Eyewear trends this spring

Eyewear trends are doing wonderful changes this spring!

Spring eyewear trends

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Ladies bold two-tone zyl

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Mens cut-out black

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Lulu Guiness cat-eye zyl

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Silouette electric blue

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Ladies wood grain

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Mens olive green zyl

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Colorful aviator

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Unisex round zyl

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Clean and simple

Monochromatic minimalism remains at the forefront this spring, as men's and women's eyewear takes a more simplistic approach to modern styles. A limited color palette of slick gunmetal, dense black and pure white, with occasional pops of steely blue and gray, lends to structural integrity; however, new-age updates like translucent effects, laser-sharp cutouts inject fresh energy into these basic, yet essential frames. Freedom to explore various shapes - from small rectangles to sleek cat-eyes to angular squares - is encouraged, and creates much needed buzz around these everyday specs and sunnies.

Edgy Expression

Fearlessness, independence and a generous dose of spontaneity are the heart and soul of this season's most daring frames. Confident dudes and chicks will gravitate toward endless amounts of statement eyewear where there's no shortage of eclectic shapes, colors or details. Wild silhouettes, like futuristic shields, athletic wrap-a-rounds and novelty shapes, steal the limelight. Frames are further enhanced by splashes of summery tones - think creamy sherberts, fiery reds, electric blues and citrus hues. Bedazzled temples, textured patterns and vibrant colored lenses offer up variety and individuality for dangerously "spexy" appeal.

Oh Natural

Establishing harmonious balance between fashion trends and Mother Nature can be challenging, and more often than not, the outcome is lackluster. This spring, though, eyewear is being revisited through an earthy lens and the result is surprisingly satisfying. Mimicking natural materials and textures, including wood and leather, these frames embody an understated elegance that's perfect for eco-conscious guys and gals. Soothing colorations - like velvety apricot, toasted almond, marble gray, as well as soft pink, blue and green - provide a tranquil backdrop for contemporary additions, including floral patterns, metal decor, denim detailing and prominent browbars.

Nod to the classics

Paying homage to celebrated classics continues to be a driving force on the runways, particularly when it comes to eyewear. Vintage shapes travel back to the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, channeling retro-chic aviators, rounds, cat-eyes and Clubmaster-inspired profiles. A refined selection of mottled tortoise, red-wine marsala, buttery neutrals and mineral blues keeps these glasses and shades grounded. Meanwhile, subtle detailing - like mixed materials, inlay accents, ombré finishes and decorative bridges - reveals an avant-garde style that's permeating the "old is new" sentiment. The options are plentiful for old souls looking to rejuvenate their eyewear wardrobes.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

New year, new look

New year, new look for your eyewear. This is the time of year I get the most excited about. All the new styles, shapes and colors start coming for the year. What better way to beat the winter blues than by changing up your specs.

1.  The new year features fun new colors, unique textures and prints or striking modern shapes being inspired by the Rave culture in the early 90s. Colorful glasses, vintage flair and anything goes really.

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Smith Daydream Fade

 

2. Inspiration from the late 1950s and early 1960s. Cat eye glasses, with their feminine up swept temples provide a perfect nod to this era. Add a little charm to your life.

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Tura Crystal Fade

 

3.  If you’re looking to break away from the restraint of the 1950s, look to the 1970s with the essence of the era through metal detailing, deep color tones and creative adornments. A cool, uniform sporty edge. Try a lighter color for a edgier, street inspired look or break apart from traditional with a pattern or colored ribbon woven through the frame.

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Champagne Smith

 

4. Military themes and its color palette become an ideal neutral base to allow pops of color and intricate details to shine. Shades from a utilitarian theme ranged from light moss to dark olive and ranged from casual to luxurious cocktail with satin fabrics and elegant bead work. Find the ideal shade of army greens to flatter your skin tone and provide a new neutral in your wardrobe through your glasses style.

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Kakhi Kliik

 

Now for the guys, you have not been forgotten.

5.  Classic frames are given fresh life with blue tones in dark navy and azure, and can also be a flattering replacement to black glasses. Think reflections on water, strong silhouettes devolving into fluids shapes.

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Tura Mens Navy

 

6.  Something a bit edgier than the basic black frame. For those that don’t want the oversized look.  

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Smith Black Ice

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

A year in eyewear

This year we saw a whole range of styles for eyewear. We have seen an understated twist on classic look or color details to add some sporty detailing. As we say goodbye to 2014 let's recap the year’s best styles in eyewear and sunglasses.

