From the Reflex Journal

Choose the Right Chain Length The chain is everything. For an open-back look, you want a necklace long enough to be seen from behind — typically 60 to 75 cm. Too short and it disappears behind the neckline. Too long and it loses its elegance. The sweet spot is a chain that sits in the middle of the back, letting the pendant rest right at the focal point of the open back. A delicate satellite chain or a fine link chain works best — lightweight enough to drape naturally along the spine without pulling or twisting. Pick a Pendant with Presence  When it comes to open-back styling, the pendant does the talking. Since it will be seen from behind, you want something with visual interest — a baroque pearl drop, a smooth organic gold shape, a delicate wave or shell charm. Avoid anything too heavy or bulky, as it will pull the chain out of place. The best pendants for this look are minimal but considered — a single beautiful element that catches the light and draws the eye down the spine. Think of it as jewellery that your back wears, not your neck. Match Your Outfit to the Jewellery The silhouette of your outfit matters as much as the necklace itself. A deep V-back or a straight-cut open back both work beautifully — but the lower the cut, the longer the chain should be. Silk and satin fabrics let the chain move and slide naturally, creating that effortless editorial look. Linen and cotton textures provide a beautiful contrast against the fine gold chain. As for colour — ivory, cream, ecru, and white are the perfect canvas for gold. They let the jewellery breathe and catch the light without competing. The Reflex Edit for Open-Back Looks  At Reflex, we design pendants with exactly this moment in mind. Our maritime collection features delicate gold chains with organic pendants — baroque pearl drops, smooth wave charms, and minimal oval forms — all designed to drape beautifully against sun-kissed skin. Lightweight, thoughtfully made, and built for real summer life. Whether you're wearing a silk slip dress on a terrace in Positano or a backless swimsuit on a Bulgarian beach — there's a Reflex pendant made for that moment.

Why Accessories Make the Perfect Gift This Season Gift-giving season is here, and we couldn't be more excited. Whether it's a birthday, an anniversary, or just because — the right gift says everything words sometimes can't. And nothing says it quite like a piece of jewellery or a carefully chosen accessory. We think flowers are lovely, but they fade. Chocolates are sweet, but they disappear. A gold pendant, a pair of sunglasses, a handwoven bag — those stay. Those get worn, remembered, and reached for again and again. Here's how to pick the perfect accessory gift for someone you love. Before anything else, think about the person you're buying for. What do they gravitate toward? Minimal and delicate, or bold and expressive? A fine gold pendant necklace works beautifully for someone who loves understated elegance. A statement pair of sunglasses suits someone who dresses with confidence and flair. At Reflex, we design accessories for real summer life — pieces that move between beach mornings and evening dinners without missing a beat. Whatever their style, there's something in our edit that will feel like it was made for them. There's a reason gold never goes out of style. It catches the light in a way nothing else does. It warms against the skin. It works with everything — a white linen dress, a simple swimsuit, a favourite summer tee. A delicate gold pendant is one of those rare gifts that feels luxurious without being excessive. It's personal without being too intimate. It's wearable every single day. Our gold pendants are designed with the Mediterranean in mind — warm, timeless, and effortlessly beautiful. The kind of piece you reach for first and take off last. If you want to give a gift that's both beautiful and practical, sunglasses are the answer. A great pair of shades protects, elevates any outfit, and makes the person wearing them feel instantly more put-together. All Reflex sunglasses offer 100% UV400 protection — so you're giving something that looks good and does good too. Think about where they spend their summers. Beach days, terrace lunches, long drives with the windows down? There's a Reflex frame for every version of that story. The best gifts tell a story. A sun hat paired with a matching tote. A gold pendant layered with a delicate bracelet. A pair of sunglasses tucked into a handwoven beach bag. At Reflex, everything is designed to work together — so you can gift one piece, or build a whole summer look around someone you love. It's not just an accessory. It's an invitation to have the best summer of their life. Choosing an accessory as a gift is one of the most thoughtful things you can do. It shows you know their style, you want them to feel good, and you put real thought into it. Shop the Reflex edit and find the piece that feels just right.

Many people choose sunglasses based on style or price alone, without thinking about how they actually affect their eyes. Ironically, low-quality sunglasses can be worse than wearing none at all. So how can you tell if a pair truly protects your eyes instead of harming them? The first thing to check is UV protection. Good sunglasses always indicate UV400 or 100% UV protection. Ultraviolet light, not brightness, is the main threat to your eyes. Dark lenses without UV protection can actually be harmful because they cause your pupils to dilate, letting in even more damaging UV rays. Optical quality of the lenses is just as important. If the world looks distorted when wearing the glasses, or if you feel eye strain or mild dizziness, it’s a sign that the lenses are poorly made. Quality lenses don’t warp vision and don’t force your eyes to constantly adjust.   Lens color also matters. Overly intense or unnatural colors can affect depth perception and contrast. Gray, brown, or green lenses are usually safest for everyday use because they reduce brightness without altering colors. Polarization is often seen as a mark of quality, but it isn’t necessary for eye protection. Polarized lenses reduce glare from water, snow, or asphalt, but they don’t replace UV protection. Polarized glasses without proper UV filtering don’t protect your eyes. Another factor is origin and certification. Sunglasses from reputable brands or optical stores are usually tested to meet international standards. Very cheap models without markings or lens information are often a compromise in price, not in eye health. Ultimately, truly safe sunglasses aren’t just dark glass. They block UV rays, have high-quality lenses that don’t distort vision, and remain comfortable even after long wear. If your eyes feel rested, not strained, and your vision remains clear after removing the glasses, you’ve likely made the right choice.

