It is the start of a new season, and there seemed no better location than the desert at dawn to showcase one of  summer 2018’s must try sunglass trends.

In the spirit of the 1970’s, a time when individuality and expression through fashion reigned supreme and iconic trends were formed and forever etched into the style bible. For summer 2018 eyewear is trending in shapes and colors reminiscent of a throwback seventies vibe.

I get very excited for a new shape in eyewear, and although it’s not “new”, the comeback of a Hexagonal frame is a shape trend that is sure to make its mark in eyewear for 2019. The first few signs of the trend are creeping into sunglasses and I have a prediction that the shape will become increasingly popular for both sunglasses and eyeglasses in the year to come.

These hexagonal frames by Mizayke are a light metal frame that allows the strong geometric shape to shine, complete with a bridge shape that compliments rather than pull focus from the geometric outline. The sunglasses have gradient tinted lenses in a deep rich mahogany color.  Giving an ombre look that provides the perfect accent to add a layer of 70’s spirit to the frame.

 

 

This year the classic aviator shape you know and love is being reintroduced in a more angular, rectangular silhouette. Known as a navigator style, this sunglass shape is a hybrid of the classic aviator, double bridge design and a rectangular frame shape. The ‘Mitte” by Etnia Barcelona, adapts the navigator foundation adding unexpected angles to create  sunglasses that evoke a funky vintage vibe. Although the sunglasses might look a little masculine on first glance, this androgynous style can be worn by men or women.

The “Mitte” sunglasses are the first that I’ve come across that are designed for men in rose gold, a flattering color, especially against tanned summer skin.

(As an added bonus you can buy them for your man, and wear them too!)

Etnia Barcelona has created a bold double bar silhouette and added a delicate linear, engraved temple detail.  Tone on tone, translucent acetate cradles copper colored natural mineral lenses.

 

 

Lenses change the style profile of a pair of sunglasses. It’s an element that can add a personality to a basic pair of frames. Gradient tinted lens gained popularity in the 1970’s and the trend carried on through to the 1980’s. A gradient can also be referred to as a  fashion tint. This is a style of sunglass lens that is darker at the top of the lens and gradually lightens towards the bottom of the lens. From barely there sheer washes of color that can be worn indoors to a dark gradient depth for comfort in bright sunshine. Gradient lenses in shades of brown have a distinct 70’s vibe.

To elevate the style factor in one of my favorite Andy Wolf frames, the “Brigitte”, I decided to take inspiration from the Andy Wolf demo lenses and add a very sheer gradient brown tint to enhance a throwback feel. I wanted these glasses to be customized to meet all my visual needs and be a design all my own. So to make these glasses perfection for inside and outside I added the light tint on a Transition Xtractive brown lenses, thus creating a fab pair of glasses or sunglasses…depending on where you see me!

I love that a pair of eyewear can be the inspirational starting point for unique outfit. You can be a chameleon and take on a totally different personality than your everyday. These 70’s inspired sunglasses would be a perfect EYEcessory for a summer music festival, road trip or backyard barbecue. A standout style look that would be perfect with a embroidered crop top, a pair of high waisted denim and a pair of boho boots.

 

 

As I danced in the desert at dawn in this adorable embroidered linen dress, boho boots and a felt rancher hat, I was definitely feeling good vibes in these throwback sunglass styles.

So whether you experienced the 70’s or just want to live vicariously through the fashions of the era, this summer is the perfect time to visit this groovy decade of eyewear.

 

Pink and blush tones have been sprouting up in eyewear…

For spring/summer 2018 there is no doubt that the trend is in full bloom. From barely there translucent blush, to opaque pinks and rosy tones, glasses and sunglasses in soft shades are a breath of fresh air in comparison to the dark frames styles of recent seasons.

Two frames that stood out to me in perfect shades of pink this season was an eyeglass frame & co-coordinating sunglasses partner by CALVIN KLEIN eyewear. Both the glasses and sunglasses are a combination of two different acetates, one solid pink, one with a subtle linear, brushstroke pattern. The almost puzzle like quality of the acetate is set on a frame of rose gold, giving the frame an eye catching dimension.

CALVIN KLEIN eyewear has had somewhat of a rebirth with the arrival of new Chief Creative Officer Raf Simons. With Raf Simons leading the creative strategy for the CALVIN KLEIN brand globally, the eyewear collection has regained the brands identity celebrating classic and contemporary casual, while being a modern provocateur of what is to come.

The glam oversized, round sunglasses are thoughtfully designed, with a narrow bridge and nosepads to keep the large frame from sitting on your cheeks. While the  slightly mirrored, rose gold lenses have me enjoying the world through rose colored glasses!

I love that even the ever popular tortoise pattern is getting a spring refresh with tones of blush. The soft pink base replacing the more traditional tortoise (dark brown and medium brown muddled print), Havana tortoise (light brown and tan, often with a caramel hue) or Tokyo tortoise (amber hue and dark brown muddled print, with greater contrast between colors). Blush tortoise is flattering on all skin tones, and is particularly perfect for those fair skin tones that want a lighter look. It is still a fantastic neutral option and a perfect way to embrace the blush trend, even if you’re someone who typically doesn’t gravitate towards pink.

A good-looking frame that embraces the blush tortoise trend is the CK18107. It marries a retro silhouette and modern aesthetics. This frame is a collaboration of many hot trends in eyewear for 2018, it’s round, a thinner more minimal look and is a combination of metal and plastic, in hues of rose gold and blush tortoise. It’s perfection!

When I saw theses cotton candy pink sunnies by Derek Lam, I knew they would be the a perfect EYEcessory to go with the pattern on this jumpsuit. The “Venus” is a butterfly shape with a geometric flair, featuring the signature hole punch temple design that connects all the sunglasses in Derek Lams’ new 2018 collection. Although it’s called coral the sunglasses are much more pinky that the name would have you believe. With it’s subtle gold hinge accent and gradient grey lenses it’s a sweet choice for spring/summer 2018.

Consider blush and pink colored glasses and sunglasses a new neutral, for your next pair of spectacular spectacles as they are one of my Spring/Summer 2018 EYEstyle Trends to watch.

Glossi

[glos-ee, glaw-see]

adjective, glossier, glossiest.

1. Having a shiny or lustrous surface.

2. Fabulously great looking in every way. The highest form of beauty and allure

3. 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.

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!

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.

 

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.

 

 

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!