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Buyer’s Blog - New Tom Davies Limited Editions!

One of the things we love about the Tom Davies collection is that it is always changing!  Every couple of months he releases a new group of limited edition frames, each made in very small quantities—usually only 50 to 100 of each design, but sometimes as few as 5.  We hand-select what we think are the most interesting, unique, pretty or innovative of the group and bring them to you!  Many of the limited edition pieces are created in colors not available in the main collection.  Here is a small sampling of new limited editions!  Notice the amazing white and tortoise multi-color laminate.  The tortoise front is carved away to expose the white layer beneath, creating the look of second frame in relief!  It is set off by a subtle turquoise hinge detail.The silver titanium sunglasses are part of the “Rock Star” series.  Bold in looks but surprisingly lightweight, this is one of only 5 pieces made!  This series is based on a frame that Tom custom-made for Matthew Bellamy from the rock band “Muse”.  It surely won’t last long! Some of the limited editions are more subtle, like the pretty pink frame with the slight cat-eye shape.  As with all Tom Davies frames, any of the limited editions can be customized, modified and ordered to fit you precisely!  Stop in frequently to see our ever-changing collection!Also, don’t forget our Oliver Peoples Trunk Show this Saturday from 11-5.  Oliver Peoples is a very large collection, so it is the only time you will be able to see everything in the collection at one time—all sizes and colors, too!  Also, watch this space for an announcement about a special théo event coming in June!

Oliver Peoples Trunk Show!

We at Eye Elegance are so excited to bring you our first-ever trunk show with Oliver Peoples eyewear!  Since 1987, Oliver Peoples and its creative director Larry Leight have been creating iconic, “must-have” eyewear.  Considered one of the pioneers of luxury eyewear, Oliver Peoples continues to evolve and create beautiful handcrafted pieces of art for the face.The story of how Oliver Peoples came to be is best told by Larry himself in this video: Oliver Peoples History from Oliver Peoples on Vimeo.Larry’s designs and unique philosophy have changed the course of eyewear and influenced designers around the world. His styles have been seen on some of the most recognizable faces in the fashion and entertainment industries and have been featured in several of the most respected fashion magazines globally. He independently consulted on the launch of Prada, Miu Miu, Jil Sander, Helmut Lang and Vera Wang’s eyewear brands. He is also one of the first eyewear designers to be elected as a member of the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America).Please join us on Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to view the collection in its entirety, including the new releases for Spring/Summer 2013.  We would love to see you here!

Buyer's Blog- New! Paris > Tokyo Collection from Etnia Barcelona

Etnia Barcelona’s new collection of sunwear “Paris > Tokyo has finally arrived, and we couldn’t be more excited!  The collection consists of three unisex models, each one bearing the flight number of an airline that operates the Paris-Tokyo route.The NH206 is inspired by ‘80’s shield style sunglasses and has a slightly futuristic style.  The AF280 is a model rooted in the ‘60’s, and the JL406 is a “rock star”, hipster look.  Amazingly, each style is available in 46 color combinations! In addition, Etnia Barcelona designs its own colors with a partner in Milan that manufactures each color for them exclusively.                   Designed by Tokyo’s Nobuyoshi Araki, the suns all feature premium Barberini glass lenses.  Depending on the model they may be polarized, photochromic or high-definition, and all feature premium anti-reflective and hydrophobic coatings.  These coatings improve clarity and cleanability in all situations.  Of course, they can all be customized to your prescription also!Stop in soon and let us show you in person how cool these sunglasses really are!

End of Season Sale!!

It’s that time of year, and we need to make more room for all of the fantastic things we found at Vision Expo East!  Now through April 30 we have more frames on sale than ever before—up to 60% off!  This time we have made it even easier for you to find which frames are marked down.  Every sale frame is marked with a ribbon.  Blue is 25% off, Green is 40% off on selected Chrome Hearts frames, Red is 50% off and Orange is 60% off, including 60% off all remaining Judith Leiber, Persol, Chanel and Alain Mikli!While there are selected frames on sale in almost every collection, the sale also features a full 50% off ALL in-stock Lafont, LA Eyeworks and Tom Ford frames.  With a quick look around, you will find a $600 Robert Marc aviator for $300, a $700 David Yurman Sunglass for $350 or a Vintage Oliver Peoples frame marked down to $225!  Remember, sale prices apply to in-stock merchandise only, so the sooner you come in, the bigger the selection will be!  As always, there are SOME restrictions (for instance, Cartier is never marked down), but we have tried to make it as easy for you to find something great on sale as possible!  We hope to see you soon!

