I am having a frugal dilemma. I desperately need new sunglasses. My eyes are very light in color and extremely sensitive to the sun. Unfortunately my last $10 pair from Kohl’s were the victim of my 8 year-old’s rear end (she sat on them).
My husband is insisting that I buy a ridiculously over-priced quality pair of sunglasses. He sports are very nice pair of Maui Jim’s that he has had for over a year (which is like an eternity in sunglass-life). I certainly agree that his eyes are very well protected, and our opthamologist approves.
However, I have a pretty poor track record with sunglasses. They tend to get broken or lost in a matter of months. Being the frugalista that I am, this is never a huge financial setback.
Hubby argues that if I had a nice pair of sunglasses, I would be inclined to take better care of them. Amazingly, I have never lost my camera or my cell-phone, both of which were not cheap.
Now, I do believe in spending more on certain essential items. In most cases, you are getting better quality and more longevity. Sometimes being frugal means not being cheap.
For example, my child’s backpack. Experience has proven that a $12 backpack will fall apart in a few short months. Last year I invested in a high quality backpack for Sara that she is still using this year. It is in great shape!
Shoes. There is a price for comfort. High quality shoes (for adults) are a worthy investment. My husband has worn the same pair of Cole-Haans for nearly 5 years.
So… sunglasses? Are expensive sunglasses a luxury? What kind do you buy? I would love to hear your input!
*Update* 10/6: Thank you so much for all of your input! I really appreciated all the feedback. There were a lot of different opinions on the matter.
I decided I just can’t stomach the Maui Jims. Not that they are not amazing products, but I would be simply devastated if something happened to them. With my luck, that is entirely possible (remember my cracked laptop?)
A few of you mentioned a compromise with my husband, and I think that is a good option. I will be on the hunt for some moderately priced, quality sunglasses. I actually did go to Walmart to check out the “Caribbean Sun” option. I was quite impressed! They do seem comparable to Maui Jims, however the current selection was limited to men’s styles which were too big for my face.
In the mean time, I did purchase a frugal pair of “Panama Jacks” at Walmart. I spent a little more to get Polarized lenses, which really help my eyes. They have metal frames, which I believe will be less likely to break. There are not at all the latest fashion trend, but right now, they are working for me!
I like the idea of having a back up pair, so 2 pairs would really be helpful once I find what I am looking for. I will be checking out Ebay as an option as well. Oh, and I will be investing in a hard case!
Thank you again, dear readers, for all of your fantastic input!
I have friends that swear by the Maui Jims! They have had them for years! To some degree, I think sunglasses are worth it. I mean, think about it, you only get one set of eyes! Of course…google for the coupon codes!
I tend to lose or break my sunglasses, so spending more than $10 or $15 per pair isn’t smart. I find a stylish pair at Wal Mart every time I lose one.
My husband feels as yours does. He bought his 6 years ago when we were going on our honeymoon. I got a good pair at the same time. Mine are long gone, replaced by numerous cheap pairs. For him, expensive sunglasses are frugal — he is careful to keep track of them, keep them protected, etc. For me, it’s just a waste of money — I just can’t seem to take care of them! So I think it’s an individual thing.
I go through 3-4 pairs of sunglasses every single summer. And like you, I need them because my allergies affect my eyes and they will literally swell shut from sun-sensitivity while im trying to drive. I realize the importance and I don’t see anything wrong with buying a good pair. Just buy a hard case to go with it so you don’t run into the same problem you did the last time 😉
first…i’d go with the “blessing” your hubs wants to give to you. it says something and it sounds like he’s a frugal guy.
second…living in the az desert, i need good glasses – i have good brightons and i have nordy’s $10. for me….i tend to leave my good ones on a shelf and wear the cheapies which don’t last but a few months.
third…congrats on the new little gift God’s given.
blessings…lylah
I treated myself to a lovely pair of Guess sunglasses last summer, but in the crazy move this summer I lost them. I’ve been trying to find them ever since, but in the meantime I bought a cheap pair at Walmart. My husband didn’t notice the difference, and honestly, I don’t see a difference either. But the thing is, if I lose this pair or break them, it won’t hurt so bad because they didn’t cost as much =P. I’m not a careless person and I take really good care of everything, regardless of cost, but sunglasses are the exception. I think it’s something to do with the fact that they go everywhere and you constantly put them on and take them off. If you can afford it, by all means treat yourself…but sunglasses are the one thing I wouldn’t break the piggy bank on and pray that they don’t break.
