SOMETIMES THERE’S NO substitute for authentic designer products. Case in point: those tacky aerosol Designer Imposters perfumes that rose to fame a decade or so ago. PEEEE-U! But keep the faith, dear bargain hunters. When it comes to blocking rays in style, you can indeed get that fresh-off-the-runway look without breaking the bank.

This year’s trendy sunglasses seem to be bold, colorful, and retro (from any decade). Some look as if they came straight off Jackie O’s face, with big, black plastic frames and dark lenses. Others spring out of the (egad!) ’80s, like the heart-shaped beauties ($9.99) we found at Newbury Comics. Lens colors range from bold solids to smoky pastel gradients. Frames come in thick plastic or thin metal; many versions are rimless. Oggi, an Italian line, offers a collection of rimless wrap lenses in gradient pinks, blues, browns, and blacks for $115 at Sunglass Hut. Too pricey? Target sells a similar-looking version by Mossimo for $16.99. Very Sophia Loren.

Rhinestones — running across the tops, in patterns along the sides, or, most commonly, in heart formations at the bottom outside corners — sparkle on glasses galore. Fossil’s heart-studded “Sherry” model ($49.99), at Sunglass Hut, has gradient pink or blue lenses. A.J. Morgan’s “Princess Rimless Aviator” shades ($17.99 at Newbury Comics) sport red rhinestones circling the red-orange lenses. The rhinestones give these shades and their wearers an ultra-glam rock-star kind of look.

Solid-color rimless lenses, like Gucci’s “Shield” ($189.99) in plum and peach, are also big this season. Urban Outfitters sells its own version ($12) in just about every soft pastel color. These styles use 1970s colors, but still project a more modern look.

Elvis look-alikes can get their King shades ($8.99 and up) — some with built-in sideburns — at Newbury Comics. (The basic silver “Elvis” frames with holes along the sides also recall Erik Estrada in CHiPS.) Newbury Comics also offers “New Cat” shades ($8.99) that could come straight off the faces of the Powerpuff Girls. Beware of these if you have a small head, or you’ll end up with your sunglasses over your mouth.

Whatever look suits you, you’re sure to find your perfect pair at an affordable price. Not to say that you shouldn’t splurge if you can — they are your eyes, after all. But if you’re like us and can’t afford to blow a week’s pay on a pair of shades, you’ve still got plenty to choose from.

• Newbury Comics, 332 Newbury Street, Boston, (617) 236-4930; the Garage, 36 JFK Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge, (617) 491-0337; and other locations

• Sunglass Hut, CambridgeSide Galleria, (617) 577-0297; 18 JFK Street, Cambridge, (617) 547-1339; and other locations

• Target, 1 Mystic View Road, Everett, (617) 420-0000

• Urban Outfitters, 361 Newbury Street, Boston, (617) 236-0088; 11 JFK Street, Cambridge, (617) 864-0070

Issue Date: May 10-17, 2001