Edinburgh Lass

The first in a four part series where I’ll (like the title suggests) help you choose a pair of glasses you’ll never regret! And the sensible place to start would of course be in choosing the right frames. So here goes…

The gorgeous Nubby Twiglet.

When it comes to choosing glasses I think it’s safe to say I have a lot of experience. As well as owning 13 pairs of prescription specs, I also get paid to help people choose their new specs on a daily basis.
I started my glasses styling days in November 2008 with Oscar and Fitch Edinburgh, where I spent a year working full time as a Stylist. My days consisted of hosting one-on-one consultions with customers where I’d take them through a collection of over 150 different styles and colours of glasses to help them choose a pair of glasses they’d not only feel comfortable wearing but that they’d be proud to show off. Over a year on I’ve now moved on from Oscar and Fitch and find myself venturing into the the more optical side of glasses but taking my fashionable specs knowledge with me to Optical Express.

So, being all knowing the the field of choosing specs, will I share my tips with you? Of course I will!

Back in April 2009 I spend a few weeks teamed up with Jo from fantastic eyewear blog, Eye Heart Glasses, to do a first-ever webcam consultation in choosing glasses. The consultation involved me helping Jo choose 5 pairs of glasses based on her face shape, hair, eye and skin colour, as well as personal style. To go with the Consultion video I also wrote a short guide based on face shapes and colouring to assist her readers in choosing their perfect specs;

Oval Faces
An oval face has a slightly narrower jaw than forehead. On an oval face the jaw will also taper nicely into the chin.
Oval faces tend to suit most shapes of glasses so go crazy! The only thing to be aware of is making sure the glasses are in proportion with the widest part of the face.

Square Faces
A square face has a strong jaw line with the same width face at the cheek bones and temples.
Square faces will benefit from a rounder style of glasses as these will help to soften off the shape of the face. Glasses with cut out legs will also add an uplift that will length the face.

Heart-shaped Faces
A heart-shaped face is defined by wide cheekbones that taper down into a petite chin.
Heart-shaped faces will suit glasses with a thinner frames and smaller lenses as they will balance out the lower half of the face. Heart-shaped faces are also complimented by half frames as they show off the cheekbones.

Round Faces
A round face is defined by the fullness of the cheeks and a rounded chin. Often with petite features.
A round face will be complimented by angular frames as they’ll add a bit of structure to the face, particulary in darker colours as they to help minimise fullness.

Oblong Faces
A oblong face is long and slender with a narrow chin or high forehead.
Oblong faces particulary suit glasses with a deeper lens as they add width and proportion to the face. These can also help downplay longer noses which can occur on an oblong face.

Colouring
When choosing your glasses go for a complimenting colour (eg. pale skined should avoid black as it can appear too heavy, blue eyes tend to suit blue glasses, etc.) and if only going for one pair of glasses go for something quite neutral that isn’t going to restrict your clothing choices.

Click here to read more…

kitkatcathy

However, knowing what is the most flattering frame style for your face shape isn’t always enough. So, what other tips are there for getting your frame choice right?
What most people forget is that when you’re at your opticians choosing your new glasses that the Optical Assistant isn’t completely useless. Infact, you’ll probably find that given the chance they’ll be very knowledgable about both their stock and what’s suited for you. We spend 8 hours a day, 5 days a week choosing glasses for every person that walked through the door.

But how do you get the most help from the Optical Assistant?

• Well, manners are the main thing. Like everyone, us Optical Assistants like a friendly person. Someone who’s genuinely interested in our help and someone that will trust our judgement and experience to try new things as opposed to adopting the “I know better than you – I’m an engineer” persona. (Trust me – this is a actual persona!). Of course, not everyone wants help choosing glasses and prefer to be left to their business – which is fine! Just ask to be left to look in peace to save both of us from feeling pushed into an awkward situation of hard selling.
• Be enthusiastic. There’s nothing worse than trying to help someone choose glasses who just isn’t interested! Not only does it make my job a little boring it means you’ll no doubt walk out with something you chose half-heartly. Choose your glasses on a day you’re feeling your best and amek sure that you’ve got time to really enjoy the experience. You’re choosing something that’s going to be on your face for everyone to see and your mood when choosing will reflect this. Plus a enthusiastic customer equals an enthusiastic Assistant!
• See if you can gather ideas beforehand. Though this isn’t essential it can make your experience a little easier. If you have an idea of what you’re looking for tell the Optical Assistant. Like I said, they’ll usually know their stock pretty well so can point you in the right direction. Plus if you’re looking for something that turns out it looks better on the shelf than on your face they can suggest something a little more suited. Sort of like a comprimise but more like your ideal pair of glasses!
• Remember this is going to be something you’re going to be wearing on your face for at least the next year or two. Are you going to set a budget? And if so what is the most you can afford? There’s nothing worse than someone asking for a fashionable pair of glasses for £50. Glasses do cost money and the design often reflects this. I mean, you wouldn’t go to Harvey Nichols and ask for a pair of high fashion jeans having set yourself a budget of £50, would you?

What about the best frames? What about the ones avoid? Any tips from experience?

• Like everything in life, you get what you pay for. Choosing the cheapest specs may save some money at the present time but how long down the line do you think they’ll last? Like I’ve already stated, go with the <strong>most</strong> you can afford to ensure you get the best from your glasses.
• The best frame for you isn’t just a frame that looks good but a frame that fits. Ensure you check with the Assistant that the frame can be fully adjusted before purchase and that they provide an aftercare service for frame adjustments. I meet hundreds of people who don’t wear their glasses due to them being uncomfortable and poorly adjusted – what a waste of money!
• Rimless frames are good for anyone wanting to disguise the fact they’re wearing glasses but other than that I tend to say, avoid them. Not only are they extremely aging to wear, you’ll end up paying extra due to having to purchase stronger lenses to support the frame. However if you’re set on a pair of rimless glasses don’t let me put you off. As contry to common belief they are actually very durable glasses due to the stronger lenses and most people have great success with them.
• If you suffer any allergies to metals be sure to mention this before choosing glasses. There is glasses out their made from titanium and steel to help those with allergies but the easiest option is to look for plastic frames.

So decide on my face shape, listen to the Optical Assistant and know about certain frames. Any final tips on choosing frames?

• If you can’t decide that day, think about it over night. Most places are more than happy to keep frames aside for a period of time so don’t be afraid to ask.
• Get opinions. Whether you take a friend, ask the other Optical Assistants or even the other people in the shop doing the same thing as you. Everyone’s opinion can be valuable.

So by now you should feel confident enough to go out and choose a pair of frames suited for you. So what you waiting for? Oh, for me to tell you what lenses to buy? Well stay tuned – that’s coming next!

Extra for the Experts:
More info on my team-up with Jo from Eye Heart Glasses.