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February 10th, 2012

Hot Trends for the Red Carpet 2012

This year’s awards season is about half over, but some of the most important shows are yet to come. And while I do enjoy seeing who takes home trophies, my favorite part of any awards show is watching gowns on the red carpet. This is the time when celebs don their greatest and show off the hottest trends (and sometimes the not so hot) of the year. So what are we seeing this year? Here are some looks we love and expect to see more of during 2012:

When it comes to color, the 2012 SAG awards showed us a lot of nude and muted tones, as well as varying shades of gray.

Lea Michelle white dress sag awards

Lea Michelle looked stunning at the SAG Awards. Definitely more grown-up than Rachel Berry, right? I love the monochrome silvery grey of her dress, bracelet, clutch, and shoes. And that slit! That’s a trend that may require a few extra trips to the gym.

Black is always a timeless, classic staple for the SAG awards and definitely a safe call, but of course it can be accessorized to show personal style. Here’s another photo from the SAG Awards of Emma Stone looking beautiful in black.

emma stone black dress sag awards

Her black frock also hits on another big formal trend for 2012: a retro silhouette. A mid-calf skirt, drop waist, and a lace-detailed bodice make this dress look so ’50s glam.

While some prefer muted tones or sticking to the classics, there are always those celebs who love to make a big splash when they strut on to that red carpet. I love Emily Blunt’s green!

Emily Blunt green dress

Emily’s dress is similar to Lea Michelle’s with its one shoulder, wrapped bodice, and slit. But this bright green really pops against the red carpet!

As far as hair trends go, the Golden Globes gave us a taste of what we might be seeing on the red carpet for the rest of the awards season. It seems like updos are taking the backseat to long flowing locks, whether wavy or straight. Headbands are also sure to make a big splash! Slick and sleek looks are trending for men and women.

 

red carpet trends headbands

Some emerging nail trends for 2012 are repeats, such as matching nails to lipstick. Another popular nail style for 2012 is alternating opposite nail colors, such as wearing neons and neutrals every other nail. Natural nails and having every nail a different color are becoming popular as well.

paint each nail a different color

Sunglasses have always, and will always be, a popular way of making a statement at awards ceremonies. Popular 2012 sunglass styles are cat eye, nerd styles, and clear lenses.

clear cat eye glasses

clear wayfarer sunglasses

Other trends include statement bracelets, black and white (anything), red dresses, embellishments, bustles, and color blocking. Of course, there are always surprises on the red carpet (Lady Gaga), so be sure to tune in and let us know what trends you like!

 

Photos: myfashioncents.com, celebuzz, fashionista, bellasugar, thestylespy.com

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By Stephanie in Celebrities, Fashion - Sunglass Warehouse | Permalink | No Comments »

February 8th, 2012

Staying Fit in 2012 – Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions!

yoga class[image source]

I’m starting to notice the big drop-off. It happens every year. As an active employee and member of the YMCA, each year in January I get used to a more crowded parking lot, a longer wait for equipment, and no breathing room in fitness classes. However, a couple weeks into January, the crowd subsides a little bit. Now that we’re into February, we’re back to just the regulars at the gym.

Why does this happen? Because everyone has good intentions to keep their New Year’s resolution to get fit, but when a busy schedule gets in the way, it’s easy to let exercise be the first sacrifice. But wouldn’t it be nice for our overall health to be able to not just follow through with our resolutions, but to make a point of being more physically active on a regular basis? I know it’s hard to do with a fast-paced schedule, but here are some tips that help you keep your resolution and create a healthier you:

Have workout buddies

This is a method that has always helped me. I feel much more motivated to work out knowing that there is someone counting on me and expecting me to be there. Your friend can help hold you accountable. Grab a pal to stand next to while you’re on the treadmill and elliptical, or you can even invite someone join a class with you.

Smartphone applications

There are a variety of applications on your phone for cheap, or even free, that can help motivate you. Some of these utilize GPS to track distance while you’re biking or running. Others teach you how to do various strength and cardiovascular routines and then let you track your progress. This article includes a list of five. One that didn’t make the list that I have used before is MyFitnessPal. With this app, you enter your current information and goals, whether you wanted to lose, maintain, or gain weight, and then it tells you your daily caloric allowance. You can track what you eat, as well as your physical activity, and it does the math for you. There is also a social aspect to it, where you can add friends and encourage each other.

