Ask Angie: (and others) Another specs question

Back from NY, where I had a lovely time. What a great city! And what a treat to meet Zap and Mochi in person. As we said about a thousand times, YLF is truly an amazing place. 

At the last minute, for reasons I can't fully explain, I went ahead and bought those specs I showed the other day. Even though the shape is quite similar to the ones I already have. 

Why? Well.... I just felt that mysterious pull, you know? I hadn't gone in looking for specs, I didn't think I wanted specs, yet the minute I tried these on, something clicked. And then I just kept going back and back to them. For one thing, the fit felt unusually good -- I have such trouble with that. But they also made me smile. 

Anyway, in my experience, it's usually a good idea to listen to these urges. I felt pretty sure that I would be sorry if I came away without them. I could get them in Canada but the cost is far higher here. So with the thought that I would at minimum be buying myself a bit of time, I brought them home. 

I CAN return them for full refund, and I have two weeks to do that. I could also exchange them for something different. 

There was another pair there that I also liked a lot. These ones are a bit smaller than my current ones and a more obviously different shape, and they were available in a blue.   They are not available in the fuchsia lined colour. They do come in purple, which I tried, but it did not look as good as this version. And they also come in a few other potentially good colours. 

I would love your thoughts on this. 

Pic 1/2: Specs I brought home with me. 

Pics 3/4: Specs I could potentially exchange these for. 

Pics 5/6: Specs I already own. (Sorry, pic quality is not great). 

Pic 7: Fun Paul Smith pair I tried. 

Pic 8: Same specs as #1, closer pic. 

Note: the lenses in the store ones are all highly reflective and they also seemed lightly tinted, which would not be true with my own lenses. 

Note again: It might be possible to have the current specs made into sunnies, another option. 

Final note: both potential new specs are in "titan" and have adjustable nose pads; my current specs are acetate. 

Thanks in advance for any thoughts! 

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30 Comments

  • Astrid replied 10 years ago

    I still love #1 on you. I really like the color of #3 and I love the shape of these, they follow the line of your brows more than #1. But - and that might only be me - #3 look a smidge too narrow for your face. If you're striving for perfection. ;) #7 reminds me of the specs my mum is wearing in pics from back when I was little, in the early 90s?

  • deb replied 10 years ago

    I really like the pair you brought home and if they make you happy, I say keep them. #7 is a definite 'no' from me.  

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    LOL. The round ones I could not wear even if I wanted to, due to my high prescription. 

    Thank you both! 

  • replied 10 years ago

    I love 1!

  • Adelfa replied 10 years ago

    Your new glasses look great.  I really love the second style, but that may be because I have a lifelong sugar eye for cateye frames. I do think they look so cute on you. With everything looking so good, definitely go with what feels right.

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    I have the same sugar eye, Adelfa! :-)

  • Parsley replied 10 years ago

    I say go with your gut!
    Those first ones look great on you, and I love the color.

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    I'm glad you bought them, Suz! They look stunning! The colour is perfect :)

    My favourite shape on you is hands down the black that you already own - #5. The new ones are a nice complement.

  • Vicki replied 10 years ago

    Er, um, I rather like #7 on you!  It's quirky and fun, but if it doesn't work with your prescription, then it's a no-go.  

    I love your first choice and it's equal to your second choice ones, because there's a delicateness to them I like along with their color (are they blue?).

    When you're in the mood for more coverage and gingham, I've attached a photo of your next pair.

  • lyn* replied 10 years ago

    I like the new ones that you picked - they look very nice, and I appreciate the strong pull of certain glasses!! :)

    #7 is so fun!

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Oh, Vicki, I love those! 

    I actually was very tempted by a Wayfarer spec that is similar! I'm still tempted, to tell the truth. (See pic, below.) 

    Angie, thank you for taking the time to weigh in. I agree with you about my current specs -- for some reason the shape is just great.  I was worried the new ones might be too similar. They aren't identical, but pretty close. Still, the colour and fabrication make them feel unique to me. 

    I know that some Fabbers feel the black of my current specs is too heavy for me. And I understand that reservation. All I can say is that in real life, the effect is actually much lighter than you might think, based on photos alone. As Mr. Suz says, the bright white insides do something magical to these glasses. We both really like the way they look. 

    BUT
    , the bridge (even with some adjustment) is a bit too wide for me, which means I can only wear them for limited periods without discomfort. And they definitely look best when I am wearing darks, or high contrast outfits. They don't really work as well with softer or more muted ensembles. I find that I almost need to "bookend" them (or that I use them to bookend) if that makes sense. 

    I think the granite/fuchsia might be a little easier to wear, while at the same time being quite funky. IRL that inner pink is really bright. It makes a definite statement, and seeing me, nobody would imagine that I was trying to blend into the background. At the same time, the granite is a bit softer and more consistent with my overall colouring than the black is, so I might have an easier time making these work with some of my mid toned outfits. 

