We all know that fashion is cyclical, and if you keep anything for long enough it comes back into vogue – and eye wear is no exception to this trend. In the past two years we’ve gone back to large frames, square NHS inspired geek frames, and for the new season –  a very vintage fashion really is coming around again…….

Historically, back through the centuries and up to the twenties and thirties, round or very small oval frames were simply the way specs were made. When the great NHS designed frames for the lucky British public, their most popular models were the Ronnie Barker type chunky black plastic and a tiny, skinny framed gold round eye, much beloved of John Lennon and every hippy revolutionary since!

As fashion has been very retro for the past couple of years, it was inevitable that designers would return to that tiny, minimalist round eye. It’s excellent for high prescriptions, it’s brand new to anyone under the age of eighteen, and it’s a welcome touch of nostalgia to anyone else! It’s unisex, classic, and as it’s usually made with no decoration and in plain colours, it’s a look that will take you anywhere.

As the NHS model was gold, or a dull silver metal, you can add your own spin with a radical choice of plastic, coloured trim in red or black, or opt for a chunky rim. Giorgio Armani are reporting fantastic sales with their vintage collection, which includes round eyes trimmed in tortoiseshell and all shades of brown and antique grey. Calvin Klein have gone down a similar route, with one colour frames in darker hues.

So is this the look for you? Not a wise choice if you have chubby cheeks, or a wide jaw, but a must for any fan of Harry Potter, Mr Lennon or The Great Gatsby! If you’ve got a slim face, a high lens prescription and a love of a vintage look, then look for a pair immediately! They can be a bit delicate, so treat them with love and care, and remember that they’ve been in fashion since the last millennium, so they could be a great investment!

Varifocal Glasses

As it’s coming up to the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, the colour palette we think of for autumn is hot reds, vibrant orange and glorious gold. Not just in our woodland though – as summer tans fade and we wrap up against the upcoming chill, we think about warmer colours for clothes, hair and makeup. The divine Christina Hendricks is doing her bit too, bringing red hair into the spotlight (Yes boys – some of us look above her décolletage!) So if you are a red head, natural or otherwise, how can you enhance your glowing beauty with eye wear?

Your first job is to take a close look at your colouring in general – your hair might be a russet red, a soft strawberry blonde, or a fiery titian. Skin tones range from warm honey with freckles, to translucent cream. Eyes may be brown, green, blue, or any shade in between. With redheads, one shade does not fit all! Depending on your exact colouring, you may wish to enhance your eye colour or find a match for your hair. Look carefully at the different colours within your eyes, and tones and highlights in your hair.

Strawberry blonds usually have pale skin and blue or green eyes, and they need warmth to stop them looking washed out. Go for delicate frames in a teal or blue to match your eyes, or a shimmering gold to complement your hair. Brown will probably be too heavy, so if you want something neutral go for lighter tones of toffee. Metal trim should be soft gold, avoid bright yellow gold.

Dark red Auburn hair, usually accompanied with brown eyes and possibly freckled skin tone, needs a strong frame to balance your lively locks. Tortoiseshell brown is perfect, but plum toned purples will suit you, giving colour and contrast. Make sure colours are warm not cold, and avoid gold, which will stand out starkly against your skin.

Bright orange-toned red hair is a crowning glory indeed, often paired with brilliant green eyes. Again, you can tone with your hair or eyes, although green is a tricky frame colour to track down. Tan, orange or copper will be amazing, and the right shade of mauve will give contrast and a dazzling blast of colour. Gold will bring out glitter in your eyes and hair.

Celebrate your beautiful glowing mane with something special in your eyewear and make the rest of us jealous – and how fabulous that Christina has replaced Violet Elizabeth as the role model for redheads!

Glasses Online