Fun Workouts

Why not have fun while you shake off those calories? The Wii and Xbox Kinect have several workout games that will get you moving — and you don’t even have to leave your house! Workout videos also give you an effective workout from the comfort of home. Or, classes like Zumba, Pilloxing, Turbo Kick, and Hip Hop Cardio are all a blast! They are so fun that you won’t even remember you are in it for a workout.

Workout Clothes

Nothing makes me more excited to go to the gym than buying new shorts, active-wear tops, or a great pair of running shoes. Shopping is fun, and it is a great motivator, because you will feel bad if you don’t wear your new clothes enough. If you run or do any other outdoor activities, then a new pair of sport sunglasses might get you going!

gym workout[image source]

No more excuses; get to the gym!

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February 6th, 2012

Super Bowl 2012 Review: Celebrities, Sunglasses, and the Super City

Super Bowl monument cirlce

Going to need some headliner shades for such a headliner event.

The Super Bowl. The single greatest sporting event in America. For football fans, it’s the pinnacle event of the season. It encapsulates the entire season’s highs and lows into one final opportunity to watch the beloved game until the warm autumn days of September. For everyone  else, it’s a chance to enjoy the commercials, to anticipate whether or not the half time show will be better than last year’s, and to enjoy some junk food. But for Sunglass Warehouse (and the rest of Indianapolis), Super Bowl 46 was much more than that.

When reporters began stirring skepticism about Indianapolis, suggesting our city lacks anything particularly outstanding, I started to doubt our city that’s known for its business conventions and Final Four Championship basketball events. One optimistic journalist focused on “Hoosier hospitality” — other writers were quick to point out that the only thing worth talking about in Indy were its people, not what the city has to offer.

Indianapolis sure proved the cynics wrong.

I could hardly recognize my hometown as I walked through downtown Indianapolis: SB signage, trophy decals 50 stories tall, pop-up tent parties, and multiple concert stages were just a few of the sights. Clips from shows like Jimmy Fallon’s Late Night made our city look fantastic. SW bloggers, Beth and Maggie T, even went to Jimmy’s shows!

Jimmy Fallon Super Bowl 46

Maggie & Jimmy!

Even if you couldn’t afford VIP treatment like all the celebs who visited Indianapolis, there was plenty to do. The NFL Experience and free concerts by top artists were hits for everyone. Concerts ranged from a throwback to the ’70s with the Village People (YMCA!), to LMFAO, who co-starred the half time show. Several members of the Sunglass Warehouse team, incluidng myself,  all went to see LMFAO, but couldn’t find each other amidst the thousands upon thousands of people. You know we were all party-rocking our highlighter neon wayfarers though!

Madonna LMFAO Cee-lo Super Bowl

Speaking of highlights and half-time show performers, SW blogger Adam’s favorite part was the performance by Madonna with Cee-lo, LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, and M.I.A. (check out LMFAO’s  flashy white sunglasses & Cee-lo’s  modern aviator sunglasses). Like Adam, many thought the half time show was much improved over past years, but don’t take his word for it – see what celebrities had to say:

Paula Abdul Tweet super bowl

Ryan Seacrest Tweet super bowl

Alex Baldwin Tweet super bowl

I agree after seeing the half time show first hand — it was incredible. Thanks to Beth’s connections, Maggie T and I both worked the SUITES at the Super Bowl! Although we didn’t meet any celebrities, stars like Carrie Underwood, John Travolta, and 50 cent were sighted by friends. It didn’t matter though; it was enough watching the game come down to Tom Brady’s last-second Hail Mary pass falling incomplete. What a great game!

Lucas Oil Suites super bowl

A little piece of Super Bowl "Suite"ness

All in all, Indianapolis Super Bowl XLVI was the experience of a lifetime. Our resident Project Manager, Erika said, “From the way the city transformed into a gigantic party, to orchestrating the masses, to the zip-line, to the digital media, I was so impressed with everything.” I mean, how can you go wrong when your hometown turns into a spring break carnival for a week and you see stars like Shaq, John Hamm, Jason Bass, and Alan Covert?!?

