May

29

Migraines, Headaches and Eyewear

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As someone with frequent migraines, I was a bit shocked to discover that the tiniest flaw in your eyewear, or low-quality eyewear, can cause irreparable damage not only to your eyes, but to your brain as well. Having switched from my high quality Ralph Lauren eyewear to a generic set, I soon learned the repercussions.

Small cracks in your lenses barely visible to the naked eye can cause seizures, migraines or, more commonly, constant headaches. Cracks can form in the lens from extreme exposure to hot and cold temperatures or from blunt trauma. High-quality lenses, as from designer eyewear companies, have scratch resistant coatings and are designed out of more durable and sound materials. Like cracks, smudges and smears can cause your eye to focus, like a camera attempts to do, on either the foreground or background. Your brain is trying to focus on something in the distance while your eye is focusing on the smudge, thus causing strain which induces pain in your frontal cortex.

Likewise, if your prescription is more than a year old you need a checkup. Walking around with an out of date prescription can cause headaches as well as cornea damage. You eye is part of a living, adapting, changing being and it is not stagnate. Your prescription will change yearly, and if not then all you have lost is the cost of the exam to ensure you are not damaging your eyes.

Low-quality exams and cheap glasses are the number one culprit for ongoing headaches in most out-patient cases. The cheaper the glasses, the likelihood that the materials used are less reliable and the construction less professional. With your health you should go the extra mile to ensure you have the best in the business. Designer eyewear may look cool, but the more important feature is that it is a brand that can be trusted with warrantees not to be ignored. With designer eyewear you also have the chance to add anti-scratch and anti-smear coatings, which are highly recommended for anyone with constant headaches.

May

26

Why Ray Bans Have Stood the Test of Time

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Ray Bans have been popular for generations. Why is it that this company, with relatively generic eyewear, has been able to hold the public’s positive perception for so long? Perhaps it is because the designs are familiar in a time when other designers are attempting to branch into the unknown. Perhaps, also, it is because the designs are a reminder of seemingly easier or better times.

Personally, I think Ray Bans have survived the flood of modernity and streamlined style because of their creative and all-encompassing advertising campaigns that are aimed at integrating Ray Bans into the national image through movies, TV, celebrities, star athletes and other high profile people. For example, President Obama was photographed directly before his win was announced wearing Ray Ban shades. Meanwhile, star couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have been photographed together wearing Ray Bans. I hardly think this is a coincidence.

Ray Ban wayfarers’ bright colors and signature temple bar silver beads offer something that other eyewear is lacking- personality. Ray Ban’s are flamboyant, they make a statement about the wearer as a fun-loving and laid back person that is always ready to smile. The company capitalized on their instant success by enlisting stars who epitomized the fun-loving nature of the colorful shades.

Meanwhile, Ray Ban Aviators, in contrast to the Wayfarers, have the image of a rebel’s eyewear. Original made famous by McArthur, the shades have been popular in the military ever since. In popular (civilian) culture they are a hit among the rebel classes of skaters, punk singers, extreme sports enthusiasts and Angelina Jolie. Again, they are a style that comes with an image and a personality, this is why I think Ray Bans have done so well where other designers have failed.

May

22

Which LOST Character Are You?

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Based on your sense of style, which Lost character would you be? If you are a Prada lover, for example, you might be Stephanie. Read on to find out what your style says about you.

John Locke, the driving force behind many of the mysteries on the island, has a very definite sense of style. His survival clothing and equipment hint at a man who is deeply organized, prepared and utilitarian. Off the island, Locke would wear Oakley sunglasses. Oakleys are perfect for the outdoor adventurer, which Locke most certainly is.

Kate Austin, the Lost heartthrob, is a survivalist on the island but a beautiful and professionally-clad mother while in the real world. To keep up her image or normalcy, Kate would wear Bolle sunglasses, the perfect mix of outdoor wear and designer fashion.

Charlie, the bygone hero of earlier seasons, is a classic Ray Ban wearer. His free spirit and connection with the music industry set him apart from the group early on but also distinguish him as a novelty and charismatic icon.

Jack Sheppard, the opposing voice to John Locke’s surrealism, would wear Police eyewear on and off the island. Ever concerned about his image, Jack would be hard pressed to find a more suitable design for his on again- off again lifestyle.

Claire, the adorable Aussie stranded 9 months pregnant, would be a shoo in for Arnette eyewear. Her long golden hair and bright blue eyes give her the air of someone who has experienced a great deal both in and outdoors, and has stories to tell. Arnette eyewear is perfect for the outdoors and staying stylish.

Which character are you most like based on the Lost character’s personalities and style affiliations?

May

18

Madonna’s Eyewear

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Madonna, the Dior-clad, hearth-throb chart topper who has remade herself every generation to keep up with the latest trends and fads, has found a softer side. Currently embroiled in a battle with the Malawian government to adopt a child from the country, Madonna has calmly asserted that to fulfill the 18 month residency requirement to adopt in the nation, she will build an all girls school in Malawi with a residence on the plot of land for her and her current (adopted) son David Banda.

Madonna is attempting to adopt three-year old Mercy James, a Malawian native whose family has declined to adopt her.

