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CNN
22-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNN
The most stylish sunglasses under $150, according to stylists and editors
Sunny weather is on the horizon, which means your everyday fashion is getting upgraded with the beloved accessory that can polish off any look: sunglasses. While the cost-per-wear justifies your sunglasses purchase quickly during spring and summer, it doesn't hurt to stick to a budget. Fortunately, there are lots of editor- and stylist-loved pairs that give you an elevated and high-end look without breaking the bank. 'There are many designer dupes for very affordable price points and they will give you the look you're going for. Just be mindful of their quality when it comes to protecting your eyes and the delicate skin around the eye area,' Samantha Brown, a celebrity stylist based in both New York and Miami, said. To help you find your iconic pair of sunglasses for the spring season, we've rounded up a few polarized, nonpolarized and even prescription sunglasses that fall under $150 so you can stick to a budget without sacrificing style. Sojos Retro Rectangle Polarized Sunglasses I bought these last summer since they looked like a designer pair I'd been eyeing but cost a fraction of the price. The glasses haven't stretched out (no matter how many times I've worn them like a headband), and they look chic for all seasons. Plus, as my everyday sunglasses, they've taken quite a beating while staying nearly scratch-free. Ray-Ban Justin Color Mix Sunglasses Ray-Ban was a brand recommended by most of the stylists we reached out to, including Brown. Rebecca Klein and Martina Gordon, former models turned stylists at Beckie+Martina, also love Ray-Ban. The brand offers classic styles, such as this colorblocked pair, that are timeless and durable and can even be designed with prescription lenses for an added cost. Machete Ruby '90s Sunglasses "Machete is one of my go-to brands for affordable and eco-friendly sunglasses that are also fresh yet timeless," Liz Teich, a New York-based fashion stylist and style creator, said. "This '90s-inspired pair had me swoon because of the retro shape that also looks timeless. I always gravitate toward their tortoiseshell styles, which can be flattering on most!" Quay High Key Wire Frame Aviator Sunglasses "Quay's quality is amazing for the price," Teich said. "I have a pair that my 5-year-old daughter tends to steal, and it holds up to the test with her, so I'd highly recommend them for their durability." This timeless aviator style comes in both polarized and nonpolarized options for a slight change in cost. Warby Parker Elio Sunglasses Warby Parker is a great place to start if you need prescription glasses, but the brand also offers nonprescription styles. CNN Underscored associate updates writer Maxwell Shukuya is a fan of the Elio style, saying that after lots of wear, as well as getting tossed in his bag for trips and while commuting, the glasses are still in great shape. Plus, the design still feels stylish. Eyebuydirect The Modernist Aviator Black Frame Sunglasses I can't recall a time when I wore these sub-$50 sunglasses out and didn't have someone ask me where I got them. It's a unisex style, and the black frames paired with an amber lens adds a trendy touch, though the frame shape itself is classic. I'm debating upgrading to a prescription pair since I love wearing them so much. Kelly & Katie Agent Sunglasses "While DSW may be known for its endless pages of shoes to shop, it also has tons of accessories to choose from," CNN Underscored fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw said. "I recently picked up these oval-shaped sunnies that have a '90s feel. They're comfortable and go with pretty much everything thanks to the metallic frames. I think this style is suited better for wider face shapes like mine — they feel pretty broad — but there are dozens of other Kelly & Katie sunglasses under $20 to try." Crap Eyewear The Heavy Tropix "I like that these glasses have a classic look and feel with a variety of color options, plus polarized lenses, as well as Crap Eyewear's commitment to making sunglasses a more environmentally sustainable purchase," CNN Underscored associate editor Jillian Tracy said. She's taken these glasses on park walks, vacations and summer days in the sun, and they're still scratch-free, thanks to the included case with purchase. Aire Haedus Sunglasses "I've been crushing on this brand Aire that makes sunglasses for a steal, and they look high-end," Teich