SB Champions

Maggie's Super View!

Oh, and on that note, stay tuned for next week’s Spring Break-themed posts. We’re having a contest to help you, your suitcase, and that soon-to-be beach bod get ready for Spring Break!

Image sources: Sacbee.com, Ghanamma.com

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February 2nd, 2012

Southern Hemisphere Hotspots

 

I don’t know about you guys, but this picture does nothing for me. I’m not the biggest fan of snow: the plowing, the dangerous driving, and the dirty snow that leaves behind soggy ground. Sure, it can be pretty, but I’ve seen my fair share of picturesque landscapes. One thing that gives me hope is thinking of all the southern hemisphere hot-spots right now. It also makes me pretty jealous…

 

Brazil

 

Copacabana Beach

Get some serious sun (and check out our safe sun tips!) in Copacabana, in the southern part of Rio de Janeiro. Relax on the beaches, or take a stroll on the famous promenade. Copacabana will also be one of the four Olympic Zones for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

 

Iguazu Falls

So it’s not a beach, but Iguazu Falls, on the border of Brazil and Argentina, is definitely impressive. Named after the Iguazu River that flows through Brazil, this waterfall is actually taller than our great Niagara Falls. Enjoy the best of both worlds while you’re here and soak up the Brazilian and Argentinian sun!

Top Brazil Must-sees: Fernando de Noronha, for the diving and snorkeling lovers. Salvador beaches, if sailing is your thing. Pantanal, the worlds largest wetland, if you’re after some wildlife. And lastly, Carnival in Rio de Janeiro from February 18-21.

 

Africa

Take a trip to the bottom of Africa — literally — by visiting Cape Town, South Africa! Whether it’s city or beach that you’re after, Cape Town has them both. Beaches along the False Bay, opposite the Atlantic Ocean, tend to be a little warmer than those right on the Atlantic.

Muizenberg Beach Huts

Spend a night in one of the colorful Muizenberg Beach Huts on the False Bay, or take a hike along Devil’s Peak or Lion’s Head mountains. If nature isn’t you’re thing, Capetown has the highest density of Cape Dutch-style buildings in the world, which gives the city a slight European feel.

 

Australia

If you’re thinking about a trip Down Under, Australia is packed with vacation possibilities. From beaches, to city life, to hiking, there is plenty to do here!

australian reefs

One must-see in Australia is the Great Barrier Reef! Search for snorkeling tours that match your budget and make sure you don’t miss this opportunity. If you’re not a strong swimmer, you can opt for a tour with a glass-bottom boat. So cool! Cairns is a great place to experience the reef, as are other locations along the coast of Queensland.

Get your fill of city life by poking around Sydney, and soak up some rays on Bondi Beach.

blue mountains australia

Get your hike on in the Blue Mountains, near Sydney, and see The Three Sisters for yourself.

 

As with any foreign travels, make sure you take the time to research the area you’re traveling to. If you’re headed somewhere sunny, grab that swimsuit, some hot shades, and and have fun!

(But please, don’t brag to me about your warm-weather travels :)  )

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By Maggie in Musings of SunglassWarehouse.com | Permalink | No Comments »

February 1st, 2012

55 Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

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Ladies and gents, love is in the air. Can you feel it? With Valentine’s Day just two weeks away we’ve been scouring the web and racking our brains over here at Sunglass Warehouse to come up with 50 cupid-approved date ideas. We ended up finding so much V-Day inspiration that we dreamed up with 55! Indoor, outdoor, inexpensive, and lavish, we covered it all. So whether you’re spending the day with a new crush or your childhood sweetheart, you can find a date that’s perfect for the two of you. P.S. As an added bonus, we included our favorite fashion trends for guys and gals so you can dress to impress your sweetheart on the big day.

