Owl Eyes

When I went to Hong Kong to do a presentation and judge an eyewear design competition one of my favourites, though not necessarily anyone else's was a pair of owl sunglasses. Designed by Kevin Ching of Wing Fung Optical the design range is called Big Horn Eyewear and the sunglasses are of course Owl.

It was wonderful to receive a sample of the metal sunglasses frame I loved and in a really gorgeous case as well. I thought the design might only work for a fashion shoot originally, but having revceived and tried on the modified sample from the original I saw back in September I think I will actually take the Owl sunglasses on a jaunt in the summer.

Earth to Sun!

Dear Sun, please try harder. We need you. Our lives have been blighted not only by a lack of natural vitamin D but the hideous fact that one has actually gone out doors in June not sporting sunglasses. It is true and until this year had been unheard of.

In fact such is the scandal of not actually needing ones sunglasses because it truly is too dark has resulted in a few minor mishaps. Sunglasses have drowned in shopping bag due to torrential rain downpour, have fallen off head as forgotten they were perched a top and not seen light of day as consigned to bottom of handbag, forgotten and forlorn.

However the silver lining in the current cloud coverage is the face I got to try on some lovely this season numbers from Polaroid who are my go to peeps for sunnies. The beauty of Polaroids is the lenses. The clarity and vision puts designer sunglasses to shame and my guess is it won't be long before a designer wises up and collaborates with Polaroid.

Personal Stylist Isobel Kershaw and I posing in a couple of pairs of Polaroids - I'm actually goofing around which was absurd given it was a one click photo opportunity. Note to self learn the hand to mouth pose again.

And on the lack of vitamin D note, you can at least cheer yourself up by attending Isobel's NHJ Style evening summer wardrobe essentials at Champneys Spas over the next few weeks because ladies the sun is coming I tell you! Isobel kicks off her mini tour in Chichester on Tuesday. Tickets are £15 which is a fashionable bargain for a glass of wine and some tip top style advice.

Win a pair of sunglasses!

In my previous life as a stylist I was fortunate to come across Mrs Glamour Puss at a Buy My Wardrobe event at which I was bequeathed by her, a couple of pairs of Polarized sunglasses to product test. Well suffice it to say they have never left my bag or face since. Yes folks I have eschewed the trappings and lure of designer sunnies for science.

However, I'm rubbish at science. I therefore won't blind you with my ignorance but suggest you read and see the evidence of the superiority of polarized sunglasses technology here. What I can attest is that it is all true! The vision is wonderful, they are the perfect weight and everyone has asked me where I got mine from.




The price is reasonable but not cheap, but given the quality and wide selection of styles, I would recommend them to everyone. I know you might be fore going a designer tag but you eyes will love you for it. As well as online, Polaroid sunglasses are stocked at John Lewis, Boots and available at airports.

I've managed to bagsy a pair to giveaway to one lucky reader. I've selected a lovely retro pair based on the fact they are called Marilyn.


The question you have to answer to win these Polaroid sunglasses is..

In which film does Marilyn Monroe star in a sequinned red dress?

Leave you answers in the comment box, competition closes on midnight on June 21st 2011. Good luck!

Oh to be Grace

Looking picture perfect in To Catch a Thief Grace Kelly is wearing my favourite style of sunglasses. Only wish I had a pair to wear tomorrow to the V&A exhibition.

The nearest available style is the Prada Postcard collection all priced £160. I actually like the Ivory Sixties style ones at £190 as well!

Prada sunglasses

A date with Glasgow

Had a great day at TK Maxx for the NHJ Style and TK Maxx designer sunglasses style session. It was all rather super from the moment I left the house in lovely sunshine at 6:15am to when I set foot back through the front door at 8:30pm.

I enjoyed the splendour of Terminal 5 and particularly was taken with Carluccios in the check in area. A bicerin at 7:20am was a treat, a glorious blend of espresso, Florentine drinking chocolate and cream, all served in separate jugs to mix in the cup yourself.

My lovely assistant stylist for the day was Claire Wacey and we had good fun from the start to finish. We both agreed there is nothing like a smile and some pleasant chat with all and sundry to make for a positive day.

Claire and I snapped in the afternoon sunshine of Glasgow

The TK Maxx at Southbank in Glasgow featured the most pleasant and helpful staff I've encountered for ages anywhere. In all the people we met in the other stores there and the customers of TK Maxx were fabulous. Truly, the peeps of Glasgow were a delight, so much so I've forgiven the taxi driver who charged us an exorbitant £20 for a 5 mile drive, which took 10 mins, and I hope he sat down with his family and enjoyed a fine wine!

My favourite customer of the day was young Aaron who snaffled a bargain pair of Mickey Disney Club sunglasses down from £49.99 to £7.99.

Young Aaron trying sunnies on for size!