract surgery annually. During this procedure, the cloudy lens of the eye is either scraped or removed and replaced with a synthetic lens. Newer synthetic lenses are now more UV-absorbent. However, the older synthetic lenses are not as effective in absorbing UV rays. This leaves the eye especially susceptible to the sun’s rays. Even recipients of newer synthetic lenses should wear sunglasses to provide more protection against the sun.

Children. Children’s eyes are not yet fully developed and have clearer lenses and larger pupils. This enables more light to pass and penetrate the eyes. Thus, it is vital for kids to wear a pair of wayfarer sunglasses when they go out into the sun.

Contact lens wearers. There are contact lenses that absorb and protect from UV rays. However, there are also some that do not. To be doubly sure, contact lens wearers should wear sunglasses.

Long-distance air travelers. Jet lag is a common result of traveling by plane for long distances. Jet lag is caused by the changes in a person’s bio-rhythms as he goes through a number of time zones. Wearing choppers sunglasses limits the amount of light that penetrates the eyes, thereby “convincing” your body that it did not go through the various time zones.

Those whose profession results in an increased exposure to UVA and UVB rays. Some examples would be dentists, dental technicians and surgeons that make use of laser technology, as well as factory or construction workers that make use of welding torches. Wearing sunglasses should be part of these professions’ safety equipment.

This is a long list; however, this does not mean that sunglasses are the answer to all situations. There are some instances where sunglasses will not be an effective protective device for your eyes. For instance, sunglasses will not provide adequate protection from light exposure when you are looking at a solar eclipse or are using tanning lights or arc welding equipment.

Since sunglasses are such a need for the above individuals, it is best to have sunglasses in bulk so that one has a pair whenever it is needed. You can even be fashionable without spending a lot by buying wholesale sunglasses by the dozen.

Finding the Right Sunglasses

With so many different sunglasses shapes and styles on today’s market, how do people know which style best accentuates their facial features and skin tone? Olympic Eyewear comes to the rescue with this helpful guide.

  • Facial Shape– The key to finding the right pair of sunglasses is choosing a shape that balances facial features. For example, choosing the opposite shape is best to help counterbalance features. If someone has a round facial shape, he/she may want to consider sporting rectangular glasses. There are seven different facial shapes:
    • Round – Square and rectangular frames that are thick look especially good with round face shapes.
    • Oval – The most versatile face shape, most frames look complimentary but square and wrap-around styles look best.
    • Oblong – This face shape looks best with frames that are as wide or wider when measured against the broadest part of the face.
    • Triangle – Cat eye sunglasses, colorful frames and frames that feature straight top lines look fabulous with this face shape.
    • Diamond – Rimless frames, oval frames or frames that feature distinctive brow-lines are best.
    • Square – Round, cat-eyed and oval shapes are excellent, as well as opting for softer edge and thinner frames.
    • Inverted Triangle – Light colors and light materials, as well as rimless frames look best.
  • Skin Tone and Hair Color– These are especially important to take into consideration. A frame’s color should compliment the hair color and skin tone.
    • Cool Skin Tones – This is defined by having blue and pink undertones. Blue-black, white, blond and light brown hair colors are considered cool. Cool skin tones look excellent in black, plum, rosy brown, magenta, blue and dark tortoise shades.
    • Warm Skin Tones – These tones appear yellow. Warm tone hair colors include flat black, golden blonde, red, brown-gold and gray. Warm skin tones look striking in khaki, camel, gold, peach, copper, bright red and off white.
  • Accentuating Features – Just because a certain style is the latest trend, doesn’t mean it will compliment everyone’s facial shape, hair color and skin tone. It’s best to select sunglasses that achieve balance but also draw attention to one’s best features. For example, if someone is petite, wearing oversized sunglasses will draw attention to this feature. This is one iconic, stylish guideline that Audrey Hepburn lived by – accentuating her tiny petite and waiflike figure with bold accessories. This look has been iconized by her defining role in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”

Olympic Eyewear sells a variety of sunglasses, including designer wholesale sunglasses, Chopper sunglasses, VG sunglasses, Wayfarer sunglasses, X-Loop sunglasses and Biohazard sunglasses, to name a few.

Tinted or Polarized? What’s the Difference?

