Weather

Usually I say that I am happy with the slightly ADD weather patterns of Whatcom county. It keeps life from being too…boring?

However, within 30 minutes seeing hail, snow, sunshine and rain can be a little disconcerting. Disconcerting along the lines of being bathed in bright golden sunshine with blue skies overhead AND snow. At the same time. No, not flower petals being dislodged from the flowering cherry tree… actual snow. If I were at the top of Mt Baker or standing on a movie set next to a snow making machine or some other logical place for this type of phenomenon to occur, ok, fine. But downtown Bellingham? In the middle of April?

Creepy.

At any rate, I hope that all is well in your corner of the world.

The next post will be about the usual doings at Spyglass.

never has a truer ad been made

Here is an ad campaign for OOgmerk Opticians in Belgium.

The text says ,”get the respect you deserve.”

New Toki frames have arrived

Attention all you vintage enthusiasts. We have just received a shipment of Toki frames. Toki is a line of eyewear handmade in Japan using distinctive high tech engineering. These may be one the most comfortable frames you will every own. The 5 handcrafted acetate frames we received, have titanium core under a very retro exterior.

To celebrate their anniversary Toki reproduced a pair of frames that they designed in 1933. I think they put it best when they say, “In 1933, Masunaga Optical created optical frames in honor of the Emperor of Japan. The frames, into which ancient craftsman have put their souls, are now reborn with a modern essence and with the most advanced technology.”

We have 3 of the all titanium reproduction frames.

Can’t find exactly what you want?

So here is the scenario. You have been hunting around for the “perfect set of specs”. You have the shape burned into your brain from months of obsessing and daydreaming. You know the colour you want. But everything you try on is like a scene from Goldilocks and the three bears. ‘Too small, too big, too thick, too narrow, wrong color, …’

Or, perhaps you found the perfect set of eyewear. Those vintage plastic frames have been your favourite. A signature style that has worked well for you. And, alas, it has been discontinued. Can’t find it anywhere.

Well there is an option that is available. Custom or Bespoke eyewear (depending on whether you are British or not). Comparable to having a suit custom made for you, this service involves working with a designer, picking out colours and then waiting 6 to 8 weeks, after the final draft has been approved, for your very own perfect eyewear.

This option may not be able to work for every person. Sometimes there are proprietary colours that manufacturers use that can not be reproduced. Or, you may not have the patience, and prefer the hunt. However, this option can give you a sense of satisfaction knowing that you have just what you have always wanted.

For those of you interested in delving into this option there are some basics. You can stop in for an appointment with the design consultant. If you are simply wanting a reproduction of an existing frame, with or without size or colour modifications, bring it with you. We can even work with a broken frame. But remember, this sample frame will have to be sent in for the duration of the process. So, if this is your only pair of glasses, you will need a back up pair to use. On the other hand if you want something done from the ground up, a good idea is to have photos or other examples of what you have in mind. A good starting point would be noting, shapes and why you like them. Save clippings from magazines and bring them with you, just as you would to a salon appointment. Also, if you have colours that you particularly like bring those to the appointment as well. These can be a good starting point. Suggestions will be made based on your facial features, prescription and colouring. Measurements will be taken and a mock up will be made so that you can get an idea of the finished eyewear.

Once the frames are completed, they are sent off to have your lenses put in the frame. Depending on the prescription and frame construction this may add an additional few days to a few weeks to the overall time. All this time, you say. But considering the fact that you have already spent the past two and a half years hunting, a few months is not that much.

Instant gratification, this is not. It would be more a sustained gratification.

Colour Theory, preface

This entry is titled “Colour Theory, preface” for lack of a better title. It was suggested that I do an entry answering the question of choosing eyewear colour. The more I thought about it I realized that it is a rather broad subject. So rather than a single entry there will be a series.

Colour. Next to shape it is one of the most important aspects of eyewear selection. It brings up a few questions.

1. What is your colouring?

2. How do you want to be perceived?
3. What colours do you enjoy wearing? Or what is your favourite colour?

Questions number one and two are the most important. The third is helpful but not the end all. Sometimes people will try on a pair of frames that look great on them. However, they dismiss them because they are under the mistaken impression that their eyewear must “match” every outfit that they ever have owned or will own.

