Sunglasses That Are a Cut Above

DEAR HOT: I have a whole drawer full of sunglasses. One pair blocks ultraviolet light. Another blocks out blue light. I’ve got a pair that’s shatterproof. Then I’ve got some that are good for nothing but style. Has anybody figured out how to put all this stuff into one pair of glasses yet?

DEAR HOT SHOPPER: Swiss Army Brands Ltd., the company best known for making Swiss Army Knives that have such doohickeys as scissors and screwdrivers inside, has recently applied its more-is-more philosophy to sunglasses. Created for the needs of people who like to carry Swiss Army Knives (which is to say outdoorsmen and women who prefer to be well-equipped but also travel light), the sunglasses have all the features you mentioned--and more.

Their amber-tinted lenses are coated for scratch resistance. The nose bridge is adjustable so it conforms to your face for precision fit so that when you ski or bike, for instance, the glasses won’t slip down your nose or fly off your head. What’s more they’re lightweight and have detachable leather weather shields for extra protection against wind, snow and rain.

The company even claims that when a steel projectile was fired at them from an air gun at close range, the lenses withstood the impact. Ouch! As for style, the glasses are shaped in classic aviator tradition. They sell for $119, come in red or black and are available through Hammacher Schlemmer stores or through their catalogue. To order products or get a free Hammacher Schlemmer catalogue, call (800) 543-3366.

DEAR HOT: I’m a Liz Claiborne fan and I’m in heaven or hell, I’m not sure which. I’m delighted to see so much more Liz Claiborne merchandise on the market but I can’t tell the difference between Liz Claiborne clothing sold in department stores, Liz Claiborne goods sold in First Issue boutiques and things sold at Liz Claiborne Concept shops. They could open 50 different Liz stores and I’d still be happy but I’d just like to know what the differences are.

DEAR HOT SHOPPER: It is confusing out there for Liz devotees, what with all the variations from Liz Wear (very casual clothes aimed at a younger audience), Liz Sport (casual weekend wear), Liz and Co. (casual knitwear), Elizabeth (large size clothing), Liz Claiborne Collection (styles suitable for the office) and Liz Claiborne Dresses (career and casual dresses).

And, lately, the company’s been selling this stuff in so many different kinds of places! According to a Claiborne spokesperson, First Issue is a nationwide chain of stores that sell clothing in the familiar style and quality of Liz Claiborne casual sportswear and work clothes--but simply under the relatively new, First Issue label.

The only difference is that the styles and colors marketed in the First Issue stores will never be exactly the same as the Liz Claiborne merchandise sold in department stores or in Liz Claiborne retail stores.

There are now 37 First Issue stores throughout the country, including one in South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa and one in Sherman Oaks’ Fashion Square.

Liz Claiborne Concept Shops are boutiques within retail stores, devoted to Claiborne clothing, handbags and small leather goods, though you may find exactly the same merchandise in stores without Concept Shops.

The first Liz Claiborne Concept Shop in Southern California is located in South Coast Plaza at the May Co. and it’s devoted exclusively to handbags and small leather goods.

We’re not holding our breath for Liz Claiborne Concept Drapery Shops, Elizabeth Muu-Muus and First Issue Press-On Nails.