This month’s topic in my monthly “Ask The Eye Doctor” column in the VSP EnVision Newsletter might at first seem like a purely cosmetic one:

“Are new lash-growth serums the end of mascara as we know it?”

But if you dig a little deeper, this question goes more than skin-deep.

So ladies, before you throw out that tube of Chanel Inimitable to test drive one of the many eyelash growth products on the market, be sure to read this month’s column to understand how and why they work, as well as the potential risks.

Last month Candace Dickow at 944 Detroit approached us with a very cool opportunity: 944 was looking for 10 of Metro-Detroit’s leading Independent  Trendsetters to participate in a special two-page feature in 944’s September Fashion Issue on what we thought would be hot this season in terms of fashion, style and accessories.

What we especially loved about the concept was that unlike many of the other major local, upscale lifestyle magazines in Metro-Detroit, 944 chose to focus on smaller, independent businesses, versus simply falling back on the big, upscale department stores that seem to be featured over-and-over again in other local magazines’ fashion spreads and pictorials.

At Urban Optiques, we’ve always scratched our heads when we see the local glossies turn to the giant department stores for product and insight on style trends.

We have scores of fantastic, smaller, independent boutiques and retailers right here in Metro-Detroit that have deep expertise in their industries and are blazing fashion and style trails at a pace that the more conservative department store buyers simply aren’t willing to commit to.  And many of these featured businesses are offering deeper, more unique and exclusive collections than the corporate giants at Somerset Mall. In fact, in the case of Urban Optiques, most of our eyeglasses and sunglass brands simply can’t be purchased

Last month Urban Optiques sponsored the 2nd Annual “Buy Michigan First Festival” in Northville, and based on attendance and response, there is a tremendous amount of demand in Metro-Detroit for supporting the types of businesses featured in the “Independent Trendsetters” spread in 944.  These smaller businesses create jobs, keep a large portion of their profits in the local economy, tend to reinvest into the community and are quickly putting Detroit back on the map as as an up-and-coming center of creativity, entrepreneurship — and yes — style.

So take a few minutes to check out what 944’s Independent Trendsetters have to say about the fall trends you need to watch for and most of all, consider supporting them with your business.

Featured Trendsetters:

• Sandi Dabish & Sahrob Jabero (Sway – Commerce Township)
• Jovan Kassab (JovanJane)
• Anita Sabri (Kiss & Tell – shopkissandtell.com)
• Tawny Theiu (Pink Pump –  Ann Arbor, Royal Oak, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills)
• Leslie Binno (Royal Dutchess - West Bloomfield)
• Chantell Bacall & Nicole Nona (Nikalet.com)
• Sheryl Freedland (Ruby’s Balm – West Bloomfield)
• Bethany Shorb (Cyberoptix.com)
• Dr. Michelle Calder Cardwell (Urban Optiques Vision & Couture Eyewear – Downtown Northville)
• Amanda Kalasho & Natasha Robin (Adam & Eve – West Bloomfield)

It’s official (even if it’s a little last minute): Urban Optiques has signed on as an event sponsor for the 2nd Annual “Buy Michigan Now” Festival in Downtown Northville August 6th – 8th.

The three day festival will feature sidewalk sales, live music, children’s activities, a health fair, fashion shows and plenty of Michigan-based businesses and Michigan-made products.

Urban Optiques will be actively participating during two of the three days of the festival:  On Friday August 6th we’ll be providing free vision screenings from 10 am to 5 pm to festival attendees as part of Blue Cross Blue Shield’s day-long Health Fair.

Then on Sunday we’ll be sponsoring and participating in “Style Sunday” which showcases made-in-Michigan fashion, jewelry and accessories. The day includes fashion shows from renowned Michigan designers Katerina Bocci, Project Runway finalist and co-creator of Fashion in Detroit Joe Faris, and designer Cynthia LaMaide.  We’ll be on hand at the events showing the latest in trends and styles in eyewear and sunwear.

We’re particularly excited about this sponsorship because it lets us emphasize two different parts of Urban Optiques that we think make us unique: Our focus on full scope vision care for life (helping you see) as well as stocking the area’s largest collection of premium-quality boutique and couture eyewear that get you seen.