There are 3 basic methods for coordinating color. A safe neutral is to go with a colour that matches your own colouring. The next method is going with a color that you wear all the time. The only danger of this method is that you could start looking like a cartoon character. The last, but unfortunately under used system, is to get eyewear that is in an accent colour. A complementary tone that contrasts and adds punch. In regular dressing you probably are already familiar with this method. We see it when men wear ties with their suits. Or a some people wear a lot of black and they have a signature scarf in red (or for the more imaginative, chartreuse perhaps.)At any rate, we will explore how colour affects our choices for eyewear this is done in our series.

Ayo Ayo!

Just listening to some new releases and other such. Came across Ayo. Highly recommend.

Ayo’s official website
myspace

Her album “Joyful” is set to be released November 20, 2007. My favourite cut is “And It’s Supposed to be Love”

Frame shapes and faces

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the variety seen in human faces and personalities. So why do so many people think that there must be hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing eyewear?

Sometimes, people come in and they have read somewhere that they have a round face and so they must have square glasses. Or, they swear that they have a large ‘block head’ so they need a round pair of frames. Now, don’t get me wrong as a rule of thumb opposites (angular goes with round, dark with light, etc.) are a simple way to choose eyewear shapes for yourself. But, that is not the whole story. Who are you? I mean, really? How do you want to present yourself? Eyewear can be a key to your overall look. This is a method that stylists have used for years. For example, when you go to a movie and you see the ’smart villain’ or ‘hard nosed lawyer/hero’ who has a very chisled angular square jaw line and rectangular face, wearing a killer pair of rectangular dark frames it looks great. This, of course, would be a big no no if you simply followed the above rule of thumb. However, it fits the character’s personality. The overall look emphasizes who he or she is, or what they are doing at the time. Similar thing with a very delicate featured person with a rounder face in a light oval pair of glasses. If her personality is such that it fits and she wants to underscore a more feminine, romantic look, there really is nothing wrong with that. On the other hand, say the same actor was playing a soft spoken person, perhaps the stylist would choose more rounded frames that take the edge off the strong jawline and brought more emphasis to the eyes. It all depends on who you are and how you want to present yourself.

Eyewear, more than any other accessory can give a lasting impression. This happens whether you are wearing a completely rimless, blend-into-the-background style or not. Eyewear can enhance and balance the face, complement and emphasize certain features, minimize other features, or simply add a much needed dash of colour.

Have you noticed that doctors and staff are now wearing scrubs in a variety of colors? It is not just to hide stains. The cold austere look of previous uniforms has given way to shapes and colors that are not only practical, but psychologically softer and more approachable looking for the patient. This perception can help relieve some of the tension under stressful circumstances. Similarly a person with this kind of job might consider going with eyewear for work that is in a softer shape or color so that they do not look like they are about to fire someone. On the other hand if you are a judge in criminal courtroom maybe you don’t want to look warm and fuzzy.

So again, who are you? Who do you interact with? How do you want to be perceived? Or, do you even care? These questions along with your lifestyle can be greater indicators as to what is right for you than any specific face shape/glasses shape combination. Add to this the requirements of your prescription and there are a lot of factors that go into choosing the right set of eyewear. Taking the time is well worth the effort.

In creating the look that you want, a good optician/frame stylist is key. A good frame stylist should be able to listen to you and, and assist you in creating the look you are going for. Your personal style and comfort should always come first. Brutal honesty as to what does not look good on you doesn’t hurt either. (Seriously, would you rather walk around with the eyewear equivalent of lettuce stuck between your teeth or not?)

Remember: People talk to your face not your shoes. The right eyewear should enhance your look.

testing the capabilities

I am testing the capabilities of this site.

The lyrebird.
via videosift.com

Welcome

Hello,

I am writing the first blog page, entry, whatever the proper term is…. (Sorry I am new to this). I hope that it will give people a little insight into Spyglass, eyewear, style, vision related information, who we are, what we like, and the community we live in. It may end up containing random thoughts and observations as well, you never know.

In response to the many requests, I will post the artists that we enjoy listening to along with links to where you can purchase their work.

Attention Bellingham artists: We are on the look out for artists who would like to display their work in our office. If you are interested please leave a comment below with an email address. I will be setting up an email account specifically for this and will post the address later .

We will soon be carrying Theo eyewear from Belgium. I will keep you posted. Anyone (that I haven’t already called in my excitement) who would like a phone call or an email letting you know the minute they arrive, please email me your contact information. ps@spyglassvisionclinic.com

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