Colour focus | cool tones
Beautiful blues, calming greens, subtle silvers – cool tones can be used to great effect when creating spectacular specs.
Traditionally these cooler colours are said to look great on people with a fair complexion and those with an olive skin tone. But don’t feel you have to follow the rules when it comes to picking the perfect frames for you!
We have a lovely range of blue frames available in our branches, from the deepest navy all the way through to the brilliant blue of a summer sky, we are sure to have something to match your favourite shade.
Silver glasses offer classic style and have the benefit of co-ordinating with pretty much any outfit, while greens can add a real touch of class.
Check out some of our favourite cool toned frames available now from Patrick & Menzies.
ANTON PHILLIPS – 1034 – NAVY
There’s nothing to be blue about with these frames from Anton Phillips. The shade of the frames, though described as navy, has a real warmth which is bold yet far from showy. These stunning glasses have a real wow factor and are sure to accentuate your eyes.
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AUTOFLEX – 109 – 710
These silver Autoflex frames are classic and stylish. A thin bar running across the top of the lenses combined with rectangular shaping add a serious quality to these specs.
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PUCCINI – 274 – C1
We love the attention to detail that you find in Puccini glasses. This pair is a great example. Simple silver frames are taken to another level with the help of a beautiful design detail on the hinge and a striking flash of turquoise on the inner of the sides.
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WOLF – 3085 – C72
The mottled green and black of these Wolf Eyewear frames is sure to get your glasses noticed for all the right reasons. These glasses are a great option for people looking for a bold option with cool undertones.
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WALTER AND HERBERT – ELGAR
You can trust Walter & Herbert to create glasses which are both sophisticated and a whole lot of fun. These frames make us think of a darkening sky just after sunset and we love the range of blues featured in the design.
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If warm toned glasses are more your thing, fear not! Take a look at our recent blog featuring frames in fiery hues. And if you need help picking the right frames for your face shape take a read of another of our blogs.
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Colour focus | warm tones
Bronzes, oranges, browns, reds and golds – warm toned glasses can make a real statement.
Typically, these colours are best suited to people with a warm skin tones, though when choosing your glasses, be confident in your own style.
Ranges such as Lulu Guinness and Wolf Eyewear have some striking choices for those who like specs in fiery shades which will stand out from the crowd.
But warm tones don’t have to be so bold. You could try a solid muted shade or how about bronze or gold metal frames which offer a more traditional mellow hue and timeless style?
Check out just some of our favourite warm toned glasses at Patrick & Menzies.
Emporio Armani – 3154
This modern twist on tortoiseshell features flecks of gold and is sure to attract attention. Classic shaping and the Emporio Armani attention to detail and quality make these a pretty special pair of specs.
Lulu Guinness – L914 Red
Wow. These solid strawberry red frames with dark sides from Lulu Guinness really pack a punch. Thy definitely live up to the company’s ‘dare to be different’ motto, while managing not to be over-the-top. Lulu Guinness eyewear may be most noted for bold design but they are high-quality and comfortable too.
Puccini – 302 C1
If you favour a metal frame, these are just the ticket. In a warm gold with interesting side detail, they are a great shape for people with a rounder face.
Silhouette – 1560
Get all the warmth you are after without being too bold with these beautiful glasses from Silhouette. These sleek frames are a perfect shape to flatter most faces.
Vogue 5254
The Vogue brand in synonymous with style and you get it in bucket-loads with these frames! The muted warm tone of these glasses is taken to another level with a flecked, almost floral, pattern. But what we love the most is the cat-eye shaping which really makes them stand out from the crowd.
Wolf Eyewear – 3101
It would be wrong for a blog about warm-toned glasses not to feature this bold bright pair from Wolf Eyewear. These make us dream of drinking cocktails under a palm tree on an exotic beach! Wolf Eyewear is known for producing high-quality and innovative specs that reveal your wild side – and these certainly do just that.
If you favour silvers, blues and greens for your glasses, we haven’t forgotten you! Keep an eye out for a focus on cool tones, coming soon.
Need help picking the right frames for your face shape? Take a read of our recent blog – Finding the Right Frames for Your Face.