Madonna, ever the entrepreneur, has been photographed in public recently in a plethora of different designers. Mixing a more humanitarian angle with her classic high-fashion style, Madonna has become an international icon rivaling Angelina Jolie. Recently, Madonna was photographed in Malawi in Dior shades and a big smile. Although her appeal to adopt the child was initially rejected, she has filed for a second hearing. She arrive at Terminal 5 a few days ago, again in Dior sunglasses with a gold and diamond studded neck chain.

Aside from her humanitarian ambitions, Madonna remains active with her singing career. She was photographed at a dress-rehearsal in custom made Ray-Ban Wayfarers. Ever the fashion icon, Madonna hopes her fresh styles will become more than just fads. The custom Wayfarers with no lenses look appealing on the blonde star, and already the fashion has caught on in Asia where women are donning dark lens-less frames.

May

13

Sunglasses from Weeds

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us0513.JPGTom Fords are the top fashion accessory for Weeds star Mary-Louise Parker (who plays Nancy Botwin), and she wears them not only throughout the series but off the set as well. Her sense of suburbia style appeals to many Americans who feel she is a breath of fresh air from the normal high-brow, low moral portrayal of suburbia women. Nancy, who is forced to find work as a single mother when her husband suddenly dies, takes to dealing marijuana in her suburban neighborhood to make ends meet. Dressed in laid back clothing (often in sweat pants and spaghetti strap tops and flip flops) Nancy fits in by buying fake purses and look-alike gear. Other soccer mom’s point out her preference for fakes and she becomes embarrassed by her lack of wealth and style. She branches out early in season one and embraces designer accessories like the Tom Ford sunglasses she wears throughout season one.

Meanwhile, her co-star Elizabeth Perkins (who plays Celia Hodes) is fashion-forward and every bit the part of the Devil who wears Prada. Fittingly, Celia is seen in the first season wearing Prada sunglasses. Although a character of the suburbs, Celia is constantly reading high-fashion magazines and is seen only in the finest of clothing and accessories. It is Celia who points out that Nancy owns a fake bag in season one. Celia is a counterweight to Nancy normalcy in her passion for fashion and modern independent woman attitudes.

The sunglasses in Weeds serve not only to give the characters depth and realism, but also to give viewers a way to compartmentalize the character’s many traits. Nancy, who knows nothing of fashion, becomes a fashion fanatic as the show progresses and her wealth increases. Meanwhile, Celia’s life falls apart as does her sense of style.

May

8

The Best Eyewear for the Would-Be Hollywood Star

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If you are aspiring to be an actor or actress, you’ll need to look the part. Accessories are key. Don a pair of Dior shades, a flannel hat, a stunning purse and killer shoes before leaving for the West Coast. If you cannot afford designer clothes, head to the Hollywood Goodwill and deck yourself out in vintage favorites from yesteryear. Spend your money on accessories, which are what Hollywood stars, managers, agents and casting directors will notice first.

us0504.jpgRemember to put you best face forward. In Hollywood, appearances are everything. You’ll want to appear fresh and unique, but balance that with a sanity that is much needed in California by having a few accessories that are loud and flashy and a few that are subtle and traditional. A safe bet is designer eyewear like Tom Ford, Ray Ban, Prada or Gucci paired with traditional shoes that are simple and elegant. Next get a stunning and flashy belt, but pair it with a simple and traditional leather bag. Finally, top off the look with either a simple hat, or plain conservative jewelry.

In Hollywood there are very few things that have stood the test of time. Ray Ban’s are one of those things, divorce is another. Nearly every popular young star has been photographed in Ray Ban wayfarers or aviators. Find a way to make your aviators stand out in Hollywood and you’ll have found a way to make yourself unique enough to be remembered by casting directors.

Finally, study the stars. Try not to copy their every design move, but instead attempt to unearth subtle trends that emerge across a span of A-list actors or actresses, and then put your own unique spin on the design and move from there. For example, when baseball caps were the hottest thing in Hollywood, a few took to piercing their brims, coloring on the inside brim or otherwise decking out their clothing to stand apart and yet still fit in. Break a leg!

May

5

Top Three Designers for The Male Fashion Enthusiast

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For men, staying in fashion is a difficult task of walking a fine line between overdoing it and appearing feminine or vain, and under doing it and appearing uncoordinated and out of style. We take the guesswork out of staying on the tightrope by naming Police, Armani and Diesel the top designs for men in 2009.

Want proof that a certain brand, regardless of the frames themselves, can carry weight in the fashion world? George Clooney, seen here, is sporting a nifty pair of Police sunglasses, a brand also heavily supported by Antonio Bandaras. Two of Hollywood’s A-list, masculine and sexy men have backed the same eyewear designer and have emerged victorious in their choices. For a sure thing, follow their example and pick up any pair of Police sunglasses, you’re sure to be in style.

Giorgio Armani is a name that can be relied on for solid designs, especially for men, that are not overly flashy or modern. The designs will go equally well with a suit and tie, or cargo shorts and no shirt. You’ll be in style, traditional, edgy and designer all at once. In 2009 the Armani aviators are all the craze, especially the GA509/S style, which has been seen on the California beaches and Wall Street cafes in plentitude.

For a final sure thing in men’s eyewear fashion, check out Diesel, a more creative and edgier look for a younger and more hip group of men. For the outdoorsmen (of the non-rugged variety) Diesel is a great look sure to bring any lady within arm’s reach. Diesel sports some innovative and creative men’s designs, including thicker temple bars, more masculine shades and gradient tinting. For the younger biker, skater or beach boy, Diesel is a sure thing.