Growing up, I always wanted to wear sunglasses during those hot, sunny Alabama days. Now remember, I was the reason I was wearing prescription glasses in the first place and my sunglasses fascination became a deep desire of mine because sunglasses would be an unnecessary and additional purchase for my parents.

At age 13, during my annual optometrist visit, that changed. I had selected the usual five or six pairs of frames to try on. You know me by now, the frames had to vary in color and shape. I was trying on these retangle-ish, gold pair, and I remember the sales rep saying “Oh, these come with sunglasses too.” With the coldest teenage side eye I could give, I sarcastically responded, “sure they do” followed by an eye roll. Suddenly, the sales rep hands me a case and says “just click them on”. In my hand was a pair of glasses with clip-on sunglasses! Talk about winning! I turned to my mom and she let out a sigh of relief as if she knew what was normally hours of waiting for me to decide on a pair of glasses had now turned into just waiting on the prescription to be ready within the hour!

You couldn’t tell me anything walking out of Bel-Air Mall in Mobile with those clip-on sunglasses! I was ready to conquer this sunny world - LOL! I took better care of the clip-on than I did the actual glasses. If the sun looked like it was going to shine, I had those clips on. Believe it or not, my next three pair of glasses had clip-on sunglasses. I wouldn’t even look at anything without the necessory! On hot summer day, while swimming in the Gulf of Mexico during a family trip, a wave took me under. I came up - no glasses or clips. The frames were floating with no clips in sight. I was devastated! Not my favorite necessory - taken away from me in the crash of a wave. Needless to say, the rest of my beach trip was ruined (and I’m still not to fond of any large body of water). I had an attitude and had to squint from the glare of the sun - I was just angry! From that moment until recent years, I didn’t worry about sunglasses anymore!

Now don’t get me wrong, clip-on sunglasses are still highly functional. Some say it is a hassle to keep up with the clips and the carrying case is not clutch (purse) friendly. I always recommend clip-on sunglasses as options for the eyeglass-wearer with a minimalist style. For the eyewear extrovert like me, clip-ons may be functional, but aren’t available with the style of frames we like. Currently, I own two pair of affordable prescription sunglasses. The first pair is style “#123925” from Zenni Optical (www.zennioptical.com) purchased before lenses for $6.95. The second pair is “Elena” in black from Wherelight (www.wherelight.com) purchased before lenses for $19.95.

Purchasing Prescription Sunglasses is Easy!

There are four options to prescription sunglasses to fit your lifestyle:

1. Transition Lenses - I suggest this option for anyone that doesn’t want to keep up with clip-ons or extra frames. These lenses cost more and cloudy day/indoor/outdoor transitions can be a little shady - no pun intended.

2. Purchase Frames That Have a Clip-on - Perfect for any minimalist eye-wearer that doesn’t want to buy multiple frames. Many online stores and brick & mortars offer these options. You will have to carry a protective case for the clips. Clips are fragile & connect with a magnet or hook over the arm.

3. Tent Your Lenses - Buy any pair in store or online and have the lenses tinted. This is the option that works best for me. I simply find the most inexpensive frame and have the lenses tinted. I still carry a case just for these frames. Have fun with choosing the tint style: solid or mirrored.

4. Buy Name Brand Sunglasses - Simply buy the frame (during out of season sales at department stores to cut the cost) and have your prescription lenses inserted. Although I have never personally tried this option before, I’m told it’s a simple process. It can be costly since you’re buying the frames & having the lenses put in. Not all frames can be altered & may cost more - so try at your own risk!

THIS WEEK’S EYEWEAR:

All About Prescription Sunglasses:

That 9-5: Perfect for outdoor team building events and lunch.

Girl’s Day Out: Yes, try tortoiseshell & black colors as they are versatile enough to go with everything and every color (even headwraps)!

BAE Night/Day: Absolutely! (I’ve never been a fan of sunglasses at night, but it floats your boat, go for it!)

Loungin’: These frames are must haves when lounging anywhere outside!

Overall, I give these glasses a 5 out of 5. Amazing fit - Versatile - Anytime Favs!

Until next week and daily on Instagram @_necessory_

-Keirston