Why “Buy Michigan Now?”

The “Buy Michigan Now” movement, spearheaded by Lisa Diggs, challenges Michigan residents and supporters of the state to factor Michigan into their daily buying decisions.  In other words, whenever possible, buy locally. Whether that’s products manufactured, grown or distributed by Michigan companies, or services provided by Michigan businesses (like Urban Optiques, for instance), the idea here is to jump start and grow the local economy by supporting businesses that keep the dollars in the state.

This philosophy of keeping it small, intimate and local is particularly important to those of us in the vision care and optical business, because there is a massive amount of multi-national, corporate consolidation taking place in this industry at the moment. Huge foreign-owned corporations are buying up smaller, independent eyewear manufacturers, vision insurance companies, lens producers and local optometry practices and folding them into mega chains that often put shareholder value and maximizing profits before client care, service and comprehensive vision care. This is why you get a 15 minute eye exam at a big box discount vision center or large chain, versus the comprehensive 45 minute exam you receive at Urban Optiques.

This consolidation is also making it more difficult for the locally-owned independent optometrists and optical shops to compete against the buying power that comes with being the biggest guy on the block.  The large chains and discounters often carry a disproportionate amount of cheap, made-in-China frames that they purchase for a few dollars and mark-up as much as 50 times.  We refuse to carry these frames out of principle and because the quality is typically quite poor.  That’s why you’ll find higher priced, but much higher quality, collections from small, independent boutique eyewear brands like Sama, Lafont, Chrome Hearts and Badgley Mischka at Urban Optiques.

So supporting events like this, which encourage people to consider more than just price (but overall value and whether it supports the local economy), is a natural fit for us.

Below is a complete list of events for the day. While you’re out strolling Northville during the festival, be sure to stop in to meet the team, get your free vision screening and check out all of the great new frames and sunglasses we have at Urban Optiques.  While they are not made-in-Michigan (unfortunately, there are no eyewear manufacturers based in this state and actually very few based in the U.S.), we are a 100% Michigan-based small business that puts our profits back into the local economy.

“Buy Michigan Now” Festival Event Schedule

Below is the complete schedule of events for this weekend’s “Buy Michigan Now” festival.

FRIDAY AUGUST 6th SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

10:00AM – 5:00PM Buy Michigan Now Health Fair presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Free blood pressure screening, nutritional consultation, fitness demonstrations, and more all geared toward creating a healthier Michigan—in Northville Square.

10:00AM – 9:00PM Sidewalk Sale

Downtown Northville’s annual money-saving tradition.

10:00AM – 10:30AM Opening Ceremony

TV personality and host Suzanne Sena emcees this exciting festival kickoff, which also features music from the Tyndale Artists Ensemble in Town Square. http://suzannesena.com

10:30AM – 11:30AM Free Yoga Demo/Class Courtesy of Center for Yoga

Reduce your stress and join in on this relaxing yoga class on the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio. http://centerforyoga.com

10:45AM – 11:15AM Charles Lacasse/Fitness & Nutrition Coach-Fitness Together.

No time for exercise?  Learn how to make it count with this talk about safely and effectively exercising within a hectic schedule in Northville Square.

11:00AM -12:00PM Magician and Master Entertainer Chris Clark

West Bloomfield’s Chris Clark will entertain the whole family with a unique blend of magic, juggling, and puppetry in Town Square. http://clarkshow.com

11:00AM – 11:30AM Art Demonstrations with Miss Marcela

Children’s art instructor, Miss Marcela leads a fun demonstration in the Kids Zone in Old Church Square.

11:30AM – 12:00PM Raising a Healthy, Drug-free Family with Dr. Eric Mintz

Dr. Eric Mintz of Gentle Touch Family Chiropractic, P.C. will show parents how to maximize their child’s health and well-being without the use of drugs, shots, or high-cost medical care in Northville Square.

12:00PM – 1:00PM Detroit Tigers’ Mascot-PAWS

Detroit Tiger’s mascot PAWS will be on hand for photos & fun in the Kids Zone in Old Church Square. http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/fan_forum/paws.jsp

12:00PM – 12:45PM Chef Secrets:  How to Make Tasty Vegetables!