I started writing a comment, and it got rather lengthy, LOL! So I decided to turn it into a post over at Deal Seeking Mom.
http://www.dealseekingmom.com/is-cheaper-always-better/
Looking forward to discussing such interesting topics in person next week! 😛
Tara
I am notorious for losing or breaking sunglasses, so I would never buy an expensive pair!
Been there, my hubby has always worn oakleys and keeps them for years, he bought his last pair off ebay… He insisted that I have a good pair of polarized lenses since I’ve had lasik, he looks at it as insurance. I had them for a few months and now they are at the bottom of a lake!!
With my experience and quantity of missing sunglasses I have found that this is the time of the year to stock up on clearance at Kohl’s, Walmart’s VISION center (they tend to have better lens sometimes even polarized ~$5) and of course places like TJMAXX or Marshalls!
If your hubby will not let it go, I would suggest a compromise and check out ebay. If you can’t find any there then go cheap!
Alyssa – I used to wear the expensive sunglasses until I realized that I too broke every pair. It only gets worst with kiddos too since you are wearing them and put them on your head, throw them in your purse/diaper bag – things to save time that makes sense 🙂
So, if you think it will actually change your behavior to buy a more expensive pair, you could try it…and you could be spending another $10 eventually on a new cheap pair 🙂 Let us know how this one plays out!!
I’m all for fashion, but honestly, when a little one sits on them – a $50-$100 pair crunch just about as fast as the $10 specials. You could always go to TJ Maxx and try to find a good quality brand for a bargain price – I had a Donna Karan pair from there that lasted a long time. Then I lost them and bought a replica at Target and they’ve lasted just as long as the others did.
Good to know that I am not the only person that goes thru sunglasses like toilet paper! I always get my sunglasses at Ross, for no more than $5,(these are still name-brand) I am pretty sure Target has a section for $5.98, and both of these last just as long as expensive sunglasses in my book. The difference? I am not as upset when my daughter crumbles my $5 sunglasses versus say, my $100 sunglasses… good luck!
There is a brand of Sunglasses in the Wal Mart vision center called Caribean Sun that is very very similar to Maui Jim’s. I wear them and love them and they are only about $68.00 sounds high but they are just like maui with glass lenses, polarized, and backside anti reflective coating. I am a vision ctr manager and I swear by them. I convert maui wearers all the time. Go try them if you are still thinking of purchasing the maui jim’s
You’re saved your family so much money everywhere else, and you have hubby’s blessing, so I say you should get yourself some nice pair of shades!!! You deserve it!
I had the same problem with losing my glasses, breaking them, etc. But I started getting these terrible allergies and very, very much sun sensitivity, as in having to pull over, stop the car, can’t keep on driving ’cause I can’t open my eyes kind of allergy, so I learned really fast to take care of my glasses, ’cause I NEED them.
So I bought me a nice Guess shades. Not too expensive, not too cheap! And I of course went to the Outlets for them!
=0D
oh, just don’t let your kids borrow them ’cause they might break them. Not saying that mine did, lol… Ok, yeah they did, but they were still worth it while they lasted!!!
=0D
When I was single, expensive sunglasses were all I bought! Now that I’m a mom and going from here to there with kids in tow, I only buy the $10-12 pairs of sunglasses for one reason – if I lose them or they get broken, IT’s OKAY! I would be heartbroken if I lost or broke a pair of the expensive sunglasses.