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Brand Spotlight | Roald Dahl frames from International Eyewear
Searching for some phizz-whizzing, scrumdiddlyumptious specs for your child? Look no further than this amazing range inspired by the work of Roald Dahl.
With World Book Day taking place this month, (4 March) we thought it was high time to take a closer look at this fantastic selection of frames.
From Matilda to The BFG and Fantastic Mr Fox to Charlie and the Chocolate factory, – it’s no wonder Roald Dahl’s stories are treasured by children and adults all over the globe.
International Eyewear has taken inspiration from some of these titles to create an array of bold, bright frames which are sure to make children keen to wear their specs.
Designs feature original Quentin Blake illustrations and quotes from the novels. Each pair is accompanied by a rather special branded case and lens cloth.
So, without further ado let’s take a look at our top five picks from this absolutely squiffling range!
The Enormous Crocodile
Inspired by The Enormous Crocodile, these feature the book’s central character along both of the sides. Dark green and chunky, these glasses are sure to be a firm favourite with children.
Matlida
This deep blue frame takes inspiration from Matilda, the story of a brilliant young girl who discovers she has the power to move things with her mind. We love this pair because the rich colouring makes them striking in their own right, while illustrations from the book on the sides are the icing on the cake.
James and the Giant Peach
Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker would hate these glasses – which makes us love them all the more! Inspired by the best-selling James and the Giant Peach, they feature James’ new, strangely loveable, giant insect friends along the sides.
Fantastic Mr Fox
Fantastic Mr Fox is the inspiration for this stylish pair of specs. The warm brown frames give a nod to the book’s central character with the little ear detail on the front.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Wow – these glasses are beautiful. Taking inspiration from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory they look almost good enough to eat! The blue metal frame around the lenses is coupled with striking plastic sides, spiked with colour. The perfect finishing touch is the golden ticket which links the two materials.
You can take a look at all of the Roald Dahl frames we have in stock – alongside our other superb specs – on our website. Although we don’t have all frames available in all of our stores, we are always happy to help, so if there’s a particular style you’re interested in, just let us know.
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Brand Spotlight | Walter & Herbert
Stylish, sophisticated and a whole lot of fun – Walter & Herbert glasses will make sure your eyewear is noticed for all the right reasons.
At Patrick & Menzies we pride ourselves on offering a stunning selection of specs, and the Walter & Herbert range is a great addition as it has so much to offer.
The brand pays homage to entrepreneurs Walter Conway and Herbert Thorn who helped to shape the way glasses are manufactured worldwide.
Around 70 years ago the pair developed a machine which inserts metal reinforcements into acetate spectacle sides with absolute precision, paving the way for many of the styles of frames we love today.
The Walter & Herbert brand now produces quality frames which are designed, made and tested in England: “With innovation and creativity at the heart of every design, the dedicated team of in-house designers skilfully create eyewear to appeal and flatter, whilst always maintaining the fundamentals of comfort, quality and wearability.”
This exciting range offers such a diverse selection of styles we’ve chosen our favourite five to give you a taster.
These frames are a playful take on a classic design. The strong square shape is coupled with warm colouring for a truly contemporary look that is bold without being showy.
Two-tone hues give a real edge to these simple, classic frames. The colouring makes us think of evening skies just before sunset. The no-nonsense shaping of these designer frames would suit most faces.
With a heavy, almost marbled bridge to these glasses, attention is drawn to the eyes and makes for a bold look. Natural tones make these frames incredibly versatile.
We love the cool colouring of these frames. Classic shaping makes them incredibly wearable, no matter the shape of your face. A further design touch is added in the two-tone arms.
Wow! These round frames will make the wearer stand out from the crowd. In classic tortoise shell they offer a modern take on a timeless classic which would particularly suit someone with an oval face shape.
You can take a look at all of the Walter & Herbert frames we have in stock – alongside our other superb range of specs – on our website. Although we don’t have all frames available in all of our stores, we are always happy to help, so if there’s a particular style you’re interested in, just let us know.
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Children’s glasses are anything but dull
Brilliantly bold or simple yet stylish – we have children’s glasses to fit all tastes and personalities.
Frames for children have come a long way in recent years, with a greater focus on comfort and style making them way more appealing to a younger audience than in years gone by.
