The Splurge: TOMS Eyewear – Classic 101

TOMS Classic 101 Sunglasses – $135.00

Well known for their “One for One” shoes program (you buy a pair, they give a pair to a child in need), TOMS recently expanded their give-back business into sunglasses.  And it looks like they’ve nailed it.

With a purchase of TOMS sunglasses, TOMS and the Seva Foundation will help provide someone in need with either medical treatment for a sight threatening condition, a pair of prescription glasses, or contribute towards their sight saving surgery.

In return, you get a pair of Italian made sunglasses with hand painted, striped temples.  And the Classic 101s are pretty darn close to the slimmed down Ray Ban New Wayfarer (not the bulky/thick 80s version).

They feel extremely well built and the 5 barrel stainless hinges are the real deal.  There’s multiple frame/lens/temple stripe combinations to pick from, and although it’s a small detail, those sporty painted temples really jump.  Lenses come in either gray gradient (pictured) your standard green gray, or a solid brown.

They’re not quite as wide as the Ray Ban New Wayfarers, so if you’ve got a larger head (like me) you might want to steer clear.  While just a tick down in width, it was noticeable enough that Mrs. Dappered said: “I like the width of your Ray-Bans on your face a little better.”

$135 is a lot to spend on one pair of sunglasses.  But if you’re the type who splurges on well made accessories, and also likes the idea of being a (very) small part in giving back to a bigger group?

These are certainly one of the best looking ways to go about doing both.