Dressing for Comfort, Confidence & Style

I  finally admitted to myself I need to wear reading glasses to see the words on my computer clearly and to look up numbers in the phone book.   I call my glasses, ” My Harry Potters.” I call them that because I bought them at the Dollar Store and they are very round.  These very round glasses don’t really look good on anyone but I can’t seem to lose them or destroy them.  I have accidentally sat on them and I have lost them many times but they seem to always reappear.   I have owned more expensive, flattering glasses but in my denial that I needed glasses I managed to lose or destroy the nicer glasses.    I have  grown fond of my “Harry Potters.”   But I do not wear them when I am working as an image consultant.  I have actually bought another pair of more expensive glasses flattering glasses that so far I have not lost.

For those of you who need new glasses or plan to buy sunglasses here are a few tips for choosing flattering styles.

I learned about choosing flattering styles of glasses from JoAnna Nicholson, my teacher and  co-founder of Color 1 Associates an International Image and Style Company.

When choosing glasses or sunglasses, choose shapes that repeat your eyebrow shape.   If you have a rather straight eyebrow, choose glasses that have a softened rectangular shape.  If you have a more naturally curved eyebrow choose glasses that are more curved.  This is especially important if the glasses are small and your eyebrows show.  JoAnna says if you choose glasses that have a different shape than your eyebrow, it will look like you have a double eyebrow.

As we get older our eyes lose their definite shape.  When you put glasses on, its like putting on eyeliner or mascara because glasses can give our eyes  definition.  This is another reason that its helpful to choose a shape that compliments your face.

I know some people wear glasses to make a statement. One trend that may be dying is the “Buddy Holly,”  black eyeglass frame nerd look.    However, if you want people to look at you, instead of your eyeglasses, I suggest choosing glasses that look like they are a part of you.  In choosing frame color consider choosing your natural hair color or the natural highlights in your hair or a combination of hair and skin color.   Our eyes automatically search for color repitition.  When you repeat your body colors in your apparel and accessories you create visual harmony and a pleasing appearance.

For example, if your hair has copper highlights, a copper frame would probably look good on you.   My friend Judy used to have copper frames when her hair was reddish brown but now that her hair is white,  a non shiny silver frame is more flattering on her.    If you have no hair, think about the color your hair used to be.  If you can’t remember what color your hair used to be, look at your natural eyebrow color or if you have a child or relative who has the same color hair you used to have ask for a lock of their hair.   Keep the piece of hair in a ziplock bag in a dark place for future purchases.

A tip for trying on sunglasses.

I have noticed that frequently the mirrors on sunglass displays is up high.  This may be done because its a convienient place to put the mirror but it can be deceiving.    When looking up at a mirror that is higher than eye level you will always look better.  When you look up some of your face and neck wrinkles disappear.   On the other hand, if the mirror is lower than eye level you will always look worse because your wrinkles and any sagging skin will be exaggerated.    I suggest you bring your own mirror and hold it at eye level to get a more accurate impression of how you look in the eyeglasses or sunglasses.

What is your biggest challenge in choosing glasses or sunglasses?  Feel free to ask questions on this blog.  If I can’t solve your problem, perhaps someone reading the blog can.

Nancy Goldblatt, “Wardrobe Wizard of Baltimore,” is a professionally trained personal image consultant.    She works with both individuals and groups.  She can be reached at nrgoldblatt at gmail dot .com/ WWW.WardrobeWiz.com

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Tags: Add new tag, Buddy Holly, choosing flattering eyeglasses, choosing flattering sunglasses, Color 1 Associates, dollar store, eyeglasses, eyes, Harry Potters, JoAnna Nicholson, Looking in the Mirror, Reading glasses, sunglasses, Tips for trying on glasses

This entry was posted on Friday, June 26th, 2009 at 8:30 AM and is filed under Choosing flattering glasses, Frugal Fashion, Learning to Love The Way You Look, Looking in the Mirror, Trends, Visual harmony, Wardrobe, WardrobeWizard, beauty, choosing flattering colors, fashion tips, feeling beautiful, real beauty. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.