Sep

1

More Reasons to Love MiuMiu

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Prada always rolls out the red carpet when they launch a new line. Every year, fashion fans around the world wait eagerly for any new information or new looks to leave the Prada house. Some people sit outside area 51 and wait for alien invasions, others wait outside Prada’s design house and wait for new products to emerge. When Prada launched the MiuMiu sub-brand there was a wave of frenzied activity that could easily parallel a UFO sighting near Rosewell, but what emerged was even more shocking than extraterrestrials. MiuMiu, a Prada line for youths that is more affordable, slightly more youthful and a bit more risky.

For anyone on a budget, MiuMiu eyewear are essentially the same as Prada eyewear but with a bit more flare and fun at a fraction of the price. Once the MiuMiu brand gets built up over time, the designs may grow to be as expensive or reputable as their parent line, Prada. But the financial aspects aside, MiuMiu has given us several reasons to enjoy their creativity while Prada continues to dominate the sleek, New York business look it has so long enjoyed.

MiuMiu infuses their designs with more color and drama than Prada, and at a lower cost, we’re not surprised the design house has decided to take a few risks with their designs and color palates in order to venture into new markets. Falling in love with MiuMiu may take a bit of time, but it is inevitable. Its like a bad, extremely cheesy romantic comedy that you just can’t turn away from.

Aug

24

Eyewear for the Office

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Many women have several sets of eyeglasses. Professional frames are for the office while creative or colorful frames are for your own personal time. Men are more simple and usually have a single pair of simple glasses and a back-up pair in case they lose the original. Having a few stylistic options isn’t bad. I personally have a pair of simple black frames by Tom Ford that I use when I dress up or have a serious affair of some sort to go to. For my everyday glasses I had a bit more fun and bought one of Alexander McQueen’s more casual designs that are red and silver framed with simple square lenses. Both options work with almost everything I own and wear. I also have contact lenses from Acuvue for extremely fancy occasions where simply no pair of eyewear would do.

Eyewear for the office, however, was a bit more difficult to shop for. You want something professional, of course, but also something that makes a statement. In any business setting you need to advertise your work ethic as well sa your boldness and ability to think outside the box. If you show up at the office dressed like a square people will expect you to act like one and hardly expect any great or innovative ideas from you. So, for the sake of your career, attention must be paid to your wardrobe starting from the top down. Think of a brand that isn’t mainstream but isn’t unknown and then find a design that you hardly ever see anyone else wearing but that isn’t so new that it is awkward. Jimmy Choo is a good brand for this, as is Marc Jacobs. Avoid the too obvious Prada or Armani traps for office eyewear as they are somewhat cliché.

Aug

16

How to Choose Sunglasses

Filed Under Brand Wave, Designer Sunglasses, Eyewear Knowledge, Uncategorized | View Comments

Finding the perfect pair of sunglasses is no easy feat. Especially when you take into account the wide range of options you have from online shopping. However, there are a few quick and easy ways to rule out the fashion looks that simply won’t work for you. What’s left is a group of sunglasses in a particular style that provides a guideline for finding frames and lenses you love. I love Prada, but they simply don’t look good on me. Instead, the amazing designs of Versace provide a shape and hue that works with my skin tone and hair color. Here are a few tips to finding what works for you.

First, put your hair back away from your face as tightly as you can. Looking in a mirror, determine the type of face shape you have. Round, triangle, heart, oblong or square? Once you have determined your shape you can start looking at frame shapes. For round heads, you’ll want something that makes you look less round, so look at rectangle frames. For square heads, do the opposite. Heart shapes look great in bigger, Jackie O frames, and oblong heads look alright in everything.

Now examine your skin and hair colors. Darker skin and hair look better with gold frames or bold colors. White frames are a bit blunt on darker skin, and lighter frames stand out a great deal. On lighter skin, silver frames or pastel colors look the most natural, though bronzes and browns also are pleasing. You hair color plays a part as well. Now that you know what color and shape to look for it should be a bit easier to find the right sunglasses to fit your face!

Aug

9

Top Gucci Sunglasses Models

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A somewhat surprising eyewear customer survey showed recently that aside from Ray Bans, which have always been extremely popular in North America, Gucci sunglasses are the most popular and sought after brand in North America. While this may surprise some folks, keep in mind that Gucci is one of the world’s most well known brands, with established outlets in every major fashion city on the planet. Gucci’s designs are innovative, bold and iconic without being a mimic or second-best to any other product.

Some of the hottest Gucci brands are those that resemble the Aviator Ray Ban look. Where Ray Ban does it in a casual and all-American way, Gucci tries to be a bit more formal and inviting, to both the North American crowd as well as the Asian, European and Australian audiences. To do this, Gucci had to recruit people from around the world to understand what different cultures want in their eyewear and then attempt to create the perfect design that caters to everyone’s needs. Their international acclaim is one of the key reasons Gucci is so successful while other designer companies are struggling amid the recession.