Daytime Dates

  • Spend the day with the fishes and head to the aquarium
  • Go bargain hunting at your local flea market
  • Curl up with your sweetheart and a good book at the library
  • Make it a double feature at the movie theater. You pick one movie and your date chooses the other
  • Bundle up and head to the zoo for the afternoon
  • Spend the day getting lost in your favorite museum
  • Check out a local art gallery
  • Lucky enough to live in a warmer climate? Pack a romantic lunch and a Frisbee and enjoy a day at the park

 

Out on the Town
  • Laugh the night away at your favorite comedy club
  • Check out some local talent and attend a coffee house performance
  • Love live music? Try a new jazz club!
  • Have dinner and a movie in one at a dine-in movie theater
  • Go star-gazing at the planetarium
  • Check out a new play or musical
  • Restaurant hop and enjoy each course of your Valentine’s dinner at a different restaurant
  • Get dressed up and enjoy the ballet
  • Deck yourselves out in your favorite team’s apparel and catch a basketball game
  • Basketball’s not your thing? Try a hockey game instead!
  • Score tickets to a great concert coming to town
  • Enjoy an evening with your local symphony orchestra
  • Get inspired and attend a poetry reading

 

Activities for Two
  • Take a boat tour or boat ride
  • Hit the alley for a little bowling
  • Dance the night away
  • Take a romantic carriage ride through town
  • Try your luck at the casino
  • Take a class together. Learn how to brew your own beer, cook a delicious dinner or master a new style of dance
  • Find hidden treasure and try a little geocaching
  • Go go-karting for the evening
  • Take to the trails and spend the day hiking
  • Enjoy nature and each other’s company by going horseback riding
  • The sky’s the limit! Take a hot air balloon ride
  • Hit the local rink for a little ice skating
  • Develop your palate at a wine tasting
  • Serenade one another at karaoke night
  • Show off your putt putt skills with a game of mini golf
  • Create your own Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt to try together
  • Go back to the beginning and recreate your first date
  • Take your relationship to new heights and try rock climbing
  • Spend the day on the slopes and go skiing / snowboarding
  • Feeling adventurous? Sky diving is always an option!
  • Play in the snow – go sledding or build a snowman
  • Tour a local brewery or winery
  • Give back to the community and volunteer together
  • Watch the sunrise
  • Spend the day window shopping and make a secret purchase for one another

 

Home is Where the Heart Is
  • Turn your home into a spa and enjoy a little pampering
  • Stock up on your favorite toppings and create your own ice cream sundaes
  • Too cold to go outside? Move the furniture aside and set up a romantic picnic in your living room
  • Spend some time in the kitchen making chocolate-covered strawberries
  • Have a romantic dinner at home. It’s a classic idea for a reason!
  • Cuddle up on the couch for a movie night
  • Invent your own drink together
  • Surprise your sweetheart with breakfast in bed
  • For a fun, tasty treat try cooking s’mores on the stove

Looks We Love Now that you have the perfect date planned, you need the perfect outfit. No worries! You can’t go wrong with our favorite trends!

valentine's day looks for women valentine's day looks for guys
  • Pretty pastels
  • Knee highs and boots
  • Mixing prints and patterns
  • ’60s-inspired cat eyes

Want more of the latest trends for guys and dolls? Our Pinterest boards have you covered!

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By Beth in Fashion - Sunglass Warehouse, Musings of SunglassWarehouse.com | Permalink | No Comments »

January 31st, 2012

Super Bowl Fever

Super Bowl madness is taking over here at Sunglass Warehouse, and can you blame us? Located just a hop, skip, and a jump from the heart of Super City, we call Indianapolis home and couldn’t be more proud to do so!

One reason we’re excited? The first-ever Super Bowl Social Media Command Center! This team of local social media all-stars was established to increase communication among football fans, Indy, and the Super Bowl committee. Pretty neat, huh? In addition to all the useful tips, some of Indy’s social gurus have been tweeting great photos of the city and we couldn’t help but show them off.

