I聮m jealous. The best shades for your Bahamian rhapsody are inspired by race-car-driving phenom Danica Patrick. The sunglasses I聮m referring to are new Calais ($279). The oversized, lightweight Calais has a sophisticated polarized lens that allows for optical clarity, color contrast, and depth perception. Translated, when you look down at the waves, you聮ll feel like you聮re hallucinating because you聮ll see the water in such vivid, particulate detail. Though the Calais comes in many lens colors, go with Kaenon’s darkest grey, which blocks 88 percent of visible light and performs best in bright, full sun conditions while sailing, fishing, and, of course, sea kayaking.
The oversize frame has a retro double-nose bridge and a boxy look combined with sleek, flexible temples that have sculpted metal embellishments. Bottom line: The Calais looks street enough to make you feel like a rock star while walking through the airport, but will be kind on your eyes in the full-reflective glare at high noon while you聮re furiously paddling in search of your next icy Kalik. Just don聮t forget your Croakies聴the Calais don聮t have any bits of hydrophobic rubber on the nose bridge or at the temples to help them stay in place. And, trust me, you’d be extremely bummed if they accidentally slid off your face and into the water.