Having worn glasses since my early twenties, I've come to view eyewear as an essential accessory. I think it's important to update our frames regularly (every couple of years or so) as even the most classic frame styles can look dated over time.
Choosing Eyewear
For optical (clear) glasses, I find that having one pair that's neutral and one pair that's a little bolder/high contrast provides some variety. It's important to take into account your face shape and size, as well as your style. I have a small and narrow face, and though I love big chunky styles on others, they overwhelm me. I've also learned that frames with earpieces that attach higher on the side will give your face a "lift." And I avoid styles that bend or dip down on the outsides of the frames as they tend to drag my face down.
According to the staff at various optical shops, the most popular styles currently are variations on rounded and cat-eye shapes. I've been seeing a comeback of frames that have clip-on sunglasses, but they're still mostly offered in smaller, wire-rimmed styles.
Seeing Clearly Now...
My friend D. introduced me to SEE Eyewear a couple of years ago. I was so impressed with their collection, and variety of unique styles. They design and manufacture all of their own frames and lenses. The pink glasses I'm wearing in my profile picture at the top of my sidebar were my first pair from SEE. Here's a very similar style. The frames are well-made and their prices are very reasonable! And they accept many insurance plans.
So I was thrilled when they reached out and offered me a pair (including lenses) from the latest Core Collection. I chose this style shown in the top photo (C913). These are so comfortable and lightweight! SEE has many, many more styles available in their stores, so if there's a store near you, they're very much worth checking out.
Thanks again to SEE Eyewear for these cute glasses!
I love cat-eye styles, but find the very straight, angular versions a little too severe for me. I've been on the lookout for a modified cat-eye style for the last few months. When I went in for my annual eye exam a few weeks ago, one of the Sales Associates at the optometrist mentioned she'd just received some new styles I might like, and these were among them. They're from Barton Perreira, style "Jolanta." I've had a few frames from Barton Perreira over the years, and have found they fit me well and comfortably. They're on the pricey side, but the quality is fantastic. They look black in this selfie, but they're actually a dark tortoise.
Made In The Shades...
I've shown these sunglasses before, but figured as long as I was doing car selfies (best light) I'd snap these too. They're from a French brand, Jimmy Fairley. I picked these up in Paris last fall when Greetje and I were shopping together. This brand is another very reasonably priced option (99 Euros including single-vision lenses), though I'm not sure whether they ship to the US. The frames are very solid and well-made. Because I have a complicated prescription, I had the lenses made at home by my optician. Jimmy Fairley also has a donation program, giving a pair of glasses to those in need for each pair sold. If you're in Paris or another of their locations, they're definitely worth a stop.
What frame styles do you wear most often? Do you switch up the shape or color periodically?
Disclosure: frames and lenses from SEE Eyewear (top photo) were gifted. All others purchased.Affiliate links in posts may generate commissions for unefemme.net. See my complete disclosure policy here.