It seems like replica sunglasses are everywhere these days. From online auction sites to the kiosk in your local mall, these designer rip-offs not only hurt the designers who thrive on creating the newest styles to bring to the masses, but can also spell bad news for your wallet and even your health.

Safety

Yes, sunglasses are most often described as an accessory, however let’s not forget why they were invented – to protect you eyes from the elements; sun, wind, pollution and debris.

Replica sunglasses are made with low quality materials, most of which offer none of the protection benefits that an authentic pair of sunglasses offer. Not only do they not protect your eyes from harmful UV rays but can also magnify them, which not only effects your eye-health but general safety as they decrease general visibility.

Shoddy Materials and Workmanship

Not sure if that the “too-good-to-be-true” deal on those designer sunglasses you’ve been coveting is for real? Hold the glasses in your hand. Do they feel like light as a feather, or thick and sturdy? Fake sunglasses are made with low grade, lightweight plastic including the lenses which are more prone to shattering.

Check the hinges. Replica sunglasses will fold with no resistance that often rattle and usually only have one or two hinges, where authentic glasses will have several which will ensure they will not fall apart in a matter of weeks and fold with a little resistance.

Check the Label

Designers dedicate many hours into the design and creation of their well made glasses and don’t skimp on their signature. Check out for typos (Oakly, Guci etc), off-set type, cheap or poorly set rhinestones and not-quite-right logos.

Point Of Origin

Where were your sunglasses made? Steer clear of styles from Taiwan, China or India. It is possible with a few styles, but for the most part designer sunglasses are produced in Italy.

Packaging

If your brand new sunglasses come to you in a plastic bag or basic slip cover, you’re not getting the real deal. Authentic designer glasses always come with tags intact, in sturdy, branded cases designed to be beautiful and protect your eyewear when not in use. Check the quality of the packaging, logo design to spot cheap imitations.

Model Numbers

Designers give every pair or sunglasses they make a model number which should include the brand name, point of origin, model number, color code and arm length, all located on the inside of the sunglass arm. If these stats are missing, put them down and walk away – quickly.

Pricing

While you can often get great deals on authentic eyewear from reputable retailers (such as www.eyeglasses123.com!), designers are not going to give them away for nothing. Find those Gucci glasses that you have been coventing for as long as you can remember for only $25? Probably too good to be true. While buying a fake pair for cosmetic purposes might seem like a good solution, you can expect them to fall apart well before they go out of style. Authentic sunglasses are always well made, and paying a higher price ensures that they will stand the test of time and save you tons of money in the long run.

Away from the glitz of the red carpet, the celebs were keeping it real with (mostly) casual style and festival chic looks.

Check out a few of our favorite looks from the festival:

Alexander Skarsgard poses with his Melancholia co-star Kirsten Dunst at the Lacoste L!ve pool party during the final day of the Coachella Music Festival

Ray Ban Junior RJ 9050S 100/71 Black/Grey Green 45mm

Ray Ban Cats 1000 RB 4126 808/28 Green Glitter/Crystal Blue Gradient Yellow 57mm

Penn Badgley takes a sip from a coconut while spending time with friends at the Coachella Music Festival on Friday

Emporio Armani 9763/S Shiny Black/Gray Shaded (0D28/JJ) 57mm

Ray Ban New Wayfarer RB 2132 901 Black/G-15 XLT 52mm

Vanessa Hudgens goes a little Hippy-chic at Coachella 2011

Vogue VO 2668S 150/813 Striped Havana/Brown Shaded 62mm

Taylor Lautner spotted with Ray-Bans

Originally introduced for the United States Army Air Corps in 1937, Ray Ban has since become one of the top manufacturers of high-end sunglasses. Being one of the most primitive fashion icons, Ray Ban occasionally gets criticized for being “too old-fashion” and many believe that its styles do not appeal to the new generation. However, Ray Ban has sought inspiration from previous eras and re-invented its sunglasses so they have a modern and contemporary twist added to the original flare.

World’s most famous werewolf, Taylor Lautner, was spotted in a pair of Ray Ban Caravan 3136 sunglasses during the premier of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. The Caravan sunglasses are the classic Aviators at the right size and right tint. Style 3136 is designed with a streamlined and geometric quality and features a squared frame. It possesses a sleek and sophisticated look. Ray Ban’s logo is subtly displayed upon the nose pads and across the top corner of the lens with lens colors including dark grey or dark green for an ultra chic and versatile finish.

Taylor Lautner is not the only one showing off his Ray Ban sunglasses; his Twilight co-stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart have all been seen sporting Ray Ban’s characteristic and colorful Wayfarers both on-screen and off-screen. Ray Ban Sunglasses are classic and stylish; they have a timeless appeal that still makes girls scream and guys envy.