The Sunglasses You NEED This Summer Are CRAP… and That’s a Good Thing

The first point I should make about these glasses — I opted for the Wayfarer shiny brown pair with brown lenses — is that they need to be charged for optimal use. If the battery isn't already at 100%, it takes about 30 minutes to charge them enough for use. The glasses will inform you of the battery percentage through a voice speaker (Tony Stark style) if they're low on battery, but my mistake is that I assumed they would be fully charged after the 30 minutes. They were unfortunately only at 26%, so they died halfway through my first hike (hence me trekking through an early morning hike again the next day).

Alongside charging the sunglasses, you also have to download the “View' app, where the accessory downloads your captured photos, handles settings, and even creates a video montage of your creations. The app provides step-by-step instructions, so I would say anyone who's used any technology ever is able to wear the sunglasses easily. Once I was fully equipped with the app, I set off for my hike.

Like most hikes, the views aren’t stunning until you arrive at the top, so I refrained from taking any photos or videos until the real view set in. Instead, I called my grandma to wish her a happy birthday (and of course, see how the microphone works paired with my iPhone 14 pro). My grandma claims that the audio was clear as day on her end, and I had no issues hearing her either over some very loud LA traffic. After, I played my favorite podcast and songs on Spotify — I'm definitely not used to listening to music so clearly without having Airpods in, so I was a bit taken back by it.

Here’s the one caveat I have with the sound: if you play the audio loud enough, people around you are able to hear it as well. But you can change the volume if you just slide your finger on the right leg of the sunglasses. And when you push your hair back with the sunglasses, which most of us girlies just love to do, the sound continues but you have trouble hearing it. I would classify those pitfalls as pretty minor, but that obviously depends on the preferences of the individual user.

Unfortunately, my sunglasses died at the exact moment I made it to the top of the mountain on the first hike, so the built-in camera feature didn’t get the attention it deserved. However, the second hike lent itself some beautiful photos. And the quality was OUTSTANDING. I say that keeping in mind that these are still sunglasses, but the scenery was videoed and photographed at my eye level, which is a really cool perspective that you wouldn’t get from your phone. Just check out some photos and videos I took below to make the determination for yourself.

With the overall capabilities, I think the price point is worth the splurge — especially if you are sick of earbuds and describe yourself as a more tech-driven individual. I honestly was pleasantly surprised that the set price of the glasses are $299. While that definitely is a good chunk of money, the glasses are a technological investment similar to your computer or phone, so it’s really up to you to determine what you're willing to spend your hard earned cash on. I will say though — they look super cute with any outfit! 😎

The Spaced Ranger Crystal Hemp Gold Gradient Sunglasses ($89)

If you're looking to add a vintage appeal to your summer wardrobe, this pair of crystal hemp sunglasses will do the trick.

The Gothic Breeze Brown Glitter Sunglasses ($89)

Angular shapes are still trending and prove that cat-eye glasses can be the perfect combination of modern and grunge.

Tribe Sunglasses ($175)

Sometimes all your casual outfit needs is a hint of chicness in the form of fashionable glasses. Not only are the lenses scratch-resistant, but they're also designed to protect your eyes from the sun.

Largo Sunglasses ($175)

Environmentally friendly sunglasses that offer a sleek, cool factor are a summer staple that's hard to resist.

Flint Sunglasses ($240)

The timeless nature of the metal frames on the Flint Sunglasses will ensure that you're the main character of your summer adventures.

Summer of 67 Eco Sunglasses ($240)

The Summer of 67 Eco Sunglasses are a nostalgic nod to countless days spent at the beach.

Le Specs Outta Love in Tort Green ($65)

Slim, oval glasses have a way of complementing any face shape, making them the versatile pair to take you through summer and beyond.

Aire Polaris in Black Smoke Mono ($39)

You can't go wrong with a pair of black sunglasses that have smoke mono lenses. They're classic and will add a dash of sophistication to your summer looks.

The Attico Marfa in Pink ($275)

Looking to make a statement this summer? Try wearing a playful and feminine design like the Attico Marfa sunglasses.