said. "This oversize pair looks just like the Celine sunglasses my kid sat on and destroyed, so I may have to replace mine with this!" Goodr A Unicorn's Calamity Blackout Sunglasses CNN Underscored outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor Kai Burkhardt is a big fan of Goodr for affordable sunglasses. "If you're looking for a pair of budget sunglasses, you can't go wrong with a pair from Goodr," he said. "Will they stay scratch-free for years? No. But do they look good, stay on your face and cost only $25? Absolutely." Crap Eyewear The Lucid Blur Sunglasses "I've owned these sunglasses for a few years now and they've become a staple of my fall and summer wardrobes," CNN Underscored associate deals editor Elena Matarazzo said. "They're simple enough to go with most outfits but interesting enough to add a slight statement to basic ensembles like a white tee and jeans. As someone who constantly pushes her sunglasses up, I'm obsessed with the barrel hinges and hardware that prevents stretching." Sojos Retro Polarized Aviator Sunglasses "There's something about an oversized aviator that always feels effortlessly cool, so I tend to recommend the $15 Amazon version to those who are unsure if it's something they want to invest in," Teich said. This is a unisex pair that comes in both classic neutrals and fun color options. Raen Keera Cat-Eye Sunglasses Both Klein and Gordon like these sleekly designed sunglasses that offer protection, with their high-quality lenses, in addition to style. This two-toned pair adds a unique touch to your everyday look. Eyebuydirect Seah Sunglasses CNN Underscored associate testing writer Joe Bloss has had his pair of prescription sunnies from Eyebuydirect for years and they're still going strong. "Tortoise isn't going out of style, and for an affordable price — $69 with lenses, though there's always some sort of sale at EBD — this pair has been shockingly durable," he said. "It's survived hot days in the car, cramped trips in a backpack and countless on-and-off swaps whenever I switch back to regular glasses." Quay Chit Chat Sunglasses Teich said the cat-eye shape of this pair will be flattering on most face shapes. These sunnies have a classic tortoiseshell pattern with a soft, feminine design. The lenses aren't polarized, but they're a durable pair to keep in your bag for spring and beyond. The following FAQs have been answered by stylists Samantha Brown, Martina Gordon, Rebecca Klein and Liz Teich. How can you tell if sunglasses are high quality? How can you tell if sunglasses are high quality? 'High-quality sunglasses are made from more durable materials, have better-quality lenses and provide UV protection as well as polarization,' Brown said. 'UV protection and polarization are particularly important because they protect your eyes from harmful sun exposure.' For high-quality materials, Gordon and Klein recommend sunglasses made with polycarbonate or glass, as well as acetate or high-grade metals. 'Cheaper lenses have no or inadequate UV protection; thin, brittle plastic frames; poor clarity; lightweight, low-density lenses; weak hinges; no polarization or fake polarization,' Gordon and Klein said. Which brands have the best sunglasses? Which brands have the best sunglasses? The brand mentioned by all of the stylists we spoke to was Ray-Ban, with both Oakley and Quay being mentioned as other great brands to look at. While we can't say precisely which brand is the best, the stylists we spoke to liked those brands for their durability, design and price points, though Ray-Ban and Oakley are on the pricier side. 'I think it's important to note that most sunglasses are made from nonbiodegradable plastic, and many of the designer pairs are made in the same factory, so you're often paying for the markup with the brand name and not the quality of the glasses,' Teich said. She likes Machete's sustainable bio-acetate frames and also mentioned Quay's quality as 'amazing for the price.' For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights. Samantha Brown, a New York- and Miami-based celebrity stylist Martina Gordon, a former model and current New York-based stylist at Beckie+Martina Rebecca Klein, a former model and current New York-based stylist at Beckie+Martina Liz Teich, a New York-based fashion stylist, style creator and on-air style expert CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, our writer Ellen McAlpine spoke to editors on the CNN Underscored team and reached out to stylists to uncover the best sunglasses for spring to help you get started accessorizing.
