Optical Illusions
Remember the time when glasses were confined to the realms of geekdom, and leaving the opticians with a pair of specs meant automatic relegation to nerd, before you could even say ‘four-eyes’? Well, those days are long gone, and the latest craze is wearing prescriptive-style glasses, even if you don’t need to. Just last week I noticed a gaggle of girls lining up to try on fake, NHS-style spectacles in Urban Outfitters in an attempt to update their look, so why this current change in thinking?
As always, it’s those big boy designers that have got something to do with it. The Autumn / Winter catwalks were awash with frames in every style, shape, size and colour. Michael Kors picked tortoiseshell to complement his neutral palette and animal print designs, whilst Chanel opted for classic gold. Also helping carve the trend were Tom Ford, Prada and Paul Smith.
A fantastic way to change your look, in the same way sunglasses can enhance your
features, so can a pair of see-through specs. They can add personality and character, but also act as an extension of your beautifying process too. Glasses mean make-up doesn’t need to be as heavy, and rather than eyes lined in thick, black kohl, dark frames serve a purpose in highlighting and opening up the eye area.
Functional and fashionable, this new era of optics also means there are a lot more celebrities that are ‘out and proud’ about their glasses-wearing needs, and are starting to favour frames over contacts. So if you’re the real thing and you’re lucky enough to own a pair of designer specs, this is definitely the season to flaunt your frames!
chanel, Jennifer Garner, kirsten dunst, Michael Kors, prescriptive glases, Tom Ford, Tom Ford sunglasses
Sunglasses Overshadow the ‘It’ Bag
During 2008, it has been reported that the sales of sunglasses have overtaken the sales of designer handbags. Apparently the typical Balenciaga tote addict has now turned her spending attention towards the latest designer sunglasses. Statement shades are now the one luxury item that shoppers are still willing to spend their hard earned cash on and have thus being labelled as the new replacement ‘image item’ among teenage girls and women.
The reason as to why sunglasses are the new must have accessory is likely due to the fact that they are a more accessible and economical way of purchasing a high end luxury brand item. Every season there is a new style available which immediately captures the attention of the fashion conscious but this is nevertheless, a far more affordable alternative to buying the latest ‘it’ bag. For example, during 2007 and 2008, the main sunglasses trend has come in the form of aviators and vintage Jackie O styles which immediately conveys a luxurious and glamorous style statement.
The rise in popularity of sunglasses has also triggered further designers such as Tom Ford and Armani to catch on and attach their names the latest style of frames. They have also designed unisex versions making them more appealing to both men and women. It isn’t either just women who are contributing to the high sales as men are also using sunglasses as a way of conveying their sense of style and masculine identity.
Sunglasses are so much more than just a simple accessory; they provide the ability to create a real designer fashion statement which suits the individual without breaking the bank. The fact that they have overtaken the sales of the latest ‘it’ bag is certainly proof of that.
Tags:Armani, aviators, Jackie O style sunglasses, sunglasses more popular than handbags, Tom Ford, Tom Ford sunglasses
Summer Savers
As we hurtle through summer, you can’t fail to notice the new Autumn / Winter trends popping up all around us – in the fashion glossies, on the high street and at red carpet events, but if you haven’t even been away on your summer hols yet, now’s the time to bag yourself a bargain in the sales. And what better way to get a good deal than to go online? No hassling through rails of cheap tat, trying to work out whether you can get an extra 10% discount off that cream ruffled shirt, especially now the lady next to you just put a dirty great footprint on the sleeve – all in a vain attempt to grab that animal print kaftan you had your beady eye on anyway! Oh no, the only way to sale-shop in the noughties is in cyberspace. Plus, with the credit crunch hot on our heels, there’s even more of an excuse to pile that make-believe basket high, because who knows if we’ll even be able to afford a holiday next year, let alone a pair of sunnies or a frock?
In fact, sale shopping online is so easy; you don’t even have to navigate away from this website before you
can start saving pounds (not pennies) on designer goods. It’d be rude not to, right? With labels like Dior, Bvlgari, D&G, Gucci, Tom Ford and Prada slashing prices left, right and centre, if you’re lucky, you might even find those purse strings will stretch enough to let you splash out on more than one pair of fashionista frames!
It’s not just us laymen who like to indulge in a little cut-price purchasing either and we can guarantee that whilst you’re searching for some last-minute holiday essentials, there’ll be a whole host of celebs discount digging at the same time. Just because they don’t often get snapped with their bright red SALE carriers, doesn’t mean they don’t relish a reduced rate! Now all you need to do is remember where you hid that ‘emergencies only’ credit card!
Bvlgari, D&G sunglasses, Dior, gucci, Prada, Tom Ford