One of my style goals for 2014 was to update my eyewear. I wear specs all day, except when I’m cooking or at the computer, and I have three pairs in rotation. The newest of these is 5 years old, so it is definitely time for a style and prescription update. 

In the past I have always bought eyewear in a specialized, brick-and-mortar eyeglasses store. For me, specs are like jewellery, so I’m very particular. Frames can be handmade works of art, with quality, craftsmanship and detailing that are sublime. I also enjoy the retail environment, the process, the service, and the assortment of styles available in these stores. 

On the other hand, new companies like Warby Parker and Rivet & Sway offer a compelling alternative. The model is convenient — you choose several pairs and they send them to you to try at no cost — and the prices are much, much lower than traditional eyeglasses stores.

As much as I wanted to try the new online model, I couldn’t find anything even close to the aesthetic I was looking for in their ranges. Even if I had found frames that I liked, I must admit that I would miss the uniqueness of a pair chosen from a specialized store.

After trying on frames in all sorts of shapes and colours, I found myself at Market Optical in University Village, Seattle for the final cut. These frames, shown below, were special ordered so that I could see them in different colours. Sometimes changing the colour of a set of frames makes all the difference. Most stores will do special orders for you to try, but will require a deposit before doing so. 

I am particularly fussy about the fit of my frames, and uncompromising about the following: 

1. No nose-pads because I find them very uncomfortable.
2. The top part of the frames must follow the line of my brow very deliberately, 
3. The frames must “lift” at the bottom corners near my cheekbones. No drooping. 
4. My eyes must be centered in the frames.

I find it hard to find frames that fit well. My head is quite small relative to my facial features, so I often feel overwhelmed by frames. Kiddies frames do not work at all because my eyes are too big, and adult frames are often too wide and deep. And wearing ultra trendy “geek-chic” oversized specs doesn’t work with my features.

Aesthetically I wanted frames that were softer and deeper than the Retro, Graphic and Sporty ones I have today. They have to work with my style descriptors, Modern, Simple, Clean, Dressy and Bold, and not be overly dramatic, arty, or oversized. 

This is the pair I chose. Greg and I loved these bright apple green frames best because their fit, colour and style integrity were spot on. Chunky, yet refined and interesting. They add a softer element to my outfits (another style goal) and make my dark green eyes look greener. Not to mention that this shade of sour apple or lime green is my favourite colour. If you’re a golden oldie YLF’er, you might remember that this was the predominant colour on the site when we launched in 2006. 

Just for fun, here are some thoughts on the other pairs that made my final shortlist:

• The dark blue frames are a pretty colour and flattering fit from the front, but two things made them not the frames for me. First, Greg thought they looked a little conservative and not modern enough for my style. And second, I didn’t like the narrow width of the temples. Although my old black half-rimmed retro cat’s eye specs have narrow temples, they work with the overall daintier scale of those frames. I much prefer wider temples on deeper frames.
• The red frames are a good shape, although the angular bottom corners are a little harsh. I first tried these on in grey and felt very “Hugo Boss”, which wasn’t a bad thing because I like the style integrity of that designer. Knowing that I’m not a fan of grey, Greg suggested I try them in red instead. But neither of us liked this shade of red. Ultimately, I felt like these frames were wearing me so they were cut from the list.
• The black frames are by the same designer as the red. A very similar shape, but smaller and more round. The shape is flattering, and the rounder bottom corners soften the entire look of the frames. But we did not like the harshness of the black, and the temples were a little long for my small head.  
• The white frames were a strong contender and took second place after the apple green. A fabulous shade of white, a flattering shape, super modern and simple, chunky yet refined, nice and bold, yet adequately soft. Greg loved them until he saw the fancy silver hardware on the temples. That was a dealbreaker for me too. Had the temples been plain, I might have come home with these frames.  

Wearing high-end eyewear is part of my high-low style, and it’s worth every penny to have a pair that I absolutely love. I received them yesterday and couldn’t bear to take them off. The colour makes me so very happy, and it doesn’t hurt that I can see a whole lot better with the new prescription. 

Apart from wide legs and more avant-garde styles, we’re down to straight legs, boyfriend jeans and bootcut silhouettes when we’re not wearing skinnies or jeggings. 

I haven’t worn bootcut jeans for years and don’t even own a pair these days. I am, however, going to retry a pair of baby bootcuts because the silhouette feels fresh amidst a retail landscape with an oversupply of extra tight skinnies. I love the look of baby bootcuts with refined, low heeled pointy toe footwear, so I’m excited to bring the updated silhouette back into my wardrobe. 

As for the poll, I can’t choose between straight legs and boyfriend jeans. I love both silhouettes equally and wear them frequently. I love the volume on the lower leg of straight legs, which are wider than skinnies, but not as wide as bootcuts. I also wear them roomier all over which is a nice change from skinnies. I wear my boyfriends baggy and slouchy, which makes for another nice departure from tight, tight, tight bottoms. So I’m sitting this one out on the bench with a slice of Greg’s made-from-scratch buffalo mozzarella and olive pizza. Choose your team and no batting for more than one side.

Avoiding “muffin top” is the most common fit challenge among my clients, across all ages, shapes and sizes. After dressing women for many years, I’ve found that the most effective ways to deal with midsection wobbly bits is by implementing one or more of six strategies. 

Muffin top might be a characteristic of your shape, but it can also be a consequence of wearing the wrong clothes, or wearing them incorrectly. Often, we create or accentuate muffin top. And even the most beautiful body can create muffin top in the wrong outfit. So some of these suggestions are less about concealing muffin top, and more about about not accentuating it, or not creating it in the first place.

