All Eyes on New York

March 31, 2018May 11, 2018 ~ opticianabouttown ~ Leave a comment

New York City has become a familiar place for me; it’s somewhere I have been lucky enough to visit each spring for the past few years. I have my favorite restaurants which I always have to revisit, my favorite neighborhoods for shopping, yet each trip I discover many new places, which sometimes happen to be on the same streets I’ve been down dozens of times before. What brings me to New York each March is Vision Expo East, and if you can only make one North American optical event per year, this is the one to attend. For me Vision Expo East is what signals the first signs of spring, a new style season and a clear view of where optical trends are going for the coming year. The temperature might have felt more like winter, yet the sun was shining and the new eyewear styles were in full bloom.

Vision Expo was 4 days of optical education, networking events and of course the largest showcase of eyewear and accessories all in one place. As I returned for my 4th year it was my busiest yet, with so many great things to share, this might turn into a novel if I share them all, so here are my highlights from Vision Expo East 2018.

This year I had the pleasure to share my Vision Expo experience with friend, fellow blogger and all things eye enthusiast, Dr. Amanda Rights (@optomeyeslife). You know when you meet someone and just instantly click?! This was Amanda and I when we met at Transitions Academy two years ago. Meeting someone that shares my passion for the optical industry and being a serious girl boss made us fast friends.

The OWA Champagne Breakfast

Champagne for breakfast is always a good idea! As is coming together with inspirational and supportive female leaders in the optical industry. Although it was an early start, looking around the room, there was no doubt why these women are lady bosses all in their own rights. Keynote speaker Francis Cole Jones, author of “How to Wow” made me sit a little straighter, stand a little taller and leave with the know how to exude confidence in any interaction through body language and conversational cues.

Eyecessorize

This blogger and media event took us to the top floor of The Standard Hotel to get an exclusive first look at the newest Eyecessories for spring. It was really a perfect evening for an eyeglass blogger, a 360 degree view of the Manhattan skyline, set against a sky that matched my glass of rosé in hand, all while I tried on glasses and sunglasses from collections I know and some I had not seen before. I get downright giddy for cool glasses, and it wasn’t just the rosé that had me tickled pink. Frames from Kate Young for Tura and Kendall & Kylie eyewear impressed me with their style and featured frame shapes I hadn’t seen before (which is hard when you see as many glasses and sunglasses as I do!).

Coco & Breezy Showroom Grand Opening

I have had the pleasure to come to know this dynamic duo over the past couple years, as Transitions Brand Ambassadors our paths have crossed many times. It has been so inspiring to watch these ambition, driven, unstoppable young ladies make their place in the optical industry. Evolving their self named brand from sunglasses to ophthalmic frames in just a few short years. As these ladies build their empire, they have built a showroom that is as much a reflection of their style as their eyewear. It was a pleasure to be invited to celebrate the grand opening of the showroom, to see their creative space, view the sketches, feel the material samples, and of course try on the finished product.

Meeting a Real Housewife

So I am admittedly a Real Housewives of (every city) super fan. It’s my guilty pleasure and I’m not shy to admit it. So after a cup of tea and some Real Housewives of Atlanta on Sunday morning I was off to the Javits for my fourth day. Imagine my delight when only an hour after watching her on TV I had the pleasure to meet Ms. Cynthia Bailey herself! Showcasing her eyewear collection at Vision Expo, the fabulous Ms. Bailey was warm and kind and more beautiful in person than she is on TV.

I love that after 4 days at Vision Expo East, seeing thousands of frames, and admittedly trying on hundreds, I have a clear outlook on eyewear trends for 2018 and I can’t wait to share them all with you!

Be sure to sign up to follow the blog for my Spring/Summer 2018 EyeStyle trends forecast.

Feeling GLOSSI

March 13, 2018March 13, 2018 ~ opticianabouttown ~ Leave a comment

Glossi

[glos-ee, glaw-see]

adjective, glossier, glossiest.