New Wave Sunglasses ($85)

Summer concerts and music festivals means that you may spend a lot of time in the sun but Quay Australia has you covered with their New Wave sunglasses. They're available in solid or mirrored lenses.

Big Time Sunglasses ($75)

Bold, polarized sunglasses that feature gradient lenses are sure to make a statement that lets you stand out in a crowd.

High Profile Sunglasses ($95)

Quay Australia knows how to create distinctive frames that capture your attention and their High Profile sunglasses are no exception. The aviator shape and gradient lenses makes them fashion-forward.

Baia Sunglasses ($98)

John Lennon's glasses have been popularized over time which is what makes the Baia sunglasses irresistible. They're stylish, functional, and comfortable so you can wear them as often as your heart desires.

Dipsea Sunglasses ($58)

If you plan to spend a lot of time hiking this summer, the Dipsea sunglasses are the perfect option for you. They're lightweight yet durable, which means they're great for style and performance.

Hera Sunglasses Mantis ($228)

If you like the juxtaposition of making a statement in a sophisticated way, Cult Gaia's Hera Sunglasses are just what you need this summer.

Katka Sunglasses ($228)

Rounded frames provide the right amount of elegance but Cult Gaia's Katka sunglasses also have a thrilling amount of confidence. Perfect for days lounging around the pool, you'll fall in love with the poppy-colored hue of their frames.

Lunch at the Ivy Sunglasses Blue ($4)

If you want an inexpensive yet trendy pair of sunglasses to wear all summer, look no further than Fashion Nova's Lunch at the Ivy Sunglasses. They're available in vibrant shades of blue and lavender frames to help elevate any look you wear.

Taking Risks Sunglasses Grey ($4)

Although black glasses will always have a touch of classiness to them, grey lenses have a delightful mysterious flair to them.

Lele Sadoughi SP-23-129 Sunglasses ($145)

Who said that sunglasses have to be boring? Make a new statement in this uniquely designed pair of sunglasses inspired by Peggy Guggenheim.

Lele Sadoughi Collections SP21-127 Sunglasses (Sold Out)

Drawing inspiration from Elton John's extravagant sunglasses, this pair of Lele Sadoughi's glasses will frame your frame in an unforgettable way. Fingers crossed they come back in stock soon!

Winnick Sunglasses Tort ($20)

Combining a tortoiseshell frame and angular shape, Princess Polly's Winnick Sunglasses are the perfect accessory for any occasion.

Cabo Sunglasses Brown ($35)

Princess Polly's Cabo sunglasses are retro-inspired and frameless, giving them an eccentric quality that you'll admire.

Watkins Sunglasses Multi Tort ($30)

Unlike other tortoiseshell frames, the Watkins sunglasses pair vibrancy with style which is great if you're an eye-wear enthusiast.

RĒVO Sage Sunglasses ($199)

You can never have too many stylish, eco-conscious sunglasses — just ask RĒVO! They specifically designed this pair to be flexible, even when your summer schedule isn't!

RĒVO Ludlow Kendall Toole Sunglasses ($249)

These sunglasses take a classic cat eye silhouette and makes it modern. I totally love the green, which gives them a fun, yet subtle spin on tortoise shell style!

Celine Black Sunglasses ($400, was $500)

If you're looking for a pair of sunglasses that works well with your face shape, you're in luck. Celine handcrafted these sunglasses to give your outfits a Parisian-chic appeal.

Crap Eyewear The Love Doctor 2000 ($59, was $80)

Are we the only ones who things Andre 3000 would have loved wearing these during the Speakerboxxx/The Love Below era? Since we can't travel back in time to officially ask, we know they'll pique your interest with their adjustable nose pads and retro look.

Crap Eyewear The Heavy Tropix Sunglasses in Agave Bio/Polarized Olive ($109)

The agave bio/polarized olive frames are so cute, you won't be able to stop wearing them. Also, they're prescription-friendly which instantly puts a smile on our faces!

