by Maddie Shelton | Nov 6, 2025 | Eye Health, Eyewear, Travel, Trends
When winter arrives in Northern Michigan, the adventures don’t stop; they just get a little brighter. From the glisten of fresh snow to the glow of golden sunsets over frozen lakes, the season brings its own beauty and challenges. Snow glare and shifting light can be harsh on your eyes, making prescription sunglasses an essential part of your winter gear.
Why Prescription Sunglasses Matter in Winter
Even in colder weather, UV rays are intense, and snow can reflect up to 80% of them. Whether you’re skiing, hiking, or enjoying a winter drive, prescription sunglasses keep your vision sharp while protecting your eyes from harmful rays. Polarized lenses are beneficial, cutting through glare and enhancing contrast so you can see every detail of the winter landscape.
Style Meets Function
At The Sunglass Shoppe, we carry brands that strike a balance between performance, comfort, and style, because your eyewear should look as good as it performs.
Maui Jim: Perfect for snow-covered mornings or afternoons on the water, their polarized lenses boost color and clarity while reducing glare from reflective surfaces. Lightweight and durable, they’re ideal for winter sports or daily wear.
Zeal Optics: Designed for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts, Zeal’s sustainable frames and polarized lenses make them a favorite for skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking in variable light.
Ray-Ban Meta: For the tech-savvy and on-the-go, these innovative frames merge style with smart features, great for travel days or working remotely in a cozy coffee shop.
KREWE: A standout for fashion-forward eyewear lovers, KREWE brings vibrant colors and bold designs that pair perfectly with layered winter looks.
No matter where your winter adventures take you, your eyewear should move with you, protecting your eyes while enhancing your personal style. Visit The Sunglass Shoppe’s Unique Optics locations in Petoskey or Traverse City to explore our 40+ collections and find the perfect prescription sunglasses for the season.
by Maddie Shelton | Oct 9, 2025 | Eyewear, Trends
Fall fashion is all about cozy textures, warm tones, and layered looks, and your stylish sunglasses deserve a spot in that mix. Just because summer is behind us in Northern Michigan doesn’t mean it’s time to pack away your shades. The crisp light and colorful scenery of autumn call for eyewear that enhances both your outfit and your outlook.
At The Sunglass Shoppe, we believe the right pair of sunglasses can turn an everyday look into a statement. Here’s how to accessorize your fall wardrobe with style, confidence, and eye protection.
Pair Warm Neutrals with Classic Frames
Fall wardrobes often feature darker neutrals, think camel, olive, chocolate, and rust. These shades look amazing paired with timeless sunglass styles, such as aviators or tortoiseshell frames. Brands like Maui Jim and Persol offer rich, classic tones that complement your favorite trench coat or blanket scarf while keeping your eyes comfortable on sunny afternoons.
Add a Pop of Color for Contrast
If your fall palette leans muted, sunglasses are the perfect way to introduce a playful twist. Try bold or translucent frames from Krewe or Lafont for an unexpected splash of personality. A bold frame against a cozy sweater or denim jacket instantly takes your look from simple to standout.
Match Textures for a Polished Look
Autumn style is full of texture, leather boots, wool coats, corduroy pants, so let your eyewear play along. Matte finishes, brushed metals, or wood accents (like those from Zeal Optics) pair beautifully with the season’s tactile vibe. The goal is harmony, frames that feel like an intention of your outfit, not an afterthought.
Go Oversized for a Chic Statement
Oversized frames add instant drama and look incredible with fall staples like long coats and scarves. A bold pair of Gucci frames can elevate even the simplest jeans-and-sweater combo into an effortlessly chic look.
Make It Personal
Your eyewear should do more than just match your outfit; it should match your vibe. Whether you’re drawn to vintage-inspired shapes, modern minimalist lines, or bold artistic designs, The Sunglass Shoppe’s 40+ curated collections offer something that fits your fall vibe perfectly.