Having a shiny or lustrous surface.
Fabulously great looking in every way. The highest form of beauty and allure
Fine, Sexy, Hot

It is often the shape of glasses that gets the most attention. What shape suits my face? What shapes are in style? The next consideration when choosing frames is typically color. And while these are important elements to consider, I feel that we often overlook the finish on a frame. The pattern or textural element that adds dimension and depth, that creates a visual intrigue far beyond the shape and color of your glasses.

I get excited when I see an unexpected finish on a pair of glasses, it can take a simple frame and elevate it to an awe inspiring one. When I saw GLOSSI frames I was taken aback by the iridescent, metallic and hologram finishes on their ultra lightweight frame designs.

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

When I think of frames that tout a lightweight focus I think of something that can have a smaller visual impact and a simpler design presence in order to reduce the weight, but that is far from the case with GLOSSI frames.

GLOSSI frames put their best face forward. Made from a one of a kind material, it’s strong, resilient and flexible, all while it creates the perfect canvas for imprinting GLOSSI’s unique design patterns. GLOSSI frames combine a screw-less hinge and temple attachment (not a single screw to be found on the whole frame!). With a hand-stitch binding that joins the frame-front to the temple, it is an uncommon and distinctive element that adds to the frames designs.

Beyond all the technical anomalies that come together to make GLOSSI frames desirable, my favorite thing about them is the rainbow of vivid colors and patterns that make these frames instantly recognizable.

The “Agate” frame stands out because of the holographic geometric pattern. It’s silver metallic patterns are precisely printed on a semi-translucent black frame front. The uniqueness extends to which angle catches the light and shows off a different piece to the pattern. It never overwhelms because the pattern seems to never fully be visible, truly a hologram effect, so cool!

It’s hard to choose just one of the “Jade” frames because they are available in a rainbow of vivid iridescent colors. To me the ultraviolet frame finish sums up the brand perfectly, this frame is glossy.

Translucent, brilliant purple tones transform perfectly into magenta, with highlights of fuchsia and a wash of gold. The thoughtfully chosen temple pattern fuses every tone together flawlessly.

The glossy bright colors of this frame inspired me to pair it with a lip color I don’t often wear, “Wonderschilde” by Kat Von D; and although I have been rocking a matte finish lip color as of late, I am quite certain I am a glossy girl now.

GLOSSI glasses take patterns to new heights by printing their geometric patterns on frames in a futuristic fashion. GLOSSI escalates frame designs to uncharted territory by using metallic, iridescent, holographic patterns on their glasses and carrying it right over the lenses on their sunglasses. Glossi glasses are certainly worth a second look, because why wouldn’t you want to feel fabulously glossy!

Winter’s Gray Days

March 1, 2018March 1, 2018 ~ opticianabouttown ~ Leave a comment

It’s been more days than I can can count of rainy, grey days and I’m over it! Just when I feel like spring is right around the corner another cold snap slaps me back to the reality of winter on the west coast.

As winter wears on all of us, my complexion is as fair as it will ever be (translation: a nicer way to say pale), as summer sun kissed skin is only a distant memory. And even though spring feels a long way away; all the gloomy days seem to be subconsciously inspiring my wardrobe, as I find myself gravitating towards grey knits and cozy faux fur day after day.

Although darker colors and layers typically dominate a winter wardrobe, those same characteristics are not in the forecast for frame trends this season. Lighter, thinner, shiny metal frames are making a style resurgence. Not to be discounted as discreet, these frames are maintaining a strong style statement and presence with larger 1970’s inspired frame styles and bolder geometric shapes. When metal frames are designed in rose gold there is no better way to brighten up your fair winter complexion. Regardless of your skin tone, rose gold gives just the hint of warmth you need, to get you through the cold winter and will be the perfect spring eyecessory.

