Questions about Specs

Ana

Reading Tanya's conference post about how she has to wear glasses if she is sitting at the back of a room reminded me that I will probably be in a similar situation this fall when I transfer to UT. Class sizes and auditoriums are huge, and if I'm not early, chances are high that I will be sitting somewhere in the middle or back. I really try to avoid this, because I like to sit at the front (I can see, hear the lecturer clearly, etc.). But if I do have to sit in the back, and I can't usually see the board very well, so I have to pull out my glasses. This is the only time I wear them, so I don't really want to have multiple pairs with multiple frames to change out daily. I was thinking that a cream pair would go with the majority of clothing I have, but does anyone else have any other suggestions? I know several of you on here are "specs experts" and wear them daily. Any help would be appreciated--thank you!

17 years ago

Dressing

5 replies

Latest reply was from Ana

nancy

Active Member

A friend gave me a great idea that really helped me in picking out frames. I took along a digital camera and had pictures with diff. frames. I could then go home and look at them on my computer and pick the most flattering. I have to wear my glasses every day all day (contacts don't work for me) so I really invested time and money in finding the right ones for me.

17 years ago

Antje

Veteran

That's a great tip from Nancy! It's especially important if you're very shortsighted (like me) and can't really see yourself sharply without lenses in the store mirrors, especially when standing back. It doesn't sound like that is the case with you, though, Ana. But do take your time shopping for glasses, find a good store with great (and honest) customer service, and maybe take a trusted friend.

(Re: how to find a good store, ask other spec wearers, especially those who wear stylish glasses. I've even approached a stranger at work once whose glasses I admired, and thus learned about a store I hadn't known about.)

But now to the color. In my opinion, a "neutral" color like cream is not the only way to go. It's more important that the color flatters your skin coloring and ideally brings out your eye color, and of course that you love the color. It doesn't always have to match your clothing (although that's a wonderful thing if you do have several ones.) E.g., you love coral and look so good in it; maybe that would be a great color for specs for you as well. A great and flattering pair of glasses will still look great even if you wear tops that aren't a complete match/complement.

Hope this helps. Have fun with it

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Spot on Nancy and Antje! We are all on the same wavelength.

I'd be surprised if cream specs are what you end up with, Ana. You might not even end up with neutrally toned specs. It’s impossible to generalize about specs other than that the frame needs to follow your brow line, and flatter your skin tone. Look out for temple and inner frame detail. You might not see these touches but the rest of the world does.

Specs do not need to match what you wear. They’re a statement piece on their own. Like a coat or trench.

Antje wears colouful specs really well. I don’t. As much as I’ve tried to delve into colours – I look best with either a very retro, or very modern black & white frame. Your facial features are the deciding factor. My pearls play a big part in this too. A competent specs retailer should be able to guide you wisely. By all means take along a style savvy friend and Brendan. Don’t go alone!

(Btw, are you aware of how much the final set with lenses can cost? A pretty penny I might add.)

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Spot on Nancy and Antje! We are on the same wavelength.

Specs do not need to match what you wear. They’re a statement piece on their own. Like a coat or trench.

(Btw, are you aware of how much the final set with lenses can cost? A pretty penny I might add.)

17 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for all the advice, everyone! There is an optician in town that carries a lot of unique eyewear and I've heard good things about it, I think I will start my search there.

Since specs don't have to match clothing, I guess I'll go and see what I can find.

Specs are expensive, it's true Angie (which is why I am looking for only one pair that will meet all my needs). Luckily we have vision insurance and a health savings account that covers eyewear, which will help defray some of the costs.

17 years ago

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