shadestation lifestyle section

70’s Influenced Tom Ford Sunglasses

March 28, 2010
Posted by sarah


Although Tom Ford’s directorial debut ‘A Single Man’ narrowly missed out of an Oscar this year for it’s leading man, Ford was still a winner in the fashion stakes. Dressing both the Oscar hosts, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, he also created a one off tuxedo for Colin Firth with ‘For Colin Firth’ stitched inside the jacket.

Actors like Brad Pitt, are well known to be fans of Tom Ford’s stylish clothes label and although Ford hasn’t yet produced a fashion line for women, he designs sunglasses for both sexes. The current Tom Ford sunglasses campaign shot by the man himself, sees ‘About a Boy’ actor and current Tom Ford muse, Nicholas Hoult, looking suave working the camera with honey blonde model Carolyn Murphy. The campaign is playful and sexy, with both Hoult and Murphy taking it in turns to wear his and hers, thick black 70’s influenced Tom Ford sunglasses.

The retro style oversized sunglasses Carolyn Murphy is sporting, are called ‘Nico’ and are from the new Tom Ford sunglasses range. Other new sunnies include Aviator style ‘Ramone’, ‘Peter’ and ‘Marco’, oversize cut out styles ‘Carla’ and ‘Clemence’, thick contemporary frames ‘Patek’ and ‘Claudia’ and the Tom Ford ’special cross over’ designs ‘Eugenia’ and ‘Georgette’.

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Sunglasses Style Update – Spring 2010

February 10, 2010
Posted by David

With summer on the way, a pair of sunglasses provides the essential accessory to protect your eyes and ensure that you look super stylish. Whether you prefer your sunglasses to be chic, sophisticated, super glamorous, sporty, or perhaps a combination of each style, we definitely have something that will appeal. With a huge array of designer brands to choose from, you need look no further than Shade Station when finding your perfect pair of sunglasses.

Carrera sunglasses are going to be huge this summer and we have already seen both Lady Gaga and Alicia Keys rocking a pair of Carreras in their recent music videos. With celebrities such as Kanye West and Paris Hilton also working the Carrera sunglass look, these retro sporty inspired sunglasses with vibrant coloured and fresh toned frames are effortlessly cool, great for everyday chic and offer something a little alternative.

A new exciting brand just added to our list is Pucci sunglasses . This designer label is famous for its vibrantly printed scarves with beautiful swirly, psychedelic style patterns and the brand has now launched a sunglasses range. Capturing the key trend of colour, the collection comprises of some wonderfully glamorous oversized retro style sunglasses with the iconic boho style Pucci pattern as well as block colours including stunning aqua tones as well as feminine violet and purple. The detailing incorporated into the Pucci sunglasses is also striking.

Next up we have the ever stylish and faithful Police sunglasses brand which with their understated yet effortlessly cool range, you will never fail to look chic and stylish. Police shades have also added some new styles to their collection which include sleek wraparound sunglasses, classic style sunglasses with narrow frames and aviators and even some retro oversized styles with a sporty edge. Great sunglasses for both the guys and girls!

Fendi is also a hot designer brand to look out for and following the launch of the new Fendi Chef handbag, the luxury brand thought it only fair to launch a pair of Fendi sunglasses to match – perfect for every fashionista! There are some wonderfully dramatic but elegant Fendi oversized sunglass styles with pretty embellishments such as a small flower positioned on the frame making for a delicate touch. Perfect for channelling a high fashion and polished edge.

Who could forget Prada? The ultimate in glamour, Prada sunglasses have some incredibly styles for both men and women ranging from classically oversized to cool aviators and some new geek chic styles with narrow lenses and thick frames. The Prada butterfly sunglasses which are nipped in at the centre are still a huge must-have for this season and add definition and a unique edge to your look – perfect for something that little bit different. In an array of vibrant colours as well as classic tones such as black and brown, Prada sunglasses tick every style box.