The “Brigitte” rose gold frame by Andy Wolf instantly caught my attention for it’s unique shape and delicate design details. The almost triangular frame shape, perfectly set architectural bridge and intricate embossed edge trim give plenty of style through subtle details and while still keeping them very lightweight, making them so comfortable to wear.

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In my option Andy Wolf is the gold standard in uniquely designed, quality crafted independent eyewear. From design inception, often created over a meal by the founders Katharina, Andreas (Andy) and Wolfgang (Wolf) and sketched on a napkin, Andy Wolf is disrupting the status quo in the optical industry. Handmade in Austria, Andy Wolf features three collections with their own unique personalities, SOUL, LOVE and WHITE HEAT. Andy Wolf glasses and sunglasses can be spotted on trendsetters and celebrities around the globe.

A rose gold frame in a stylish, trendy design was typically a rare find. But since the Fall season, rose gold is making its mark in fashion eyewear. Designers such as Andy Wolf and Etnia Barcelona are taking minimal frame designs and making them showstoppers by finishing them in this feminine, complexion enhancing metal tone.

No matter if the winter weather has you feeling drab, a new pair of glasses can have you feeling fab! A pair of rose gold minimal, metal framed glasses can be just what you need to brighten your winter complexion and mood and are certainly a frame trend to watch and wear for spring 2018.

Eye Love To Love You

February 23, 2018February 23, 2018 ~ opticianabouttown ~ Leave a comment

I love love. I have been blessed to have found my perfect love early in life and he has unconditionally loved me with patience and encouragement for 10 years of marriage.

My other love is glasses, and for that reason I cannot ignore one of my favorite loves on the day to celebrate love, Valentine’s Day.

As an Optician, I have been lucky enough to find my niche in a profession that I love. As an Optician I have the pleasure to style people in eyewear that not only makes them see their best, but look and feel their best as well. I get so excited every time I am able to find the perfect frames for a client, something that highlights their skin tone, makes their eyes pop, balances their facial features and most importantly enhances their confidence when wearing their glasses.

My sage advice is to do what you love, surround yourself with people you love and show love to others. Even though it’s just one day, Valentine’s Day couldn’t be a better excuse to celebrate LOVE!

When I think of Valentine’s Day, I think of hearts and flowers, everything in shades of red and sentimental words of love written in cute cards and when these things come together with adorable glasses I simply cannot resist!

This year just in time for Valentine’s day I fell for these lust worthy red frames by Etnia Barcelona. A new release for spring, The “Tivoli” embraces not only the theme of the season, but an eyewear trend that is sure to be front and center as a spring trend in eyewear, color blocking.

These cherry red frames remind me of the lacquered outer shell of a candy apple, with a pop of hot pink, they create an unexpected color combination that works against all odds. From afar it might seem the visual interest of these frames lies in the bright color and larger oval shape.

These frames are worth closer inspection; you’ll notice the thoughtfully beveled edge details that create a gorgeous architectural element and help reflect, enhancing the bright red crystal acetate.

I found the perfect outfit to compliment a red frame in this irresistibly adorable navy tie neck blouse by RW&Co. It might look like polka dots, but look a little closer, they are actually little red lips!

And just for fun because it’s Valentines day, I had to have these gold wire rim heart shaped frames. A playful frame style, playing off the minimal metal frame designs that are beginning to make their mark in mainstream frame trends. Not for ideal for prescription lenses, they can instead be worn with faux lenses for non-prescription wearers or over contact lenses. Wearing fun frames even for non-eyeglass wearers can enhance an outfit, so up your style and eyecessorize yourself, I know it will be love at first sight!

Five Favorite Things 2017 Edition

January 21, 2018 ~ opticianabouttown ~ 1 Comment

There is no better way to find your next favorite place or “can’t live without it” item than to ask a friend, and with social media, your circle of friends just grew ten fold.

If you’re like me you ask your most well seasoned traveler friend where to vacation next, your chef friend for the best new restaurant suggestion and your fashionista friend where she got that fabulous new jacket.

