With Pan Am’s rising popularity and the highly anticipated return of Mad Men next month, retro style has never been so prevalent. While the period dramas are set in the sixties, you can draw inspiration from both shows to join in on the trend that has been infiltrating international runways with the top vintage designer eyeglasses for 2012.

For a true throwback look, find a pair of glasses with totally round lenses and a minimalist frame. One of the most authentic models we’ve found is Lafont Alibaba eyeglasses. With minimal accoutrements, the tortoise frames are simple and old school, perfect for a hip vintage look.

In true retro fashion, cat-eye shapes are the epitome of sixties specs. Vue dc LEA eyeglasses are an extreme look, with sharp angles that would compliment fierce femmes with softer angles in their facial features. The lenses have a rounded triangular look, with two silver dots accenting the outer rims.

Seen on Mad Men’s Harry Crane and on several characters in Pan Am, the combination of a plastic top rim over a metal frame is classic and makes for a great vintage appearance. MYKITA Ernest glasses are a great way to get this look, and bonus!, they have a conveniently modern touch with the screw-less hinge. Another excellent option for retro glasses is the optical version of Ray Ban Clubmaster sunglasses.

We’re huge fans of Face a Face eyewear at Vizio Optic. The brand’s beautiful designs are brought to the world by Pascal Jaulent, president and art director for Face a Face. Recently, he spoke with the blog Eyestylist about his creative process and where he gets his inspiration.

Like many people, Jaulent did not go to school for what he ultimately became famous for. Despite having a background in finance, his love of design and architecture led him to where he is today.

“The basic principle of Face a Face has always been architecture, and now we also combine fashion with shapes and colours – it is very artful,” Jaulent told Eyestylist. “When designing frames, it is important to pay attention to design, but also fashion trends. Frames are a personal object or accessory that has to be connected to fashion trends.”

The designer finds it extremely important to keep up with current looks, as fashion moves quite quickly and labels have to act accordingly. This year’s trends involve the combination of several materials into one frame, which Jaulent finds particularly intriguing, noting his desire to work with rubber, concrete, and other “unexpected materials.” His current collection uses silk and cotton.

“There are many more collections now than a few years ago. Frames are a personal expression, and the attention that people are paying to a frame is a growing, positive trend. I want customers to say ‘this is beautiful, and my eyes smile,’” Jaulent told the eyewear blog.

Make sure to check out the latest collection of Face a Face eyeglasses and other designer eyewear on our website today!

Image source: eyestylist.com

John Lennon is one of the most iconic musicians of all time, and his legendary status continues to soar as the years go by. While we’ve always been lovers of his songs, it’s his eyewear style we’re intrigued by lately. Round glasses are all the rage now that retro fashion back in style, and nobody wore them better than Lennon.

Image source: johnlennon.com

The Liverpool singer wore thin rims made of metal with circular lenses and a very slightly curved bridge. This season, many designer eyeglasses are fashioned this way, as lots of labels are reaching far back into the sixties and beyond for inspiration. One of the best pairs we found that best match these John Lennon glasses are from Lafont eyewear.

Image source: smartbuyglasses.com

Lafont Arman glasses look just like the Beatles singer’s specs. The understated silver frame wraps around the perfectly round lenses, while the nose bridge has a bit of a curve, making it almost identical to the ones Lennon wore.

If you’re looking for a more subtle version of these designer glasses, try out LINDBERG Spirit Titanium 2111 eyeglasses. These frames are rimless, so they don’t stand out as much as the Arman, however, they look supremely sophisticated and still have a retro feel despite the modern stylings. The pictured model shows a tortoise and silver temple, but LINDBERG allows wearers to choose from a vast number of different temple styles.

Rimless glasses are one of our favorite types of frames here at Vizio. They are perfect for those who don’t want a huge change in their appearance, and also for people who want the freedom to totally customize their very own pair of designer eyeglasses. Our top two brands for these frames are LINDBERG eyewear and Eyephorics 2.5 Rimless glasses.

LINDBERG Spirit Titanium 2083 glasses are very popular with men. They are sleek and sophisticated, with rectangular lenses that are attached to lightweight titanium arm pieces. The temples are screwed directly into the lens, rather than into a rim, so lenses can be as large or small as you like. LINDBERG also allows wearers to select from over 150 colors, patterns and styles for their eyeglasses.