Chef and cookbook author, Dawn Bause demonstrates how to prepare and season vegetables in different ways for a healthy diet in Northville Square.

1:00PM – 1:45PM WJR Personality Paul W. Smith

On behalf of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Paul W. Smith, morning drive host at News/Talk 760 WJR, talks about the importance of supporting Michigan businesses to keep our state healthy. Takes place in Northville Square.

1:00PM – 2:00PM Tyndale Artists Ensemble

Relax along with the song stylings of this popular local choir under the direction of Dr. Jerry Smith in Town Square.

2:00PM -2:45 Outpatient Surgery Centers-Facts not Fiction with Linda Prister

This program presented by Linda Prister, RN, MSB, Executive Director of Dearborn Surgery Center deals with what you should know and what to expect, when having out patient procedures. Part of health fair in Northville Square.

2:00PM – 3:00PM “Deadline!” with Novelist & Reporter Paula Tutman

WDIV Channel 4 reporter Paula Tutman signs and discusses her gripping mystery novel series, Deadline! on the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio. http://paulaltutman.com

2:30PM -3:30PM Magician Chris Clark

Chris Clark brings his magic and fun to the Kids Zone. http://clarkshow.com

2:30PM – 3:30PM Musician Shawn Byrwa

Sit back and chill to Shawn’s melodic soundtrack in Town Square.

3:00PM – 3:45PM Anything But Cigarettes by Dennis Pilon, LMSW, ACSW, BCD

Anything But Cigarettes is a comprehensive stop-smoking program that is designed to assist the participant to stop smoking by addressing the why, where, when, and with whom aspects of the smoking habit that exist on both conscious and unconscious levels of the smoker’s behavior. Takes place in Northville Square.

3:30 – 5:00 Steve Kovich

Steve shares his lyrical folk music on the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio at Northville Square. http://www.myspace.com/stevekovich

4:00PM – 4:30PM The Omega 3 Solution with Jim Amick

Meet natural health educator and owner of Healthy Jones, Jim Amick in Northville Square and he will help you discover the many benefits of omega-3 fish oils and the problems associated with omega-3 deficiencies.

4:00PM – 6:30PM Musician Rickysee

Northville’s own Rick Canzano takes to the Main Stage in Town Square. http://www.myspace.com/rickyseeoriginalrock

5:00PM – 6:30PM Darwin Mamassian

Acoustic folk and blues on the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio at Northville Square. http://www.myspace.com/darwin39stheory

6:00PM – 9:00PM First Friday Art Walk

Stroll along the streets of downtown Northville’s growing art district and enjoy a night filled with art exhibits, art demonstrations and related events.

7:00PM – 8:30PM Musician Abigail Stauffer

Ann Arbor’s newest sensation, Abigail performs acoustically on the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio at Northville Square. http://www.myspace.com/abigailstauffer

7:00 – 9:00 Summer Friday Night Concert Series featuring The Crutches

This popular East Lansing band will heat up your summer with contemporary rock and roll, and a splash of funk and soul in Town Square.

SATURDAY AUGUST 7TH SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

10:00AM – 8:00PM Barter Faire

In keeping with the old adage, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” this unique shopping opportunity resembles an old Trading Post.  Visitors will bring items they would like to exchange and a trade voucher will be issued.  The voucher can be used to purchase treasures from the Trading Post throughout the day.  For details on what types of items will be accepted visit: www.mibartermarketplace.com

10:00AM – 9:00PM Sidewalk Sale

Downtown Northville’s annual money-saving tradition.

10:00AM – 11:30AM Musician Matt Keil

Brighton’s own Matt Kiel will take to the Main Stage as a solo performer and emcee the afternoon’s entertainment in Town Square. www.mattkeilmusic.com

11:00AM – 11:30AM Art Demonstrations with Miss Marcela

Children’s art instructor, Miss Marcela leads a fun demonstration in the Kids Zone.