Prada Sport sunglasses are also a new addition and offer something a little more sports orientated and great for everyday on-the-go chic with understated classic styles complete with the vibrant Prada Sport logo. Wraparound sunglasses, visor style sunglasses, geek chic style sunglasses (thick frames and narrow lenses) and aviator sunglasses are the hot designs to look out for and perfectly capture that summer chic look with a casual edge.

Ray-Ban sunglasses never fail to be a hot favourite and the style icons cannot get enough of the revamped and on-trend colourful Wayfarers which are constantly seen when the sun comes out (and even when it doesn’t!). This season, Ray-Ban have also launched Limited Edition Wayfarers which of course, are only available for a limited amount of time and are going to be a firm style favourite this summer an sure to be seen at the music festivals. One of the most classic of all the Ray-Ban’s and one of the first styles of sunglasses to be launched is the Aviator RB3025 sunglass which is still going strong and a classic that has been adapted to incorporate various lens and frame colours but retaining the original edge that makes it so popular and again, a favourite among the celebrities!

For something ultra dramatic, glamorous and show stopping look no further than BVLGARI sunglasses. These sunglasses are always regarded as on trend due to their high fashion appeal that never fails to attract attention. Regularly spotted on the most chic of style icons and celebrities BVLGARI sunglasses are the depiction of luxury fashion. With intricately designed hinge detailing, embellishments that often stretch down the length of the arm and the incorporation of exquisite colours the collection of oversized and visor style BVLGARI sunglasses are timeless accessories.

Tom Ford is the man of the moment in both movies and fashion and his collection of Tom Ford sunglasses are wonderfully chic and glamorous. One particular style that will definitely turn heads is the oversized Nico Sunglass style – these sunglasses are creatively designed with a triangular style frame but as this season is all about going bold and as fashion is about creating a statement then why not give them a try and assert your own unique high fashion style! Other styles include the more classic and slim framed oversized styles as well as some super chic new aviators which are timeless sunglass classics.

Lady Gaga shot to stardom in 2009 and she is now one of the most famous ladies in pop, also noted for her unusual but amazing sense of fashion. Whilst off stage Lady Gaga can often be spotted working the latest designer shades and she was recently featured on the front cover of V Magazine in a pair of MMJ112 Marc Jacobs peel-off style sunglasses! The MMJ112 sunglasses are an oversized retro style and look incredibly funky and stylish in hot seasonal colours. These are sure to be a favourite this spring/summer along with the other oversized and aviator Marc Jacobs sunglass styles.

The famous Oakley sunglass brand never fails to surprise and impress with its highly innovative and stylish range of sunglasses, perfect for every sporting need. Some of the new releases including the O Rokr and Split Thump incorporate added high tech features such as an MP3 player and Bluetooth so you can listen to your favourite tunes and keep in touch whilst on the go! The new Oakley Conduct frame is an amazingly slick visor style with Oakley’s unique High Definition Optics for precise visual clarity and a chic and bold aesthetic style. The Oakley M Frame sunglasses capture the futuristic style appeal and feature innovative M shaped lenses for function, style and comfort and the new Oakley Hinder sunglasses are an oversized style for ladies with that distinct Oakley attitude with a high trend edge. Oakley is always at the forefront of eyewear technology and the brand’s sunglasses never fail to look sleek and streamlined and convey that the wearer really means business!

Other hot brands to look out for include the classically sophisticated Chanel sunglasses  in addition to Dior sunglasses, Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses, Roberto Cavalli sunglasses, Gucci sunglasses and Armani sunglasses for a wide array of super glamorous sunglasses that make for the one faithful accessory that will remain stylish for seasons to come. D Squared sunglasses, Prada Sport sunglasses and Von Zipper sunglasses offer a fantastic range of sporty but cool sunglasses and are a hit among the extreme sport athletes and celebrities. For a classic touch of chic, look no further than Armani sunglasses, Roberto Cavalli sunglasses and for that injection of street style edginess, why not opt for a pair of innovatively designed Diesel sunglasses?