As a Power of Women honoree, Mariska was recognized in regards to her work as an advocate for sexual assault survivors. She took the stage and used her platform to discuss rape and assault conviction reversals, shining a light on the recent overturned ruling in Harvey Weinstein's landmark NYC case. Here's what she said:

Today I want to talk about reversing convictions, and more specifically I want to talk to you about how impossible it is to reverse mine. It’s impossible to reverse my conviction that survivors matter. It is impossible to reverse my conviction that what happens to us matters, and that our society must respond to survivors with a more a compassionate, holistically, deeper, and more nuanced understanding of what healing means.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that after a trauma, survivors can reclaim lives of hope, of possibility, of audacious risk, beautiful intimacy, and glorious, glorious abundant joy. And I stand before you as evidence of that statement.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that we must listen to survivors as experts on what justice means. It is extraordinary how little their voices are consulted, let alone incorporated, in the process of deciding how to repair harm. Justice is not a one-size-fits-all journey.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that patriarchal impunity has to end. Patriarchal impunity is when a male-dominated system exempts perpetrators from punishment. Studies show that only 20% of all rape cases in the U.S. are reported to the police, and that between 5 and 0% of all rapes result in a guilty plea or a conviction. So why do 80% of victims not report? Because they're met with a system that grants impunity to perpetrators; a system that blames victims; a system that accepts only those victims who are experienced as "real" rape; a system that completely misunderstands the neurobiology of trauma, which causes behavior in women that doesn't fit the picture of how a "real victim" would act.

Is that change needed that victims should just pull themselves together? Just buck up and report anyway? No. No, it's the system that receives them that needs to change

It is impossible to reverse my conviction — and the conviction of my extraordinary team, The Joyful Heart — that the backlog of untested rape kits can be brought to zero; that the testing of all new kits must be mandated; that we need a statewide kit tracking system; and that survivors have the right to access the status of their kits.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that grammar — yes, grammar — that we use when we speak about rape must change. In the sentence, "A woman is raped," there's a crime and there's a victim, but there's no perpetrator. Where's the perpetrator? Where is he? Statistically, as we know, most likely he's walking free. He's so free that he doesn't even appear in the language about the crime that he committed. Is that not extraordinary? It's extraordinary that in the very grammar, the perpetrator goes free. Reintroducing perpetrators in the language of rape will make some very unwieldy grammar, but that's the nature of change. It's unwieldy, it's messy, it's uncomfortable, but it's necessary.

Hargitay continued on in her prolific speech to describe that rape shouldn't be considered a "crime of passion" because it's "not simply the next step in the trajectory of his passion" when a man takes a consensual hookup too far and assaults a woman against her will. She stated that it's "an exercise of power," doubling down that the language we use is important.

The speech went on to address that rape is both about power and control, as a "construct" that was "built, and assembled, and reinforced over time." She noted that there are people with these positions of power — and she specifically called out those in the entertainment industry — that could make a difference and aligned themselves to victims and survivors.

After this and some other remarks, Hargitay specifically called out the Weinstein conviction reversal. She said:

I do want to say something about the Harvey Weinstein conviction, specifically about the reason that it was overturned: too many women's voices. Too many women's voices were allowed to speak. Hallelujah! Amen! I can't imagine anything more beautiful than that. The Daily podcast episode talked about how it was so risky for the prosecution to have that many women testify. Risky to let women speak? You're damn right it is!

Too many women speaking brings change. Too many women speaking shakes the establishment. Too many women means we get listened to more, and people might actually hear what we have to say. Look what happened when women started saying just two words, right? Me too — just as an example — a tidal wave of change. Me too.

And then of course, there was the response: the Me Too Movement. The backlash. The examination of whether the changes that have come are lasting, or are even positive. Of course there's a backlash! What did they expect? For women to speak repeatedly, loudly, together, with a purpose — for there to be no backlash? The backlash is evidence of how powerful those voices were, how powerful those voices ARE.

Watch Mariska Hargitay's Full Speech Here

Turns out that your TV heroes really can be your IRL heroes after all. Long live Olivia Benson! Long live Mariska Hargitay!