Stop by one of our locations in Petoskey, Traverse City, or Saugatuck to explore our fall-ready collections of sunglasses. Because seeing clearly and looking great should always go hand in hand.
by Maddie Shelton | Sep 10, 2025 | Eye Health, Eyewear, Trends
Fall is officially here, with it comes cozy sweaters, golden leaves, and our favorite seasonal coffee orders. Like your go-to latte or pumpkin spice treat, your eyewear says a lot about your personality and style. At The Sunglass Shoppe, your frames should match your vibe. Here’s our take on what eyewear pairs best with your fall coffee order.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Bold & Colorful Frames
The PSL is iconic, just like bold eyewear. Think vibrant colors, playful patterns, and statement shapes from brands like Nina Mûr or L.A. Eyeworks. Just as a pumpkin spice latte brightens your fall day, these frames bring warmth and personality to any look.
Classic Black Coffee: Minimalist Sophistication
Strong, straightforward, and no-nonsense, black coffee drinkers need eyewear that reflects timeless taste. Sleek, lightweight styles from LINDBERG are perfect. Understated but refined, these frames let your confidence do the talking.
Caramel Macchiato: Chic & Stylish Sunglasses
Sweet but sophisticated, caramel macchiato lovers know how to strike a balance. Sunglasses from Gucci or KREWE add just the right amount of edge, combining luxury with flair. Like your favorite drink, they’re indulgent but never over the top.
Chai Latte: Artistic & Unique Frames
Comforting, spiced, and full of character, chai latte fans lean toward the creative side. Frames from Histoire de Voir or Zeal Optics (eco-friendly, too!) match this energy perfectly, unexpected, stylish, and conversation-starting.
Iced Coffee (Yes, Even in Fall): Cool & Effortless Style
If you’re sipping iced coffee while everyone else clutches hot mugs, you have a laid-back, confident vibe. Maui Jim sunglasses are your perfect fit, lightweight, polarized, and effortlessly cool. They let you enjoy crisp fall mornings without the glare.
Mocha: Fun & Playful Frames
Mocha drinkers love a little sweetness with their style. Look for frames in bold shapes or warm autumn-inspired tones, which feel fun but polished. Colorful Lafont frames add just the right balance of charm.
Just like your fall coffee order, your eyewear is personal. It should make you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to take on the season. At The Sunglass Shoppe, we offer 40+ collections of optical and sun frames to help you find your perfect match, no matter what’s in your cup.
by Maddie Shelton | Aug 8, 2025 | Eye Health, Eyewear, Trends
As summer winds down and the scent of fresh pencils fills the air, it’s time to start planning for the new school year. While you’re checking off backpacks and binders, don’t forget one of the most important school essentials, eyewear. Whether for a high school student, a college-bound teen, or an adult heading back to class or work, having the right prescription glasses can make a big difference in comfort, confidence, and classroom performance. Here are our top tips to help you shop smart for back-to-school eyewear.
1. Book an Eye Exam Early
Start the season with a clear view, literally. Vision can change rapidly, especially in kids and teens, so having a current prescription is key. Booking an exam in late summer means you’ll beat the back-to-school rush and have time to select the perfect frames without stress. Bonus: if it’s been over a year since your last exam, you may discover small vision changes you hadn’t noticed!
Pro Tip: If you wear contacts, an updated prescription for glasses is still essential as a backup.
2. Protect Eyes from Screens with Blue Light Lenses
Today, we spend more time than ever on screens, from working on a computer to Zoom classes. Blue light filtering lenses are designed to help reduce digital eye strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep patterns. Whether added to everyday glasses or a separate pair for computer use, these lenses can be a game-changer for focus and comfort.
Great For: Students working on tablets or laptops, gamers, and adults in online classes or remote work.
3. Find the Right Fit for All-Day Comfort
Glasses that fit well are non-negotiable. Poor-fitting frames can distract from learning and even cause headaches. When choosing eyewear for kids and teens, look for lightweight materials, flexible hinges, and proper bridge fit to stay in place through gym class and after-school adventures.
At The Sunglass Shoppe, our Eyewear Gurus take the time to ensure each frame is adjusted for a custom, secure fit, because comfort matters as much as style.