At Shade Station we are always on the lookout for the latest brands and styles and regularly update our sunglasses collections. Check out our style blog so you are up to speed with what’s hot and new in! Be sure to also check out our sales to get that sought after style at a fantastic price. Whatever style of sunglasses you opt for, or even if you are looking to try something new, we have all the latest and classic styles to ensure that we fulfil every sunglass style and function need.

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Tom Ford- Fashioning a new direction

February 8, 2010
Posted by sarah


Internationally successful designers are few and far between and even rarer, are designers that venture into filmmaking. Tom Ford is one such designer. At the helm of Gucci from the mid Nineties until 2004, Ford was credited with turning the ailing fashion house into the monster it is today. After parting ways with Gucci, Ford set up his own company ‘Tom Ford’ and began his business designing fabulous sunglasses and eyewear.

Today Ford is one of the worlds most successful and revered designers, however his creative genius has found another outlet in the form of film directing. Ford’s directing debut, ‘A Single Man’, has earnt its lead character, Colin Firth, a ‘Best Actor’ nomination in this year’s Oscars (The 82nd Academy Awards)! Could this be a new career direction for Mr Ford? It seems Tom Ford has the Midas touch. Already popular with the Hollywood A-list, for his beautifully designed clothes and glamorous sunglasses, they’ll all be clamouring for a role in his next movie!

As well as catching Ford’s debut movie at the cinema this spring, get in on a piece of the action with his popular range of Tom Ford sunglasses. Worn by the likes of Angelina Jolie (who was responsible for the popularity of the ‘Whitney’ crossover style sunglasses), J-Lo and Sienna Miller, Tom Ford sunglasses are some of the most fashionable sunglasses worn by celebrities. Ford’s collection of sunglasses is thoughtful and extensive, with styles to suit all face shapes and tastes. Aviator, vintage and oversized frames are all found in the range and anyone looking to enter the spring season looking stylish and on trend should look to Mr Ford for inspiration.

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Tom Ford Turns Director in ‘A Single Man’

January 27, 2010
Posted by Laura

Tom Ford is a certainly a prominent name in the Fashion industry and before pursuing his own line, the designer was Creative Director of luxury Italian brand Gucci whereby he was responsible for putting the label back on the high fashion map after the company was close to bankruptcy. He then started a couture label of his own which includes the fantastically stylish collection of Tom Ford sunglasses.

Ford also likes to use his creative mind within his advertising campaigns which are notorious for their risqué and provocative nature, often using erotic imagery and nudity in order to create a buzz about his collections, accessories and fragrances.

However, Tom Ford this year decided that he wanted to channel his creative eye into the world of movies and as a previous actor and model himself, he certainly has experience in the movie industry. His new film which is entitled ‘A Single Man’ tells the story of a gay literature professor, played by British actor Colin Firth in 1962 in Los Angeles who is struggling to come to terms with the death of his lover in a society that is very much against gay relationships or more so, pretends that homosexuality doesn’t exist. Based on the book by Christopher Isherwood, the movie has received positive reviews claiming that the portrayal of the story has been directed by Ford in a sensitive and eloquent manner. The film is said not to be one that is based around homosexuality, but more about dealing with loss; a feeling and emotion that many people can relate to regardless of their sexuality. The glamorous screenings of ‘A Single Man’ have taken place this month and will hit the UK silver screens at the end of January 2010. The film is even rumoured to be on its way to earning a Golden Globe.

It definitely seems that there is no end to Ford’s talents and whilst he is keen to continue his work in the film industry, he is still a very prominent figure within the fashion world and is definitely going to continue designing. He actually claimed in a recent interview that the objective of both film and fashion is to inspire people and considers them to be very similar.

The collections of Tom Ford sunglasses are bold, sophisticated, beautiful and dramatic which is very much the essence of the Tom Ford style in general. With a range of oversized designs with retro inspired figure of eight slim style frames in addition to some highly stylish aviator sunglasses (including the legendary James Bond sunglasses!), these designs really give you that high fashion, polished look that will instantly make you look like the ultimate glamazon!

