I love this question, from Rose, about correct and fashionable eyewear:
“Clearly you are lucky enough not to wear glasses but do you or your readers have any sartorial advice for us poor souls with feeble eyes?
Obviously there are contact lenses for the days when your eyes don’t feel like they’re filled with poison (or was it acid?) but when I’m weary and just want to chuck on some specs I’d like some that aren’t either old fogey or young whippersnapper… can you or fellow Spikers help?”
And thank you Rose for the reminder about those amazing Spacemasks, which I am now raving about to absolutely everyone. If you don’t follow me on Instagram, I have discovered these self-heating eyemasks, which are absolutely brilliant for tired or stingy eyes. Follow the link above to the site, which will explain more.
Please leave any suggestions for Rose in the handy comment box below.
I have two pairs from Cubitts and love them! Not too expensive, nice looking (not so trendy I can’t pull them off) and they post out four pairs at a time for you to try on so you can see how they’d look.
They have amazing glasses at Black Eyewear which are timeless and cool – the designer buys old glasses designs from the 50s and they are all based on jazz musicians – and you can choose the colour of frames from each designs. I have the Tracey glasses in Crystal Clear – always get complimented on them.
I wear a pair of specs from Oliver Goldsmith designed by his daughter Claire and really rate all theirs. I also have a pair of Kylie for Specsavers glasses which I travel with and they’re surprisingly flattering!
Cubitts for sure. I’ve recently bought myself a pair, and I love them. https://www.cubitts.co.uk/
Check out Cubbitts – British brand with opticians in King’s Cross and Soho. I believe you can order 5 pairs to try at a time, no obligation (at least you used to be able to). And go to Oliver Peoples for Italian cool.
Hi rose, I wear glasses but only at work (should probably wear them more to be honest but I always forget / can’t be arsed) i’ve got incredibly dry eyes so contacts aren’t an option for me and I’ve got a stupid pinhead so most glasses look enormous on me!
For that reason I haven’t tried many but the ones I have are from Oliver People’s and they’re quite classic with dark rims. Believe it or not I tried on some lovely ones at Victoria Beckham and i’ve also heard good things about Prism although you have to buy them then take them to the optician to get the lenses replaced which is annoying. I think the trick is to try on shitloads, I know they’re an annoying purchase when they’re so spenny but if you’re wearing them everyday it’s important to love them, or at least not hate your reflection! Sorry this isn’t much help, good luck! x
I’ve got to say Specsavers have a tres snazzy range – of their own so not just the pricey designer ones that suit the 30-50 year old age range nicely. I recently got 2 pairs (I’m 37) – a nice tortoiseshell (if that’s a thing) blue pair and a little more snazzy (weekend use if I actually went anywhere on weekends lol) white and grey pair from there.
I did pay a bit more to have them made really thin as i’m so blind if you tried my glasses on you could see into the future, but over all very happy.
I hear great things about Glasses Direct but be aware if you are over a certain prescription they wont actually be able to dispense the glasses for you (only found this out after I had a home trial of 4 pairs and had picked some i liked …. its not clear on the website)
Good luck
NB – OP are actually American – but made in Italy.
Also see Persol, Moscot and Cutler & Gross.
I use Bailey Nelson which are pretty reasonably priced, lots of trendy designs and opticians in store in London.
If you’re based near London go rob moscot just off carnaby st. Give your eyes over to them and they will get a cool and trendy pair of specs that somehow just suit you. I went in looking for architect black serious stuff (god knows why) and ended up with sage green interesting that totally suit my face and hair colour. Not cheap but fab
Try Bailnelson.co.uk – not intimidatingly pricey/fashiony, just really nice frames & quick friendly service x
Hi Rose and Esther! I wear contact lenses most of the time but also need reading glasses. I have a fab pair from Izipizi (see-concept.com), they have a wide range of very cool frames. On acid eye days I wear a bright red pair of specs from Rodenstock. Think Pru Leith style! I like a statement pair. Xx
Specsavers actually do some pretty nice frames for £69 (usually 2 for 1 as well) but the current pair I have are from Cubitts – they have stores in London but I think you can order online as well, and they’re £125 all in. Lots of frane shapes and you can get them in all sorts of colours. I really like them and they got a quality endorsement from my mother who is an optician!
Good question! Will be interested in responses. I struggle with choosing frames because my eyesight is so bad and so is my decision making, but I will say that I have had designer frames in the past that have not really been the ticket and my favourite pair of recent times has been a standard frame from the rack, so don’t dismiss the lower end it’s about finding what suits you. Take loads of selfies (the only time I do) and don’t feel rushed. Also don’t rule out going for a bit of colour, it’s not necessarily whippersnapper or wacky. Black can be quite harsh in a plastic frame for instance and though I like the look on other people I now have subtly red-tinted ones and they are much better on me.
About to check out Spacemasks as my eyes hate me. If make up irritates your eyes when wearing contacts I’ve found just putting mascara on top lashes helps.
retropeepers are a great company and sell, as the name suggests, a wide range of retro glasses in multiple colours. i have always found them to be super helpful and efficient to boot. and i am always getting asked where i get my specs from too!
