Eye Candy

Over the past few years designer sunglasses have gone from a luxury item to a must have accessory.  Celebrities such as Rachel Zoe, Kim Kardashian, and Nicole Richie are continually spotted wearing their eye candy of choice.  This season some of the big eyewear trends are cat-eye sunglasses, colorful and updated aviators, and of course oversized sunglasses.  Here's a look into the history of where these sunglasses originated and how they've changed over the years.

Cat-eye Sunglasses are an example of how fashion is constantly recycling old trends.  This retro look first became popular in the 50's and 60's and was worn by fashion icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe.  Cat-eye sunglasses are a simple way to look chic while creating a vintage inspired look.  With rich materials and colors, cat-eye sunglasses have evolved over the years to create a unique look.

Aviator sunglasses are a classic style that are seen everywhere and come in a variety of shapes and colors.  They were first created as a functional item rather than a fashion forward accessory.  Aviator sunglasses were originally created during World War II in order to help shield pilot's eyes from the harsh glare of the sun.  They were then seen in the 1980's when Tom Cruise wore them in the movie Top Gun. While still worn by pilots today, aviator sunglasses have evolved over the years to become more of a fashionable accessory with their iconic dark or mirrored lenses.

Oversized sunglasses made their popular debut when Jackie Kennedy was seen sporting a pair of her patented oversized shades in public.  Jackie Kennedy tried to cultivate a private life and would wear the oversized sunglasses to help keep her anonymity and hide her from the public eye.  Now referred to as the "Jackie O" sunglasses, they have become the must have accessory among many fashion cautious females.  Today many celebrities choose to wear the oversized sunnies to help shield them from the paparazzi.

Ever girl needs a good pair of designer sunglasses in her accessory wardrobe.  Designer sunglasses have clearly become a wardrobe staple and with so many different styles and colors it's easy to find the perfect pair of eye candy!  Which pair of sunnies will you be wearing this season?  With a selection of sunglasses from Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Gucci, and Tom Ford at Monkee's of Southern Pines, the options are endless.  Happy shopping!