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Tom Ford Sunglasses – Become a Style Queen This Season

December 23, 2009
Posted by Laura

Tom Ford is an iconic figure in the fashion industry and noted primarily for being the man responsible for turning Gucci which was on the edge of becoming bankrupt into a multi-billion dollar fashion house through the reinvention of its brand image including intelligent strategic marketing and a new bold and chic design. After leaving YSL in 2005 (Gucci had bought a controlling stake in Yves Saint Laurent and Ford was appointed creative director), Tom Ford and his partner Domenico de Sole founded ‘Tom Ford’ which was a new company that produces luxury high end and uber fashionable sunglasses.

If you are a fashion and style conscious individual, a pair of Tom Ford sunglasses should be one of your handbag essentials and can transform your on-the-go look in an instant. They have very much come to the forefront in 2009 and are set to be equally successful and prominent in 2010. People love the luxurious and ultra sophisticated essence of Tom Ford sunglasses with their typically glamorous oversized aesthetic and are regularly spotted on high profile celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Lindsay Lohan (pictured above wearing the Margaux Tom Ford sunglasses).

This season is all about being bold with strong silhouettes, colour and sharp chic lines. Tom Ford sunglasses perfectly compliment this with bold styles which are typically and dramatically oversized. If you want your look to be overstated yet chic, this is definitely the brand to opt for. The fun element of Tom Ford sunglasses is that each pair has a name to represent the style.

Here are some of the key Tom Ford styles to look out for-:

James Bond Exclusive-: As the name suggests, this is the cool aviator style that Daniel Craig in his portrayal of 007 in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace. Tom Ford was specifically asked to design the frames to perfectly suit the legendary and super charming and charismatic James Bond character!

Anais: A perfect contemporary frame for ladies that features dramatically oversized frames with a square shaped finish. This look is very much on trend for autumn and winter.

Whitney: A popular among celebrities such as the Olsen twins and Angelina Jolie, these sunglasses are very representative of the ‘bug eye’ look. A truly dramatic and glamorous frame with figure of eight style oval frames with bamboo style arms and a thick rounded frame, these are a must for every fashionista!

Andres: The Andres Tom Ford sunglasses are a unisex style and one of the sportier versions within the collection. Featuring large square shaped frames with rounded edges; this style is certainly unique with a hint of retro appeal.

Lilliana-: Tom Ford Lilliana sunglasses are largely popular as they depict the essence of drama, sophistication and class. The off white versions with subtle pink lenses are also a beautiful and unique colour combination and very complimentary against paler skins and blondes.

Tom Ford sunglasses represent an ultra high end and luxurious appeal and with their bold yet sophisticated features they are designed to make a statement about your look. No matter what your outfit, with the simple addition of a pair of Tom Ford’s you will instantly add a high fashion, couture edge to your look and  feel feminine and glamorous. With a wide array of colours available including, black and brown tones as well as lighter, muted and neutral tones, you are certain to find a pair of sunglasses within the range that compliment your skin tone and hair colour. The man who put Gucci firmly back on the map has definitely injected his own unique and high end style into his range of Tom Ford sunglasses making you look and feel every inch the Style Queen (or King!) this season.

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See in Summer 2009 with Tom Ford

February 19, 2009
Posted by Laura

Fashion trends come and go but there are certain accessory staples that will always be on trend. Sunglasses are one of them and even overtook the popularity of the bag in 2008. Every guy and girl need an ultra cool pair of shades to see in the spring and summer months and with London Fashion Week fast approaching, we are certain to see some stylish frames adorning the faces of the fashionistas to hide those late night party eyes.

Tom Ford sunglasses are sure to be one of those brands that we see in between (and probably during) the shows and are the perfect accessory to complete your wardrobe this summer. Glamorous, chic, and statement style is what Tom Ford is all about and a pair of his frames will ensure that you get noticed. Not only stylish but equally as functional, all Tom Ford sunglasses are hand crafted in Italy with exceptional attention to detail.