12:00PM – 1:00PM Jam Society

Jam with this youthful and funky Detroit band’s sound laced with jazz, funk, and reggae influences in Town Square http://www.myspace.com/thejamsociety

12:00PM – 1:00PM “Deadline!” with Novelist & Reporter Paula Tutman

WDIV Channel 4 reporter Paula Tutman signs and discusses her gripping mystery novel series, Deadline! on the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio.

12:00PM – 1:00PM Fun with Music, Movements, & Art

Music and interactive activities brought to you by The Center Stage Dance Company in the Kids Zone.

1:00PM – 1:30PM D&D Bike Safety

Northville’s D&D bicycle shop teaches bike safety in the Kids Zone in Old Church Square.

1:00PM – 1:45PM Musician Danielle Floyd

Singer, guitarist, and songwriter, Danielle Floyd will light up the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio.

1:30PM – 2:30PM Fun with Music, Movements, & Art

Music and interactive activities brought to you by The Center Stage Dance Company in the Kids Zone.

1:30PM – 3:30PM Mainstreet Soul

Detroit’s most soulful horn band will have Town Square jumping! http://mainstreetsoul.com

2:00PM – 3:30PM We’re Cookin’ in Michigan Recipe Contest Finals presented by Hiller’s Markets

Finalists in this recipe contest which revolves around cooking with Michigan ingredients, present their recipes and dishes to culinary experts to compete for a $250 Hiller’s Gift card and a chance to have their product sold at Hiller’s locations to benefit the charity of their choice. Takes place at Epiphany Kitchens (107 North Center Street). Scheduled judges include chefs Peter Julian, Dawn Bause and Matt Prentice.

2:00PM – 3:00PM “Michigan’s Wacky Weather” with Meteorologist & Author Paul Gross

Join WDIV Channel 4 meteorologist Paul Gross on the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio as he discusses and signs his book, Extreme Michigan Weather: The Wild World of the Great Lakes State.

3:00PM – 5:00PM Musician Shawn Byrwa

Take a break and relax with an acoustic showcase from this talented singer/songwriter on the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio.

4:00PM – 5:30PM Nadir Omowale

2010 Detroit Music Award winner for Outstanding Urban Funk Vocalist, Nadir takes to the Main Stage as part of a talented trio in Town Square. http://distortedsoul.com

3:30PM – 4:30PM “Breaking into the Entertainment Business” with Suzanne Sena

Television veteran, and Dearborn native, Suzanne Sena shares her personal experiences working for E!, CBS, and Fox News Channel and leads this informative and interactive discussion on how to prepare for and launch a career in entertainment. Tickets to the seminar are available for $10 in advance and $20 at the door. Session takes place at Genittis (108 W. Main Street) and tickets may be purchased via: http://www.buymichigannow.com/entertainment_tickets.php

5:30PM – 7:00PM Singer Gracie J

Gracie J has been singing her whole life. Both of her parents being musicians, she grew up listening and learning all about music and performing. Now sixteen, she just launched her first album “Impact” and is already working on her second! Join her on the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio. www.ghjmusic.com.

6:00PM – 7:30PM  Fuze

Original and improvised electric jazz fusion rock band out of Ferndale hits the Main Stage in Town Square. http://www.onlinebands.com/fuze

8:00PM – 10:00PM Avienne

The wildly popular alternative rock band hailing from South Lyon brings the day’s events to a spectacular close in Town Square. http://www.myspace.com/aviennemusic

SUNDAY AUGUST 8th SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

12:00PM – 5:00PM Style Sunday

In addition to the fabulous outdoor vendors, a bevy of Michigan-based jewelry, accessory and clothing designers will descend on Northville Square to show off their style.

12:00PM – 5:00PM Sidewalk Sale

Downtown Northville’s annual money-saving tradition.

12:00PM – 1:00PM V.I.P. Style Sunday Ticket Giveaway

First 100 people to check in at the Buy Michigan Now information table inside Northville Square will get complimentary V.I.P. reserved seating for the fashion events as well a gift bag with Michigan products and discounts.