You may be trying to decide between tinted sunglasses and polarized sunglasses as you peruse our bulk sunglasses collection. Do tinted and polarized shades provide the same benefits? If you want to provide both options for your retail customers, it may help to know the difference.

Tinted sunglasses can assist with a whole host of things including visibility, depth perception, and clarity, which affect performance while doing different sports and activities. It all depends on the color and what activity you are doing. Ski goggles, for example, come in a variety of tint options for various skiing conditions. Yellow tint may be great for skiing in foggy conditions as the yellow tint increases clarity, but it may not be the best option for very bright, sunny days. For bright days, black or grey tints would best tackle the penetrating sunlight.

In the same way, dark shades may be great for providing eyeshade while motorcycling on a long stretch of flat road in the brilliant sun; but at nighttime, dark tints are not the best option. As a motorcyclist you may desire some form of protection for your eyes while riding, but will need lenses that will allow you to see more clearly at night.

Polarized sunglasses also come in several tint options such as black, silver, blue, gray, amber, and green. These tints offer similar performance options as regular tinted sunglasses but the defining feature of polarized lenses are that they are specifically engineered to reduce sun glare.

When sunlight reflects off of a wide, flat surface, most especially large bodies of water, it can create glare which is often so intense that it can obstruct vision, or hurt your eyes if you try to look at it. People who fish, boat, surf, or do any other activities on wide shimmering surfaces (even a golf course, for example) may be affected by glare. The sharp, intensified, reflected light can retard their judgment or create unsafe conditions.

Polarized lenses are made to filter the extra light emitted by glare so that you can see with great precision and clarity as if the glare were not there.

Alternatively, because polarized lenses filter intense light, they may not be such a great choice for people who need this intense light to inform them of important conditions or changes in their environment. Examples of such people are pilots, or skiiers skiing on slopes with ice patches.

Olympic Eyewear offers polarized and tinted wholesale sunglasses for your convenience. Our collection feature a diversity of styles from discount designer brands like DG Sunglasses, X-Loop Sunglasses, and VG Sunglasses. Our polarized collection features both 1.1 mm and .75 mm lenses. Both offer the exact same degree of polarization but the 1.1 mm models offer extra impact resistance for wearers engaging in slightly more demanding activities like fishing or sporting.

Plastic versus Metal: What’s Your Fancy?

Sunglasses seem to come in endless design possibilities, but there are certain qualities that are relatively consistent, such as the materials used to make frames. Typically, the choices are plastic, metal (or a composite of both to make for an appealing and intriguing option; there are some sunglasses that even feature wood). Everyone has their preferences and for very different reasons. There really is no right or wrong way to go, but it may make a difference if you are ordering bulk sunglasses from Olympic Eyewear and you want to have the right variety for your customers. Let’s have a look at some of the common traits associated with plastic and metal frames.

PLASTIC

(cellulose acetate, nylon, polycarbonate, etc.)

  • Thickness –excellent for making designs with thick frames
  • Colors –just about any color imaginable is possible
  • Mold – plastic can be easily molded into any shape
  • Design – excellent for dramatic and bold designs
  • Sensitivity – it’s an alternative option for those allergic to certain metals
  • Texture – can create a wide range of textures
  • Comfort – can be easily adjusted with heat depending on type of plastic and also less bothersome without nose pads
  • Durability – can be made highly durable and impact resistant
  • Activity – highly suited to high level of activity

People looking for fun, bold, youthful designs or active eyewear may be more attracted to plastic frames.

METAL

(Monel, titanium, beryllium, stainless steel, nickel, bronze, aluminum, etc.)

  • Design – extremely clean, refined, elegant, and classy
  • Technology – better suited to technological improvements (such as folding or attach-on shades)
  • Flexibility – can achieve a certain degree of flexibility in actual frame material
  • Finish – can receive a variety of attractive metallic polishes such as satin or matte
  • Color – can receive metallic plating or color such as silver or gold
  • Sensitivity – hypoallergenic options exist such as stainless steel or titanium
  • Comfort – may fit longer or hold an adjustment longer
  • Durability – material is naturally durable

Those attracted to metal frames may be the ones looking for something timeless, sophisticated, classy, or refined.

Olympic Eyewear has all your needs for designer wholesale sunglasses, carrying high quality discount brands like DG Sunglasses or VG Sunglasses with tons of stylistic options.

