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Spring has arrived and summer is on its way. There's no time like the present to begin your search for the essential things you will need for the coming season. First on your list should be a new pair of shades.

Check your current inventory and see what type of sunglasses you presently own that are still usable. If your glasses are scratched, frames loose or worn you may want to consider replacing them. Sunglasses are just like shoes; one pair isn't enough to fulfill all your active needs.

The most important thing I want to stress in regards to sunglasses is that it's just a small piece of polycarbonate or glass between your eyes and the suns strong rays. Never look directly into the sun even with the best of the best sunglasses.

Sunglass shops are usually located in your larger mall and outlet malls. I have found those located in the outlet malls have an open sell set up where you can leisurely try on the glasses without the aid of an associate. The shop I went to had not less than 1000 pairs of glasses that I had access too. The associates were always close by to answer questions and give their opinions, which I truly appreciated. It was fun and educational all at the same time. I was there for an hour, but enjoyed myself the whole time.

I went to the shop because I needed driving glasses, but while I was there I fell head over heels in love with the beautiful fashion lines. It didn't take me to long to figure out for myself that one pair wasn't going to be enough.

I began with the driving glasses because this was my most current need. I was shown Ray Bans, which have attractive classic styles with lens colors that are a medium dark lens, which I felt more comfortable with for inside the car.

Once I had selected the Ray Bans I moved on to look for a pair suitable for the cruise we are planning next month to the Caribbean. The associate explained how polarization cuts glare and a darker lens would be appropriate for the strong sun in the islands. I chose a black plastic frame with black polarized glass lenses from the Maui Jim Company.

Now that my current "needs" was filled I moved to the clearance section. Oh so many choices. Row after row of Versace, D&G, Burberry, Bvlgari, Ralph Lauren Polo. And Ferragamo. I knew I wanted some bling. I tried so many on and I wanted them all.

The associate explained the clearance sale to me again. I really didn't understand it the first time, but this time I did. If you buy two pair of clearance you get 30 percent off the first pair and 50 percent off the second pair. Now how can a reasonable woman resist a sale like that? I took care of the "I need" and now I am getting to the "I WANT'.

My feet were glued to the floor in front of the Ferragamo. I chose a plastic shield with gold bling on the sides, I loved them. That 50 percent off the next one kept running through my head. I saw the next pair immediately, black frames with rhinestone flowers on the side.

As I stood contemplating this purchase I realized this is to protect my eyes. The associate explained the warrantees, which were 1 to 2 years on each pair and the breakage program, which is 6 months to a year on each. The best part was 90 days for a full refund if I wanted to do that at any store location.

I am now the proud owner of four pair of very expensive sunglasses all UV protected and one with polarization. I walked out of the door of the shop spending 580.00, which would have been less than the original price of the two pair of Ferragama.

I had fun and got what I wanted for a bargain price.

Learn more about this author, Kathy Mahon.
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