Vision Expo East Edition!!

Daniel and I are freshly back from New York, and a VERY successful Vision Expo!  We started Thursday evening with a party at the Cartier mansion at 52nd street and 5th Ave for a viewing of the newest releases and a few glasses of champagne.  We couldn’t take pictures, but I can tell you that the “Panthere Wilde” sunglasses are a beautiful piece of art, and there is a new design with diamond solitaires in the temples that are unlike anything Cartier has done before.  Then we were off to an after-party where we mingled from friends and colleagues in the optical business from around the globe.  We finished off the night with a slice of genuine New York Pizza! Our first appointment on Friday morning was with Lindberg, and they always have something special to show us.  This time it was a collection of hand-selected buffalo horn frames with beautiful, unique colorations.  Each of these frames is truly a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.  Since we were the first appointment of the show, we got our pick of the collection, and chose four frames with the most interesting patterns.  These should arrive in our store within two weeks!

Buyer's Blog: New Product from Entourage of 7!

Finally! One of the products that had us the most excited at Vision Expo West in Las Vegas last year has arrived, and it is as cool as we remember!  One of our favorite independent eyewear companies, Entourage of 7, has created a collection of beta titanium that is everything we expect—lightweight, clean, flexible and comfortable.  Handcrafted in Japan, the colors range from subtle to bold, and all feature a comfortable acetate temple cover in a contrasting color.The essence of cool, the dream of Entourage of 7 was to create a luxury eyewear label that would, like their home city of Los Angeles, constantly reinvent itself, always be at the forefront of design and technology and always be new.  This new collection of frames is a complete departure from their previous looks, and we at Eye Elegance applaud their innovation, and cannot wait to show you these frames in person!  We are sure that when we see Jakob from Entourage at Vision Expo East in two weeks he will have even more fantastic things to show us!

Buyer's Blog: New Arrivals—Oliver Peoples Vintage and David Yurman Men

It’s February, and new pieces from the Spring collections continue to arrive!  We are particularly excited about these two!First is the Limited Edition M4 from the Oliver Peoples Vintage Collection.  The M4 was one of the original styles introduced to the Oliver Peoples brand.  Like the original, the re-release is handcrafted in Japan and features scroll filigree detail on the eyewire.  The metal design is plated with antique colors and offered as both an optical and a sunglass with vintage glass lenses.  The M4 is a classic addition to the Oliver Peoples Circa 1987 Original Vintage Collection.Next is the newest offering in menswear from David Yurman.  We have been anxiously awaiting new men’s frames from DY for some time, and these do not disappoint!  The two optical shapes and onesunglass style come in classic colors—Black, Tortoise and Olive Quartz.  All of the frames feature the classic DY dog tag hinge detail, this time in titanium with a richly subtle alligator pattern plated in Palladium for a bright contrast, or in Black or Gunmetal PVD for a more subtle look.We would love to see you in person and help you to update your look for Spring!  Call or stop in any time!

Buyer's Blog

Look at this!One of our favorite customers recently ordered a custom frame from Tom Davies, and what a beauty it is!  We have a version of this frame in somewhat more muted colors, but she loves color, and had another idea for her frame. As you can see, the result is a combination of a beautiful iridescent blue and vibrant Kelly green. The blue and yellow swirled temples really complete the frame!  This is a one-of-a-kind creation in titanium and acetate, and comes with the customer’s name engraved inside the temple. Stop in and let us create a unique design for you, too!Robert Marc Limited EditionsWe are eagerly preparing for our Robert Marc trunk show on February 9, (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and haveJUST received some of the “Parrot Cay” Resort Limited Edition collection! The beautiful, unique colors that Robert has created for this collection truly have to be seen in person to be appreciated. We sold two of the sunglasses (both in the “Iguana” color!) the same day we put them on the shelf, so don’t miss your opportunity to see these frames in person—we are sure that inventories will not last long!We hope to see you soon!Tim