1. Wear Higher Rises and Looser Waistbands

Lower rises and tighter waistbands accentuate muffin top. Wear skirts, trousers and jeans with higher rises and looser waistbands to create the opposite effect. And if you’re going to wear a lower rise, make sure that the waistband is pretty loose so that it glides over the contour of your body instead of digging into your skin. Choose these items in fabrications with a one or two percent spandex content for extra comfort. But don’t choose fabrics that are overly stretchy — all they will do is stretch over the skin and accentuate muffin top even more. 

2. Wear Styles That Float Away From the Midriff

This is the most effective strategy. You’re after tops and dresses that cover the midsection, but stand away from the body. This does not automatically imply empire cuts, although that’s one way of creating a flattering silhouette when the cut lines are sans gathers. It’s better to wear tops and dresses with a bit or a lot of volume, but that taper back in at the hips for structure. That way you create a streamlined effect, especially when you’re shorter in the waist and larger in the bust. 

Roomy tops with welts, wide waistbands, and high-low hemlines are ideal. Think “cocoon silhouettes” and you’ll be on the right track. Poncho type tops are another way to go, but they do not taper back onto the body and look a lot less structured.

Wear this style of top with slim fit bottoms for a tailored finish.

3. Stay Away From Clingy Knits

There is nothing that accentuates muffin top more than a tight top in a clingy jersey knit. It’s the most unforgiving fabrication when it’s cut close to the body. Instead, opt for tailored tops and dresses in woven fabrications. The rigidity of woven fabric smooths out the midsection and does not cling. Knitwear, as in “sweaters”, in tailored and fluid fits are another way to go. Again, more contour and less cling. 

4. Wear Patterns and Textured Fabrics

Patterns and thicker textured fabrics do a better job than solids of camouflaging muffin top. Wear them in fluid or oversized fits in woven fabrications or textured knitwear and they’re even more effective. Furthermore, wear them over a higher rise and looser waistband and you’re all girdled in, without the girdle. 

5. Layer a Jacket over a Fluid Top 

Wearing an unfastened tailored jacket, cardigan or vest, over a fluid underlayer is an extremely effective way of creating a defined waistline without the cling. It’s like magic. Lots of structure and no muffin top. Of course, it has to be comfortable to wear that third layer, which is not always the case.

An unstructured topper like a sweater coat, boyfriend cardigan, or drapey cardigan is a more comfortable way of adding that third layer.

6. Semi-Tuck or Faux Tuck Tops With Belted Bottoms

It sounds counterintuitive to wear a belt when you have muffin top, but trust me, if you do this right, it works wonders. Semi or faux tuck a fluid woven top or pullover over a pair of jeans or trousers (tailored or baggy). Finish off the look with a wide belt that you can thread through the belt loops of the bottoms. The tucked front and belt create structure, while the fluid fabrication and untucked portion of the top float away from the body to prevent the cling. You can also semi-tuck a top into a loose pair of upscale silky or leather track pants, and leave off the belt. 

Wearing shapewear and control top hosiery are more restricting ways to conceal muffin top. It’s fine to wear these undergarments once in a while for fancy occasions, but I don’t recommend daily girdling use unless you’re comfortable doing so. Sometimes, a top or dress with side ruching, or simply wearing a camisole under a top is enough to smooth out your silhouette. 

With black footwear trending strongly at the moment, there’s an excellent assortment in stores. Casual, rugged, refined, textured, with hardware, without hardware, there’s lots to choose from. Here’s a selection of low-heeled and comfortable options. 

• Fidji G482 Bootie: I’m thrilled with these booties, which I bought to give my ink blue booties a rest after walking them into the ground. I love their refined casual appeal, pointy toe, non-cowboy look, and that they aren’t jet black. They are ever so slightly grey, which looks a dash softer. Soft leather makes them super comfy, but you have to add a cushioning insole because the footbed isn’t spongy. Their tailored fit around my low volume ankle is an added bonus, and the elastic inserts make walking a joy. No rubbing and very well made. Their just above two inch heel height would have ordinarily been too high for me, but their lightweight nature helps take the pressure of the balls of my feet. Thank you Fidji, for making fashionable and comfy boots for my fussy feet. 
• Stuart Weitzman Manlow Bootie: If I was in the market for a refined bootie with buckles and hardwear, this would be it. Buttery soft leather, tapered fit on the ankle, and super comfy. Stunning quality. 
• Stuart Weitzman Parttime Bootie: A simple and sleek bootie for the Modern Classic. 
• Stuart Weitzman Dude Bootie: A short rugged bootie with that signature Stuart Weitzman refinement despite its hard edge. 
• Vaneli Lana Bootie: An easy wedge style for an extra relaxed look. Available in wide sizes. 
• Vaneli Caesar Bootie: Another simple and sleek style for the Modern Classic. Versatile, tailored and understated. Also available in wide sizes. Read the rave reviews. 
• Miz Mooz Nicole Bootie: Here’s one for Team Chunky Booties. Fun cut-out and stud detailing. 
• Kenneth Cole Prince Bootie: A textured, feminine and dainty shootie. Fun dressed up or down. I almost bought these, but preferred the smooth leather finish and more stable heel of the Fidji.  
• Jeffrey Campbell Everly Bootie: The hard edge of the Everly is in its third season of repeat styling, it’s that popular. A unique and fun bootie for mild weather. 
• Jeffrey Campbell Carina Bootie: Here’s a softer version of the Everly. The daintier strap and buckle are more to my taste, so I might try these on when the weather warms up. 

Some of these options are available in brown, which might be more suited to your style if you love earth tones.