Try Cubitts
https://www.cubitts.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjqvTgZ6a3gIVR4jVCh2CZA56EAAYASAAEgIYt_D_BwE
I love Cubitt’s. I have some of their sunglasses and I’m planning to get my next reading glasses there. They have some fabulous styles, it’s worth a visit to one of the stores to try on all styles to find best fit for you. Just the right side of sartorial without being too hipster and not generic Specsavers (who wants to wear glasses with ‘French Connection’ or ‘Karen Millen’ along the arms?? Not me). https://www.cubitts.co.uk/
And the great thing about Cubitts is that each frame comes in lots of colours
Rose, I wear specs full time, which I never thought I would be happy with. My eyes hate contacts since having kids, so it was sort of forced on me, as many such things are after kids. I can wear contacts for a couple of hours for sport and that is it. However, I have adapted to wearing glasses and try to make the most of wearing them, which means getting ones I actually like and wearing what I like and not getting pigeon holed into feeling too dowdy by the rest of the world. I would recommend having a couple of pairs for variety. I also splashed out on some Oliver Peoples frames which are really lovely and brilliant quality. I would also highly recommend trying on lots of pairs in a swanky glasses shop then ordering them online. Not the most ethical approach, but helpful when on a budget. Pret a voir are online, do loads of lovely frames and very cheap thin lenses. Eyewearbrands are also really good. With both you can also order a few frames with blank lenses then try on and send back to get prescription lenses once chosen. But it is worth narrowing down the shape you want in a shop first. Pinterest is also helpful for inspiration and just as a boost to see people looking nice in glasses!
I also have very nice prescription sunglasses using the same methods.
Saw a site recommended on “That’s not my age”, called Izipizi. They do a range of readers, only a few styles but lots of lovely colours, which range from neutral to cardinal red and everything in between. Everything seems to be £30.00
I bought my last pair of specs from Specsavers-they’re Karen Millen and I always get compliments. I think a dark green or brown frame is often better on a slightly older face (I’m 40) as it’s not as harsh as black. Definitely take a trusted friend or family member with you when trying on -I had husband and two daughters who were harsh but I ended up with a great pair!
They might fall into the ‘young whippersnapper’ category but I have heard great things about Ace and Tate! They are in London, Bristol and Manchester so I haven’t bought any yet as I need to find out what my prescription is as I’ll be ordering online. The chunky rose coloured ones are what I have my eye on, but a high standard across the board. Apparently all in its about £100 – £120.
I have a pair of Ace & Tate ( Miles Large £99) that I bought from the Bristol store, I can’t do mail order I have to try them on. Staff helpful. Found Specsavers glasses too small and like someone upthread also not fond of the branding on the arms.
Ace & Tate. Cheap, but even better: really, really good styles, and they keep doing new, great collections – I buy a new pair of glasses every year now! They do sunglasses too. In Holland, their website can send your chosen pair(s) to you so you can give them a try at home. Don’t know if that service exists in England too.
Bailey Nelson opticians is brilliant
Hi Rose, I shopped around the high street for some trusty Rayban frames, then ordered them for a fraction of the price on Specs4Less website. Just choose the frame, add your prescription & hey presto! It’s so tempting to go all ‘Prue Leith’ and get some whacky coloured frames, but a pair of traditional tortoishell/black frames never date!
When you get frames via mail order I’m curious – how do you get them fitted to your face??? Whenever I’ve had frames at Boots or Specsavers or wherever, they adjust them so they fit right and don’t pinch. Thank you!
I think maybe this rather depends on your prescription, if it’s only slight or for reading you’ll get away with it, but if it’s a strong one then yes you do need to get them properly dispensed; I could never get them mail order personally as mine is too bad. I once had some dispensed incorrectly – right prescription but sweet spot lined up wrong and it was hellish as it caused headaches and it took a while to figure out it was my glasses out to get me, as well as the comfort issue as you point out.
Having a stigmatism I was wearing glasses as a teenager. They were positively vile, thick bottle lens jobs. Fortunately technological advances mean super thin lenses and a plethora of yummy frames. Why not treat yourself to a day out in Brighton and visit my terrific opticians, Bromptons, in the North Laines? They have a selection of vintage frames which are great. My favourite brands are Kirk Originals and Cutler and Gross. Incidentally I don’t do boring. Good hunting. Belle
I love proper glasses with proper frames, like a young Hugh Grant in 4WAAF*. They look great on almost everyone and really frame your face and make you look elegant and clever.
* I sat near Hugh Grant in a bar the other day and in the flesh he is handsome as hell.