Trunk Show To Feature New Robert Marc Collections -

We at Eye Elegance are so excited to bring you an eyewear event featuring Robert Marc’s first Resort Eyewear collection “Parrot Cay” and his Fall/Winter collection “India” on February 9, 2013 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.The Fall/Winter 2012 collection looks east to India, a treasury of art, architecture and culture.  India is exalted as the country of color; every marketplace is an aesthetic dive into pools of color, pattern, texture and shape.  The collection features batik-inspired temple designs in a rich mélange of copper, crimson and indigo patterns, paired with bold solid fronts in Indo-Black, oxblood and Jodhpur blue.  In the men’s collection, signature styles are featured in Amber/Havana, Oxblood and Blue Smoke imbue intelligence and drama.In his first (and I believe first of its kind) Resort collection, Robert has collaborated with the Caribbean oasis of Parrot Cay to create a new limited edition collection inspired by the private island retreat in the Turks & Caicos.  The “Parrot Cay” resort collection combines the luxury materials of the renowned brand with sophisticated color combinations, mirroring the breathtaking visuals of the remote archipelago.  It features three sun models in four colors and two optical models in five colors.  With colors like “Iguana” and “Tamarind”, it’s easy to get into a Caribbean frame of mind; “Caribe”, “Parrot” and “Tortoise” complete the color palette.  This collection is limited to one production run, so supplies will be very limited (and it’s so new that we don’t even have a picture yet, but I have seen them in person and they are BEAUTIFUL!).Robert Marc eyewear reflects a classic, modern and effortless style.  Over the past 30 years, the brand has developed an international following of some of the world’s most discerning clientele through offering highly-tailored handcrafted pieces.  We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, February 9!

Buyer's Blog: Merry Christmas from Eye Elegance

As I reflect this week on the year past, with all of its triumphs and tragedies, I simply wanted to take this time and space to wish all of our friends a very happy Christmas, and a wonderful 2013.  My heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones in Newtown this week, as well as all who lost loved ones in Aurora, CO and all over the country.  These events serve as a reminder that we should use this time to love our families, appreciate what we have, and enjoy our lives.  From our family at Eye Elegance to you, wherever you are—Merry Christmas, and have a happy, prosperous and joyful 2013!Back to glasses in 2013!Tim

Buyer's Blog: Don’t Leave Money on the Table! Use Your Flexible Spending Account Now!

We are nearing the end of the year, and if you have a Flexible Spending Account or a Health Savings Account, you may need to use that money before the end of the year, or risk losing it.  What better way could there be than purchasing a fabulous new piece of eyewear with those pre-tax dollars?  Looking for inspiration?  How about one of these—one of our favorite frames from Face a Face, the Print 2, now in beautiful new colors!Or for the gentleman, you might consider this new limited edition frame from Cartier.  Based on their popular “Duke” from the Collection Première, they have added a beautiful Platinum Plated detail on the temple for a truly unique look.  This piece is only being done for the holiday season in a single run.  We will only have two frames available, so call or stop in today to see it!I also would like to thank everyone who came to our théo eyewear event on December 1!  We got to see some really amazing new pieces, and thanks to you it was a resounding success!  If you missed it, we will definitely be having another théo show next December. Mark your calendars now for the Robert Marc trunk show on Saturday, February 9, 2013.

Happy Thanksgiving From Eye Elegance!

One of the things we are VERY thankful for is this Limited Edition buffalo horn piece from Cartier Eyewear!  This rimless frame features the “Panthère De Cartier” in a striking spotted panther pattern.  Produced by laminating different colors of horn together, using a unique dying technique and then hand-carving the panther out of the horn, this is a truly unique piece.  Each frame is completely different from each other.  This special edition has been produced in very limited quantities.  We received two, and one has already been sold!  Please stop in soon for your chance to purchase a real masterpiece from The House of Cartier!Théo Eyewear Event!Don’t forget that our annual Théo Eyewear Event is on Saturday, December 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Jessica from Théo will be here with the entire collection, including some things that even we have not seen yet!  We will have food and wine, and we always have a great time at this show!!  The next picture is a sneak peek of some of the new product—we have JUST begun receiving it, and it is spectacular!  It features great colors (naturally!) and some new petite sizes for those hard-to-fit faces!  See you there!!