 

IndyCars Super Bowl 2012@FollowAndretti shows off the IndyCars on Monument Circle

Jimmy Fallon Indianapolis@BlakeFogelsong caught Jimmy Fallon trying to take in the sights

Super Bowl 2012 Indianapolis roman numeralsOur very own @gret_herself snapped this great pic of the Roman numerals at night

NFL Experience Super Bowl 2012Inside the NFL Experience courtesy of @AroundIndy

Butler Blue II & Jillian Michaels@ButlerBlue2 shows off the perks of being a local celebrity

Tom Brady Super Bowl 2012@pwilson24 gives fans a closer look at Tom Brady

Of course Sunglass Warehouse had to get in on the action too! So just the other day, we bundled up in our favorite scarves (courtesy of our chic sister site, Scarves Dot Net), grabbed our favorite pair of shades, and took a little field trip to Super Bowl Village. And of course we snapped a few photos while we were out so we could share the Super excitement with all of you!

sunglass warehouse super bowl 2012

The Sunglass Warehouse crew showing off our favorite shades in front of the Super Bowl Roman numerals

super bowl 2012 indianapolis

Monument Circle – Super Bowl Style

Sunglasses in Super Bowl Village 2012

 NFL IndyCars with a little Sunglass Warehouse spin.

P.S. For those of you making your way to Indy this week, check out this Insider’s Guide to Super Bowl XLVI – Indianapolis for parking tips, dining suggestions, and a printable event schedule. Can you say “score!?”

P.P.S. Watching from home? Why not enjoy the game with our favorite Super Bowl snacks!

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By Beth in Musings of SunglassWarehouse.com | Permalink | No Comments »

January 30th, 2012

Popular Styles of Men’s Sunglasses for 2012

Hey guys, we know you don’t always put a lot of thought into what socks you’re wearing or which hat you grab when you leave the house. It’s apparent that in some cases, function trumps fashion. That’s why we’re here to help. Sunglasses do serve a very valuable function in protecting your eyes from the damage the sun can cause. However, they’re very visible…they’re on your face, so why not make sure they look good? Here are some popular styles of men’s sunglasses for 2012.

ryan reynolds sunglassesI’m just going to lay it out on the table: Women love Ryan Reynolds. Women really love Ryan Reynolds with a puppy. Women also really love Ryan Reynolds in sports sunglasses. Do you catch my drift?

James Franco sunglassesJames Franco has the right idea with his retro wayfarer sunglasses. It’s a very popular and attractive look for men that is here to stay. For a pair very similar to his, check out the SW Retro Style #1688.

Zac Efron aviatorsWell hello Zac Efron! He has certainly graduated from High School Musical, hasn’t he? Zac rocks aviator sunglasses, a very dashing look for men.

Obviously, taking fashion cues from the men America can’t keep its eyes off of is a good idea. But there are other ways to discover what’s popular in the sunglasses realm. Sunglass Warehouse allows you to sort men’s sunglasses by popularity, and when that is done, here’s the most popular pair of glasses you can get:

silver aviator sunglasses

Our SW Mirrored Aviator Style #1690 is the star of the show. Maybe Zac Efron takes fashion cues from Sunglass Warehouse ;)

There are several more pairs of aviators in the most popular list, but the next style that remains a favorite is retro sunglasses. Sports styles and rimless sunglasses also make their way into our list of most-loved sunglasses. So guys, take a look around Sunglass Warehouse. See what styles others love, read the reviews to see which pairs customers rave about, and choose a pair for yourself!

Photos: People, Just Jared

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By Stephanie in Fashion - Sunglass Warehouse | Permalink | 2 Comments »

January 27th, 2012

Super Bowl Party Snacks

super bowl party snack recipes

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Everyone loves a good Super Bowl party. Friends, football, celebs, commercials, and crazy halftime entertainment – what more could you ask for? Oh yeah, some super tasty snacks!

It doesn’t matter if you’re vying for the title of Most Valuable Host, or if you’re prepping for a friend’s party, these five delicious dishes are perfect for Game Day.

Ready, set, cook!

 

football stadium party snacksStadium snacks

football browniesTouchdown brownies

cheese balls and spicy tomato sauce
Fried cheese balls with spicy tomato sauce

chocolate covered strawberriesChocolate covered strawberries

mini taco dip bitesTaco dip bites

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By admin in Musings of SunglassWarehouse.com | Permalink | 1 Comment »

January 26th, 2012

Super Bowl 2012 Events

super bowl village indianapolis

Hey football fans. We know the game is the main show, but did you realize there is a plethora of events surrounding Super Bowl Sunday? From zip lines to concerts, with games in between, Indianapolis is prepared to entertain guests of all ages starting January 27 until game day.