Caring for Your Sunglasses: How to Make Them Last Longer Sunglasses are more than just a fashion accessory—they’re an investment in your eye health. Taking proper care of them ensures they stay stylish and functional for years. The most important rule is to handle them gently. Always use both hands when putting them on or taking them off to prevent bending the frames. Avoid placing sunglasses lens-down on any surface, as even a small scratch can ruin the view. Cleaning should be done with care. Use a microfiber cloth or a soft lens cloth rather than tissues or clothing, which can scratch the lenses. For deeper cleaning, rinse lenses with lukewarm water and a mild soap, then gently dry with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, including household cleaners, which can damage lens coatings.   Temperature and storage matter too. Don’t leave sunglasses in a hot car or exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, as heat can warp frames and damage lenses. When not in use, store them in a protective case to shield them from dust, scratches, and accidental drops. Check the screws and hinges regularly. A quick tightening with a small screwdriver can prevent loose temples or lenses from falling out. For minor repairs or adjustments, it’s often best to visit an optical store to avoid causing more damage. Ultimately, a little care goes a long way. Sunglasses that are handled gently, cleaned properly, and stored safely will not only look better but continue to provide optimal eye protection for years.

Sunglasses Trends 2026 The sunglasses of 2026 are all about bold statements, innovative materials, and a blend of style with functionality. This year, designers are pushing boundaries while keeping comfort and protection in mind.   Frame Shapes Oversized frames continue to dominate, giving a nod to retro aesthetics but with modern twists. Expect square and geometric shapes, often paired with sleek metal or lightweight acetate for a contemporary edge. Mini lenses are also making a comeback, appealing to those who favor a playful, fashion-forward look.   Colors are more adventurous than ever. Vibrant, gradient, and even translucent lenses are trending, while classic shades like brown, gray, and green remain timeless choices. Transparent frames in unusual hues are particularly popular, giving a fresh, futuristic vibe. Sustainability is a major theme. Brands are increasingly using recycled materials, bio-based plastics, and eco-friendly production methods. Consumers are seeking eyewear that not only looks good but aligns with environmentally conscious values. Technology meets fashion with lenses that offer more than just UV protection. Polarized lenses with anti-glare coatings, photochromic lenses that adjust to light conditions, and scratch-resistant finishes are becoming standard in high-quality collections.   Final Takeaway Overall, 2025 sunglasses trends celebrate individuality and self-expression while combining cutting-edge materials, practical features, and a conscious approach to sustainability. Whether you’re drawn to oversized drama, minimalist chic, or futuristic designs, there’s a style this year to fit every personality.

The Benefits of Polarized Sunglasses Your sunglasses are one of those accessories that are essential to your lifestyle. From the cool arctic sun to the intense rays of the tropics, no matter where you are on this planet, you need to invest in a good pair of shades. One of the things that you can look for when you’re picking out your next pair of sunglasses is whether or not your lenses are polarized. Polarized lenses pack a more powerful protective punch than regular sunglass lenses and really cut down glare so you can see things a lot more clearly and really, who wouldn’t want that? Let's talk about what these lenses are and why you should make the switch to polarized lenses. What Does Polarized Mean? Without getting too science-y, a polarized lens has a special coating that’s really good at blocking out glare from the sun. It does this by blocking out any horizontal wavelengths, which is what causes glare, so they can’t reach your eyes. The chemical filter that makes polarized lenses so effective only lets in vertical light past the lenses and blocks the rest. Bye-bye harmful glare!   Helps with Bright Light This one might seem like a no-brainer, but really, that’s what the basic purpose of polarized lenses are. This is especially important if you’re driving or boating-that glare off the ocean can really do some damage to your eyesight! Picking polarized can help you focus and see better when exposed to sunlight. Our Denali aviator sunglasses are perfect for those outdoor days in the sun. Prevents Eye Strain Our eyes go through a lot every day and using polarized lenses can help reduce eye irritation. Some of us are more sensitive to light than others (often, it’s just genetics, but can be an eye condition too), so we would benefit from a little extra visual protection. This would help if you’re outdoors, playing sports or even if you’re driving on a bright day, polarized lenses can help reduce the glare and keep your sensitive eyes protected. Our Catalina frame is a great fit for those who want to want a pair of glasses that are ready-to-wear in any situation.   Protects from Harmful UV Rays Polarized glasses can filter out sunlight better than regular ones, and what makes them even more powerful is if they come with added UV protection. Our Kennebunkport sunglasses are polarized and provide protection from UV/UVB light.   Upgrade To Polarized Sunglasses Wearing polarized sunglasses can make a big difference in your daily life. From simple tasks like walking your dog in the early-morning sun, to enjoying a drink with your friends on a patio just before sunset, your sunglasses should not only look cool, but keep you protected doing the things that you love. Not only that, but when you pick polarized lenses, you’ll promote long-term eye health by reducing eye strain and potential damage down the road. And let’s be honest, we’re all for keeping our eyes in good shape. We’ve only got one pair after all. So do yourself (and your eyes) a favor and invest in quality, polarized sunglasses. You won’t regret it!