Buyer's Blog: New Lindberg Precious

We at Eye Elegance have always been proud of our association with Lindberg Eyewear.  We consider it to be the finest titanium eyewear in the world, but did you know that we also offer the Lindberg Precious Collection?  This collection of eyewear is only offered to the finest eyewear boutiques in the world.  Lindberg Precious is manufactured from the highest quality precious metals, in combination with rare and luxurious materials such as buffalo horn, diamonds, and now the most unusual we’ve seen—mammoth tusk!The two newest pieces we have received are shown here.  First is a beautiful 18 karat yellow gold piece with solid carved buffalo horn temples.  You can see the natural shading of the horn color—a blend of pale golden fading into a dark brown.  Horn is naturally lightweight and lustrous.  Being a natural material no two pieces are exactly alike!Second is the most unique piece we have seen. Solid 18 karat white gold is highlighted by dark, lustrous brown horn inlaid with small pieces of mammoth tusk!  The effect is beautiful.  This is your opportunity to own—and wear—a piece of pre-history!  Mammoth tusks have long been collected from the extinct beasts buried deep in the permafrost of northern Europe and North America.  The ivory from this source is beautiful, and does not cause harm to modern, living species!Please stop into the store to view our entire Lindberg Precious collection, and to enquire about pricing.

2012 Holiday Shopping Card is here!

The 2012 American Cancer Society Holiday Shopping Cards have arrived and are available now at Eye Elegance!The Holiday Shopping Card is a unique fundraising event sponsored by VICTORY, a volunteer fundraising branch of the American Cancer Society.  VICTORY was founded in 1987 to raise funds for cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services in the Houston area. With approximately 130 members, incoming members make a four-year commitment to work year-round supporting their events, the Cattle Baron’s Ball and the Holiday Shopping Card.To date VICTORY has donated more than $32 million to their cause. Purchase the Holiday Shopping Card for a minimum contribution of $70 and you will get a 20% discount on regularly priced merchandise at hundreds of stores in Houston and the surrounding area!  Mark your Calendar!The Dates for the Holiday Shopping Card are Thursday, October 25 through Sunday, November 4, 2012.  Stop in to Eye Elegance and purchase yours today!

New Arrival—Tom Davies Limited Editions!

In April we announced the arrival of a new frame collection—Tom Davies Bespoke eyewear.  The response to the collection has been so great that we have added a new division of Tom Davies, his Limited Edition Collection.  These are frames designed by Tom to be produced in a small run limited to 50 to 100 of each frame.  He uses colors and materials that are unique to the Limited Edition collection and his full range of materials including cotton acetate, single- and double-block titanium.  Each frame is made by hand in his own workshop using traditional techniques.  Each frame takes 16 hours or more of craftsmanship!What’s more, the Limited Edition frames can be custom-tailored to fit you (Bespoke customization), and made in any of the colors and textures available in the collection for no additional cost!  Advanced customization (Couture customization), including changing hinges, thickness of material and other specific details can be done for a small additional fee.  All Bespoke or Couture customized frames come with your name engraved inside the temple.We have received a few of the Limited Edition frames this week, and more are on the way!  Come in to Eye Elegance today and let us show you the world of possibilities available to you with the Tom Davies collection!

All about Horn!

The time has finally come!  Lindberg’s award-winning buffalo horn eyewear collection has begun to arrive, and it is beautiful!  Lindberg has created frame fronts made of laminated buffalo horn with titanium temples to create frames that are super-light and richly colored.  Because horn is a natural material, each piece is truly unique—a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.  We have received two pieces so far, and expect more in the near future.Also in buffalo horn is the limited edition “Club Premiere Edition” from Cartier.  Cartier Paris commissioned only 750 pieces of this frame for the worldwide market, with only 50 frames allocated for the United States.  The frame has a horn front and horn temples with a temple detail plaque that features a circular-grained metal—a detail that has never been used before in the eyewear collection.  This limited edition will not last long—call the store for pricing and availability.Finally, a note on horn frames.  Horn from Asian and African water buffalo is one of the most highly sought-after materials for luxury eyewear.  It is lightweight (much lighter than plastics), polishes to a beautiful luster and is richly colored.  If treated properly it will develop a rich patina with age and will stay beautiful for decades.  Because it is a natural material, no two frames are exactly alike, creating a unique work of art for your face!  All of our horn frames come with a care kit and instructions on keeping your frame in good condition.Also, be assured that no animals are slaughtered for their horns.  The horn is a byproduct of the cattle industry, from animals that are raised as a source of food and leather production.  Stop in soon to see one of these masterpieces!

