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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Sunglasses are not just for summer
Think sunglasses are just for summer? Think again! Wearing sunglasses can be a real benefit to your eye health all year round.
Many people dust off their shades as spring moves into summer, but really if you want to keep your vision at optimal level you should be wearing those sunglasses all year round.
A good pair of sunglasses will help protect your eyes against the sun’s Ultra-Violet rays. These are present throughout the year, not just during the warmer months. Just like skin your eyes are sensitive to UV rays and it is possible for them to be damaged by the sun.
When buying a pair of sunglasses, make sure they have the CE mark which shows they have been made to EU standards. This will mean all harmful UV is filtered out.
Sunglasses are great at reducing glare. Imagine the dazzle of the low sun on a winter afternoon, or bright rays reflecting off snow or puddles. Sunglasses can help in these situations where bright light can lead to eyestrain and headaches.
It’s also easy to see how glare can cause accidents when you are behind the wheel.
With safety in mind, it is really important to choose the right pair of sunglasses for driving. The lenses shouldn’t be too dark and the frames must not obscure your vision.
For more information about picking sunglasses for driving take a look at this useful article from The AA.
At Patrick & Menzies we stock a great variety of sunglasses from big names such as Maui Jim and Serengeti which offer superior glare-protection.
Whichever you choose they can be made to your prescription, are properly UV filtered and will be fitted with as much care and attention as your regular glasses.
Thinking about investing in some new sunglasses that are not just for summer? Here are our top three picks.
This Sea2See frame offers a modern twist on a classic look. Best of all they are a great ethical option as all of the brand’s glasses are made entirely from abandoned fishnets and ropes collected by fishing communities off the coast of Spain.
The rimless design of these sunglasses from Serengeti is super stylish and lightweight. Perfect to wear whatever the season.
Maui Jim boasts that all of its sunglasses are polarized and protect from 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Add to that the company’s flair for great design and you are left with something pretty special. This pair features an almost woodgrain-like pattern.
Browse all of our sunglasses from the comfort of your own home.
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Taking Inspiration from Star Specs
Large frames, small frames, brilliantly bold designs – there is a pair of glasses out there to suit everyone.
And as many famous people have found, if you choose the right pair they can become recognisable in their own right.
Taking inspiration from people in the public eye can be a great way to help you choose your next pair of glasses.
So, we’ve searched our stock to find a selection of specs that we think would suit some famous glasses wearers.
Elton John
Known for his statement specs, we reckon that Elton John could really rock this brighter than bright pair of frames from Wolf. These glasses conjure up images of cocktails on a palm fringed beach and would fit perfectly with Elton’s star-studded lifestyle.
John Lennon
They may not be rose tinted but these round metal-framed glasses from Vogue certainly make us think of John Lennon, many of our ranges feature similar styles inspired by his classic eyewear. The shaping of this pair particularly suits people with a softly curving face.
Audrey Hepburn
No one carried off a pair of large-lensed sunglasses like the legendary Audrey Hepburn. We really love these tortoiseshell framed sunglasses from Maui Jim, and we are pretty sure Ms Hepburn would have too. Picture them worn with a wide brimmed sun hat and chunky earrings and you would certainly be heading towards the Breakfast at Tiffany’s vibe.
The Queen
For stately style we humbly suggest the Queen would approve of these frames from Silhouette. The monarch errs towards frames which are barely there with oval shaping. This pair accentuate the eyes beautifully without being showy and would be perfect worn at any occasion – from daily outings to Royal garden parties!
Harry Hill
Think of madcap comic Harry Hill and we bet his glasses are one of the first things that come to mind. Dark half frames fit perfectly with his fast-paced creative personality. This pair from Emporio Armani are a good match for Harry’s famous specs and would be great for anyone looking to accentuate the upper part of their face.
Louis Theroux
King of geek chic, documentary maker Louis Theroux wears heavy dark frames bringing focus to his expressions and his curiosity. We think this super stylish pair of Polo frames would definitely be on Louis’ wish list.
Did you know you can browse our extensive range of frames online? Once you have selected the pair – or pairs – you like, with just the click of a button we can have them ready for you to try on when you come in for your appointment.
And if you are thinking about choosing some new frames, take a look at our blog which offers advice on picking the right pair for your face shape.
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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 | Flexon
In 1961 US Naval scientists discovered that the metal alloy they were creating for missile heat shields automatically returned to its original shape, even after being hit with a hammer! This advanced memory material became the unique selling point of Flexon, which, since its launch in the US in 1988, has changed the world of eyewear with its unique attributes, building on the memory metal and further utilizing Japanese materials and technology.
Many brands have tried to imitate Flexon’s incredible success, but none have done so. That’s because Flexon frames feature technologically advanced memory metal in the bridge and/or temples allowing them to be flexed, bent or twisted and yet return to their original shape. Flexon frames require a minimal amount of adjustment but the nose pads and end pieces can be fine-tuned for a more custom fit.
Over the years Flexon eyewear has consolidated its design and manufacturing experience to create a varied collection filled with colour and comfort. Memory metal is combined with rubber, TR90 and stainless steel to make lightweight yet durable frames which allow the user to confidently go into any situation their busy lifestyle demands.
In 1997 Flexon Juniors launched: We all know how hard children can be on their glasses, so the Zeus and Aphrodite frames, among others, offer mature yet fun looks in durable, sit-on-able, chuck-in-your-school-bag-able memory metal.
in 2003 the Flexon 600 series quickly became the industry benchmark and in 2014, the modern, practical Evolution collection debuted. From these ranges, the temple of the Nathaniel model has been enhanced with an embossed, rectangular-brick pattern in contrasting shiny and matte finishes; the Julian has bowed temples to accommodate a wide fit; the Gloria is enhanced with a laser etched pattern design with crystal detailing and the best-selling Mariene has two-tone interwoven stainless steel temples.
In 2016 the Sun Collection launched in a rage of classic styles with polarized lenses and backside anti-reflective coatings, and in 2019 the new premium collection, Flexon Black: Sunglasses come in classic aviator and flat metal shapes and Flexon Black offers innovation with screwless spring hinges and tailored temples padded with rubberized detailing.
Flexon spectacles are an ideal choice if you play sport in your glasses or just tend to put your glasses through a lot, but a word of caution: Although Flexon frames are durable, they are not indestructible! Flexon frames should not be twisted more than 90° and Flexon temples should not be twisted more than once around the finger!
Having said that, it’s a stylish, lightweight range well worth considering, so pop in to any of our branches when you’re next in town to see which models we have in stock and how amazing the memory metal really is!
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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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