This is how I have found some of my favorite beauty products, the best esthatician in town, the restaurant that makes the best deep fried pickles (my food kryptonite) and the chicest boutique hotel I never would have found.

Everyone who knows me, knows I’m all about the eyes. Eyeglasses, Sunglasses, Eyeliner. So I am often questioned about what’s the must have summer sunglasses, what lenses should I get in my glasses and what is about to be the next must have pair of glasses to be eye-styled to perfection.

So in the spirit of a new year, a fresh start, and what will hopefully be the best year yet. I want to share five of my favorite EYEtems from 2017, in hopes that they might become some of your favorites for the new year!

OyoBox

I think of glasses as an essential part of every outfit I wear. An accessory, like a piece of jewelry and should be treated as such. Every Morning I get dresses and accessorEYES myself by choosing the pair of glasses that best coordinate with my outfit, or maybe I have woken up with a certain pair of glasses in mind for the day. I admittedly have two OyoBoxes at home, an aqua and a black, to compliment the rooms where they are on display. They are so pretty in their own right; the super glossy lacquer and a glass top keep my eyeglass collection on display. Designed like a jewelry box for your glasses and sunglasses, Oyoboxes are a beautiful way to store your glasses for safekeeping when you aren’t wearing them and a uniquely designed center partition, that allows you to store an assortment of frame styles and sizes perfectly.

Etnia Barcelona Glasses & Sunglasses

Out of the many frame brands that I adore I chose Etnia Barcelona because I added quite a few pairs of their glasses and sunglasses to my eyeglass wardrobe in 2017. The “Brera” frame in particular, with it’s classic aviator shape and rose gold colour works with both casual and dressy outfits. Because I paired it with Transitions XtrActive lenses in Graphite Green it adapted and offered me variety with clear, light tint and dark sunglass colored lenses, all in one frame. I can’t count how many times people stopped me in public, or reached out online to inquire who made my glasses.

The Brera in color PKRD

I am particularly enamored by Etnia Barcelona’s mineral glasses photocromatic lenses with a colored mirror coating. I added both the Miramar and the Marina to my collection this summer. Theses styles are a perfect marriage of unique pastel pattered acetate (Etnia Barcelona copyrights their acetates, so you won’t find theses acetates on frames by anyone else), set on a coordinated metal frame with a carefully selected matching mirrored lens color.

The Miramar in color PKSK

The Marina in color PKTQ

Kat Von D Eyeliner

I am admittedly someone that rarely leaves the house without makeup. I love makeup and enjoy the daily ritual of applying it. I am not afraid to try new colours and techniques and I think that eyeglass wearers have the ability to wear more makeup without looking overdone.

In my life before I was an Optician I was a makeup artist, and although my tools (medium) for enhancing peoples features and confidence might be different today I still love doing makeup, even if it’s only my own.

The one piece of makeup that I can’t live without is liquid eye liner and out of the dozen or so I have tried, my go to is Kat VonD Tattoo liner. It’s rich liquidy black, has a perfectly pointed brush tip and last through any day, no matter how long without smudging, fading or feathering. Kat VonD Tattoo liner makes it easy to get the perfect cat’s eye to compliment my cats eye frames and the clean, classic look makes my eyes pop even behind the boldest of frames.

WE LOVE EYES

When you love makeup, especially liquid eyeliner, like I do, it’s essential to have a great eye makeup remover to clean it all off at the end of each day. I was never able to find an eye makeup remover that didn’t sting my eyes terribly when I used it, and I often wondered why I woke up in the morning with such dry eyes. That’s why I was so excited when I heard (through fellow eyecare industry insiders) about WE LOVE EYES, an all natural, cruelty and preservative free eye makeup remover created by an eye doctor.

I have been using WE LOVE EYES for almost a year now and I cannot say enough great things about it!