12:00PM – 1:00PM Detroit Lions Mascot Roary

Detroit Lions mascot, ROARY, will be on hand for photos & fun in the Kids Zone in Old Church Square. http://www.detroitlions.com/youth-programs/roary-mascot.html

12:00PM – 1:30PM Musician David Nefesh

Nominated for four 2010 Detroit Music Awards, Berkley’s David Nefesh brings his folk, rock style to the Main Stage in Town Square. http://www.davidnefesh.com

1:00PM – 1:30PM Fashion Show Featuring Cynthia LaMaide

Come join television personality Suzanne Sena in Northville Square as she emcees our first fashion extravaganza featuring the unique, artistic designs of Cynthia LaMaide. www.lamaide.com

1:30PM – 2:30PM Fun with Music, Movements, & Art

Music and interactive activities brought to you by The Center Stage Dance Company in the Kids Zone.

1:30PM – 3:00PM Delta Twins

Tap your toes to the bluesy, folk sounds of Bob Young and Tom Kozanecki on the Tom Holzer Ford Performance Patio. http://www.reverbnation.com/deltatwins

2:00 – 2:45 Sportswear Designer and Project Runway Alum Joe Faris

Detroit-based designer Joe Faris was a top six finalist on Project Runway Season 5 and the co-creator of Fashion In Detroit. He will share some of his experiences from Project Runway, as well as some observations on the Detroit fashion scene and give us a sneak peak into what’s coming from Motor City Denim Co. General admission is on a first come first served basis in Northville Square. www.joe-faris.com

2:00PM – 3:00PM Musician Ben Chutz

Entertaining with a hint of island influence, Ben takes to the Main Stage in Town Square. http://benchutz.com/music.

3:00PM – 3:30PM Fashion Show Featuring Katerina Bocci

Award-winning designer Katerina Bocci has acquired international acclaim among fashion elite and celebrities, including Aretha Franklin, Fergie and Jordin Sparks, and yet remains very dedicated to the fashion industry here in Michigan. She’ll showcase suits, eveningwear and bridal for this special event in Northville Square. http://www.katerinabocci.com

3:30PM – 5:00PM Matt Keil Band

Close out the fest in Town square with an exciting performance that blends rock and alternative country music. http://www.myspace.com/mattmattkeilbandcom

*All scheduled performances, events, times, and artists are subject to change.

Accessorizing eyewear with other pieces in your wardrobe is often less about the eyewear, and more about the rest of the outfit.

Today’s look, which again features the Loree Rodkin Hunter Special  Edition sunglasses, is the perfect example.

The first words that usually come out of people’s mouths when they see the Loree Rodkin Eyewear Collection is “edgy” or “gothic.”  And it’s true:  Loree’s distinct style of jewelry and eyewear design is rife with daggers, skulls, serpentine embellishments and crosses.

So you might be tempted to think the only way to wear her jewelry or eyewear is with a pair of leather pants and stilettos.

But as many of Loree Rodkin’s devotees will attest, her designs are combined with formal wear all of the time.  Watch the red carpet at any Hollywood or major fashion event, and you’ll likely see at least one luminary wearing Loree’s jewelry alongside their couture dress.  A quick glance at Loree Rodkin’s press book will settle any lingering doubts you might have.

The key to accessorizing the Loree Rodkin Eyewear line is to treat it like jewelry. When stylists put their clients in Loree Rodkin jewelry, they will typically use it either as a surprising contrast against an elegant or chic outfit, or will use it to amplify an already edgy look.  Because the designs are so striking, a little bit of Loree Rodkin goes a long way.

Just to prove it, we put together a look today with the Loree Rodkin Hunter that is night-and-day from the last pairing we did.

For this outfit, we built everything around a Derek Lam wool crepe dress from Saks.  While the jewelry, shoes and handbag all play off from the browns and silvers in the Hunter sunglasses, this is a daytime look that most women could pull off.  The Report Signature booties could easily be swapped with this pair of Stuart Weitzman croc slingback, the Bally Eddi pumps or L.A.M.B. Finsburys if you wanted to tone things down even more.

Of course, the real icing on the cake are the Hunters, which give this fairly conservative, but still chic, ensemble just a little bit of danger — especially when paired up with the John Hardy Naga head ring, stainless steel leather cuff bracelet and truly amazing Donald J Pilner chain satchel.

