Spark

Okay, MAYBE we’re not going back to school exactly, but back-to-school shopping remains ones of our favourite things to do. And as we all imagine hitting the proverbial books for another year, there’s nothing like a new pair of glasses to make us feel (and look!) extra smart. So in honour of the scholarly season, we hooked up with our friends over at Pearle Vision to help you find your perfect pair of specs. Here are our top tips for shopping for a new pair of glasses:

Tip #1: Make a date with the doctor
Before you dive into the fun stuff (colours, shapes, styles, oh my!), make sure you take care of the basics. Even though it might feel like your current lenses are still doing the job, a visit to the eye doctor will double-check your prescription, plus assess your overall eye health. Bonus points for getting your doctor’s visit plus frame shopping done in one spot! Yup – Pearle Vision is a full-service eye-care store.

Tip #2: Be open – and take your time
When you visit the store, you’ll find A LOT of frames. That’s the point! Take the time to try on anything that catches your eye. Drawn to those dainty ombré frames? Try ‘em! Love the ultra-round siren pair? Go ahead and see how they look! You never know what you’ll think unless you try them on, so let your eyes lead, and see where they take you. Insider tip: if you have a strong prescription, don’t forget to wear your contacts when you go to try on frames. That way, you can clearly see exactly how those frames look.

Tip #3: Don’t be shy – ask for help!
Shopping for glasses can be overwhelming. After all, they tend to be a fairly long-term purchase, at least as far as fashion goes, so you want to get it right. You’ve likely read somewhere that your heart-shaped face should avoid angles or that your square face shouldn’t even think of trying those square frames. But don’t let yourself get bogged down by too many rules! Sure, some shapes naturally suit you better than others, but let your own personal preferences rule, and when in doubt, ask the sales staff for a little help. They’re trained to give great advice, and they’ll happily answer your questions, bring you frames to try on, and make suggestions based on your style and needs.

Tip #4: Don’t forget about lifestyle
You may love those thin wire frames, but if you’ve got a toddler grabbing at your face, it could mean a recipe for breakage. Work outdoors? Think about a protective lens coating for dirt and scratches. If sports are your jam, something lightweight and bendable may be best. Once you’ve found a style you love, talk to your optician to ensure it meets all your lifestyle needs.

3 styles we’re loving for Fall 2015:

Retro: Tap into your inner Joan with a super-chic tortoiseshell frame. The elegant Mad Men-era pattern says secretary, while the slight cat eye screams vixen – it’s the best of both worlds.

Classic: You really can’t go wrong with a timeless look. This dark, rectangular frame is the little black dress of glasses. It’s flattering, goes with many different clothing and hairstyles, and just happens to look good on everyone.

Bold: “Oh no, I can’t wear those.” See? We know exactly what you’re thinking. But odds are, they’re going to look amazing on you. So even if you don’t go bold in your clothing or other accessories, why not take a chance on your frames? You’ll be showing off your fun, ‘red’ side every time you put them on.

Did one of these pairs catch your eye? Visit Pearle Vision at St. Vital Centre to shop for these glasses and many other styles (check stores for availability, frame cost does not include lenses):

Bold red frames (Dolce & Gabbana): Pearle Vision, $214.95
Solid black frames (Ralph Lauren): Pearle Vision, $219.95
Tortoiseshell frames (Prada): Pearle Vision, $277.95