For the ladies, LINDBERG Spirit Titanium 3015 glasses are a hit. The beautiful red arms are a stunning color that are not too bold. The curved rectangular lenses look great on those with pronounced angles in their facial features.

Image Source: metrospecs.us

Eyephorics 2.5 Rimless eyewear is another great lightweight option – each frame weighs about 2.5 grams, which feels as light as a feather on your face. This eliminates any pressure around the head or on the nose. This brand also allows plenty of personalization, giving you the creative reign over the pair you will be wearing on a daily basis. Above is a great example of just how many aspects Eyephorics hands over to the wearer to customize.

Yes, we have even more new arrivals for you! The spring 2012 season is coming upon us and we have received so many amazing styles that we can’t wait to show you – be prepared for more posts like these in the next few weeks!

Today we have a new range of styles from Prodesign – a Danish brand that we love for its simple styles. Always sticking to its penchant for clean lines and minimalist features is what the company is known for, and who doesn’t love a brand that stays true to its roots? Take a look at some of the newest frames:

Prodesign 4366 eyeglasses embody everything that the company believes in – a minimal design with modern touches. The semi-rimless frame’s top is nearly flat, giving it a bit of masculine flair. That doesn’t mean it’s just for the guys, however, menswear is hot for the ladies this season and these frames are a great way to test the waters. The glasses are made of lightweight titanium, with soft silicone along the temples.

Prodesign 7612 eyeglasses are a little more feminine with their slight cat-eye shape, but the subtle angles help keep it unisex. This style is excellent for softer face shapes, and comes in a number of different color combinations (tortoise/purple, gradient black/clear, black/tortoise, gradient purple/clear, tortoise/red, and gradient brown/clear). The 7612 has one small accent – a hinge wrapped in solid silver.

Lastly, this two-toned style – Prodesign 1383 eyeglasses – is an excellent pair of glasses for a casual, comfortable look. Also made of lightweight titanium, these frames have recessed stripes on the temples that show off the complementary second color that also runs along the inner surface. The ear tips are capped with silicone for a comfortable fit.

Make sure to check out the Prodesign eyeglasses page at Vizio Optic to discover the rest of our excellent selection of their celebrated designer eyewear!

We have a whole new selection of Alain Mikli eyewear this season! One of the best things about the French designer is his dedication to making each frame truly unique by handcrafting each one individually. No mass production here – no two frames are truly alike and that’s why we love them. Visit our website to see some of the latest styles – here are some of our favorites!

Alain Mikli 0305 eyeglasses are absolutely stunning, mixing the signature marbled look with metal accents for an intriguing design. The turquoise arm pieces are thin, complementing the small, rectangular lenses that look flattering on petite faces. This frame is also available in red, yellow, bronze/blue.

Those who like the look of full-frame plastic glasses will like the colorful twist in Alain Mikli AL1010 eyglasses. Layering colored petals with mother of pearl is how the designer got such an interesting depth in this pattern. The frame is rectangular, but with soft and rounded corners for a more sensual feel. AL1010 is a great way to have some subtle color in your eyewear.

Alain Mikli AL0412 eyeglasses inspire us to get a little funky, with its black and white checkered pattern that can make anyone look like an artistic and playful person. The top of the frame is simple and straight, making it a great option for those who want a more masculine style. The shape is quite simple as well, leaving the details to the two-tone pattern that features white on the top and black on the bottom.

We had almost eight weeks off to enjoy the holidays and settle into 2012, but it’s time to get back into our favorite monthly events – the trunk show! Vizio Optic will be hosting its first show of the year this Saturday, February 4, with Lafont eyewear!

The French designer is a major inspiration, as they are always coming up with creative and innovative designs for men and women. Our representative for Lafont, Kit Hamilton, will be at the event showcasing the entire collection of Lafont eyeglasses and sunglasses. She will also be working with the Vizio Optic team to personally assist customers in selecting the perfect frames and answering any questions.