It is a two part ritual on natural eyelashes;

Step 1, clean eyes with the tea tree oil, I like to put it on my clean fingertips and massage it right down into the lash line (I also like to take it right up to my brows, cleaning of my brow pencil too)

Step 2, with two pumps of the foaming cleanser, gently wash off the oil and all your eye makeup is gone, All that’s left is bright clean eyes!

During the holidays I recently got eyelash extensions (they are pretty awesome), and I know from speaking with others that wear eyelash extensions the consensus is to only use water to clean them to “extend” how long they last. This kinda horrifies me, you must clean your eyes! Lashes are a natural dust buster!

It’s a one part ritual on faux lashes; I used the WE LOVE EYES foaming cleanser everyday to clean my faux lashes and found that they actually lasted longer and looked better, because they were clean they didn’t stick together.

Betsey Johnson Eye Shoes

A girl has got to look fabulous from head to toe, and there is likely only one thing rivals my eyeglass collection, and that’s my shoe collection. Two of my favorite pairs from 2017 are by Betsey Johnson,and both feature eyes.

I consider theses Betsy Johnson “Poshh” heels my lucky shoes are great conversation starters and are just the right blend of classic, chic black pump with a playful twist.

These have been my go to when traveling and have kept my feet comfortable when covering the many miles through Vision Expo East. These classic white leather tennis shoes also the “Boom” fashion sneaker by Betsy Johnson have something special that caught my eye. Embroidered on the back of the one of the sneakers is a cute little eye that pairs with a winking eye on the other shoe! Although I am not really a sneaker girl, these are a great staple piece, that still show off my personality and love of all things eyes!

It was very hard to narrow it down to just 5 things, and my favorite things do change pretty regularly, but the reason theses things made my list is because they have been such a consistent to go item, many of them things I use daily.

I love sharing my favorite things, so follow me on Instagram and be sure to follow the blog OpticianAboutTown.com to keep up with my monthly frame and fashion favorites for 2018!

Home for the Holidays

December 30, 2017 ~ opticianabouttown ~ Leave a comment

Home sweet home is my favorite place to be! Although I do enjoy a beach, new city to explore or an unplanned adventure, there is no place I would rather be for the holidays than home.

Admittedly last year I did not enjoy the holidays to the fullest. My focus was elsewhere and I left far too much till the last minute and had too little time to pause and enjoy all the things that make Christmas time so special.

So this year I vowed to plan ahead, shop strategically (and early), schedule relaxation time and decorate the house with plenty of time to immerse myself in the holidays, so even with just a few days off I would still be full of cheer.

I caved… And finally bought a faux Christmas tree. A lifetime “real tree” girl it was something I struggled with, and debated for a long time. But the beautiful white flocked, pre-lit tree by Vickerman sold me (I am equally excited at the prospect of not finding random, stray needles into June, no matter how many times I vacuum). It was such a joy to put up the tree nice and early, admittedly a days few shy of December 1st. We trimmed the tree, decorated the mantle, hung the stockings and added plenty of fuzzy faux fur pillows and throw blankets, perfect for cozying up and watching Christmas movie marathons.

My annual Christmas movie marathons include: Elf, Scrooged, Die Hard, Christmas Vacation, Love Actually, The Holiday, Four Christmases, The Grinch and The nightmare before Christmas. When I came across these frames by Andy Wolf I knew what I was buying myself for Christmas! I haven’t seen a frame like these before, and admittedly with the amounts of frames I see, this is uncommon. The shape is geometric, an upside down design made in rose gold and acetate. And I have to elaborate on the acetate, because it is so beautiful. I cannot think of any better way to describe it than “Unicorn Acetate”, opalescent and sparkly, with a tiny checker pattern, with it’s translucent quality it lets the rose gold frame shine through.

Frame trends are lightening up, and theses frames are a great contrast to the darker, heavier layers your wardrobe is filled with during the winter. These frames are the statement piece to any outfit, but in a soft and subtle way, that spares no style. I paired these Andy Wolf frames with a cozy, soft pink sweater and knit charcoal leggings on a casual Sunday, because you should always look and feel your best, even when your lounging around the house. But these Andy Wolf frames were also a conversation starter at holiday parties, because they ooze an artistic and confident aura that attracts people that want to know more about them and the wearer.