So I will also have the cheap sunglasses because of that.
But I do agree with you on the shoes. 🙂
We save so we can spend…on what is important to us. If sunglasses are important to you, that is why you have been frugal all this time. I hate to feel guilty about purchases, but the point of living a frugal lifestyle is so that we can have the money to do what is important to us. Don’t feel any guilt or shame in that! I have a pair of Target sunglasses which my husband calls my “stunner shades” I love em and I am not good about taking care of them so they work for me. 🙂 See you soon!
I have had a pair of Ann Taylor sunglasses (I know I didn’t buy them, and I’m not really sure how I got them) for several years now. I lose them frequently (usually when I need them) and find them randomly. When I do wear them they usually end up on my head after a few minutes though!
I ordered my prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses from 39dollarglasses.com. I got both shipped for $72 total! Even cheaper than with my vision insurance!
There’s also Zenni Optical. Theirs start at $8!
Several of my family and friends have also ordered, with no problems at all!
Oh girl I swear by more expensive glasses, me and my hubby go back and forth about this all the time. He always buys his shades Walmart for $10 a pair, they breack all the time so he is constantly having to go but new ones. I keep telling for what he spends constantly replacing his glasses he could just buy a good pair that would last. he disagrees he thinks it is insane to spend allot on shades. I bought my sun glasses from Oakley.com I paid around a $100 for them but I have had them for over 2 years. I am really hard on my glasses I just throw them in my purse with no case, poopoo plays with them ,I have dropped them, sat on them and they are still in awesome shape. I say spend the money 🙂
I always lose or crush my sunglasses, so i always go the $10 cheapo route. I’ve had expensive ones, and i lost them just as quick.
How long would it take you to loose 27 pairs of sun glasses? That’s the average number of $10 each pair you would have to loose to compare with loosing ONE pair of those MJ’s. My eye doctor said I should always wear sunglasses but I can’t justify $270+. maybe if he told me I’d loose my sight if I didn’t I’d think about it. Guess if you’ve saved it though couponing it would even out.
I’m with the majority here – I always bend/scratch/lose sunglasses. I have a *really* hard time spending more than $10 for a pair. Honestly, I just don’t understand the hype of expensive “brand-name” sunglasses 🙂
your eyes are precious to you…
be kind to them! ( I have Maui’s 😉 )
but the recommendation of the $68 Carribean Sun at Walmart are an interesting option.
You need to make sure that whatever brand you buy, that they protect your eyes, and don’t give you a headache.
(new to your site… looks wonderful! well done! )
With my headaches, sunglasses are a MUST all year long.
I buy several cheap pair, becuase I know that I will lose them or leave them somewhere, only soemtimes finding them later. I always keep an old pair in the car for those times when I make it to the car without another pair.
Hubby says the same thing that yours does. Buy a good pair and you won’t lose them.
One time I bought a pair of Brightons and I did keep them, until they were scratched and yucky. They came with a hard case but I never remembered to put them in it. So back to the cheap ones I went.
Plus, styles change so often that if I bought a really expensive pair I’d expect them to last several years. Then I might not want to wear them that long and feel like I wasted my money rather than saving it.
I’ve gone through this same battle. My eyes are so sensitive to the sunlight and I get migraines without my sunglasses. I’ve always purchased cheap glasses at Walmart or Big Lots until a few years ago hubby and I went to Santa Fe, New Mexico and went to a ski resort. The sun was so bright and I didn’t have my sunglasses so he bought me a very expensive, VERY NICE pair of glasses that were actually wonderful to my eyes! There was such a difference in my cheap glasses I had been buying and those glasses he bought me. I don’t buy cheap glasses anymore – I also know to take extra special care of them. 🙂 Your eyes will appreciate it!