Remember, we’re giving away a pair of these exact Loree Rodkin Hunter sunglasses as part of this month’s 944 Detroit Swag.  So register now for your chance to win them.

Tell us what you think ….

A Little Bit Mild: Featuring the Hunter Sunglasses from Loree Rodkin.

Featured Accessories

• Report Signature Vandalia Bootie
• Donald J Pilner Adela Chain Satchel
• Leather and Stainless Steel Cuff Bracelet
• Derek Lam Wool Crepe Dress
• John Hardy Naga Head Sterling Silver Ring
• Loree Rodkin Hunter Special Edition Sunglasses with 18K White Gold Lenses

We were just perusing the July 19th Edition of  Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) and were delighted to find that an interview we gave to fashion reporter Lauren Benet Stephenson at WWD a few weeks ago helped shape a full-page piece on 24-karat gold lensed eyewear in this week’s July WWD Accessories Issue.

While we’re a pretty modest group around Urban Optiques (aside from all of our flashy sunglasses), this is one of those times when it feels okay to brag a bit. After all, it’s not every day that a small, independent eyewear boutique like Urban Optiques receives this kind of exposure in the fashion industry’s premier global daily. We were also excited to see sunglasses from both Sama and Badgley Mischka featured not only in the article, but on the cover.  We love it when we can help our best partners get more exposure.

If the New York Times is where you go for world events, and the Wall Street Journal for financial news, WWD is the first place every fashion designer, retailer and industry mover-and-shaker goes to see what’s hot in the industry.  So serving as the primary, trusted retail source for this article (we’re actually the only consumer facing source in the article — everyone else quoted represents the brands and eyewear manufacturers)  is kind of a big deal for us.

We’re also particularly proud of the job that our Practice Manager, Lindsey Champine,  did working with the writer on this story. Lindsey’s quotes are golden (no pun intended), especially her response to the reporter’s question about why she believed ultra-lux eyewear products like 24-karat gold lenses continue to sell so well, even in a struggling economy.

Lindsey’s answer:

“They always say that in hard times, women are known to keep the home front pretty and will spend extra for things like lipstick and perfume. I think the same can be said here of these “feel-good” items.”

The perfect sound byte.

You can check out the entire article below, as well as the front page photo spread featuring the Sama Pyramid of Gold sunglasses. Higher resolution, PDF versions are available if you click the link below the images.

“A Golden Era for Eyewear” featuring Urban Optiques: WWD July 19, 2010

Get PDF version

WWD July Accessory Cover Featuring Sama Eyewear

Get PDF version

As we mentioned earlier in the week, Urban Optiques has partnered with 944 Detroit Magazine to give away a pair of fab Loree Rodkin eyeCouture Special Edition “Hunter”  Sunglasses with 18K white gold lenses as part of 944’s new “Detroit Swag” feature.

I won’t go into all the reasons that these are amazing sunglasses worth every cent of their $1,200 price tag (okay, I will: They have genuine hand-cut calfskin leather inserts, 18K gold couture lenses and, of course, the jewelry-grade sterling silver Loree Rodkin signature skulls at the temples.)

The real question on everyone’s mind is how do I wear them?

So to provide some inspiration, we’re putting together five looks this month ranging from mild, to a little bit wild — to completely wild — to show you how easy it is to accessorize these super-lux aviators.

This is a unisex frame, so be patient men … we’ll provide some looks for you also. But today we’re going to start with a cool, urban look that combines the Special Edition Loree Rodkin Hunter with a pair of Alice + Olivia seamed biker pants, Brooke Western Snake Tee, and a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti pumps.

We also tossed in some great accessories that play off from the leather, sterling silver and platinum finish on the Hunter sunglasses, including a vintage Chanel ring, Sonora Leather bracelet and dog-tag style monogrammed charm from Helen Ficalora (you can customize it with your initial.)

All of the elements of the ensemble (minus the Loree Rodkin sunglasses) are available at Shopbop.com.

To enter the 944 Detroit/Urban Optiques giveaway and have a chance at winning the Special Edition Loree Rodkin Hunter sunglasses, visit the 944 Detroit Swag Microsite.