Forbes
21-04-2025
- Forbes
11 Products To Help Traveling Moms Improve Their Next Trip
These ideas can help make Mom's life easier at home and when traveling. getty If you are searching for the perfect Mother's Day for frequent-traveling moms, these ideas might help spark some interest. Every traveler has their own routines and needs. But with an ever-evolving list of travel products out there, there are still options that may surprise the road warriors in your life. These suggestions can ease stress and improve the journey for the moms you love. There are plenty of carry-on bags on the market, and some are lighter than others. Especially when traveling on certain airlines overseas that weigh the bags you bring, the brand you bring can make a difference. Travel expert Samantha Brown suggests writing everything down that you plan to do on your trip. This helps you to be able to only pack what you need and travel lighter with just a carry-on. AIRS luggage collection is stylish, lightweight and designed to be different. AIRS Luggage Some popular carry-on bag examples include the hard-shelled Airs bags that pack a lot more than just clothes, but also plenty of personality. When buying the bag, a short questionnaire helps decide which fits your needs. They come in different color combinations that give a bold energy with different hues for the bag and the wheels. The bags, in both carry-on and larger sizes, feature compression straps to allow you to pack more, including in easy-access pockets, and a TSA-approved combination lock. AWAY bags have a lifetime guarantee. AWAY A perennially popular bag is the carry-on collection from Away. The expandable carry-on bag has a zipper that gives the bag an extra 2.25 inches for those extra purchases when away. It still fits into most domestic airline carry-on sizers. It also comes with a travel laundry bag to separate gifts from dirty laundry. The hard polycarbonate shell is sturdy, and Away has a lifetime guarantee to repair the bag's wheels or zipper, among other things, if it breaks. Travel diets are often different from home routines, and moms can suffer energy or clarity loss when lacking certain vitamins. That's why supplements that are easy to pack and are eligible to cross borders can be a great gift. These supplements are convenient to put into a purse or carry-on bag. TRU Niagen Tru Niagen supplements, once exclusive to athletes, can boost the body's nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels designed for healthier immune systems and cell support. Radiant skin, especially after frequent flying, is important for many travelers, and NAD+ also plays a factor in skin appearance and making cells more resilient to stress. These supplements come in discounted bundle packs. ActivatedYou Another popular option is the wide variety of supplements from ActivatedYou designed to combat various health concerns. This includes everything from immune boosters and probiotics to biocollagen blends and thyroid health. The brand also sells complementary bundles that help support things like weight loss or better skin care, all of which are important for the road warrior. All of its products come in TSA-friendly spray bottles or in capsule or powder form. These ear buds fit snugly into the ear to avoid falling out when on the go. Panasonic And if it's meditating with an app, listening to your favorite podcast or working out to music, the Panasonic AZ100 Wireless Earbuds are great for use on the plane or on a morning jog. With no messy cord to worry about, these high-tech in-ear headphones have an adaptive noise canceling feature and voice focus powered by artificial intelligence. They come in a sleek black or silver color and have a case that slides into a pocket or purse. According to Timothy Beck Worth of Mashable, 'this pair brings HiFi sounds to the masses.' If someone locates your item, they can scan the QR code to notify you. Knog's Apple Air Tags are great, but they rely on other Apple devices being in the vicinity to ping off of and deliver its location. Knog's Scout Travel device has a compact tracker and digital ID to deliver its location and is integrated into the Find My app. It also has a motion-sensitive alarm that gives real-time location tracking. By attaching it to your luggage handle, it acts as a visible theft deterrent and has a built-in QR code to help track a lost item once found. Julia Buckley reports for CNN that airlines may only have limited resources to help reunite you with a lost bag and suggests that passengers should take matters into their own hands with such tracking devices, These hemp-derived CBD products use federally legal hemp flower in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill. Nama The trend to move away from stronger alcoholic drinks is only growing. In addition to mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks, Nama has a line of low-CBD products that include gummies and drink powders that are easy to travel with and help moms to relax after a day of work. They include options for sound rest, light bliss or energy boosts. There are small powder packets, solo packs of