Oh, darling readers, today we embark on a sartorial adventure of the highest order, a journey through the opulent, whimsical world of eyewear. Picture this: the year was 2011, and there I was, standing before a boutique mirror, trying on a pair of sunglasses that screamed Iris Apfel more than they did UV protection. It was then that I realized eyewear wasn’t just a means to protect one’s peepers or to sharpen the world into focus; it was an unequivocal statement of style, a whisper (or shout) of one’s public persona to the onlooking world. From that moment, my love affair with glasses began, and it has been a scintillating romance ever since.

Let’s get one thing straight – selecting the perfect pair of glasses requires more than a keen eye for style; it’s an art form, a delicate balance between function and fashion, and, of course, a touch of audacity. For those of us who lead an opulent lifestyle, choosing eyewear is akin to selecting the right piece of jewelry – it needs to complement your look, make a statement, and most importantly, spark joy.

douglas friedman sunglasses 2012

valentino sunglasses eyewear

Prada-Minimal-Baroque-Sunglasses-Gracie-Opulanza-2011

My adventures in eyewear have taught me a thing or two about picking out the perfect frames, and I’m here to share these nuggets of wisdom with you. So, grab your notebook (or your tablet, we are in the 21st century, after all), and let’s dive into the glamorous world of glasses.

First and foremost, understand this: Your eyewear should be an extension of your personality. Whether you’re bold and audacious or sleek and subtle, your glasses should reflect that. This isn’t just about vision correction; it’s about vision expression.

When selecting a new pair of spectacles or sunnies, consider your face shape. Oh, how we love to categorize, but darling, it’s for a good cause. Round faces, rejoice with angular frames that add definition. Square faces, soften your edges with round or oval frames. Heart-shaped beauties, cat-eye frames were practically made for you, adding balance and allure. And oval faces, you lucky ducks, almost anything goes, but don’t get too complacent; aim for frames that are as wide as the broadest part of your face.

Colour

Now, let’s talk color. Black, brown, and grey may be the safe bets, but where’s the fun in that? We live in a world of color, so why limit ourselves? Feel free to experiment with bold hues and patterns that complement your skin tone and hair color. A pop of color can elevate your entire look, turning a simple pair of glasses into the pièce de résistance of your outfit.

But it’s not just about looks, my dears. Comfort is key. There’s nothing worse than a stunning pair of glasses that pinches your nose or weighs down your ears. Lightweight materials and a good fit are paramount. After all, these beauties are going to be with you through thick and thin, from sunrise to sunset, so they better be as comfortable as they are stylish.

Let’s not forget about the occasion. Just as you wouldn’t wear stilettos to the beach (unless you’re into that, no judgment here), your eyewear choices should reflect the setting. A day at the races might call for something bold and extravagant, while a business meeting might necessitate something a tad more conservative. But, darling, rules are made to be broken, so feel free to mix it up!

For those who tread the line between fashion-forward and functional, the world of high-tech materials and designs awaits. Metals that remember their shape, coatings that repel water and dirt, lenses that adjust to the light – welcome to the future of eyewear, where your glasses work as hard as you do.

Cutler & Gross frames sunglasses

Gucci eyewear Gracie Opulanza

Glossy Or Matte

And let’s not sidestep the allure of textures and finishes. From glossy to matte, smooth to embellished, the tactile experience of your frames can add an unexpected layer to your look. It’s these small details that can transform a pair of glasses from mere accessories to statements of art.

My lovelies, as we draw this glamorous guide to a close, remember this: eyewear is not just about seeing the world more clearly; it’s about showing the world who you are. With each pair of glasses, you have the opportunity to reinvent yourself, to play a new character in the story of your life. So, be daring, be different, and most importantly, be you.

Gucci Eyewear Spring Summer 2012

Roberto Cavalli Sunglasses 2012 spring summer

As for me, I continue to revel in the joy of discovery, eagerly anticipating the next pair of frames that will catch my eye, whisper sweet nothings about future adventures, and add yet another chapter to my love story with eyewear. So, here’s to finding the perfect pair that speaks to you, elevates your style, and, perhaps, even changes the way you see the world.

Remember, in the opulent game of eyewear, the only rule is that there are no rules. Happy hunting, my stylish comrades, and may your glasses game be as fabulous and fearless as you are.

Douglas Friedman Sunglasses 2012