Sponsored Post: Winter Getaways, with Sunglass Hut

23 Comments

1. Are there designer sunglasses that are also polarized? I have worn contacts for decades and my eyes are sensitive to glare. I do better with more of a wrap style with polarized lenses. So far, Maui Jim’s meet these needs the best, but are there more fun styles out there?

   1. I’ve had good luck finding polarized sunglasses at Nordstrom. They have kate spade, gucci, michael kors, marc jacobs, and others.

   2. Second polarized lenses and Maui Jims. The polarization cuts glare to zero and is quite wonderful for being on the water or in snow. One word of warning: it is hard to read my phone while wearing polarized lenses–esp if I’m using my phone as a GPS while driving.

2. I’m pretty small all over (small boned, and thin – think the model wearing the maxi-dress above), and I find that larger sunglasses like this just look ridiculous on me. Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find any nice ones (and rarely can find not-so-nice ones) that aren’t that bigger, oversized style.

   1. I have the same problem! I would be willing to splurge on one nice pair, but it is so hard to find one that looks good! Maybe I’ll check out some childrens sunglasses.

   2. Check prescription places too. You can always buy them with non rx lenses.

      1. By the way, if you get sunglasses with prescription lenses, they are eligible for flexible spending. Someone at LensCrafters just told me while I was going through some of my 2012 leftover savings (had a lot taken out this year thinking I might need sinus surgery but thankfully finally found the right antibiotic and all got resolved). Had never thought about using FSA this way.

3. 60 minutes did a really interesting story on how Luxottica essentially has a monopoly on the glasses/sunglasses market. They do the design and manufacturing and they own Sunglasses Hut and some vision insurance companies. It was specifically discussed that Coach sunglasses are almost identical to much cheaper ones and the price differential is solely for the brand name. Here’s the transcript:
   http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57527151/sticker-shock-why-are-glasses-so-expensive/

   1. Yes! I saw that report, and it made me think 2 things— Luxotica is genius company, and I will never buy designer-branded sunglasses.

4. I read/overheard somewhere that wearing red or yellow sunglasses in sunlight is bad for your eyes. Is this true? And why would someone wear red/yellow tinted lenses indoors? I suppose you could wear them at night cuz ur 2 kool 4 skool.

   1. I don’t know if it would be bad for your eyes, assuming that they have proper protection and polarizing, but they probably would seem way too bright for comfort and cause strain. Red and yellow lenses are better for lower light conditions and can make things much clearer. You’ll see a bunch of different colors for various sports where contrast matters like golf, fishing, shooting, etc. I actually want a pair of yellow ones for driving in rain/fog.

5. Speaking of tropical getaways – Anyone on here have good recommendations for all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean? My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon for next October/November 2013 and are looking for something private, romantic, yet not ridiculously pricey. And preferably not a resort with tons of kids running around. Any advice appreciated!

   1. October’s a pretty risky time of year to go to the Caribbean, as it’s hurricane season. Tapers off into early November, but still somewhat risky. The last thing you want is your honeymoon wrecked by a hurricane or tropical storm!

      1. Another rec to avoid hurricanes: check out the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao)–they are outside the hurricane belt. Bonaire is only fun if you are a scuba diver and can drive a stick (I have mixed feeling about Buddy Dive). Curacao is very pretty but I’ve only stayed in apartments there (check out the Scuba Bus–they are awesome). I haven’t been to Aruba.

         Roatan (my rec below) gets hit sometimes but not very often so might be a good bet.

      2. Yeah – I know there is a risk, but we are looking for options that don’t require a super long flight and are “tropical” in nature. Luckily, we can buy travel insurance in the event a hurricane derails our trip…

         Any other tropical destinations nearby would be good too! We’ll be departing from the south-east section of the country.

   2. If you scuba dive (or not), I highly, highly recommend Bananarama Resort in Roatan (island of the Coast of Honduras). http://www.bananaramadive.com/ The whole resort is private but the Island Pearl side is quieter and more protected from the crowds.

      I’ve visited 4 times in the last 3 years–it’s my go-to spot. The people are friendly, the airport has direct flights from Houston, and it’s pretty cheap! There are some kids around but I’ve never been bothered by them. There are “Cruise ship days” where the resort fills up with crowds but there is a roped off area for resort guests that stays pretty quiet and the restaurant staff are good at letting us cut in line for food and drinks. I use those days to dive, people watch, and go into West End to buy souvenirs.

   3. We honeymooned in Belize and really enjoyed our time there. Plus, Delta flies direct from Atl to Belize City and the flight is short (2-3 hours)

   4. DH and I went to the Valentin Imperial Maya last winter. It’s halfway between Cancun and Playa, so airfare from the southeast is inexpensive and convenient. The food is pretty good, there is top shelf liquor included and the wine is as good as what I buy for ordinary usage at home. (For reference, Our food standards: Carolina’s and Magnolia in Charleston; City House and Margot in Nashville, Galatoire’s, NOLA, Commander’s Palace and the bar at Antoine’s in New Orleans for food. Our wine standards for keep around the house stuff – 10 to $15 a bottle at the grocery store, and yes I know our wine standards are out of line with our food standards!). Beach and pool service are included, as is room service. No time share hawkers. Multiple pools, quite large, one of which is activity pool and others are quiet. Adults only. Service excellent and pleasant. Reservation-less system for meals. The reviews and photos on tripadvisor are accurate. Beautiful resort, very spread out, such that only potential negative I would mention is that it might not be best choice for anyone wih mobility issues. I’m not a big fan of all-inclusives, but this is one to which we will return.

      1. I LOVE Margot in Nashville. Excellent taste! Thanks for the recommendation!

6. I like sunglasses, and I know I should wear them if only to prevent skin damage around my eyes/wrinkles from squinting. But no matter what kind I buy, no matter the price point/style, they always make dark red indentations on the sides of my nose.

   And the marks last for a long time: once on a long drive, I wore sunglasses for about an hour because I was driving directly into the sun and had no real choice. When the road turned I took them off, and 90 minutes later when I arrived at my destination I still had marks on my nose!

   Any suggestions? I’ve read tips suggesting you should lightly massage the skin after removing the glasses to increase blood circulation, but that doesn’t seem to make much of a difference.

   1. They might just be too tight for where they sit on your nose. Try frames with adjustable nose pieces, and have them professionally fitted.

7. This post makes me want a beach vacation.

8. I went to Turks & Caicos in November….aaaaah to be back there now! Can’t wait to plan my next…

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