Ray-Ban Predator Sunglasses

THE ASKMEN TAKE

Ray-Ban Predators are one of the brand’s most popular styles. They feature black nylon frames, polycarbonate lenses and full UV protection. They are also available in polarized lenses. These wrap sunglasses are an ideal all-around pair of shades to have on you for a leisurely day outside or an active afternoon playing your favorite sports.

UNIQUENESS

They’re not the most avant-garde brand, but Ray-Ban specializes in classic designs. Predators are so simple they’re almost generic, but their understated design is what makes them so appealing and so popular. There is nothing terribly unique about these glasses, but you will, nevertheless, enjoy the versatility of these classics. They aren't too sporty, and the wrap-around design will suit a variety of faces.

DURABILITY

If you don’t like trying to stay on top of accessory trends, then the Ray-Ban Predators are the sunglasses for you. They’ll stay in style for years (like so many of Ray-Ban's glasses), and they offer the quality and performance for which Ray-Ban has always been known. Even though they are associated with the summer months, sunglasses are just as important in the winter, so stay fashionable and protect your eyes year-round with the reliable Ray-Ban Predators.

Robert Marc RM 179

THE ASKMEN TAKE

These low-profile, oval-shaped frames from Robert Marc are handcrafted in small quantities for Marc’s boutiques. Theseframes also feature his signature hinge at the temples. Marc has been designing frames for other large manufacturers and has creating his own since the late 1990s. The hallmark of this design, as with all of his frames, is the use and combination of opposing materials such as zyl (Italian acetate) and titanium. The RM 179 frame comes in color combination options of Ebony/Graphite, Havana/Tiger Eye and Umber/Leaf.

UNIQUENESS

The wow factor here is a matter of materials. The shape of the 179 frames from Robert Marc can be found from other manufacturers, but the proportions and unique composites are the secret to these unique designs. His signature hinge and subtle branding on the arm stems near the temple are nice touches, but only you will see these. In a way, such details are similar to the interior stitching of asuit. Only the wearer actually knows the interior quality of the suit, and likewise, only you will know how special these frames are each time you put them on. Accordingly, the quality and craftsmanship will go unnoticed in these unassuming frames -- unless you tell someone.

DURABILITY

Few accessories can be as expensive as well-made eyeglass frames, so wearing a trendy pair is not always a viable option. Robert Marc, however, recognizes this fact and places an emphasis on quality and details you will only notice up close. The overall shape and style of design found here in his 179 frames allow you to wear his work with anything. As a result, you won’t mind paying for the frames knowing full well that you can step out the door in any apparel you wish without mixing styles haphazardly.

Gucci Belts

THE ASKMEN TAKE

Gucci slept through most of the ‘80s. It wasn’t until the '90s rolled around that a young designer named Tom Ford was brought on board to get things under control -- and he did. The Gucci name has since become one of the most recognizable in the industry and currently reigns as the best-selling Italian fashion brand in the world.

Now, the time has finally come for Gucci to make up for its lost decade. The fashion house has decided to relive the glory days of biker jackets, leopard prints and seriously shrunken pants over 20 years later. It’s just in time for fall fashion's revival of everything ‘80s, and right at the heart of this resurrection are Gucci’s belts.

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At 3.5 inches wide, the trapezoid buckle belt is more like a full-on cummerbund. And while the geometry is appropriate for channeling the essence of the decade that inspired it, the belt is more likely to get you a few ugly stares and the occasional, “that’s interesting…”

Gucci belts also made an equally hefty friend out of elastic nylon, which has an uncomfortably close resemblance to a seat belt. At the other extreme is an anorexic-thin patent leather number that weighs in at a super-slim 0.8 inches complete with what Gucci calls a “prism” buckle made from Plexiglas.

But not all hope is lost. There are novelty Gucci belts and sensible basics in the collection that push the envelope without obliterating taste. The classic interlocking G buckle comes on belts in several variations from black and gunmetal to blue and red. More embellished varieties have crests on the buckle that, in the best way possible, seem as though they were ripped off a shoulder-padded men's blazer from 1985. Finally, for the most conservative among us, there are blacks and browns with subtly embossed renditions of the interlocking G design -- a fundamental piece for any man’s wardrobe.

DURABILITY

When you invest in quality leather goods like a belt to the tune of $300, it better last. Fortunately, with a discerning eye for your lifestyle, Gucci can infuse luxury and longevity into the infinitely boring assortment of belts you likely already have on hand.

A color choice like blue or red can add boldness and stand the test of time if worn the right way. The key to success: Let the Gucci belt stand on its own while everything else plays second fiddle. Trousers or dark denim with a crisp white shirt work best.

But for men who want something a little more foundational to upgrade their pile of clearance Kenneth Cole belts, the basic blacks and browns of the collection are simple enough to wear with anything, but adorned with just the right amount of Gucci glitz to let everyone know you make enough Gs to afford the Gs.

Oakley Polarized Dispatch

THE ASKMEN TAKE

Nobody does athletic eyewear like Oakley, and its new polarized dispatch model is the latest and greatest in the line of casualmen's sunglasses. Its most dynamic shades to date, the Oakley Polarized Dispatch model, is customizable from every angle; even the now iconic Oakley “O” on the side can be swapped out for different colors to add your own  personal touch. These oversize plastic shades are casual and cool, just like a pair of Oakley sunglasses should be.

 UNIQUENESS

From a design perspective, the Oakley Polarized Dispatch model isn't pushing any limits; but, with what you can do with these shades, they are a world apart. From the customization of the Oakley emblem to the lightweight “O Matter” frame material and the high definition optics, these aren’t your typical sport shades. In fact, these glasses are polarized and offer some of the highest precision available in eyewear, which is especially cool because it's housed in the typical Oakley fashion of oversize, athletic frames.

 DURABILITY

Like most shades from Oakley, these aren’t exactly refined. The look is juvenile, and really designed to be worn on the beach or while playing sports. That said, from a technology standpoint, the polarized dispatch model is impressive. It offers 99% polarization, 100% UVA filtering and the option to put Oakley’s own brand of prescription lenses in them is made available. The frames are made from a lightweight, durable material and even provide optimized peripheral viewing -- not too bad for under $200.