Buyer’s Blog: New Arrival: Théo “Fruit” series

New Arrival—Tpox by Entourage of 7!

The people at Entourage of 7 are showing off their design and material innovation once again with the Tpox series of frames, and they are available now at Eye Elegance!  Tpox is a play on the fact that the frames are all titanium with an epoxy inset field on the frame front.  The coloring and finishing process is a multi-step endeavor, resulting in multi-colored frames.   On one group the entire frame is finished twice, first in one color, for instance gold, and then completely finished in a second color, say, brown.  Then the decorative field is laser-etched in a grooved pattern to expose the color underneath.  Finally the entire section is filled in clear epoxy, resulting in a smooth feel with visible color contrast and texture. On another group the frame is finished in one solid color, say green, laser-etched in a grooved pattern and filled with a colored epoxy.  The result is the green frame above—you can see that the blue epoxy has filled the decorative field, allowing the green ridges in the pattern to show through.  The result is everything we have come to expect from Entourage of 7—simultaneously clean, modern, beautiful and innovative!  Come in soon to see the entire Entourage of 7 collection!Blast from the Past!This issue’s featured classic frame is the 56-4174 from John-Paul Gaultier.  This piece from 20 years ago features built-in side shields and exposed springs in shiny palladium for a look that has never gone out-of style.  A little steam-punk and a little classic, this should be a part of any serious eyewear junkie’s collection!

Buyer's Blog: Transitions Vantage is here!

A couple of months ago I announced the news of a major new technology from the people at Transitions Optical, and the Transitions Vantage lenses are now available!  Many of you may be familiar with the color-changing lenses from Transitions, but this is something completely new—lenses that polarize as they darken.  The lenses have a slight tint indoors, and are non-polarized.  Upon exposure to UV light they quickly begin to darken, and the darker they get, the more polarized they become, blocking more of the blinding glare that can make Summer in Houston so uncomfortable.  I have started wearing a pair recently, and I love them!  They are available across a large range of materials, in single vison and progressive designs, so stop in soon and set us show you this amazing new technology today!Website improvementsWe have been hard at work adding more photos and content to our website!  If you haven’t explored it yet, please do, at www.eyeelegance.com.  Also, we are working on a You Tube channel of our very own that will feature product videos and informational material from our partners!Blast from the PastThis edition’s classic frame is the Indian 1920, complete with its’ original sun clip.  Indian was one of the early leaders in the luxury  optical arena, and this frame shows off why—a combination of white and yellow 22k gold-plating on delicately engraved eyewires and temples.  The slightly octagonal shape is at the same time classic and modern.  This frame looks just as perfect and in-style as it did when it was released nearly 20 years ago.  Call for pricing!Finally, our long-overdue newsletter is in the final stages—watch for it in your inboxes coming soon!Tim

Buyer's Blog: Judith Leiber Trunk Show!

Eye Elegance is excited to bring you a trunk show featuring frames by Judith Leiber.  A premiere American luxury brand, Judith Leiber has redefined accessories with designs that are as timeless as they are elegant.  Aligned with the brand’s world-renowned handbags, this collection is handcrafted luxury drown of the finest materials and design inspiration.  Each product is executed with meticulous attention to detail and flawless finishing.Judith Leiber creations are peerless in their artistry and craftsmanship.  Nearly every First Lady dating back to 1953 has carried custom-made Judith Leiber bags to the US Presidential inauguration ceremonies, and Judith Leiber minaudieres are part of the permanent design collections at leading museums, including The Smithsonian and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, as well as our own Houston Museum of Fine Arts.  Also a red carpet favorite, Judith Leiber is truly an iconic American brand.Please join us on Saturday, June 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to view the entire Judith Leiber eyewear collection, including all of the new releases for 2012!Blast from the Past!This week’s classic frame is the S80 Sunglass from Robert LaRoche!  Strong geometric shapes and unusual details were the hallmark of the Robert LaRoche collection, and this sunglass really delivers.  Lustrous acetate in a combination of matte and shiny finishes, stainless steel details and genuine hand-finished rivets make this a hand-made work of art—I think I could see this on Lady Gaga, don’t you?  Contact the store for pricing on this hard-to-find hand-made work of art!

