Girls Who Wear Glasses
Having worn glasses since my early twenties, I’ve come to view eyewear as an essential accessory. I think it’s important to update our frames regularly (every couple of years or so) as even the most classic frame styles can look dated over time.
Choosing Eyewear
For optical (clear) glasses, I find that having one pair that’s neutral and one pair that’s a little bolder/high contrast provides some variety. It’s important to take into account your face shape and size, as well as your style. I have a small and narrow face, and though I love big chunky styles on others, they overwhelm me. I’ve also learned that frames with earpieces that attach higher on the side will give your face a “lift.” And I avoid styles that bend or dip down on the outsides of the frames as they tend to drag my face down.
According to the staff at various optical shops, the most popular styles currently are variations on rounded and cat-eye shapes. I’ve been seeing a comeback of frames that have clip-on sunglasses, but they’re still mostly offered in smaller, wire-rimmed styles.
Seeing Clearly Now…
My friend D. introduced me to SEE Eyewear a couple of years ago. I was so impressed with their collection, and variety of unique styles. They design and manufacture all of their own frames and lenses. The pink glasses I’m wearing in my profile picture at the top of my sidebar were my first pair from SEE. Here’s a very similar style. The frames are well-made and their prices are very reasonable! And they accept many insurance plans.
So I was thrilled when they reached out and offered me a pair (including lenses) from the latest Core Collection. I chose this style shown in the top photo (C913). These are so comfortable and lightweight! SEE has many, many more styles available in their stores, so if there’s a store near you, they’re very much worth checking out.
Thanks again to SEE Eyewear for these cute glasses!
I love cat-eye styles, but find the very straight, angular versions a little too severe for me. I’ve been on the lookout for a modified cat-eye style for the last few months. When I went in for my annual eye exam a few weeks ago, one of the Sales Associates at the optometrist mentioned she’d just received some new styles I might like, and these were among them. They’re from Barton Perreira, style “Jolanta.” I’ve had a few frames from Barton Perreira over the years, and have found they fit me well and comfortably. They’re on the pricey side, but the quality is fantastic. They look black in this selfie, but they’re actually a dark tortoise.
Made In The Shades…
I’ve shown these sunglasses before, but figured as long as I was doing car selfies (best light) I’d snap these too. They’re from a French brand, Jimmy Fairley. I picked these up in Paris last fall when Greetje and I were shopping together. This brand is another very reasonably priced option (99 Euros including single-vision lenses), though I’m not sure whether they ship to the US. The frames are very solid and well-made. Because I have a complicated prescription, I had the lenses made at home by my optician. Jimmy Fairley also has a donation program, giving a pair of glasses to those in need for each pair sold. If you’re in Paris or another of their locations, they’re definitely worth a stop.
What frame styles do you wear most often? Do you switch up the shape or color periodically?
Disclosure: frames and lenses from SEE Eyewear (top photo) were gifted. All others purchased.
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sue, you look adorable in those cat eye glasses! actually, you look great in all of your eyewear choices. but there’s something retro yet modern about the cat eyes.
xo
Love your style !!
Looking good. I just ordered a pair of black cat eye sun glasses and can’t wait for them to arrive. Prescription, of course…..
Those sunglasses are adorable on you!
Love these glasses. I have three sets of prescription glasses (computer, bifocal sunnies and clear bifocals) and they have all ended up being the same brand, which I obviously gravitate to at my eye doc: Seraphin. On my last visit, they told me they’re no longer carrying that brand, so my search is on for another once I am tired of these. Thanks for the tips. Your pink frames are my favorites – must look for something similar.
I’ve always used glasses as an accessory used to buy expensive frames because of the more adventurous styling. I now buy Warby Parker, Peepers and Eyebobs. Eyebobs styling has changed somewhat in the last year. I take the frames to a frame shop where they replace the non prescription lens with my perscription.
I love all three of them on you.
My frames are handmade by a French company in Toulouse, Anne et Valentin. They are just traditional enough (tortoise shell nerd style) and just funky enough (with purple branches).
Susan, you look beautiful in all of the frames but I’m loving the dark tortoise optical pair the most. That color on your face does something special!
Thanks for the tip about See. They have some really cute options online. There is one near me but I’ve never heard of them.
You always look great in your clothes and accessories. These are no exception. Lately I have not needed a prescription so I’ve been buying on line at Peepers. But now I need a prescription so I’ll be looking at SEE. I’ve always admired their styles.
You always make great choices!! Lookin good Kiddo!
thanks for this post – and there’s a SEE eyewear near to me in San Jose. I’m going to have to check it out so I can get some great looking glasses!
I saw SEE in the Sarasota mall recently, but did NOT go in! When I make the trip back (an hour south of me) I will check them out. I really like bold angular styles. There are a few of their frames on line that I really like. I just got a new pair of glasses a year ago. I try to space them out because they get pricey, but may have to make an exception. Thanks for mentioning them again.
Susan, you are so photogenic! All of these frames look fantastic on you. I’ve had to wear glasses since public school (50 years ago). I try to keep up with the latest frames, but weight on my nose must be minimal. As well, the progressive lenses must work properly within the frame size. Right now I’m wearing an extremely comfortable pair in a bold style by Face A Face, made in France. Always receiving compliments from strangers!
Thanks very much! Face a Face makes lovely and comfortable frames…I’ve had one or two in the past and they always look great.
Love all these choices! I’ve worn a dark red pair of Kate Spade frames the last two years and have gotten more compliments on them than all others combined! I had decided to go bold when I purchased these and love them! I’m surprised no one has asked about your lovely lip color…do you mind sharing brand and color?
Hi Donna, and thank you. The lip color is Makeover Workshop liner in Maraschino, (they’re having a sale now too) and Chantecaille Lip Chic in Amaryllis.
I begin wearing glasses at 9yrs and hard contacts at 15….Girls were told back then that if they wore glasses they wouldn’t be attractive to men. Finally when I was in my 40s I discovered how cute glasses on women could be (remember the lovely Dorothy Hamill when she briefly sported a pair of glasses?) and have loved wearing glasses ever since. You look amazing in the frames you selected and make me want to get a new pair.
Emily
Sue, Your beautiful, happy face just lifted my spirits……
Thanks so much, Faithfulreader!
Great choices! Am I the only one that is rankled by makeovers on TV when the updated result includes losing the glasses? What a lost opportunity to show off new styles and colors for a fresh look!
Lovely to see you with those glasses again. In hindsight I am not so sure about my Jimmy sunglasses choice. I think yours are better, but those are very much alike the ones I already had. Never mind, I am wearing them and hope I am very fashionable haha.
I still haven’t got much hope of seeing you in Paris in June, but who knows.
Greetje
I’ve got a pair of purple frames I love and always get compliments on. They feel more like jewelry than an optical implement.
How about a follow up piece on wearing eye makeup with glasses? Colors that harmonize with lipstick and shadow?
Love the post! I’m a huge fan of See Eyewear and love their glasses. I probably have close to if not already 20 pairs from them alone. Overall I have around 30 to 40 pairs of glasses. I love to collect them. I strongly favor Cat Eyewear an don’t have an issue converting a pair of Sunglasses to Optical if I like them enough. Take care!