This year I enjoyed Christmas and really felt the holiday spirit. I attribute it to plenty of planning and pausing to enjoy all the activities and indulgences that make the holidays the most wonderful time of the year!

Merry Christmas from Optician about town!

A Secret Worth Sharing

November 26, 2017December 14, 2017 ~ opticianabouttown ~ Leave a comment

I am lucky enough to love what I do professionally. But running a small business and blogging means I rarely spend much time not thinking about glasses.

It can be hard to carve out time away from the shop, time I sometime forget is essential to refresh and reset, and most importantly time to spend quality one on one face time with my husband.

Lucky for me the stars recently aligned and I was able to get away for a week of Sun, Sand and Sea at Secrets Akumal in Tulum, Mexico. It was our first trip to Tulum and I thinks it’s the perfect combination of breathtaking scenery, tranquility and seclusion. Which leads to a perfect state of relaxation. The beach is powdery white sand, the calm turquoise waters feature stunning coral reefs, brimming with multicolored fish, stingrays and sea turtles. Secrets Akumal has been designed with the perfect balance of traditional Mexican character with a modern contemporary interpretation. The lush tropical landscape features dozens of different plant and flora species, creating plenty of secluded spaces for relaxing.

It isn’t until I get away that I realize how much I needed a vacation! But because I am who I am and my love for all things glasses runs deep, a beach vacation is a great excuse for some new sunglasses and the opportunity to pair some new sunglasses with some tropical inspired fashion. This trip was a little spur of the moment, but I still had time to find a few new vacation wardrobe pieces. I was inspired by Mexico, choosing dresses in breezy white linen with lots of embroidery in shades of blue.

If you ask me no outfit is complete without a great pair of glasses! It’s hard for me to say if my eye-wear inspires my outfits or my outfits inspire my eye-wear, but no matter which way I look at, theses sunglasses where the focal point of my favorite vacation looks.

This dress has so many special details done in such a delicate way that they come together perfectly. Gauzy linen with peekaboo shoulders and an embroidered bib, finished with little tassels make this dress perfect for dinner and dancing the night away.

I instantly fell for theses new sunglasses from Etnia Barcelona. The “Hampstead” caught my attention in an ocean of new sunglass styles released at the fall Vision Expo. Etnia has done it again and created another style that is top notch design and quality. The brow bar is thicker, showing off the natural Mazzuchelli acetate in classic tortoise, held together in a trim of polished gold.

For the most part my days were spent lounging in the sunshine, reading a good book with a coconut cocktail in hand (in a nutshell my perfect day!), so this caftan got a lot of use on this vacation and will no doubt be used on future travels.

Gauzy semi sheer fabric, billowy sleeves, high slits, a beautiful embroidered bib and a playful trim of little blue pom poms, make this caftan so much fun!

To match the light feel of this caftan I chose to pair it with MODO’s (model 666) sunglasses in their signature Paper-Thin titanium. At just 6.8 grams and 0.6 mm thick, MODO’s Paper-Thin Titanium frame means absolute comfort, it’s so light you hardly notice it’s there (careful before you get the urge to jump in the ocean!). Although this frame is also tortoise, the darker tone of tortoise, set on an unexpected dark hunter green titanium frame. The hint of green on this frame is a great compliment to the subtle gradient polarized lenses, in grey green.

To say that our trip to Mexico was a relaxing and re-invigorating vacation would not do it justice. The pure enjoyment I had spending lazy days in the sun and crystal sea, all while dressing up and matching new sunglasses that don’t get enough wear in my daily life. Trips like theses remind me exactly what I work for. Now to get back to work and hunker down for another winter, all while daydreaming of the next getaway. But my eyes are always open for those unique new sunglasses, the perfect pieces to help me better enjoy sunny skies!