4. Make a Statement with Style
Eyewear isn’t just functional, it’s a fashion accessory! Confidence in the classroom often starts with how you feel about your look. From the minimal luxury of LINDBERG to the bold personality of L.A. Eyeworks, and the sleek modern design of Benny’s, our hand-selected brands offer something for every vibe. Want something professional for presentations or playful for school spirit? We’ve got you covered.
5. Consider a Backup Pair (Especially for Kids)
Lost, broken, or left at practice, glasses mishaps are inevitable. Having a second pair can save the day and keep students focused and stress-free. We recommend keeping a backup pair in lockers, backpacks, or at home just in case.
6. Sunglasses Count Too!
Back-to-school doesn’t mean indoors only. Outdoor sports, recess, bus stops, or walking to and from class means exposure to UV rays. Prescription sunglasses, or transition lenses that darken outdoors, help protect eyes from harmful rays while keeping vision sharp. Stylish and functional? Yes, please.
7. Shop Local, Get Personalized Service
Online deals might be tempting, but when it comes to your eyes, there’s no substitute for expert advice and personalized fittings. At The Sunglass Shoppe, we offer optical services and custom prescription lenses in our Petoskey and Traverse City locations. Our curated collection of 40+ brands means you’ll find something unique, and our team will make sure it fits your lifestyle, prescription, and personality.
Back-to-school is a fresh start, and the perfect time to update your look. Whether you’re shopping for your child, yourself, or even stocking up on accessories like blue light glasses or reading frames, The Sunglass Shoppe is here to help you see and be seen. Swing by one of our Northern Michigan locations or call ahead to book a fitting. Let’s get ready for a year of learning, growing, and looking great.
by Maddie Shelton | Jul 9, 2025 | Eyewear, Trends
Summer’s in full swing, and whether you’re lakeside, courtside, or curbside, your eyewear says a lot about your vibe. At The Sunglass Shoppe, we believe that sunglasses aren’t just for sun protection; they’re a style statement that speaks to how you soak up summer. So, what do your favorite summer activities say about the shades you should be wearing?
You Live for the Water: Boating, Paddleboarding, Beach Days
You Need: Maui Jim
Maui Jim sunglasses are made for people who are always near the water. With their advanced polarized lenses that cut through harsh glare and bring out brilliant color, they’re ideal for anyone who spends their summer chasing waves or soaking in lake life. Plus, the lightweight, non-slip fit makes them perfect for all adventures.
You’re All About the Action: Pickleball, Golf, or Hiking
You Need: DITA Lancier and Rhone Apparel
If your summer includes breaking a sweat, you need sunglasses that perform as well as you do. DITA Lancier offers lens technology designed for land, sea, and air, giving you optimal clarity whether you’re driving, hiking, or hitting the court. Pair them with Rhone’s resort-to-sport gear from our Petoskey location for a full-function summer fit.
You’re a Downtown Drifter: Farmers Markets, Shopping, Brunching
You Need: KREWE
You like your shades to stand out, just like your favorite local spots. KREWE’s handcrafted frames bring bold energy, unique colorways, and fashion-forward shapes that are perfect for sunny strolls through your favorite Michigan downtown.
You’re Here for the Chill: Hammock Time, Reading Outdoors, Backyard Lounging
You Need: Zeal Optics
Zeal Optics is the perfect fit if your summer is all about taking it slow and soaking in nature. Made with eco-friendly materials and polarized lenses, Zeal sunglasses are lightweight, easy on the eyes, and built for laid-back living. Whether you’re relaxing with a good book or enjoying your morning coffee outdoors, Zeal delivers comfort and clarity with a sustainable twist.
No Matter What You’re Doing, You Want to See Clearly
You Need: Prescription Sunglasses
No need to choose between clear vision and sun protection. Our Eyewear Gurus can customize prescription lenses into any of our standout frames so you can enjoy your summer in style without compromising your sight.
No matter how you spend your summer days, there’s a perfect pair of shades waiting for you. Stop by one of our locations in Petoskey, Traverse City, or Saugatuck to explore over 40 collections of eyewear, each one as unique as your plans.
