Today, I’m going to review my gorgeous new Giorgio Armani cat eye sunglasses and try to answer the question “is SmartBuyGlasses legit?”
I never go out before dark without my Chanel sunglasses. I wear sunglasses even when people are like, “uh… why is that crazy woman wearing sunglasses and carrying an umbrella?” Whatever. UV rays can damage your skin even on cloudy days, so sunscreen and sunglasses have been non-negotiable since my late teens. Being raised by a sun worshipper with a face like an alligator purse has embedded the fear of sun exposure into my soul. I do not have good genes and I’d swear on a stack of bibles that sunglasses are most likely the only reason I have zero traces of crow’s feet at 42.
While I adore my big black Chanels, I’ve been dying for second pair of sunglasses in tortoiseshell. I almost bought a pair at Louis Vuitton last time we were shopping in London, but something about them wasn’t quite right. Fortunately, SmartBuyGlasses contacted me a few weeks later asking if I’d like to review a pair of designer sunglasses!
As I researched SmartBuyGlasses reviews online, a recurring theme I saw on message boards and even on Reddit was the question of “is SmartBuyGlasses legit?” If I were shopping online for a pair of designer sunglasses, I’d want to know too. So I figured I’d take them up on their offer, get a great pair of sunglasses (I’d hoped), and put this question to rest.
Here’s how it went…
They asked me to choose from an “influencer” collection of like 500 different styles from designers like Burberry, Bvlgari, Fendi, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, Prada, Valentino, and Versace. There were so many awesome choices that it took me almost a week to decide, ending in a Facebook showdown between Prada and Giorgio Armani.
It was almost unanimous, so I ended up going with this pair of oversized Giorgio Armani cat eye sunglasses and I couldn’t be happier! I was a bit concerned about them being “Asian Fit” which usually sits a bit higher than “Regular Fit,” but they’re perfect!
I love the elegant mother of pearl inlays on the sides, and the size and shape are classic, glamorous, and oh so Jackie-O!
So is SmartBuyGlasses legit or does SmartBuyGlasses sell fakes?
Ordering designer anything online can be nerve-wracking, but it can also save a decent amount of cash. With all of the fakes out there, it’s difficult to be sure that you’re getting what you think you’re getting. It’s totally reasonable to see a place with great prices (like SmartBuyGlasses) and wonder, “is SmartBuyGlasses is legit or is SmartBuyGlasses selling fakes?”
I’ll try to clear this up…
Based on my experience, SmartBuyGlasses is a legit company selling authentic designer sunglasses. I have no reason to suspect that SmartBuyGlasses sells fakes.
I received my Armani sunglasses via FedEx about a week after placing my order, which was the timeframe given when I ordered. The glasses shipped from Hong Kong, which I know has raised some online eyebrows about authenticity, but SmartBuyGlasses delivered exactly what they advertised… an authentic pair of gorgeous Giorgio Armani sunglasses for which I would’ve gladly paid.
How do I know the sunglasses are authentic?
I once owned a fake pair of Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses in Thailand for about a week. I also own a authentic pair of Chanel sunglasses that I bought from a Chanel boutique, so I know how a pair of authentic designer sunglasses should feel and how they should fit. I know that legit designer sunglasses have a completely different feel and fit from the knockoffs.
More concrete proof as to the authenticity of my Armanis is that the lenses are etched with “Giorgio Armani” and the serial number, as they should be. I’ve also verified that the temple details are correct and symmetrical, including the proper model number.
The box contained everything it should have: the sunglasses, a pearlized case, a cleaning cloth/storage pouch (not pictured), a product manual, a warranty booklet, and a certificate of authenticity.
These glamorous Jackie-O style sunglasses are currently selling for $409.95/3102 kr (discounted 25% from $546.60/4136 kr), which is a great price, but not a too good to be true price. Too good to be true prices on designer goods are a big red flag! There are no red flags here. So I’d say that after taking all of this into account, the answer to the burning question of “is SmartBuyGlasses legit?” Is a resounding “yes!”
I’ve linked to the Danish website, but SmartBuyGlasses has localized sites with pricing in local currencies in about 40 different countries (look in their site footer to select your local market), which is awesome since I live in Denmark and often have trouble finding places that ship here. SmartBuyGlasses has been around since 2006 and in addition to guaranteeing the authenticity of everything they sell, they offer free shipping, a 14 day price match, and a 100 day return policy.
I’d definitely order from SmartBuyGlasses again. And if luxury brands aren’t your thing, SmartBuyGlasses also has a lot of discounted styles from more affordable brands like Vogue, DKNY, Coach, Michael Kors, and Ralph Lauren.
You can read my more recent review of SmartBuyGlasses here.
Disclosure: I received a pair of sunglasses from SmartBuyGlasses in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive any compensation for this post and all opinions are my own.
