Superstitious Friday

What’s your superstition?

On today’s date, many wake up and dread looking at the calendar. Some are riddled by fear while others look at it as another day. Just how did this hullabaloo start over this legendary day? As Sunglasses Avant Garde unraveled the history of this mystery, we have discovered some fun and entertaining facts to about this freaky Friday date!

How did it all begin?

Although there are a few different theories about how the fear of Friday the 13^th came about, one of the more popular beliefs is that it derived from The Last Supper with Jesus and the apostles. There were 12 apostles at dinner and Judas ended up being number 13, after he showed up. Later, Jesus ended up dying on a Friday.

Friggatriskaidekaphobia

Just what is that jumbled mess of letters above? Friggatriskaidekaphobia is the actual name for the fear of Friday the 13^th! According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in North Carolina, an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with this phobia. Source: glo.msn.com

More fun Friday facts:

· Airplanes often lack a 13^th row

· Many buildings do not have a 13^th floor

· A lot of hotels will not have a room #13

· Estimates have suggested that on Friday the 13^th, the U.S. economy loses up to 900 million dollars. (Source: glo.msn.com)

· Many Americans will not drive on Friday the 13^th

· In the 1880s, The Thirteen Club was formed to expose the superstition that 13 was not unlucky

· On Friday the 13^th, Henry Ford did not do business and Franklin Delano Roosevelt eluded travel.

· In 2012, there are three Fridays that fall on the 13th

· Hurricane Charley hit Florida on Friday the 13^th

Here are some other top superstitions besides this famous Friday’s date:

· Crossing paths with black cats

· Walking under ladders

· Opening an umbrella indoors

· Breaking a mirror

· Stepping on a crack

Do you know of any more freaky-Friday fears or facts or superstitions? Let us know!

So take along your trusty rabbit’s foot, four-leaf-clover or lucky horseshoe and keep your fingers crossed that this Friday ends up being fantastic!

~Charlene Marie

Top Resort Looks for 2012

Planning a trip for 2012? Here’s some great looks for the season!

When you are gearing up to take that much-needed vacation, it’s always fun to take a break from your traditional wardrobe. Playing with a new look while away can be an adventure. Just think of all the new styles you can try with the freedom of being yourself? Look and feel great in some of these fabulous finds for 2012!

Here’s some dashing looks from the Christian Dior Resort 2012 collection:

Photos courtesy of hapersbazaar.com

Below are a few other marvelous fashions from various designers:

From left: Alexander Mcqueen, Valentino, Salvatore Ferragamo and Versace photos courtesy of harpersbazar.com

Don’t forget your sunglasses, of course! Any one of these Lady TAG Heuer styles would look perfect with the above outfits and currently at 25% off, you'll have some extra spending money while protecting your eyes on your trip!

 Lady TAG Heuer sunglasses from sunglasses avantgarde.com

Pack your bags and feel fantastic wherever you decide to go!

Have any styles that you would like to share? Let us know!

Bon voyage!

~Charlene Marie

The Meaning of the UV Index Scale

Ever wonder what the UV Index means?

Photo by Charlene Marie

For many years, scientists have been studying the sun and its effects on our habitat. In order to measure the sun’s rays, a scale called the UV or ultraviolet Index scale was created. This handy little chart is used frequently by meteorologists and lets us know when exposure to the sun is dangerous. Today, Sunglasses Avant Garde will give you a breakdown of this colorful safeguard.

In a nutshell, ultraviolet rays are a form of radiation emitted by the sun that can cause damage to human skill cells, if overexposure occurs. Although they are invisible to human eye, they can have a vast effect on our body.

Check out the illustration of the UV Index scale below and see what the colors and numbers mean.

Illistration courtesy of epa.gov

Green: 2 or less

When looking at the UV Index scale, think of it like a sideways traffic light. If you see green, you are good to go outside. You will still get some exposure to the sun, so it is always a good idea to wear sunglasses and a light sunscreen, if you are sensitive to the sun.  

Yellow: 3 to 5

A yellow block on the UV Index means there is a moderate risk of harm due to sun exposure. In other words, if you plan on being outside for a long period of time, find shade during the brightest hours of the day and take advantage of sunscreen and protective eyewear.

Fun fact: Did you know that bees can see ultraviolet rays?

Orange: 6 to 7

If you see orange on the UV Index, take precautionary measures and limit your exposure. This means the sun’s rays are strong and can cause damage quickly if skin is exposed. Definitely use a heavier sunscreen, at least an SPF 20 or above and protect your eyes. Utilizing a brimmed hat is beneficial when the UV Index is high.

Red: 8 to 10

If you see red on the UV Index, stop and think before stepping out into the light. Red is an indicator that the UV rays are very harsh. Wear your sunglasses and lather your skin with an even thicker sunscreen. SPF 35 or above is typically better. Make sure sunscreen is reapplied if excess sweating occurs and try to stay out of the sun for long periods of time.

 Sunglasses like these TAG Heuer 0231 402 Speedway series will help protect your eyes

Purple: 11 +

A purple color on the UV index means the sun’s rays are extremely dangerous to unprotected skin. Since burning can occur at a rapid rate, make sure you cover up, bring your UV-protective shades, hat and do not leave without sunscreen. On days when the UV index is so extreme, it might be best to enjoy an indoor activity.  

Keep your eyes on the UV Index and help protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Your body will thank you in the long run!

Do you have any comments or suggestions about today’s blog? Let us know!

~Charlene Marie