Introducing Tom Davies—made to measure eyewear!

When we at Eye Elegance decide to introduce a new collection, it has to be something really special.  We know that you as our clients expect the very best from us, so we are truly excited to bring Tom Davies eyewear collection to you!Tom studied Film and Television at the University of East Anglia before flying to China at age 21 with his backpack to work for a startup eyewear factory.  Cutting his teeth on the factory floor, Tom helped build production from scratch whilst designing for other brands the world over.Returning to London in 2000, Tom set up his couture business, creating spectacles and sunglasses the the rich and famous.  Even at $7000 a frame, Tom’s waiting list sometimes ran to 12 months.  Tom then decided to set up a Ready to Wear line, which was offered through top boutique opticians across the world.  In 2008 Tom opened his own factory and now offers a full bespoke (made-to-measure) service through his global network of exclusive opticians.We are proud to be included in this network, and now have the Tom Davies ready to wear collection on display—but that just where it starts.  Every frame can be custom tailored to your face.  We can change the frame measurements, temple style, frame finish, hinge style and  color.  Every Tom Davies frame can be ordered in every color he offers.  We can make a temple longer, add nosepads to any acetate frame, or add depth to the lens to better accommodate a progressive.  We would love the opportunity to design a frame especially for you—it will even have your name engraved inside the temple!  Stop in and see us soon!Judith Leiber Trunk ShowMark your calendars now—we will be presenting the entire 2012 Judith Leiber eyewear collection on Saturday, June 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Our sales rep Richard will be here with his samples, so it will be your opportunity to see every Judith Leiber frame in every color. We look forward to seeing you there.Blast from the Past!Finally, I am adding a section to my blog.  I will be featuring a classic frame from our archives, each one in brand new condition, from some of the great eyewear designers from the past.  Today I am showing the Jean-Paul Gaultier 56-6103 sunglass.  The Gaultier collection was famous for its’ innovative hinges and remarkable craftsmanship.  

Buyer’s Blog: To See or…?

I had the great fortune to see Verdi’s great masterpiece “Don Carlos” at Houston Grand Opera last night.  I don’t know that I have ever seen a better piece of theatre in my life! (That’s saying a lot.  I have a graduate degree in theatre, so I’ve seen many great shows).  But this is not an opera review.My opera seats aren’t expensive—they’re in the balcony, high above the action, about 40 yards away.  As I was watching the action on stage, I realized how well my digitally surfaced lenses allow me to SEE.  Now, I don’t have much of a distance correction—less than 1.00 diopter total power.  This is the type of prescription that may make a doctor say “You have a slight prescription, but you don’t really need glasses.”  Technically my vision is “20/20”.  That means that I can read all of the letters on that line, albeit with difficulty.  With my correction, I can see all of the 20/15 line!As an experiment, I tried watching for a while without my glasses.  Although I have “20/20” vision, I completely lost the ability to discern facial expressions.  Details in costumes and set pieces became fuzzy.  The projected super-titles definitely became more difficult to read.  When I replaced my glasses I realized how important they were to my overall enjoyment of the show.  It was honestly like the difference between an old analog tube TV and a modern high-definition flat screen.This led me to wonder how many people invest hundreds, or thousands, of dollars on technology—tablets with retina displays, large-screen HDTVs, hundreds of dollars a month in high-definition programming—only to lose that resolution because they have been told that they “don’t really need glasses”.  As eye care providers, we should really be encouraging our patients to see as well as they can.  As consumers, we should be demanding the best vision possible.  All of the money spent on electronics (or tickets for concerts, plays, and yes, operas) is wasted if you can’t see them clearly.  What is a few hundred dollars for top-quality lenses compared to the cost of our video equipment, especially if those lenses are what allow us to have a truly “high-definition” experience?Today’s digitally surfaced lenses allow us, the eye care provider, to make your prescription as accurately as possible—to within 1/100th of a diopter!  Stop in to Eye Elegance and let us show you what you’re missing.  And if you get the chance, see “Don Carlos” at HGO.  It truly puts the “Grand” in “Grand Opera”!