Some of the best selling Gucci sunglasses are in the men’s design arena. This may surprise many men who formerlythought of Gucci as a female design house. Aside from their international aspirations, Gucci attempt to create designs that will be pleasing for both men and women alike, and along this line have created some charming male designs.

Thus, whether you be male or female, or hail from any country on the planet—Gucci is attempting to create the perfect pair of designer sunglasses that will cater directly to you.

Aug

1

Top Five Ways to Look More Dignified Through Fashion

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For anyone recently out of school you’ll need to find a way to dress up your look and fast. You can’t go out and apply for a job in your denim jeans and college shirt. To dress up your look you’ll need a few key accessories. Designer eyeglasses are the best and easiest way to class up any suit. Try the frameless and fashionable glasses by Jimmy Choo. If you wanted to up your wow factor, look pulled together organized and chic without being cliché, you’d have to go with Jimmy Choo.

Some of the other prime design houses make amazing glasses but because of overuse in the market they become somewhat clichéd. Bypass your more well known designs when it comes to getting a dignified look. Dignified folks don’t flash designer brands, they exude confidence and fashion. The more dignified and posh the look, the less mainstream it will have to be. For some slightly more prestigious fashionable looks you’ll have to do a bit more research then simply nabbing up the highest fashions with the most wear in your neighborhood. Avoid your Prada, your Dior and your Versace and do a bit of back-breaking groundwork to find the Jimmy Choo jewels in the fashion accessory world.

For a few other high-class looks you’ll have to try Alexander McQueen, whose high class fashion shocked London and Paris with clean, crisp lines infused with splashes of color and flare. Alexander McQueen fashion has moved from a lesser known design to one of the premiere designers.

Jul

22

Best Sunglasses for Bikers, Drivers and motorway fans

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For long distance drivers and bikers, you’ll want a pair of sturdy, lightweight, high UV protection sunglasses that are comfortable, form-fitted and designed for prolonged wear. For men, Police sunglasses are especially popular because of the comfort, design and the increased blockage of peripheral glare and light that is so commonly the cause of eye strain and skin damage. Police sunglasses have some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities as supporters including Justin Timberlake, George Clooney and Antonio Bandaras. For bikers, drivers and motorway fans Police sunglasses are recognizable, bold and a smart choice for optimal protection.

For female drivers and bikers, there are several options for eyewear that will be comfortable with long-term wear. It is important for women not to buy men’s sunglasses, regardless of how much they may love some of the male designs. Women have smaller heads and the area between lenses on men’s sunglasses could be too large for prolonged comfort. You may also find that men’s sunglasses are a bit heavier. There are tougher options for women that still have a masculine edge, like the Ray Bans designed for her, or some of Bolle’s recreational sunglasses. Women might also enjoy Prada and Dior sunglasses for driving or biking because of the larger lenses and frames. They may not fit the biker wardrobe, but they do offer UV protection, durability, comfort and some fairly creative designs.

Many serious bikers consider changing to goggles for long drives, and this isn’t a bad practice although you might get a few strange looks from passers by. Goggles, like those by Ed Hardy, can be fashionable and bold as well as protective and cleanable so bug carcasses that land against the lenses can easily be wiped clean.

Jul

14

Top Five Eyeglasses Designs of 2010

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It isn’t always easy to find designer eyeglasses that fit your look, personality and style and yet stand out enough to be worth the investment for the designer brand. In 2010, however, some designers have emerged victoriously in the eyeglasses market for their high quality, high fashion designs.

Gucci. Always a favorite for sunglasses, Gucci’s eyeglasses are a simple and yet high fashion solution for your eyeglasses needs. The wireless designs are especially popular with women because they maintain a high fashion feel without compromising your visual range or becoming overly bulky. (See image of Gucci eyeglasses).

Christian Dior. For a more urban, retro feel check out Christian Dior’s black frame collection. These heavier black frames are all the rage this year, and have been popular on men and women. We foresee a slow shift from the black frames to tortoiseshell frames over the fall.

Ermenegildo Zenga. If you want a European look that does not have even the slightest bit of Americana in it, you’ll want to look at the Zenga eyeglasses collection. These interesting frames have emphasis on the temple bars, come in a wide range of colors and have a bit more diversity than your Gucci or Dior eyeglasses collections.

Ed Hardy. If you want to go a bit wild with your eyeglasses, then Ed Hardy is where you’ll want to head for your next pair of glasses. The lenses themselves are in a fairly traditional size and shape, but the temple bars are where the magic happens. You have to see it to believe it, each model looks amazingly bold and creative and will infuse any look with a splash of color.