If your child has been prescribed glasses, choosing a pair of frames they love will go a long way to making sure they wear them when they are meant to.
With so much choice available for our younger customers, we thought we would give you the lowdown on some of our favourite pairs which are sure to be a hit.
Ray Ban Junior
These dark tortoiseshell frames from Ray-Ban Junior are seriously stylish. Fantastic for older children who want a designer look that’s contemporary but not too showy.
EyeStuff
These feminine frames from Eyestuff are both fresh and funky, mixing mottled pink with darker tones for an up-to-the-minute look.
Lazer Junior
Stand out from the crowd with these striking purple specs from Lazer Junior. The psychedelic circle detail on the insides of the arms gives added appeal.
Ray-Ban Junior
Wow – these neon blue frames from Ray-Ban Junior are spec-tacular! Rectangular lenses and angled arms complete the look.
Street Kids
Opting for frames in a favourite colour can often help encourage children to wear their glasses. But if they tend to be more conservative in their style, a flash of colour with an otherwise sedate frame can be a great option. We have several styles in stock which take this approach, but our favourite are these matt grey frames from Street Kids which feature a flash of orange around the lenses.
A wide selection of our frames is now available to browse online, so you can pick out which pairs you would like to try on before you come in for your eye test. Take a look at our full range of frames.
Obviously, we don’t have all frames available at all times in all of our stores, but we are always happy to help, so if there’s a particular style you’re interested in, just let us know.
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If you have any concerns about your child’s vision please do give us a call today to book an appointment, as the earlier a problem is picked up the better. Eye tests can be carried out on children of any age – they don’t need to be able to read or even speak yet. It’s particularly important to carry out regular eye tests if there’s a history of childhood eye problems in your family. Free NHS sight tests are available for children under 16 and for young people under 19 in full-time education. Find out more on the NHS website.
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Brand Spotlight | Sea2see
Stylish, ethical frames at affordable prices? Sea2see offers exactly that.
You would never guess it, but Sea2see frames are made entirely from abandoned fishnets and ropes collected by fishing communities off the coast of Spain, making ethical eyewear a very real option.
The company was founded by François van den Abeele, an entrepreneur with a deep passion for oceans and nature.
He believed that waste plastic which is clogging up our oceans could be turned into raw material to produce everyday products. After much investigation and investment his company has achieved just that, creating premium eyewear with a conscience.
Subtle colouring and sophisticated shaping make the range perfect for the ethical consumer who doesn’t want to scrimp on style.
The range includes a selection of sunglasses alongside everyday frames and is sure to impress when you reveal what they are made of.
As the company’s website explains: “Sea2see is leading a change, hoping consumers will start understanding that waste can be transformed into premium products.
“Sea2see is more than a product, it’s a statement that anybody can wear with pride, because sunglasses will not change the world, but people that wear Sea2see will.”
The company has made a commitment not to use products of animal origin in its manufacturing and as a result the entire collection is vegan-friendly.
It’s hard to pick, but here’s our three favourite pairs of Sea2see specs.
Think 1950’s chic with these Carmen sunglasses. The retro cat eye shaping of these frames will make sure you are always selfie-ready when you step out in the sun.
The Amalfi frame is subtly stylish. Bringing the recent ombre colouring trend to glasses frames, these specs would really suit someone who is looking to take a step away from the norm without going too bold.
Sea2see has really come up trumps with the Taormina frame. This elegant piece is modern, yet classic and is sure to be a favourite with Patrick & Menzies customers.
You can take a look at all of the Sea2see frames we have in stock – alongside our other superb range of specs – on our website. Although we don’t have all frames available in all of our stores, we are always happy to help, so if there’s a particular style you’re interested in, just let us know.
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Brand Spotlight | Prada Eyewear Collection
Prada is the Italian luxury fashion house, specializing in leather handbags, luggage, shoes, ready-to-wear, perfumes and accessories, founded in 1913 by Mario Prada. It represents the best of Italian culture and tradition and is one of the most innovative, prestigious and widely recognized world brands, with a keen attention to detail and a finger on the pulse of new trends. In 2000, Prada launched their eyewear collection, which reflects this approach with unmistakable style, refined elegance and uncompromising quality.