The heart of downtown Indianapolis is going to be transformed into Super Bowl Village, which is going to be a blast — even if you aren’t a football fan! There are going to be many FREE (you read it right) events and concerts taking place at the Village, which will be located on Georgia Street. They’re not even charging admission to Super Bowl Village, so you can spend your money doing the extras and trying all the food.

Here is a schedule of some of the events Indianapolis has planned surrounding the Super Bowl:

Jan. 27

Randy Finch and Derek Maxfield from the Food Network’s show, Ice Brigade, will be doing live ice sculpting performances in the Super Bowl Village.

Jan. 27 – Feb. 4 NFL Experience

Inside the Indiana Convention Center will be the NFL Experience, a  pro-football interactive theme park that has entertainment attractions, kids’ football clinics, free autograph sessions, and more.

Zipline

The outdoor Super Bowl Village will house an 80-feet-tall and 800-feet-long Zipline. Not for the faint of heart! Tickets can be purchased at the launch tower on a first-come, first-served basis.

Concerts

madonna sunglassesLove Madonna’s cat eye sunglasses? Check out these.

Several free concerts will be performed starting Jan. 27 and leading up to the big game. There will be two stages set up on either side of Lucas Oil Stadium. Acts include LMFAO, Sixpence None the Richer, O.A.R., and Dierks Bentley. Of course, you can’t forget the big halftime show with Madonna.

LMFAO sunglassesI fully expect LMFAO to be rocking some outrageous clear shades.

Those are just some of the events, but there are many more. Live entertainment will be offered each day in the Super Bowl Village, but some of that entertainment is still to be announced. An entire events calendar can be seen on the Indianapolis Super Bowl website. Or, check out Travel Products’ free downloadable and printable Super Bowl schedule. In addition to these events, many downtown restaurants, shops, breweries, and bars will be offering specials throughout the week.

Oh, and one more tip from an Indianapolis local: One thing you must know about Indiana weather is that there is no predicting it. Ever. You never know what it will be like, so be sure to pack everything from your parka coat to t-shirts. And also be sure to have a pair of sunglasses (they’re just as important in the winter as they are in the summer) to help you see all the downtown action.

Photos: heraldtimesonline.com, nme.com, ofcelebrity.com

 

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January 23rd, 2012

Super Bowl XLVI: Welcome to Indianapolis!

Who’s excited for the Super Bowl? Anyone headed to Indianapolis? With our office being located so close to where the magic will happen, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to be your personal Indianapolis Super Bowl guides. This is the first of a series of Super Bowl-related posts that will lead up to the day of the big game. We’ll give you an insider’s scoop into all the events and what Indianapolis has to offer.

lucas oil stadium indianapolis

To start out the series, we’ll keep it sunglass themed. Here are some favorite sunglasses around the Indianapolis area from the Sunglass Warehouse catalog:

aviator sunglassesYou can never go wrong with aviator sunglasses. This SW Aviator Style #1693 is pretty classic, but I love the whole collection, especially this vintage style.

 

retro wayfarersThe retro wayfarer look is super fun, and the best part is that Sunglass Warehouse has such a huge color selection! Get your favorite team’s color to sport on Super Bowl Sunday.

Cat eye sunglassesI love cat eye sunglasses. They provide such a timeless, classic look. This pair has some extra sass with rhinestone detailing.

oversized sunglasses

This pair of celebrity sunglasses is new to the Sunglass Warehouse catalog, but happened to catch my eye. I love the tortoise shell frames, although there are other choices, as well.

Those are some Indianapolis favorites, but be sure to check out the whole Sunglass Warehouse inventory. We have hundreds of men’s, women’s, and kids’ sunglass styles. Be on the lookout for more Super Bowl posts from our  team of local bloggers.

Photo: Indianapolissuperbowl.com

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