There are a couple of things to consider with Maui Jims. The lens are glass and ‘glazed’ on both sides; this is good for eye protection; bad if you happen to carelessly scratch them. I had a pair a few years ago and scratched inside right in middle, which means I saw the scratch all the time. Finally yardsaled them. I have purchased the Sams club brand ‘Pacific trader’ which I found very comparable to the Jims but much cheaper. I currently am wearing some Foster Grants. WAGS had them BOGO. The important thing is getting polarized lenses. That’s what the MJ and PT have. Although, my FG aren’t quite as nice as these pricey one, I can replace easily each season if I want without feeling guilty about price/lost/damage. I too have light eyes, fair skin, so sunglasses are a part of my life year round. Hope this helps.
I try to limit myself to 1 pair a year. My eyes are quite photosensitive, but glare is my biggest issue. I can generally find a nice pair of non-brand name polarized sunglasses for $30 or so that work just fine.
More than losing them, my problem seems to be wearing them out (the nose cushions fall off or break), or having them crack in the heat from leaving them in the car.
I had a pair of Maui Jims for over 10 years. They were polarized (which I’ve learned is the key for my extremely light-sensitive eyes). I was *crushed* when they fell off my head and the lenses shattered. That was a year ago. I’ve lost several pairs of cheapo WalMart sunglasses since then. I was much more careful with the $200 pair than I have been with the inexpensive pairs – that even though polarized, aren’t quite up to snuff with the MJs.
Let us know what you decide!
I simply would not spend money on an expensive pair of sunglasses. I went through a cheap pair every month or two, and was forever losing or breaking them. My husband took me to the Oakley store for our anniversary two years ago and let me design my own pair. I LOVE THEM! They have survived three kids steeping, sitting, and running over them with the four wheeler. They have survived seven cross country business trips and have even been stolen by the dog and chewed on. Guess what… They are still in one piece, look great, and work great. They were worth EVERY PENNY that he spent on them. He has had the same pair for 9 years now, and has only had to replace the lenses once.
If you spend money on a good pair of sunglasses, spend a little cash on a good case. I have not had a good pair for years, but when I do, I will have a great case to keep them in good shape. Also, if I was an outdoorsy type, I would buy a tight fitting strap, or something to keep them on my head while water skiing, or whatever. Expensive glasses demand you put more energy into keeping them in good working condition, but can be well worth the effort. Yes, buy them on ebay, or at an Oakley outlet store.
I agree with you-it’s just not worth spending a lot on sunglasses. I think they are particularly vulnerable because it is something you put on and take off often. I go through a couple pairs a summer. Last week, I was out with a friend, and I asked her to hand me my purse. She ended up flinging it toward me and my sunglasses flew out and broke. I was so glad they were not expensive!
Since it is something that you use a lot and it’s quite a necessity then you should splurge. I agree that, in the long run, it will probably be well worth the investment. How much have you spent over the past year or so on cheap glasses? Well, will one good pair — that you may keep a year or more — equal about that? I don’t wear them because I have eyeglasses and have taken the time to get prescription sunglasses, but if I did I think I would splurge on this item since it is important.
get some bad ass ray bans they are so in!!
we need more leah videos i’m going through withdrawals please post some more and we will post some of our crqazy kitty named MR
love, bulay
I used to work at Sports Authority and they sold nice pairs of sunglasses. Since they were nice and expensive, the store offered an Eye-Care Protection Plan for one or two years for a reasonable price. If you accidentally sat on the sunglasses, you could either get a refund of your purchase price or receive a brand new pair. (I am sure that other sporting goods stores have the same type of system).
I bought a pair of Coach sunglasses once for $170 at Nordstrom. Twice I’ve exchanged them out for new ones (at no price) because the lenses got scratched or the arm was getting loose because I just threw them in my purse. I’ve taken to caring for them better though by keeping them in the case where they belong!
I’ve bought the original pair almost 3 years ago, and have had the same pair for 1.5 years. They are a classic black style and will last a lifetime because of how well I’m treating them. I’m also very conscience of where they are because I paid SO MUCH for them! So buy expensive from a good store, and the cost per day averages out to $.01.
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