After watching the Golden Globes on Sunday, it’s a sure thing that eyewear is in style. Did you see Meryl Streep in her black rims and lots of other actors in their dark rims? (Check out the GG link to see all the fantastic eyewear.)
I’ve worn eyeglasses for the past 30+ years and always consider my eyewear to be one of my most important accessories. First, because eyeglasses are worn on the face and second, because I have to wear this accessory every single day – or I cannot see.
My new Paul and Joe eyewear from Paris.
I tried contacts several years ago and it was a no go. I just cannot put anything into my eyes. No, no, no – and at my age I’m not about to start trying. I wear progressive lenses and also have bifocal computer eyeglasses (which are well worth the expense for those of you who work or sit in front of a computer many hours a day.)
For the past several years, I’ve worn Silhouette rimless eyeglasses without hinges which are very light with clip on shades for sunny days. They hold well when exercising, especially during my downward facing dog in yoga. However when I was visiting Paris last year, I treated myself to two trendy tortoise-shell frames – one from Jimmy Fairly and one from Paul and Joe. The Parisians know how to style their eyewear and their clothes. The new frames totally changed my look.
Eyewear Designer Corinne McCormack
Many midlife women start to need reading glasses once they hit their 40s. A few months ago, I hosted a giveaway on my blog for hip and cool readers from designer Corinne McCormack. Corinne is a boomer girl, so I was curious to interview her about her thoughts on fashion and eyewear for women 50+. Here’s what she said:
J: What do you think about fashion for women 50+?
C: “I don’t think your style changes as you age. I think today age is a mindset. I feel as young today as I did in my 30’s and I am physically in better shape! So, why would I change what looks good on me? Of course, there are fashions that just are more juvenile and trendy that don’t work for me or anyone in our 50’s. But I didn’t follow trends or wear baby doll dresses when I was younger either. My philosophy is find something that looks good on you. Then don’t worry about the age.”
J: What about eyewear for women 50+?
C: “Eyewear should flatter and compliment your face. I love eyewear because if you find the right shape, you get an automatic uplift! All of my styles are designed to provide that lift that we all love, regardless of your age.
Corinne offered some helpful tips on selecting the correct eyewear for the shape of your face:
Do you have a heart shaped face?
Do you have an oval shaped face?
Do you have a round face?
Is your face square shaped?
Makeup artist Rebecca Restrepo shared good advice about makeup under eyewear in this month’s “O” The Oprah Magazine (note you can find all the tips in detail with this link):
1. Curl your lashes. (I have to get an eyelash curler. I don’t use one.)
2. Use eyeliner along the upper lash line and your waterline, the inner rim of your lower lashes. Dark gray and brown flatter every eye color and are less harsh than black. (Ok Rebecca, now I have to throw out my new Lancome black eyeliner and get a new brown one.) Rebecca says to skip eyeshadow – that it won’t show under glasses unless you pile it on. ( Sorry Rebecca but I disagree. I use Bobbi Brown shadows in shades of Cocoa, Cement and Champagne – which are very subtle colors and I think they look good.)
3. Apply two coats of volumizing mascara to your top lashes. (I like Lancome Hynose Star mascara in black. It makes my lashes look very long.)
4. Minimize natural darkness with concealer. Rebecca says that eyeglass frames can cast shadows around your eyes. (I use Bobbi Brown Corrector in peach and top it with Smashbox Concealer in 3.0.)
Cindy Eyler wearing her new readers.
Congrats to the recipient of my Corinne McCormack Readers Giveaway: Cindy Eyler. Cindy looks fab in her new readers.
Do you accessorize with eyewear during your life after 50? What type of eyewear do you prefer?
Judi
I love Corine’s glasses, and have a bunch of them (when I can find them!) It always seems like I’m misplacing my readers….argh.
Sheryl, glad you like Corinne’s readers. She does have cool and colorful frames. I know what you mean about finding your glasses.
I wore glasses for 6 years when i was young. When I got my contacts I never looked back. I am trying to do the up close, far away thing with my contacts..so far so good. I love all your tips on readers and glasses, I still wear them occasionally and I appreciate the advice. Hope you will link this article to the Fashionista Events style hop this week: http://stillblondeafteralltheseyears.com/2014/01/golden-globe-fashion-stars-45-fashionista-style-hop/
Shelley, you are a brave woman to put contacts in your eyes every day. Glad the bifocal contact process is working for you. It’s always a juggling act. Love your post about the Golden Globe fashionistas over 45.
I wore contacts since my early teens–any 13 year old can easily adjust I think. However age happened. I have a pair of red and yellow glasses that has become my signature.
Now cataracts–so hopefully I won’t need glasses! I can just never get used to how they feel.
http://courtingdestiny.com
Pia, thanks for sharing your story. Love that your glasses have become your signature during your life after 50.
I love the readers. They live at my desk where I spend a lot of time using them. Thanks SO much!! They are so cute!! 🙂
Glad you like the glasses.
My wife got into the wearing more styles glasses from a friend who is a stylist. She let her know what kind of glasses she should get according to the form of her face like the article explained. I am not a big style guy but it really made a difference and she wears glasses with more confidence in herself.
Glad your wife is so stylish with her eyewear. It’s an accessory we wear every day so it is important to like your eyeglasses.
The fact that I can’t see without my glasses, also makes it my most important accessory. I use the clip on shades all the time. They are probably my favorite part about my glasses.
Phillius, I know what you mean. I also like the clip on shades more and more, especially for exercise outdoors so I don’t have to carry extra sunglasses.
I am a total believer in the idea of the glasses making the man. Glasses are such an iconic fashion statement that bear so much of an evaluative property. As I consider famous people that have worn glasses, each created a statement with their glasses that said, “this is me.” I think my favorite look is the black rimmed Buddy Holly glasses look.
I like black framed glasses too. Funny how popular they are now.
With picking out eyeglasses, my daughter tends to pick the most fashionable ones that fits with her style. Hey, it’s something that she finds enjoyable to do. I mostly tell her to find one that\’s both stylish and she’ll be able to see clearly with.
I always say that it pays to take time to select eyewear since it is an accessory that you wear every day. And it’s an accessory that is on a focal point of your body – your face.
Love the eye wear designs presented in this blog post. I think face beauty significantly improves by wearing an eye wear. I do use Ray Ban white frame and looking forward to change my brand, what brand will be good for me, I’m looking for cheap price.
Mallory, any of the brands I mention would be good. Warby Parker is also good.
Your looks matter!!
Whether you are working or collage going or even a kid, looks matter. Today’s new era is to look presentable 24X7…Especially if you have to attend a part… These days, glass wear manufacturers are working really hard to make your looks better.
This is the reason why I could not stop myself from reading your post, since I bought my 2 pairs of glass wears recently from Steven Allan Optical and trust me, they are really fab. I thank you and many other blogger for sharing such helpful posts with us.
Hello there, Honey is here. What you told us is exactly right. Here I am here to tell you about my received product from Lenskart a week ago. The frame’s quality is good, and it effectively blocks blue light and UV rays as well. Overall, I am pleased with the order and the Saveplus discount of 57 percent on Lenskart. Just go for it now!
Honey, glad you liked the eyewear.