shadestation lifestyle section

Ray-Ban Sunglasses – The Celebrity Choice & Twilight Accessory!

November 30, 2009
Posted by Laura

We all know that RayBan sunglasses are one of the most popular, ever stylish and versatile sunglasses around. The brand has a remarkable history and has been featured in numerous iconic films including Top Gun, The Blues Brothers and Men in Black.

This month, when I have been looking through the style pages of the glossies, Ray-Ban sunglasses have cropped up on many occasions and the brand definitely seems to be the choice of many celebrities. Yes, it may be November, but sunglasses as every fashion lover is aware, can make for a high style statement and add a finishing touch to your look come rain or shine. Ray-Ban’s have the added advantage of being incredibly functional and so when the sunshine does pop out on the odd occasion (well, here in the UK!), then you know your peepers will be fully protected from UV rays.

So, Ray-Bans and celebrities. The two definitely seem to go hand in hand and here is a rundown of who has been wearing what style of Ray-Ban shades over the past month or so.

Most of us have harboured an obsession with the Twilight film and of course, more recently the new sequel New Moon. Remember when we saw the rather dashing Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) in the first scenes of Twilight with a cool pair of shades? Well, these were infact the classic Wayfarers and the actor himself in addition to his co-stars Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner claimed that Ray-Ban Wayfarers are the ultimate Twilight accessory. Well, if they’re good enough for great looking vampires!

Rachel Bilson who has become quite the fashionista since the hit show the OC has regularly been spotted in her Ray-Ban 2140’s in a dark tortoiseshell tone. The dark shade of these sunglasses compliment Bilson’s dark hair and skin tone as they offer something a little softer in colour than block black. With sleek lines and sharp style, these 2140’s make for a great laid back look and are very popular among a young and trendy crowd.

With the departure of Lauren Conrad from the latest season of the Hills, Audrina Partridge has taken the crown of style Queen (and drama!) in the show and has frequently been spotted wearing a pair of Ray-Ban aviators in gold. From a style perspective, these are the ultimate in versatility and Audrina has been seen wearing them en-route to the gym, out casually with friends and to the beach. They definitely inject an effortlessly cool edge to your look no matter what your choice of outfit. Another fan of the Ray-Ban aviators is Minority Report bad boy actor Colin Farrell who was pictured wearing a gold rimmed pair. Ray-Ban aviators were first launched in 1937 and aside from contemporary updates such as colour and lens technologies, the aesthetic styling is exactly the same proving that the brand is timelessly on trend.

From a functional perspective, many Ray Ban sunglasses also incorporate a G-15 lens. The G-15 lenses transmit colour naturally and therefore you get a clearer and true vision as opposed to just seeing heavy lens colour. This technology has been incorporated into many Ray-Ban sunglasses over the past seven decades and is unique to the brand.

Other celebs who love their laid back Ray-Ban look is Nicky Hilton, Kate Moss, Peaches Geldof and Rhianna, some of whom favour their coloured Ray-Ban Wayfarers which were one of the most popular accessories at this year’s music festivals. Ray-Ban is one of those brands that people love, trust and tend to find a pair within the extensive selection that suits them. Unlike some other designer brands, they are also affordable with the Wayfarers just below £80 so you can look like a celeb and not break the bank!

Ray-Ban has existed for over 70 years and with iconic styles consistently worn and re-vamped, this brand is definitely staying at the forefront of fashion for quite some time.

Scarlett Johansson for D&G

November 27, 2009
Posted by Laura

Italian fashion label Dolce & Gabbana is famous for its elaborate and glamorous advertising campaigns and past models and that have all made memorable appearances include Gisele, Lily Donaldson and Gemma Ward. The latest glamazon to grace the billboards and silver screens as the face of D&G is actress Scarlett Johansson who is the perfect match for the sophistication and femininity that the brand aims to convey in its range of clothing, accessories, jewellery and watches.

There has been a huge issue surrounding the use of thin models in advertising campaigns and on the catwalks and therefore an icon such as Scarlett Johansson who is renowned and adored for her curvaceous, womanly figure and extraordinary beauty, is the perfect choice to represent the theme of D&G. The actress’s image is very reminiscent of 50’s Hollywood glamour and this is definitely the essence of the D&G collections with the watches being as sparkly, sophisticated and chic as ever.

There are some wonderful new styles to look for this season, all of which are perfect for the inevitable parties that take place over the festive season and beyond. The new Flock D&G watches are both aesthetically stunning and practical with their silver D&G branded bangle strap and simple faces in either mint green or black. The new Visionnaire D&G watch with its multi strand links and diamante inserts is absolutely striking and makes for the ideal evening style watch that will perfectly compliment your party dress. For something a little more neutral and understated yet with that untouchable D&G chic edge, the New Gloria watch with its black or white leather strap and diamante bezel is a perfect way to jazz up your day look and can easily transcend through to a dressed up evening out. For the men, the Anchor D&G watch certainly allows you to shine in a masculine manner with its polished stainless steel strap and ultra chic black and silver round dial with the iconic D&G logo positioned at the bottom.

D&G is a label which is consistently spotted at high profile events whether this is the brand sponsoring a party (such as the New Moon preview after party) or if the attendees are seen wearing garments and accessories by the label. It is a brand which is always on the scene and people are constantly aware of its ever evolving collections. The advertising campaigns are also key to establishing the image that D&G wants to portray in the actual products – the elaborate settings, exquisite colours and romantic tone all help to convey D&G as a brand that is synonymous with all of these elements. The collection of D&G watches are the perfect way to capture a part of that glamour and the bold and unique designs which push design and colour boundaries really make a statement about your style. The new additions for this season are perfect if you want to shine like a Hollywood star and add something really special to your festive look!