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An enduring style, the cat-eye remains one of the most popular styles, proving itself a worthy classic with its glamorous shape and cheekbone flattering effect. Adorned with everything from flowers to animal print, the cat eye has had a serious makeover. The most specific trait of this look is that it suits almost all the face shapes, thus being an irreplaceable tool for innovations meant for everyone. Get inspired by sassy variants, mysterious alternatives and overall classiness.  Being diversely designed and interpreted for matching the diverse styles and looks, ranging from sporty to classic.

Another classic, the popularly shows no signs of abating. Originally classed as quite the statement piece, the aviator has earned its place with the rest of the classics for its ability to retain sophisticated and yet modern and dateless.  Regardless of how you choose to wear it, this style is enjoying the comeback from bold rims to transparent frames, this is classic with an updated twist.

Be as creative as possible! Try a playful take on texture or a colorful, oversized with statement details. Merging classic designs with statement details like imaginative patterns and prints, statement bronzed leaves places delicately around the frames and exaggerated versions of classic styles make the trend versatile.

Bored of tortoise effect and black? You’re in luck because next season sees a revival of bright, candy colored frames. A new generation of modern sunglasses with energizing and confident colors with innovative, unique shapes that really set them apart from their classic counterparts.

Over-Sized

Large, opaque glasses look chic no matter if they are paired with work wear or casual wear. Oversized sunnies have been trending for several seasons. Everything from over-sized round frames to square, geometric styles. Pair yours with an ultra-classic outfit to add edge or style with an already bold neo-modern trend for example.

I look forward to showing you some great stuff in 2015. Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. 

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

Stylish in the winter sun

They might scream summer, but sunglasses are the perfect accessory for the winter months too. You may feel less heat from that winter sun, but don't be fooled. Those trendy sunglasses you bought last summer are just as important now. The sun's rays can still do serious damage to your eyes. People don't realize that just because the sun isn't as intense or as hot, they still need protection. The winter sun sits lower in the sky and at a different angle than during warmer seasons. That actually gives you more exposure if you're out for a longer period of time, like at sports and other events. It can be damaging to various layers of the eye.

So what's the difference between these and the pair you wore all summer? Designs vary according to the season and not just to comply with current trends: the sun isn't as strong during the winter, so lighter lens tints and colors - browns and grays among them - tend to be used, and frames are usually larger and sit closer to your face to help shield your eyes from the low-lying sun.

For those who enjoy snow or ice sports, you should know that ultraviolet radiation is stronger at higher elevations, so be even more careful to keep your eyes shaded on the hills.

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Here in the Okanagan we can get biting winds, cold rains and of course, snow. Most of us would never even think of leaving the house without a coat in icy climates; and yet, unfortunately, far too many people don't think to take their sunglasses. While the sun may not be our primary consideration during times that we are battling the frigid winter climate, the sun's rays are still in full force during the winter months and in many instances can be even stronger.

If you frequent an area with snow, you should be even more cautious. The UV radiation that many of us are so careful to avoid in the summer months can actually be more hazardous in the winter. That blanket of snow covering the world around you actually intensifies the reflection of the sunlight resulting in double exposure. This is the reason sunglasses are a crucial winter accessory. In fact, in many cases it can hurt to open your eyes when you first leave the house after a fresh snowfall.

Research shows that the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can contribute to various eye diseases related to aging, like cataracts and macular degeneration.

Anyone who spends long hours outdoors, take note. In reality, people need sunglasses all year long. Even when there isn't snow, you're still at risk because of the glare coming off the cement. 

Up to 85% of the sun's UV rays are reflected upward, according to the Vision Council of America. Also, the reflective qualities of snow make it difficult for skiers to see the slope as they descend, possibly causing injuries.

In the short term, those UV rays can cause sunburned eyes. In snow country, they call it snow blindness - and it's a big problem for skiers and snowmobilers. Without eye protection, snow blindness can damage the cornea for up to a week as the surface of the cornea can get sunburned. It's usually very painful but can heal within a week or so.

Although it's a must to look great in your shades, the most important part of choosing sunglasses is making sure they provide adequate protection against UV. Make certain the lenses are 100% UV blocking by checking for confirmation that they are labeled UV 400 (this means they block all light with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, which includes both UVA and UVB rays).

This winter, stay warm and keep your eyes safe! Make your sunglasses a fixed part of your routine. It's not all about practicality, though - on a bright winter's day the right pair of sunglasses can add a stylish twist to your look.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.