Prada’s eyewear collection is made by Italian eyewear conglomerate and the world’s largest company in the eyewear industry, Luxottica. Luxottica was founded by Leonardo Del Vecchio, who began his career as the apprentice to a tool and die maker in Milan. In 1961, he moved to Agordo in the province of Belluno, which is home to most of the Italian eyewear industry and in 1967, he started selling complete eyeglass frames under the Luxottica brand, which proved hugely successful. Today Luxottica make glasses for Chanel, Versace, Armani, Burberry and Dolce & Gabbana, as well as their own lines.
Prada glasses are among the most colourful, avant-garde and yet wearable on the market today. The brand is renowned for both anticipating and influencing future tendencies, so they’re the perfect option for those who want to lean towards a timeless aristocratic elegance. The collection also includes the Prada Linea Rossa line, which is inspired by the world of luxury sports to convey an everyday casual yet sophisticated style.
“Beauty, creativity and superior quality have always been the guiding principles of the Prada Group,” says Carlo Mazzi, Prada’s Chairman, but the Group is also committed to environmental and corporate social responsibility, so you can sure you are making an ethical choice too.
Take a look at some of the frames: The Duple come in a abundance of colours and has a chunky 1960s feel, upgraded with an exposed metal nose piece, the Ultravox has a beguiling kitten shape and doesn’t overwhelm finer-boned faces, the Journal captures the nerdy-cool vibe with a solid square-frame, the Cinema and the Ornate both have interesting corner details and the Minimal Baroque are so fashion-forward you’ll be on the cover of a magazine!
From sophisticated designs with intriguing detail to vintage models reimagined in different, original nuances, the Prada Eyewear Collection is a range we are very proud to stock. Obviously, we don’t have all frames available at all times in all of our stores, but we are always happy to help, so if there’s a particular style you’re interested in, just let us know!
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Brand Spotlight | Lulu Guinness Frames
Dare to be different! That’s the motto of Lulu Guinness, who is perhaps most famous for her statement handbags, much loved by trendsetters such as Kate Moss, Emma Watson and Paloma Faith.
Remember the red lips clutch bag that was much imitated a few years ago? That was Lulu Guinness and she makes a knowing little nod to that iconic image with her signature little red lips printed on the arms of each of the frames in her eye wear collection.
Lulu Guinness at Patrick & Menzies
We love the Lulu Guinness range here at Patrick & Menzies because they are definitely a talking point, but without being over-the-top wacky! Rather, they are sophisticated, with a touch of daring – featuring inter-plays of colour and dramatic retro shapes.
The collection is targeted “at women with a fierce sense of humour and an even fiercer sense of their own femininity” and we can see these frames being snapped up by our clients that are looking for something playful and modern, but with a touch of gravitas.
Style details are important to this designer and along with the red lips and metal logo inlay, these frames come in a veritable rainbow of colours, and patterns including animal print, glitter, polka dot, and the trademark black, white, and red – whether you’re looking for a striking silhouette, vintage glamour or subtle whimsy, there’s a frame in this collection to suit.
High Quality Frames
But style doesn’t come at the expense of substance – Lulu Guinness frames are made from high-quality materials, built for the rigours of everyday wear and some of the styles are offered in an alternative, more generous fit. They are super comfortable too, with adjustable or integrated ergonomic nose pad systems and cushioned hinge bracket arms.
“Glasses have become an expression of one’s individuality”, Lulu says. “I wanted my frames to be beautiful objects in themselves as well as flattering for the face”. And they certainly are – luxurious yet affordable, the Lulu Guinness range is in all our stores and, as you would expect, we can fit them with the highest quality lenses that are right for you.
Pop in and browse the collection. We look forward to seeing you!
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Finding the Right Frames for Your Face
While it’s wonderful that we have so much choice these days in terms of frames it does make the process of choosing the right pair for you somewhat more complicated!
If you’re finding it hard to narrow down the choices, then a good place to start is thinking about your face shape. Generally speaking, people tend to fall into one of five categories: Round, heart shaped, oblong, square and oval:
Round – a softly curving face that is as wide at the forehead as it is at the jaw and with wide cheekbones.