Roberto Cavalli. If you want elegance and interesting features on your eyeglasses, you’ll have to check out the amazingly intricate and fancy designs of Cavalli. From lace-like temple bars to frameless designs, this is where you’ll want to go if you have a fancy bone in your body itching to be expressed.

 

Jul

8

Sunglasses for Off-road Biking and Hiking

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Outdoors sunglasses are an important accessory for any biking or hiking activity, especially as the summer gets hotter and cases of sun damage and eye stress can ruin a good outdoor time. One of the best brands for hiking is Serengeti, their casual look and feel make them a non-obtrusive option. The gradient tint gives stronger protection on the top with more visibility on the bottom so you can see where you place each footstep.

For biking, especially the kind with pedals, you’ll want something that is impact resistant, fits firmly on your head and can withstand moisture with anti-fog (and perspiration) coatings on the lenses. A great option for this is Oakley, as their high-quality frames and lenses are a perfect melody of durability and performance-enhancing attributes. Likewise, Nike’s similar athletic shades are a bit less expensive and offer similar quality and design.

For biking of the motorized kind, Oakley sunglasses might land you in the hot spot. Instead, you’ll want to investigate something a bit more aggressive than your average sports sunglasses. For example, Police sunglasses with their stark designs and bold frames are a great option and go nicely with any Harley or BMW classic. Throw on a pair of denim jeans and a leather jacket and you’ll look exactly the biker part. Likewise, and for a bit less bold a look, you could always stick to the more traditional biker option of Ray Ban aviators and Wayfarers are a great bikers choice and are durable and snug.

Jul

1

Eye Exams

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If you have never had an eye exam before, the thought of this simple procedure could seem scary and daunting. We’re here to walk you through the steps of an exam so you know what to expect and how to react to each phase of the exam.1.) Once you arrive at the optometrist’s office you’ll have some paperwork to fill out, including your family’s past illnesses. This is important, so find out about your family history before you go to the office, including history of migraines, diabetes, seizures, etc.

2.) Even if you want contact lenses its best to get a pair of glasses as a backup. Arrive early so you have time to pick out your frames. Just so you know, frames are usually quoted separately from the lenses. You’ll have to pay for both. Contacts are, of course, separate as well.

3.) When your exam begins you will be taken into a slightly darkened room. This helps your eyes relax. You’ll stick your face flush against a machine that usually shows a picture of a house or barn or some other object in the distance. Don’t focus on anything, and the machine will show how your eyes react to light and movement. The next machine sends a bolt of air into your eye. This is the scary part for most people, but be aware that it simply does not hurt, it is just a bit startling.

4.) Finally, you’ll get to the fun part of reading the ol’ eye chart. Do your best, but don’t strain yourself. The doctor will put a new machine in front of your eyes that simulates a pair of glasses. He’ll move lenses in and out until you can see the chart clearly. Be patient and make sure you have the best possible lenses in front of you before you say, “A or B.”

5.) Finally, you’ll be measured for the distance between your eyes and the doctor will add in any correction needed for astigmatism or any other eye conditions. He or she will write out a prescription for you and you’ll be able to order your glasses the same day.

Jun

24

Summer Sports and Athletic Eyewear

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For summer, there are few designer sunglasses brands more popular than Ray Ban. But if you want something a bit edgier and modern, we’ve got a list of amazing up and coming summer favorites that will keep you looking fresh, trendy and sporty.

Take, for example, Serengeti sunglasses. These shades are perfect for the adventurous personality and also offers a bit of a sporty feel to give you a well rounded and yet designer look. For men and women alike, Serengeti offers something for everyone. You’ll be impressed by the light brown (almost bronze) lenses that give the world a softer, almost sepia tone hue.

For a more sporty look, Bolle does a similar sunglasses line that covers the biking and hiking crowd. These sit firmly in place, offer supreme protection, and look like they belong in the great (albeit designer) outdoors. For active, sporty and adventurous men and women, Bolle and Serengeti are your top two picks.

For flare, creativity and spunk, you’ll want something with a bit more color than your Bolle, Serengeti or Ray Ban options. Alexander McQueen just might be the design house for you. These frames are creative in shape and spectacular in hue. Although the designer of the same name recently passed away, the brand continues on the tradition of true innovation and fun. These may be somewhat less appropriate for sports, but for casual athletics like hiking or easy bike riding, these will suit perfectly.

Finally, your go-to brands for sporting eyewear- Oakley, Nike and Adidas. These offer great protection with performance enhancing attributes like slightly orange tinted lenses for optimal contrast, and protective coatings on the lenses for extreme weather and activity.

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