low-dose gummies and TSA-friendly buzz drops to add to a non-alcoholic drink or even coffee. The starter pack even comes with an online drink recipe guide. Travel+Leisure has reported on the growing trend of this being an anxiety-reducing product for frequent travelers. The article notes that it is important to research your destination first before traveling with them. These adaptogen-fueled mocktails are the ideal non-alcoholic aperitif to relax. De Soi The non-alcoholic apéritif spritzers from De Soi are another option and come in a variety of mocktail flavors. What helps moms mellow out with these canned mocktails are the natural adaptogens like lion's mane and L-theanine in each one. They are light, effervescent and flavorful. While these are not something to slip into a carry-on (given TSA liquid rules), they are worth seeking out at your destination or when back home. The Recess blends come in powder or liquid form. Recess And then there is Recess Mood, which comes as a sparkling water, but also in travel-friendly powder form to add to any beverage. With natural adaptogens and magnesium, this supplement or mocktail drink can help moms achieve a variety of different outcomes. The mood sampler pack includes recipes like magnesium L‑threonate for brain health, L-theanine for tension relief and ginseng for better focus.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Yahoo
Travel expert Samantha Brown shares her top picks for the comfiest travel shoes — all on sale
When you travel 150 days each year and have trekked across 65 countries (and counting), a comfortable pair of shoes is one of the most important things you can pack. "It's the difference between enjoyment and torture," says travel expert Samantha Brown, the two-time Emmy Award-winning host of Places to Love. "I like to walk for hours to get the feel of a place. Uncomfortable shoes mean I'm just focused on sitting down or having to pay a lot of money for shoes at the destination." As a travel expert myself, I couldn't agree more. It's so easy to hit my 10K-steps-a-day goal when I'm exploring that I often raise the bar to 15 or 20K. New places also introduce all kinds of new terrain, including slippery cobblestone (Lisbon and Rome come to mind), wildly uneven sidewalks (I'm looking at you, Mexico City) and more stone steps than you ever thought you'd ever climb (Old Town Dubrovnik is undefeated). Don't underestimate what you're demanding of your feet when you travel. To help you pound the pavement safely and with minimal pain and fatigue, Brown shared seven of the most comfortable shoes she's ever packed for travel, including a few go-to airport shoes. Slipping into any of this footwear is a step in the right direction. The best part? Every single one is on sale during Amazon's Big Spring Sale.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Yahoo
Springfield spotlighted on PBS's ‘Places to Love' Route 66 episode
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Springfield will be showcased in episode nine of PBS's 'Samantha Brown's Places to Love,' premiering later this month. On Sunday, March 23, the episode will focus on Route 66. Host Samantha Brown will bring viewers on the journey from Missouri to Oklahoma stopping by famous destinations such as the St. Louis Arch, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, Uranus Fudge Factory, the Springfield History Museum on the Square and other locations before ending at Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios in Tulsa. 'I used the road to discover our country's small treasures, hidden towns, and not too distant past – connecting with those who have carried the Route 66 torch for so long, to a newer generation ready to inform the next 100 years!' said Brown in a press release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Yahoo
Travel expert Samantha Brown shares her top picks for the comfiest travel shoes
When you travel 150 days each year and have trekked across 65 countries (and counting), a comfortable pair of shoes is one of the most important things you can pack. "It's the difference between enjoyment and torture," says travel expert Samantha Brown, the two-time Emmy Award-winning host of Places to Love. "I like to walk for hours to get the feel of a place. Uncomfortable shoes mean I'm just focused on sitting down or having to pay a lot of money for shoes at the destination." As a travel expert myself, I couldn't agree more. It's so easy to hit my 10K-steps-a-day goal when I'm exploring that I often raise the bar to 15 or 20K. New places also introduce all kinds of new terrain, including slippery cobblestone (Lisbon and Rome come to mind), wildly uneven sidewalks (I'm looking at you, Mexico City) and more stone steps than you ever thought you'd ever climb (Old Town Dubrovnik is undefeated). Don't underestimate what you're demanding of your feet when you travel. To help you pound the pavement safely and with minimal pain and fatigue, Brown shared seven of the most comfortable shoes she's ever packed for travel, including a few go-to airport shoes. Slipping into any of this footwear is a step in the right direction.