Censie Sawyer says
Well they look like that are really high end in my opinion. I love sunglasses so if I can find some “cheaper” ones that will help my budget. I might have a small obsession with sunglasses! HA!! Yes, small! ;)
Sage says
They’re even more gorgeous in person :) If they were fake, I’d know. I love luxury brand accessories and these definitely didn’t disappoint!
Lisa says
I’ve heard of this company before but never ordered from them. Your post has piqued my interest, I’m going to check them out because I need a good pair of sunglasses and a pair of nice regular ones.
Felicita Moncada says
I’ve never known this site existed! How cool to have so many sunglasses to pick from and I love the ones you picked, they look so chic!
Carin Kilby Clark says
Haha – I also carry an umbrella to protect from the sun; it’s not just about rain! Those glasses look amazing. I love wearing sunglasses but so many times I forget mine at home. I used to have a spot in my car where I’d leave a pair just so I’d always have them.
Sage says
I used to do the same! But now that I live in the city and rarely drive, I find that having a nice pair of Chanels or Armanis improves my chances of remembering them :)
Ali Rost says
What a beautiful pair of sunglasses! Everything from the packaging, to the glasses themselves, say quality. Plus, Jackie-O .. I love everything about her. I’ve always been too nervous to order something like this online, but maybe it’s time to re-think. x
Sage says
Thanks, Ali :) I’m definitely thrilled with my choice… my stepdaughter was over today and fell in love with them, too! It can be very difficult to buy glasses online but with their awesome return policy, I’d try it again.
Lori Bosworth says
It sounds like SmartBuyGlasses is legit. I agree that when you see a highly discounted price, the red flags should go off. Those Giorgio Armani glasses you chose are gorgeous!
Yona Williams says
My mother always scolds me for not wearing sunglasses, but I just have this thing with sunglasses and hats…don’t like wearing them. I do love how a nice pair of sunglasses looks on other people. That’s very cool that you got a chance to review designer sunglasses – a lineup of 500 options is impressive – and I really like what you chose. Reminds me of Audrey Hepburn, a little.
Rocio says
I haven’t ordered from them yet, but I’m thinking about it. Thank you for all the information, it’s so helpful!
Gemille Sleweon says
Thanks for sharing. I’m surprised I haven’t heard of this website before reading this since I love sunglasses. I’m not surprised some people are hesitant when it comes to ordering online; sometimes discounted designer merchandise is just too good to be true.
Kristi Dominguez says
I’m really hard on sunglasses and go through cheap ones like water. I’ve always toyed with the idea of getting a high-end designer pair, but the price tag can often be intimidating. And you’re so right…I have worried about the legitimacy of places like Smart Buy Glasses. But, your review was so helpful! And they knock enough off the price tag to not make me too afraid to purchase a nicer pair. Love the ones you chose…the Mother of Pearl is such a nice detail! They’re absolutely lovely!
Sage says
Thanks, Kristi :) I went through so many cheap pairs of sunglasses until I bought my Chanels. They were one of the first high-end designer purchases I ever made and I was so careful with them. I’ve had them for over 4 years now and they’re still in perfect condition!
Catalina says
Yes, I think SmartBuyGlasses is legit! I’ve never bought glasses from them. Although I know that the brands like Gucci, prada, etc are very careful and pay a lot of attention about what is selling on internet, especially big sellers like SmartBuyGlasses.
Sage says
They’re actually not as careful as I thought they’d be. I contacted Giorgio Armani customer service twice to try and get a straight from the horse’s mouth confirmation that SmartBuyGlasses is an authorized retailer, but I never heard back. Though I assume if they weren’t an authorized seller, I would’ve heard about it.
Madi says
I had not heard of SmartBuyGlasses before but now I have to try them! I have been looking for new sunglasses (I want tortoiseshell sunglasses too!) but I was not finding any great deals! Thanks so much for sharing your experience!
T. says
Hi,
I was wondering if you can give any more information about SmartBuyGlasses. From my online research their are problems for many people. How were you contacted by them and what was the shipping process like for you?
Sage says
I was contacted by email, and as I wrote above:
“I received my Armani sunglasses via FedEx about a week after placing my order, which was the timeframe given when I ordered. The glasses shipped from Hong Kong, which I know has raised some online eyebrows about authenticity, but SmartBuyGlasses delivered exactly what they advertised… an authentic pair of gorgeous Giorgio Armani sunglasses for which I would’ve gladly paid.”
I can’t comment on other people’s experiences and while I acknowledge that other people have had issues with this company, that’s not my experience. Could they have given me special treatment in hopes of receiving a positive review? Of course, but I can only relay my personal experience with SmartBuyGlasses.
Heidi says
I’ve ordered 3 times from Smartbuy Glaases. Always Tom Ford. They are totally real and worth the savings. Their shipping is quick considering they they were prescription lenses.