Snow and Shades: Caring for Your eyes in the Winter

Sunglasses are not just a vital accessory for summer and its bright, glaring lights. People think that with all the cold and snow, there is no need to don sunglasses to protect from the eyes from any sun damage. It is something you actually need all year round, especially if you are always outdoors. The sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays don’t go away with the passing of summer.

The winter season is actually a time where there is more risk of eye damage due to sun exposure. The sun’s rays (especially when it is reflected by the snow), coupled with the coolness and dryness of the air, can do serious harm over time. The angle of the sun during winter is lower and as such result in more UV exposure to the skin. Our eyes also suffer from more abuse due to the presence of heaters in the attempt to heat up your home.

With continued exposure to direct sunlight and glare, you can be at risk for:
-  Dry eyes. The cold wind hitting the eyes (and the heaters in homes and other buildings) can cause them to dry up. It’s best to ensure that your eyes stay moist or hydrated when you are going outside.
-  Development of cataracts. This can primarily be due to continued sun exposure.
-  Sun/snow blindness.  The winter sun can be unforgiving, especially when it is reflected in the snow or on top of the cement road while you are driving.

How Sunglasses can Help

Wayfarer sunglasses or goggles can do much to prevent sunburned eyes. The glare of the reflected sunlight on the snow can be deflected if you wear sunglasses, especially ones that are equipped with UV protection. It is important that you get quality sunglasses, not ones that only have tinted lenses but do not offer anything by way of UV protection. Your choice of sunglasses do not have to be expensive, you can save, be fashionable and still enjoy UV protection with wholesale designer sunglasses.

If you’re going out for some time in the slopes or just enjoying a snowball fight, be sure to have your sunglasses handy. There are some great choices of colored lenses that are ideal for specific activities:
-  Yellow colored lenses are useful in filtering out the blue light that is all the more intense when reflected in the snow. However, outside colors may be distorted even as depth perception is improved.
-  Green colored lenses are great for time in the snow. Colors remain natural while UV rays are absorbed effectively.
-  Brown colored lenses give great protection while you are driving, especially in low light or foggy conditions. This is ideal not just for driving but also for fishing, sailing or skiing.
-  Grey colored lenses are the most ideal for the snow because it considerably decreases the intensity of the light while still retaining the natural color of the things around you. It is great for driving as it does not affect normal depth perception.

When choosing the lenses, select wholesale sunglasses that are also equipped with polarized lenses. These effectively filter out glare, which is particularly strong when you are doing outdoor sports. There are also sunglasses that have gradient lenses, where the tint is different from the top to the bottom.

Other Winter Eyecare Tips
-  Use a humidifier at home to prevent your eyes from drying out. Keep eye drops on hand to wet your eyes when they start to feel dry.
-  Make sure that your kids also wear sunglasses to also protect their more sensitive eyes.
-  A wraparound style or bulk sunglasses with large lenses can add to the level of protection as it also shields the sensitive skin surrounding the eyes.
- Wear the proper winter clothes. These are not just to look fashionable in your winter wear. The purpose is to provide sufficient protection against the cold and the wind.
-  Get sunglasses at wholesale at Olympic Eyewear. You can choose from the many polarized sunglasses that are available.

Top Brands for Designer Sunglasses

There are a few really popular brands of sunglasses at the moment. Each brand has some unique qualities and offers a variety of styles. From different colors to materials, there are many choices to make when shopping for sunglasses.

Biohazard Sunglasses
The company Biohazard carries a wide range of sunglasses for men. From the businessman to the sportsman, they have something for everyone. Some of their most popular styles are:

  • Sport Sunglasses
  • Aviator Sunglasses
  • Polarized Sunglasses

Locs Sunglasses
These sunglasses are characterized by a black frame, black lenses, and rectangular shape. However, there are some models that are a little different. Some popular variations on the Locs sunglasses:

  • Rimless Sunglasses
  • Kid’s Sunglasses
  • White Sunglasses

VG Sunglasses
Producing a smaller variety of women’s sunglasses ensures that VG’s sunglasses are of the highest quality. For the most part, they offer classic styling with a modern twist. Some of their best selling features are:

  • Animal Print Sunglasses
  • Laser Etched Sunglasses
  • Rhinestone Sunglasses

DG Sunglasses
The company DG offers many styles of fashionable women’s sunglasses. Often styled after celebrities’ sunglasses, they have designs for many fashion types. Their more popular styles are:

  • Vintage Sunglasses
  • Oversized Sunglasses
  • Kid’s Sunglasses

X-Loop Sunglasses
While more commonly worn by men, X-loop carries both men’s and women’s sunglasses. Specifically designed for sports, their sunglasses are available in many styles. Some of their most essential sunglasses for sports are:

  • Tinted Sunglasses
  • Plastic Sunglasses
  • Polarized Sunglasses

There are so many choices available when buying sunglasses, but finding a favorite brand can make the decision that much easier.

