It's rare to find that perfect pair of sunglasses that matches your personality and fits you perfectly. When you do, you might see 10 other people with the same style and wish yours were different. Oakley, a fashion eyewear maker, has an online tool that allows you to design your own sunglasses--choosing your frames and lenses and customizing the details. The sunglasses you create will express your personal style and distinguish you.
Go to http://oakley.com/custom and select a style.
Customize your style using the tabbed categories on the right. First, select the frame and lens color under the top two tabs.
Select any style-specific attributes like Icons and Ear Socks.
Under etching, enter any text you want displayed on your custom sunglasses, such as your name or company name.
Select any accessories applicable to your style of frame under the final tab.
Preview your custom design in the photo window using the controls along the bottom.
Click "add to cart," review your order and enter your payment and shipping information.
Tips
Consider protection as well as style when choosing a lens color. The Glaucoma Research Foundation suggests wearing sunglasses that block 75% to 90% of natural light. Darker colors offer more protection.
Choose polarized lenses over gradient or mirrored, as they block both light from the sun and reflected light off glare-prone surfaces.
Pick amber-colored lenses if you're a skier or spend a lot of time outdoors, especially around snow. This color tint makes distant objects appear more distinct by blocking blue light produced by haze or glare.
Check out the street-chic fashions in trend-setting cities like Barcelona and Paris, which set the tone for the U.S. at least a year ahead of New York City, according to Elle and Style magazines.
Warning
Keep the text you select for the etching simple and clean--anything derogatory or profane will delay or cancel your order.
Choose darker, polarized lenses if you have photosensitivity from taking any of the following medications: Psoralens, Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Allopurinol or Phenothiazine.