A Little Bit Wild

If you haven’t figured it out yet, we adore Sama Eyewear around Urban Optiques.

Why?

Well,  Sama is simply producing some of the most amazing, contemporary couture eyewear on the planet.  Forget about Chanel, D&G, Dior, Burberry and Coach.  Anyone can buy that at Sunglass Shack or Lenscrafters.  If you want something truly unique, you’ll want Sama.

If you don’t believe us, check out this great video filmed at the Angiolucci Lunettes Boutique in Catania, Italy. Not only does it feature some of Sama’s hottest sunglasses, but it also includes some great clips from Sama founder and lead designer Sheila Vance.

It speaks for itself.

The footage includes sunglasses from Sama, Badgley Mischka Eyewear and Loree Rodkin eyeCouture.

Enjoy and Grazie! to Angiolucci for sharing this with us all:

Sometimes you run across a pair of sunglasses with such a distinct personality that everyone who sees them uses the same adjective to describe them.

That’s exactly what happened when we first set our eyes on the Chloé “Tilia” sunglasses.

When our Chloé rep pulled out the Tilias, the first word out of all our mouths was: “Beach!”

From the oversized, 50s-inspired cat-eye shape to the muted, earth-tone pastels and adorable little metallic star in the corner of the lens, the Tilia just seemed to evoke images of toes-in-the-sand or lounging poolside with a mojito in your hand.

It turns out, though, that the Chloé Tilia is a remarkably versatile sunglass.  Combine it with a pair of vintage jeans and billowing peasant blouse and it takes on a decidedly Boho vibe.  Not bad for a single pair of shades.That said, we still think the Chloé Tilia’s personality really comes out when it’s accessorized with beachwear.  To inspire you, we put the Chloé Tilia together with a couple of our favorite seasonal pieces from Missoni, Shay Todd and Michael Kors. We topped the whole look off with a fantastic Melissa Obadash straw hat that would look simply amazing with these big, oversized suns.

What we especially love about this look is that it goes from the beach to dinner-on-the-water in a matter of minutes: Just slip into the Missoni dress and Kors wedges and stow the Valentino flip-flops in your straw tote.

Effortless … just like summer ought to be.

Steal This Look: Beach Chic Featuring the Chloé Tilia Sunglasses

The Chloé Tilia is available in three colors: Black, Creme and Brown and Pink and Creme.

The final look in our “Sama Heart of Gold Sunglasses: Five Ways Over Five Days“ Style Series is all about nature.

We centered the entire look around the beautifully light and airy purple and orange Diane Von Furstenburg “Layly” Tiger dress, which puts a new, colorful twist on this season’s continued obsession with animal prints.

We tried to carry the “Au Naturale” theme through the entire look, choosing accessories that utilized natural materials like wood and cork:  Purple D Squared wood platform heels, a Tahari cork clutch and a wood and gold bangle bracelet to finish it off.

Of course, there are also the Sama Heart of Gold sunglasses, which complement the rich, royal oranges and purples that dominate the ensemble.

Enjoy!

Au Naturale

You’ve Seen this Look, Now See the Rest!

Don’t forget to check out the other four looks we put together with the Sama Heart of Gold sunglasses:

• Look One: Guilded Pleasures
• Look Two: Platinum Play
• Look Three: Day to Night
• Look Four: Street Scene
• Look Five: Au Naturale

With just one more day left in our “Sama Heart of Gold Sunglasses: Five Ways Over Five Days“ Style Series we decided to put together a more casual, street-smart and urban look with the Sama Heart of Gold Sunglasses.

Today’s look starts with a pair of sleek, latex-look leggings from Alice + Olivia paired with a cool, over-sized graphic jersey by Pagano.

We then added the Sama Heart of Gold sunglasses in platinum and 18K white gold, a fantastic Costume National black leather purse with silver accents and finished it off with a dangerous flash of red under the outfit’s monochromatic theme thanks to some truly killer Michette Daniele black leather patch sandals with sky-high red heels.

If the Michette Daniele heels are bit too edgy for your taste, this ensemble also works great with a pair of black leather booties, pumps, slingbacks or even chunky leather knee boots.

Check it out and let us know what you think.

Street Scene