Where the Sun Don't Shine

It's a long weekend in London, and predictably the rain, on in full force, isn't due to stop until Wednesday. Nevermind. Because how could a day possibly be gloomy when you're wearing gorgeous sunglasses like these?

Or these?

Or these?

No problem staying cool in any one pair of these; I'll leave it to you to stay dry.

A Closer Look at Vintage Shooting Glasses

Whether you're an actual hunter, or your first name is Hunter, or you simply want a supercool twist on the usual sunnies, you can do no wrong with a pair of vintage shooting glasses, like the marvelous 1920s version below from Etsy.

The amber-tinted lenses heighten contrast when conditions are hazy, overcast or glareful. (You can actually see the effect in the photo -- note the greater clarity of the pearls and starfish behind the glass.)

For stalking big game or living life as fashion shoot, specs like these, or later versions, as illustrated in the ad below, are right on target.

Stealth Designer: Oliver Goldsmith

Do you consider your sunglasses a fashion accessory? If so, thank Oliver Goldsmith. This British manufacturer isn't a household name, yet they singlehandedly created the idea of sunglasses as a style statement.

While the company still creates its handcrafted styles by special commission, the authentically vintage versions are just as smashing, and typically far more affordable. Check out this awesome pair above, for sale on eBay . . . which can be worn equally well upside down as rightside up . . .

Small works of wearable art, pairs like these look equally good atop the head as across the face. Oliver Goldsmith. The epitome of vintage cool.