Eyewear Friday :||: Cat Eye Vintage Spectacles

Being in the optical industry, it's easy for me to spot various eyewear styles. I may not wear all types of styles myself, but I can appreciate the designs of eyewear out there! And, it's so easy for me to be distracted by it since it's what I do 8-10 hours a day, 5 days a week! My "natural" instinct is to look in the direction of cool eyewear and wonder what brand it is ... or .. try to name the model/style in my mind. Nerdy I know... shush!

While I was out last week, I spotted a small vintage eyewear shop called Cateye Vintage Spectacles on Heliotrope in Los Angeles. I just had to walk in. It's what I do. I like to browse the different styles and observe the type of clientele that those types of shops get. I also look at craftsmanship, age of the vintage pieces (plastic becomes brittle over time with exposure to elements - we usually advise NOT to re-use older frames for this reason, unless it's been well taken care of), and price. I'm always looking at what my "competition" is and what other fashion demands there are in the eyewear market.

I absolutely loved the displays that were set up. I would love to have something like that in my own store. I think the closest thing I have in my own shop that is "retro" or vintage-inspired are some Polo Ralph Lauren P3 shaped aviators. Very John Lennon if you ask me.

Anyone remember these styles? Well you should, 'cuz it's been out there... again! :) Loved the details of this very summery piece. Found this a version of the 70s style here.

I loved seeing ALL the different frames out! So many cool vintage pieces! And they are all brand new. Never used/worn. They've all been taken care of and only exposed for display purposes. I had to ask...

What's your eyewear style? Are you into vintage? Modern? Sophisticated? Nerdy/Geek Chic? Sexy? Simple? Retro? What are some of the things that you look for in a good pair of eye glasses or sunglasses?


10 Frame Styles for Your Lifestyle

Happy Friday and have an awesome weekend!

10 Frame Styles for Your Lifestyle

There are so many types of styles out there. So many of my patients always ask me for help because there are so many factors involved in picking out the right frames for themselves. That’s where I come in. I am their “optical fashion consultant”. We’ll go over some key things to pay attention to. And also incorporate a little fun into the mix too, of course.

1. Nerdy/Geek-Chic

This is the style where you want to appear like a bookworm, and you may or may not be, but it definitely makes a statement.

Barton Perreira - Lawford in Black

2. Sophisticated

This is the look you want when you want to be taken seriously. Most corporate professionals ask me to help them choose something that will either make them look more distinguished or mature.

Lindberg - Spirit 2948 in K91/U12

3.   3. Retro/Vintage

The “retro” look is coming back. This is almost a very general look these days since wayfarers, nerdy/geek-chic, and “hipsters” have been so popular. This may even cover the “hipster” category.

John Varvatos – V132 in Black

4. Retro/Vintage-Chic

This is very similar to the regular retro look except, there’s a slightly modernized feel to it all. I think John Varvatos frames do just that with their frames. Great men’s line. A lot of women wear it too! This frame below is actually a titanium piece but it’s a thicker frame/metal that appears like zyl aka plastic frames. 

John Varvatos – V141 in Brown

5. Grandma & Grandpappy’s Glasses (aka Hipster)

This is that very playful, oversized look. It’s really cool and fun. And BIG!! You can achieve this look with a nerd frame, or even with the vintage frame styles. There are so many ‘classes’ of hipster (I won’t get into that) but this is definitely one of them.

Paul Frank - Mustache Museum in Light Brown Stripe

6. Cat Eye – The Modernized ‘50s Look

Nowadays the new trend for women has been the cat-eye! It was not quite as well received initially, especially for my more “mature” patients. A lot of people did not want to ‘relive’ those years of their lives. Some, embrace it. Again, it all depends on what type of look you are trying to achieve. 

Dior 3207 in Tortoise (I have these in purple!)

7. Conservative

Perhaps you don’t want to be noticed with glasses on. Maybe you don’t like so much “frame”. Maybe your ideal frame is just, simple. There are definitely frames that do just that and are still nice and not “cheap” looking.

Prada VPR51M (center) in Black

   
8. Quirky and Daring

Do you want to make a big statement?  Do  you like really crazy frames? Well that is just fine. Some people like the really crazy and wacky colors. Some people really like going for different shapes and textures… even perforations in their glasses!

LA Eyeworks Catnip in Dark Red Matte

9. P3 – Round

“P3” is an old optician terms for circular frames. The eyewire/frame front is a complete circle (or very close to it). It’s a very classic look. This look is great on older (balding or bald) gentleman. Typically it’s done in horn rims (plastic frames) or in metal. I have a very specific type of clientele that asks for this style. And I’ve already kind of mentioned who…

Polo Ralph Lauren 1007 in Silver

10. Sporty

If your lifestyle involves a lot of sports, exercise, and physical activity, maybe a sportier look might be what you need. Some of my patients who are runners, tennis players, golfers, even fishers, get very sporty styled frames! They love the look in glasses AND sunglasses. 

Oakley Capacitor in Pewter

Quick Tips for Success

When you are ready to pick out frames, make sure that your eyes are nice and centered in the frame. You don't want your eyes to be too high and close to the top of the frame edge. You also don't want your glasses to be SO oversized that your eyes appear to be more nasal in position. 

If you KNOW you have a high prescription, don't pick out rimless frames or frames that are really big. Remember, the bigger the frame, the heavy and thicker your lenses will be, despite thinner lens options. Also, try to pick out plastic frames. Since the frame itself is thicker, it hides more of your lens edge thickness.

Always add an anti-glare coating to your lenses. It helps minimize glare that you get while normally walking around, driving at night, using the computer, and helps deflect other types of glare that you don't always think of. It also, cosmetically, looks better! Especially in photos! No more white starbursts on your lenses! A great lens to get is the iZon High Definition lens. A premium product for a premium outcome. Try it. I have a pair and love it!

With tons of options out there, tons of color, and an ever-changing world of fashion, how do you choose? What do your frames say about you?