Not only will you be able to check out new Lafont styles like Hit Parade and Hype eyeglasses, but Kit is bringing the whole lineup, giving Bostonians the rare chance to discover more about the brand in person. There’s nothing like getting your hands on a pair of designer eyeglasses – literally! While we have a vast selection online for you to choose from, being able to come in the store to touch and feel the frames is an exclusive and exciting opportunity.

As always, there will be special promotions during the trunk show, but you’ll have to come check out the event to learn more! Additionally, all visitors will have the chance to enter our raffle to win a free Lafont frame of their choice.

We hope to see you at our Brookline store this Saturday from 12 to 4 pm! Make sure to RSVP by clicking here.

With our special Lafont trunk show event right around the corner, we’re excited to announce some new arrivals here at Vizio Optic. The brand new Issy & La collection from Lafont eyewear features fresh new designs that range from retro and trendy to stylish and sophisticated.

Image Source: coolframes.com

Take Lafont Hype eyeglasses for example. This simple cat-eye frame features a beautiful thin rim with zero embellishments, making it a great minimalist piece. But the inside is where the designer gets a bit creative, with colorful patterns lining the inner arm pieces and adding some brightness into the dark frames. Hype is available in black/pink, tortoise, black/green, and pink. Similar styles with a few more accents include Gilda and Greta.

Image Source: framesdirect.com

For a more modern look, Issy & La for Lafont glasses in the Hit Parade style are a great structured frame. Featuring a similar clean design with thin rims and solid colors on the outside, this model also gets funky on the inside as well. You can choose from black/blue, brown/green, purple, and red.

For more information on how to purchase designer eyeglasses from Lafont’s latest collection, please call us at 866-411-9428. Be on the lookout for news about our Lafont Trunk Show this weekend as well!

If you’ve been keeping up with the Vizio Optic Blog, you already know that contrary to popular belief, it’s important to wear sunglasses in the winter! You may not be spending your days out by the pool or on the beach, but the cloudy days we so often have this season just bring the sun’s rays to you in different ways. Rather than wearing your usual summer shades, designer sunglasses for the winter have a couple different requirements.

The two main things you want in a pair of sunglasses this winter are gray lenses and a cozy fit. The color of these lenses are optimal for winter lighting conditions, and the close fit allows full protection from the low and varied angles at which the UVA and UVB rays are coming through the clouds. Maui Jim sunglasses and Mosley Tribes sunglasses make great options for men and women.

Maui Jim Kahana sunglasses are a semi-rimless frame with a lightweight design. The sporty look is perfect for looking casual in outdoor activities, with oval lenses in light gray to ward off the rays bouncing off of the white snow.

Maui Jim Alana sunglasses for women are a chic way to stay protected this winter. The curvy black frame mixes plastic and gunmetal temples, which are accented by leaf-shaped hinges in silver. The metal arm pieces are capped with plastic for a comfortable fit.

Those who like a unisex look should try out Mosley Tribes Hillyard sunglasses, which are also fitted with light gray lenses. Made entirely with plastic, this style has a straight top rim and straight black arms – the perfect option for the minimalist in you.

One of the major trends for the upcoming season is bold colors, and Face a Face eyewear has some bright and fun new glasses that will keep ladies looking fashionable and stylish this spring. The French brand is known for its creative and innovative designs, with the new collection further exemplifying its commitment to the hottest looks of the moment.

Face a Face Sorel 1 eyeglasses are a great choice for those who want a subtle pop of color. The lightweight metal glasses comes in a beautiful brown, with a complementary tortoise pattern along the arm pieces. The refined cat-eye shape adds a slight retro inspiration to these feminine frames.

Ladies who aren’t afraid to try new hues should try Face a Face Alice 2 eyeglasses, which come in purple and are accented by a funky brown-and-yellow pattern along the temples. The rectangular shape of these glasses makes them perfect for both professional and social settings, allowing you to seamlessly transition from a sophisticated look in the daytime to playful at night.

Here is where Face a Face gets really bold with its designs. Certainly not for those who like to blend in, Face a Face Popup 2 eyeglasses are multicolored, featuring a transparent pink, red, and orange front rim and temples patterned yellow and brown. These frames also mix up the rectangle and cat-eye shapes for a truly unique look that is eccentric and stylish.