The Drop Buy: Isabel Marant Darly Aviators

It’s Been a Rough Week (Month, Year). Stick on These Sunglasses and Call it a Day.

Trying to be chill right now is not working for anyone I know, particularly me. As someone who is hard wired to be intense about pretty much everything, this comes as no surprise. But even for my most easy peasy, practically noodle dancing on the inside, friends, the days leading up to the election, Q4 and circle-back-after-the-holidays season have shown unprecedented challenges both mentally and financially.

So, while suggesting to buy a new pair of sunglasses seems insensitive, unnecessary and maybe even a bit reckless, I get too many compliments on this particular pair to gate keep during these anxious times. And now might actually be the exact right time to treat yourself to a new pair and these are a style I get consistent DMs and IRL asks about. Best part: I got them at an outlet store for $80. Even better: I found a really good dupe for just $30. Keep reading.

Like I said, these puppies have been getting harder and harder to find. Here is a pair in black from one those eyeglass warehouse sites. I’ve seen some pairs pop up on The Real Real and Poshmark as well.

These Isabel Marant Darly aviator sunglasses are nothing new. In fact, the style has been out so long that they’re pretty hard to find now. I happened to stumble across these at a Saks Off Fifth in Palm Desert where I have found some of my favorite pairs of Isabel Marant and Celine sunglasses (shout out to both of these designer’s outlets at Cabazon in Palm Spring for also having a great selection of sunnies for usually half of the retail price.) The Darlys are an exaggerated aviator style that come in tortoise, black and white. I almost got the white pair too but couldn’t shake the sense that I looked a like a Storm Trooper.

I figured these would be a throw on once in a while style, certainly not the more “practical” oval Celine pair I’d been eyeing all summer but never bought because I’m having a harder time justifying the near $600 price point these days. I’m sure this will pass.

The Darlys have been the source of many compliments from friends and strangers and unexpectedly anchored my “look” while I try growing out my hair. Right now my hair is peak Lord Farquaad so I’ve had to pull it back into a slick, low bun to avoid kids running up to me singing Shrek songs. The sunglasses are the ideal oversized accessory to create an almost cartoonish silhouette. I feel like it doesn’t matter what I wear, the slicked back bun and large frames scream “chiiiiiC” from the neck up at least.

Since, as mentioned, the style is becoming harder to locate (if you drive past a Saks Off Fifth, stop in and get these!) I’m suggesting these Darly alternatives that still have that oversized aviator character. Also, if you have a small head and face, this style may not be for you, but that totally depends on your preference of face to frame ratio. I have a massive head and expansive face with the real estate to accommodate a lot of accessory. That said, I also have no bridge to my (proudly Filipino) nose and this style still stays up and put.

These aviators from Free People are honestly a dupe for the Darly.

Lightly tinted lenses used to freak me out but as someone who leaves their sunglasses on 85 percent of the time, these now make a lot of sense to me.

Loewe sunglasses don’t always fit my face but if they fit yours, then you need these.

Also not mad at this Amazon version that look remarkably like a designer pair.