Heart-shaped – sometimes called an inverted triangle. Wider at the forehead and gently tapering to a more pointed chin.
Oblong – sometimes called narrow. A face that is longer than it is wide.
Square – a broad forehead and squarish jaw line.
Oval – a well-balanced face with defined cheekbones and no one dominant feature.
Most people have probably never thought about which shape their face most closely aligns to, and it may be that what you instinctively think you are isn’t quite true. Rather than relying on a friend cocking their head to one side and looking at you quizzically, it’s often easiest to look in the mirror and use a lipstick or a water-based felt tip pen to draw around your reflection (please don’t pick up a permanent marker by mistake!).
Once you’ve established which shape you most align to then see if these suggestions help you find a frame that suits your contours!
Frames for a Round Face
You may find rounder, smaller frames (think John Lennon) just make your face rounder still, so try out square and rectangular frames with strong angles for balance. Ray-Ban Wayfarer or Clubmaster-type styles (think James Dean and JFK) can also work well, if you prefer a quirkier look.
Frames for a Heart Shaped Face
Heart-shaped – over-sized, pilot-styles and half-rimmed frames don’t work on this type of face as well as oval shapes do, but rimless glasses in particular will also work incredibly well for you. (Think Kate Beckinsale and Richard Gere)
Frames for an Oblong Face
Now, pilot styles do work for those with narrower faces (Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise are particularly fond of these!) as well as square, angular frames. Steer clear of narrow frames as they can make your face appear longer.
Frames for a Square Face
Continuing on the opposites attract route, square faces should opt for round and oval frames that soften the angles of the features. (Think Kendall Jenner and Justin Bieber) Or go for browline frames for a vintage look. Anything too strong or geometric won’t work as well for you.
Frames for an Oval Face
We should be so lucky! Anything goes for ovals so just enjoy having the freedom to explore the entire range Patrick & Menzies has to offer and pick whatever makes your heart sing!
Whatever your face shape, pop into any of our branches to start your selection!
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Get Some Colour in Your Life! Introducing Mattisse
Until fairly recently, spectacle wearers had a fairly limited choice – perhaps silver, gold or bronze coloured frames, in a limited number of styles. In the last twenty years or so plastic frames have given us a few more options – if we’re lucky we might have some red, purple or brown choices. Now, Patrick & Menzies can give you a veritable colour spectrum to choose from! We are proud to announce that we are officially stocking the gorgeous range of frames from Mattisse Eyewear!
Mattisse produce fashion-forward eyewear that gives the wearer the opportunity to express their individual personal style. Their designers travel the world and are inspired by nature (especially butterflies!), geometric design and abstract impressionist artists like Matisse to produce vibrant, pack-a-punch eyewear in a glorious range of stunning colourways, patterns and shapes.
These are no ordinary glasses – hand-painted in Italy, the frames are then put through a state-of-the-art laminate process, which means they are optics-ready and made to last. Peeling and discoloration won’t ever be an issue: And that’s a very good thing, because we are sure you’re going to want to wear them every day!
Indeed, we wouldn’t be surprised if you find choosing just one pair impossible – take a look through the product catalogue and you’ll see the collection offers outstanding colours with contemporary styling, all at an exceptional price-point that gives true value for money.
Mattisse Eyewear is suitable for every age group and they truly have something for everyone; styles that will appeal to men, women and children. There are frames in hand-painted tortoiseshell, delicate butterfly patterns in cyan and turquoise, Mondrian style geometric patterns in primary colours, unusual and stylish frames with leather temples, pastel rainbow stripes and more muted and sombre styles that still stand out from the crowd.
Patrick & Menzies is delighted to be one of very few distributors of this very special range of frames in the UK. Factor in our personalised service and impeccable eye-health credentials and you’ve found a winning combination.
If you enjoy fashion and find currently available eyewear choices uninspiring, then Mattisse Eyewear will be your new favourite brand. If you value customer care that’s second to none and a level of service that’s incomparable, then Patrick & Menzies will be your go-to opticians. Pop into any of our three branches and have a chat with our friendly, knowledgeable staff. They can show you our wide range of frames and help you get some colour into your life!
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