Effective Advertising and Info Management

There is something about a pair of sunglasses that makes them arguably one of the most quintessential ‘must-have’ items of all time. Not only are they immensely practical, offering protection from the dangers of the sun, they are an enormously versatile fashion accessory, available in a huge range of styles, colors and prices to suit every pocket. Given their worldwide popularity, sunglass manufacturing has become a very lucrative, but highly competitive industry and while some manufacturers rise and wane in the public affections, there is one company that remains forever synonymous with the eyeglasses that protect our eyes from the rays of the sun: Ray-Ban

Although Us President, Benjamin Franklin, is often credited with inventing eyeglasses (he was the one who developed the first bifocal lens in the 1780’s), the first reading glasses were developed in Italy, as early as 1260. People continued to be fascinated by all things optical throughout the centuries that followed, then, in the mid-eighteen hundreds British scientist James Ayscough began to research tinted glass, and the possibility that such technology may be used to improve vision impaired eyesight. As successful as he was, it was not until 1929 that the idea that glasses could filter the sun’s rays was given any serious consideration. At that time, U.S. optical company, Foster Grant, began to develop the idea further, until finally, later that same year, the first ever pair of sunglasses were sold from a Woolworth’s store on the Atlantic City boardwalk.

Recognizing that the new technology could be beneficial to their pilots, the U.S. Army Air Corps asked another prominent American company, Bausch & Lomb, to develop eyeglasses that would protect the eyes from the dangers of the glaring sun, when flying.

It was U.S. eyeglass company, Ray-Ban, who really ran with the concept. In 1936, using the newly available polarized lenses, and a wide frame that offered maximum protection from the sheen of an instrument panel, Ray-Ban began to produce a lens that banned the sun’s rays. Some three years later, this model of sunglass so popular with pilots, became readily available to the American public. Ray-Ban ‘aviators’ were born.

As Americans came of age, so too did their eyewear. Throughout the war years Ray-Ban continued its working partnership with the Air Force, creating Gradient mirror lenses that managed to be both highly practical and fashionable at the same time. There was something about that American flyer in his tough brown leather flight jacket, whose sunglasses hid his eyes. Ray-Ban had just made sunglasses sexy.

Ubiquitous in the 1950’s, sunglasses became more than just eye protection. Worn by A-list celebrities in Vegas and Hollywood -stars whose every move was scrutinized and emulated all over the country- sunglasses became a fashion accessory, and Ray-Ban was quick to accommodate the growing trend for new designs and colorful frames, which they marketed to women in particular.

Keeping abreast of space-age technology, the company developed shatterproof lenses in the 1960’s and the popularity of sunglasses continued to rise when fashion icon Jackie Kennedy was often seen with her trademark, oversized frames. On the silver screen, sunglasses were becoming an essential part of any actor’s costume, with movie stars like Peter Fonda and Audrey Hepburn, playing stylish, sunglass-wearing, characters who were able to hide their eyes from the audience and remain convincing.

Ray-Ban continued to develop new styles and designs in the 1970’s and 1980’s: their ‘Wings’ model was indeed a forerunner to the very modern, half-frame, lens of today. In the era of American TV cop shows, like Starsky & Hutch, and Chips, the mirrored lenses once so popular in the 1940’s, began to reappear. Ray-Ban was retro.

Stylish and modern, funky and retro, Ray-Ban remains at the forefront of sunglass manufacturing to this day, no mean feat when one considers the competition out there. Undoubtedly, the company will continue to have staying power in the industry, because throughout the decades it has evolved with the nation to give people exactly what they want for their eyes: the reliable protection of a hi-tech pair of sunglasses, and the serious ‘cool’ of a damn sexy pair of shades.

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for several online and offline businesses. He currently lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son.
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In order to dress well on a small budget it is important to purchase classic styles, instead of very trendy fashion pieces. Choose a combination of colors that flatters you and
purchase separates in these coordinating colors. Dressing monochromatically creates an elegant look. Be sure all of your blacks or navies match completely. Classic color combinations such as brown, robin’s egg blue and cream or black, beige and cream create a luxe look.

Buying natural fibers is very important. Try to purchase classic styles on sale in better stores or consignment stores. Purchase cotton, silk, wool or cashmere pieces on sale or at consignment stores. Incredible buys can be found at consignment stores in upscale neighborhoods. Fit is of utmost importance. Always buy pieces for your wardrobe that fit well, if your sew you can alter pieces yourself. If you find a “must have” piece on sale it may be worth investing in alterations to create the perfect fit. Purchase the following items in your classic coordinated colors and mix and match:

Several pairs of flat front, boot leg cut trousers in tan, navy and black.
Boot leg cut trousers never go out of style and are flattering to all figure types.

A pair of boot leg cut jeans that have the waistband slightly below the waist.

A twinset in your complementing color, cashmere if at all possible. Check the consignment stores for this item.

A classic blouse in your complementing color, cream is a good choice here.

A skirt that is of a traditional A line cut.

Classic pumps with a medium heel.

One handbag, sometimes its good to splurge and buy a logo bag, be it Gucci or Coach. Logo bags go in and out of style but basically they upgrade your look and the quality is such that you can carry one for years.

White tee shirts of better quality cotton knit.

A man’s tailored white button down shirt.

A denim jacket.

Gold earrings, try to buy 10 carat gold, if not 14 carat gold.

A gold chain link necklace.

The above items are classic pieces and can usually be purchased at better stores at end of the season sales. Mixing and matching the above pieces will create a classic, signature look, that will make you look put together and elegant.

Anna Marie Hartman owns http://www.CurvyandChic.com, a web site dedicated to the plus size woman. She has extensive experience in the fashion and image consulting industries.