5 Fashionable Styles of Designer Sunglasses

There are endless styles of sunglasses available, and there are no wrong choices. Choosing the right designer sunglasses wholesale is all about you and what you like. Other than buying a lens shape to fit your face structure, picking your sunglasses is all fun and games. These styles of sunglasses are the most popular right now.

Retro
Vintage and retro designs are becoming pretty stylish. The most common retro style at the moment are wayfarer sunglasses. Created the better part of a century ago, wayfarers have experienced popularity surges ever since. Available in an endless variety of colors from neon to flat black, they can fit a variety of styles and preferences.

Oversized
For decades oversized sunglasses have been a way for celebrities to disguise their faces. They’ve also become the best way to mimic the mystery of those stars. Just be careful with oversized lenses if you have a small face. Sunglasses that are too oversized will make your head look tiny!

Flashy
More popular with today’s celebrities, there are many ways that sunglasses can be flashy. Designer sunglasses prominently displaying their brand are a popular sign of quality. Tinted lenses, rhinestone embellishments, reflective lenses, and uniquely shaped frames are some other fashionable attention grabbers.

Sporty
Sunglasses in the sporty style–like Xloop sunglasses –didn’t start as a style trend as much as a necessity. Sports sunglasses are more durable, closer fitting, and have specialty lens tinting for playing sports. Of course, due to their popularity with athletes, they’ve also experienced popularity with those who don’t necessarily play sports.

Utilitarian
It’s important to remember that above all else, sunglasses are an essential tool in keeping your eyes healthy. While eye damage from the sun has little short term effects, the cumulative damage can be very harmful. There’s nothing wrong with choosing simple sunglasses for no reason other than they work. Depending on the activity you’ll be wearing them for, there are certain features you’ll want to look for.

As you shop for sunglasses, you’ll find that many sunglasses will fit into one of these categories. That’s not to say there isn’t much variety when it comes to sunglasses; there are just many different takes on these five styles.

Looking Good in Designer Shades

Olympic eyewear has a wide variety of sunglasses, designer sunglasses, fashionable sunglasses, and accessories that are offered at great prices.  They have many different brand names and these wholesale designer sunglasses will beat any price out there.  You can buy different models or just different colors of the same model to make sure you’re always looking your best.

The phrase “designer” sunglasses makes it seem like it’s only for women or for very fashionable men but it’s not that way at all.  There are many different styles and brands that will match your personality, style or needs.

Olympic eyewear offers many designer sunglasses for men and women including the following brands:

  • DG Sunglasses
  • Wayfarer Sunglasses
  • Biohazard Sunglasses
  • VG Sunglasses
  • Locs Sunglasses
  • X-Loop Sunglasses

Wayfarer Sunglasses are extremely popular right now on college and high school campuses.  It seems as though every person who attends school anywhere has at least one pair of Wayfarer Sunglasses.

VG Sunglasses are some of the coolest sunglasses around right now.  Their look and design is very recognizable as well.  They offer a young, hip, fashionable look to anyone who wears them.  DG Sunglasses are also very popular these days and are quite similar to the style that VG offers.

Biohazard Sunglasses are very stylish sunglasses despite their somewhat intimidating name.  A lot of people believe that these are a type of safety goggle or safety glasses but they’re actually very good looking sunglasses.  These are especially popular among the teenage boys.  You see these all the time on snowboards and skiers, on skateboarders, motorcyclists and almost any other action sport.

Designer Sunglasses are popular because sunglasses have been an increasing fashion trend for the last couple years.  They offer protection from the harmful sun rays but with many young adults and teenagers making these sunglass trends popular, I doubt that’s the reason why.  We all know that most teenagers believe they are invincible so the main reason they wear them is most likely for the look and style of them.