So what exactly is it that makes this brand so desired? Quite possibly the fact that every fashion loving celebrity owns a pair, of course! The various shapes available, particularly the oversized range, exuberate sophistication and drama and will instantly transform your dressed down jeans and t-shirt into an A list look. The famous ‘Whitney’ style has been updated for 2009 into a range of other female name inspired versions, including the ‘Simone’ style; a gorgeous black vintage style frame with bamboo effect arms. The ‘Yvette’ style with a gold frame and pearlised cream arms is definitely a personal favourite and epitomises the definition of glamour. Of course, there is something for the men too, and the Tom Ford James Bond range as seen on Daniel Craig in the most recent film ‘Quantum of Solace’ definitely give that sleek 007 vibe to your look!

Other celebrities who favour Tom Ford sunglasses include our very own Colleen Rooney, Paris and Nicky Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt. Tom Ford is absolutely one of the must have sunglasses brands this season and the great thing about his styles are that they never go out of fashion and will see you through many summers (and late night parties!) ahead.

Click here to visit our Tom Ford Sunglasses section

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Optical Illusions

August 22, 2008
Posted by Becci

Remember the time when glasses were confined to the realms of geekdom, and leaving the opticians with a pair of specs meant automatic relegation to nerd, before you could even say ‘four-eyes’? Well, those days are long gone, and the latest craze is wearing prescriptive-style glasses, even if you don’t need to. Just last week I noticed a gaggle of girls lining up to try on fake, NHS-style spectacles in Urban Outfitters in an attempt to update their look, so why this current change in thinking?

As always, it’s those big boy designers that have got something to do with it. The Autumn / Winter catwalks were awash with frames in every style, shape, size and colour. Michael Kors picked tortoiseshell to complement his neutral palette and animal print designs, whilst Chanel opted for classic gold. Also helping carve the trend were Tom Ford, Prada and Paul Smith.

A fantastic way to change your look, in the same way sunglasses can enhance your features, so can a pair of see-through specs. They can add personality and character, but also act as an extension of your beautifying process too. Glasses mean make-up doesn’t need to be as heavy, and rather than eyes lined in thick, black kohl, dark frames serve a purpose in highlighting and opening up the eye area.

Functional and fashionable, this new era of optics also means there are a lot more celebrities that are ‘out and proud’ about their glasses-wearing needs, and are starting to favour frames over contacts. So if you’re the real thing and you’re lucky enough to own a pair of designer specs, this is definitely the season to flaunt your frames!

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Sunglasses Overshadow the ‘It’ Bag

August 19, 2008
Posted by Laura

During 2008, it has been reported that the sales of sunglasses have overtaken the sales of designer handbags. Apparently the typical Balenciaga tote addict has now turned her spending attention towards the latest designer sunglasses. Statement shades are now the one luxury item that shoppers are still willing to spend their hard earned cash on and have thus being labelled as the new replacement ‘image item’ among teenage girls and women.

The reason as to why sunglasses are the new must have accessory is likely due to the fact that they are a more accessible and economical way of purchasing a high end luxury brand item. Every season there is a new style available which immediately captures the attention of the fashion conscious but this is nevertheless, a far more affordable alternative to buying the latest ‘it’ bag. For example, during 2007 and 2008, the main sunglasses trend has come in the form of aviators and vintage Jackie O styles which immediately conveys a luxurious and glamorous style statement.

The rise in popularity of sunglasses has also triggered further designers such as Tom Ford and Armani to catch on and attach their names the latest style of frames. They have also designed unisex versions making them more appealing to both men and women. It isn’t either just women who are contributing to the high sales as men are also using sunglasses as a way of conveying their sense of style and masculine identity.

Sunglasses are so much more than just a simple accessory; they provide the ability to create a real designer fashion statement which suits the individual without breaking the bank. The fact that they have overtaken the sales of the latest ‘it’ bag is certainly proof of that.

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