Watches & Sunglasses: Sexy Spring Styles

Welcome to
A Little Off the Top

As the owner of Shorty’s Barber Shop and Public Service Salon in Los Angeles, I'm exposed to a number of exciting trends in beauty, style, fashion, and culture. My new column, A Little Off the Top, will share some of those topnotch tips that can help define what a hip California lifestyle looks and feels like. Remember, great products don’t always have to cost a lot of money! Sometimes knowing what deals are worth it, will let you score those occasional luxury buys and not break the bank.

My friends are always teasing me that I droop during the winter months and yearn for the sunshine. Arguably, my mood improves and my enthusiasm grows as my favorite day of the year approaches— and this year it's March 11. That’s the day when the clock leaps forward, meaning more wonderful hours being kiss by the sun. It's also a time when I'm inspired to add a few "must haves" to my springtime arsenal.

SUNGLASSES - Made in the Shades
It's time for a new pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes and make for those great summer photos that are going to appear all over Facebook. You don’t want two summers of photos with the same glasses, do you?

Spitfire is a fantastic line that looks way more expensive than it really is. In fact, at their price point you can afford to get a couple of looks that you can work throughout the summer. One of my favorites is a model called “Tax Exile” (pictured above), and you won’t be spending so much money on your 2012 look. www.spitfire-design.com.

A more mid-range price point comes from one of my favorite iconic brands, Ray-Ban. They are a little more expensive, but the high quality lens and frame are well worth the extra money. And they have a hip timelessness that will allow them a permanent spot in your sunglass collection. A good call is a pair of sexy Aviators (pictured above). Remember, don’t loan these out to any new friends you meet on the beach because they may never be heard from again. www.ray-ban.com/usa

Once you’ve stashed away a few extra dollars, treat yourself to a pair of glasses from Tom Ford. If you add these to the collection, take exceptional care of them because they are going to take great care of you! Tom Ford is the ultimate luxury sunglass for the HighFalutin Fella (HiFF) living inside us all. With amazing designs and luxurious frames, this sunglass and the right bathing suit will make you look and feel like a million dollars! www.sunglasshut.com

WATCHES: Time for Sexy Style
When will the sun be going down now? With the new time change happening, a new timepiece that won’t break the bank is another "must have" for your spring arsenal. And since there's a little sun time in the day (thank you DLS!), I will want to clock it out perfect.

Yeah, cell phones tell time, but you are working on a brand, and that brand is you. A watch is the simplest statement a man can make in the jewelry department. I'm addicted again to wearing one and I owe my thanks to the beautiful and creative designs of Nixon. Not only is it a piece of art on my wrist now, but a complete weapon of style!

The 51-30 TIDE series is gigantic, I love weight and statement that it makes. As a 6'2" guy, I appreciate things that can still make me feel like I'm a kid. I opted for the Black on Black 51-30, but once I get my allowance I'm am going to go back for the "BLAM!" all gold colored one for those super bright sunshiny days.

With a few additions to your spring look, it really is time to leap forward and into the pool!

Chris Bair is owner of the award-winning, trendsetting Shorty’s Barber Shop and Public Service salon in California. Always observing and sharing new trends that make for interesting twists and turns in culture and lifestyle, Bair is a regular contributor to Gay.net. For more information on Bair’s shops, visit www.shortysbarbershop.com and www.publicservicela.com, or follow him on Twitter @shortysbarber.