No good for you if you need prescription specs, but for reading glasses the Danish company Have A Look are pretty good & not expensive – I have a couple of pairs of their Urban frames in sedate colours & like them, but there are more exciting options if you’re braver than me! https://www.havealookshop.com/
Check out Lindberg frames. Spendy but totally customisable and very minimal Scandinavian chic. I LOVE mine
I’ve worn glasses since I was a young child. I used to loathe shopping for frames because my eyesight is pretty poor and I could never find anything I liked. I’ve very fair skin, blonde hair, pale blue eyes, so most frames just screamed “look at my glasses” which I hate. Then about fifteen years ago I discovered the Danish designed Lindberg glasses range and they changed my life. Look for a local stockist and check out their amazing range. My husband wears framed Lindberg, but I always go with the frameless ones. They come in every shape and every colour in the rainbow. I really, really love them.
I like to wear surgical steel frames from Orgreen as I want something light as I wear them all day and I did the big plastics 80s frames the first time round. I’d recommend my friend Lee at Bridges and Brows in Reschurch Street if you want some fab frames. Despite the ruthlessly cool people on his Instagram he’s totally one for a Spiker.
Glasses direct are good as you can get free trials on their frames so you can try them on at home before you buy them!
Thanks for this Rose and all the great responses – I’ll be revisiting this post often in the future I expect, great info. I’ve never had a conversation with someone about what’s good in glasses despite wearing them for nearly 30 years xx
Cindy I really feel like NO-ONE with glasses has this conversation with each other. Like I’ve never had a conversation with another redhead about make-up or SPF or pain thresholds or anything. Some things just get left unsaid.
Big thanks to all the Spikers for the superb advice! I definitely feel glasses are something that never gets asked (else I’m clueless and have missed it, which really is pretty much me on a daily basis) but at least I now have some great starting points to find something decent!!
I loathe wearing glasses as well & really struggle with choosing & buying something that I will not enjoy wearing so thank you all for such great suggestions & especially to Rose for asking the question.
I used to wear contacts 14+ hours a day every day but post kids I just can’t. Too tired. All the time. I’d say don’t be scared of spending as much as you need to, both time and money, you have these things on your face (your face!) all day every day. So they have to be right and cost per wear is minimal when you think about it. But don’t assume expensive + designer is necessarily best either. It’s a minefield. I use an optician near me who always has a great range in and gives excellent advice about what does and doesn’t suit me. Brutal advice at times! But that’s necessary, whether you take a friend/ husband or get advice from the staff. Like I say, these things are on your FACE all day. Take the brutal advice and walk around looking fabulous every day. Elaine xx
Ps. A friend who I’ve only known post kids said she’d tell her mother to look out for me at the library class recently, describing me as the girl with ‘long dark brown hair and glasses’ I was totally thrown by this description of me. I have red (auburn?) hair and don’t wear glasses. Except my friend is correct. I do not look the same as I used to. Hair is darker, glasses are permanent feature. This sent me reeling for days. Days and days.
Oh God, I can totally imagine this.
Kaleos Eyehunters are just fab!
Just a note about spacemasks… My obsession this year!! Completely awesome, smell divine and send even the most sleep allergic to sleep in moments. I gave some recently to my daughter before exams and she slept like a proverbial Princess… Also, the website offer a buy 5 boxes get 1 free from now till Christmas. Literally perfect as secret santa /random gifts for those people you always forget. Finally, Harriet who is the genius behind spacemasks is the nicest person and always is very personal and personable. I love them!!
I recently discovered Finlay glasses and really like them. They don’t offer much choice which sounds like a bad thing but which I really liked. I find places like Specsavers too overwhelming because there’s too much choice! https://www.finlayandco.com/
Micromega Ottica in Venice, wonderful, individual and whacky, I’m now on my fifth pair. Check them out.
Bailey Nelson have a good fixed price selection. I am currently wearing Anglo American Optical. My old frames were Chanel and it was hard to find any similar ones. TKMaxx have a random selection that you can buy and then get the lenses put in
Wow, this is so helpful and timely! Thank you, Rose and Spikers.
I sat through a meeting yesterday in which we were supposed to discuss a stupid document pinned to the wall and I COULD NOT SEE IT. I felt ancient. I’m going to get nice glasses to make myself feel better now.
Dee. I wear lovely glasses all the time. Everybody comments on them and I feel a million dollars. Mine are varifocals and sunglasses sooooo glamorous.
Coming back to this thread with a Black Friday alert! Have an appointment today with Bailey Nelson, off the back of this thread, and have just seen they have a very generous sale on. 30% and 50% off pretty much everything as far as I can see, and if I understand the website properly, that includes lenses.
Belle – THANK you. I think it’s going to be great.
Wanted to come back and update on the specs situation. Having trawled all the many and excellent suggestions (thanks Spikers) I ended up in Boots on a quiet Sunday afternoon where they cheerily informed me I had an incredibly small head and so directed me to the children’s department. After I’d avoided the glittery pink affairs I found some rather nice tortoiseshell types which seem perfect. Unlike those blessed with minuscule feet who can enjoy VAT free kid shoes, children’s specs don’t seem to be any cheaper, but they do fit nicely on my tiny bonce!
Rose omg this made me laugh