    Astrid, now that a few others have weighed in, I will tell you that I agreed that the blue ones seemed a bit narrow to me, as well. They were borderline, though, and I did like them better than an even wider pair that I tried. And I thought the colour was nice. 

    Thanks again for your thoughts everyone. I will get these made into my prescription and give them a whirl! 

  • rae replied 10 years ago

    I love the new ones, Suz! They will be a nice change from the black when you want it. I think it was Diana who got the same glasses in two colors... the color will change up the look plenty IMO. I do not like the smaller ones on you at all... though maybe the others just make 'em look bad because they are so perfect!

  • cciele replied 10 years ago

    I love your new ones a lot Suz! The color is wonderful. You'll have fun with the pink. My glasses are similar Bevels but have a bright red on the inside :-)

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Ooh! Fun! A Bevel cousin! The fit seems really good on my face for some reason. Must be on yours as well, Cathy! 

  • Jaime replied 10 years ago

    Suz before I read the comments I have to say I immediately loved these on you and seeing them with your other options and old specs (which I also like, don't get me wrong!) I feel confirmed. I will now read the comments and sheepishly hope you have not decided to return them.

  • catgirl replied 10 years ago

    I love them!  And I think those of us who wear our glasses as accessories (as well as to see, of course) actually have that "THIS IS IT!" instinct.  When I go in our local boutique, the first pair I'm drawn to is inevitably the one that turns out to be best... I wish that were the case with the rest of my life!  

  • Scarlet replied 10 years ago

    I think it was a great choice. I love the shape and color on you.

  • Karie replied 10 years ago

    Suz, I have the same sugar eye for the cat's eye frame! I love that style on you, but they could be a tad narrow. I love #1! I'm glad you chose those. 

    My black framed specs also look darker in photos than they do IRL. I don't know why that is, but I'm always quickly taking them off when cameras are around!

  • Glory replied 10 years ago

    I like the ones that you purchased and vote keep. To my eye they are different from your current ones in several ways. It is nice to have more than one pair to select from and these will fit the bill nicely. Plus you mention your current ones are not 100 % comfortable. For that reason I would not invest in making them into sunglasses - I would keep as an alternate.  I do like the wayfarer ones but not as much as the ones you purchased.

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Thanks again, everybody. It sounds as if these are keepers. I do like the fit enormously, and they are fun and will look good with all my fuchsias and purples and blues. BTW, the fronts are also red -- it is only the sides that are charcoal grey (they call it granite) and the insides are shocking pink (that they call fuchsia). I guess the overall effect is dark fuchsia. 

  • cciele replied 10 years ago

    Suz, I was lucky enough to go frame shopping with Angie and she picked out the Bevels for me (attached -- they are darker in person)! First frame she pulled out, and it was the best :)

    I think Bevels work well for people with small or narrow faces.

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    And here is our beautful Cathy modelling them, Suz! First pic top left:

    http://youlookfab.com/2009/07/.....yeglasses/

    We had such fun that day, Cathy. I miss you! And I LOVE your burgundy hair.

    Suz, you are gorgeous in your two pairs of specs!!

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Oh, thank you for those links! I LOVE your specs, Cathy! 

    Thank you, Angie. I am pretty sure I'm going to enjoy these as much as I enjoy the black ones. 

  • Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

    These are so warm and refreshing, Suz!  I think the color gives a little brightness without detracting from your lovely face.  The fact that they are somewhat similar in shape to your current frames could be a plus in that they maintain a signature look, and "new glasses" won't be the first thing people notice when they see you.

  • Joy replied 10 years ago

    Great fitting specs in your signature color.  What could be beter?  They will also look fabulous with your cobalt and other blues.

  • cciele replied 10 years ago

    Angie, I had fun too and am definitely planning another trip up there to see you :) :)

  • Diana replied 10 years ago

    I love the ones you bought best. The second pair looks too narrow, although I like the shape.

    And I see nothing wrong with sticking to the shape you like. I mean, I bought the exact same style I already had in a different color.

  • unfrumped replied 10 years ago

    Late to the party but I like them! I like the size which is in between your current ones and the blue ones. The black ones do look dark, but I understand what you mean about IRL. Glasses' appearance is dynamic, especially with all the new trims and inner contrasting colors.

  • Eliza replied 10 years ago

    Suz- I love the  color and shape of number one on you.  I think those tones are extremely flattering on you and actually work well for many skin/hair color combinations.  While they are similar in shape to the ones you have, the color will makes for a different feel.  I love my reddish toned specs (though I usually wear them only at home) and hope you enjoy these.  

  • Janet replied 10 years ago

    I'm really late to this, but I like your new glasses even more than the ones you already had! Very flattering and very you.

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