Buyer’s Blog: Buyer Beware - Internet Rx Eyewear Compliance

Inevitably when you assemble a group of opticians, the conversation will turn to the problem of online eyewear sales.  Being highly trained optical professionals, we have difficulty understanding why patients would put their visual health at risk in order to save a few dollars.  But the internet is certainly here to stay, so researchers at the Pacific College of Optometry recently investigated how well prescription eyewear being sold in the internet complied with optical tolerances (is the prescription correct?) and impact resistance requirements.The researchers ordered a total of 200 pairs of glasses from 10 of the most visited internet vendors.  The eyewear consisted of differing lens and frame materials, lens designs and options and refractive conditions so they reflected US distributions.Of the 200 ordered, 154 were received (meaning that 23% were never even delivered!).  Of the 154 received, 28.6% had at least one lens that failed the Rx tolerance standard (the prescription was wrong), and in 22.7% at least one lens failed impact testing.  Overall 44.8% of spectacles failed at least one parameter of optical or impact testing.The study went on to say that a number of the eyeglasses were completely incorrect.  For example, lens options ordered (like photochromic or anti-reflective) were omitted, and a pair ordered as single-vision was received as bifocals.  Only one online vendor wanted to verify the prescription before filling it.The researchers concluded that “Nearly half of prescription spectacles delivered directly by online vendors did not meet either the optical requirements of the patient’s visual needs or the physical requirements for the patient’s safety.”  This study indicates how difficult is it to get internet eyewear sellers to follow industry standards as many of them are in other countries and not subject to US laws or regulations.The result of improperly made spectacles may be as slight as mild to severe eyestrain, or as severe as the inability to use the glasses because the Rx is incorrect. More importantly, the fact that they fail impact resistance is more severe—a broken lens could potentially result in the complete loss of an eye.  For this reason I would NEVER order children’s eyewear on line at a very minimum.Please consider that in addition to being a fashion statement, your glasses are also a medical device.  Your optician takes very precise measurements to ensure your visual comfort and the precision of the lenses.  Most people would not consider ordering dentures or prosthetic limbs over the internet and trusting that an online order-taker can fit them properly!  At Eye Elegance we have the latest in digital optical measuring devices, and we can also professionally fit , adjust and repair your eyeglasses—something NO online vendor can do!Coming up next—the report from our trip to New York for Vision Expo East!  We will try to share lots of pictures from the event, and I will update  you on trends and new arrivals.  Also, our End-of-Season Sale starts this week!  Look for updates in the mail, in your inbox, and on our Facebook page!Tim

Buyer's Blog: The Digital Revolution and Your Vision

It’s not just about your phones and TV sets—there is a digital revolution happening in the world of eyeglasses, and it will forever change the way that optical lenses are made.  These changes have the possibility of changing the way you see in the same way that smart phones have changed the way we communicate!With traditional lens surfacing methods, the front surface of the lens is a fixed curve, what we call the “base curve” of the lens.  The back surface of the lens is then changed mechanically—“ground” with a series of laps and polishing tools to impart the patient’s prescription into the rear surface of the lens.  Repeated use of the same tools leads to wear on the laps, and can eventually cause aberrations in the prescription.  These subtle imperfections become more noticeable to patients with more complex prescriptions.  Other variables such as how far the frame sits from your face, how much the frame is angled toward your face and how much facial wrap the frame has also affect how you see through your glasses.  With digital surfacing the surface of the lens is mapped using a computer algorithm to determine the best curve point-by-point and engraving that curve on the lens with a laser.  This method virtually eliminates surface imperfections and prevents problems due to worn tools.  Digital measuring instruments, like the Visioffice that we have at Eye Elegance, allow us to take measurements to 1/10th of a millimeter.  It also measures the frame fit, pantoscopic and wrap angles, allowing the program to create a lens that is customized to the patient in a way that has never been possible before.  These improvements may allow some wearers to see 20/15 or better!Digital designs are available in both single vision and progressive lenses.  Progressive wearers will experience lenses that have significantly larger intermediate and near zones, nearly 180 degrees of clear distance vision and far less “swim” effect in the periphery of the lens.  They are also made with a customized corridor length (the length between the distance and near zones), so frame size will be less of a concern for progressive wearers.  Patients with high (+ or – 3.00 or greater) distance prescriptions or high amounts of astigmatism (1.50 diopters or more of cylinder) correction will see the most benefit from single vision digital designs.If you appreciate how much clearer HDTV technology has made your entertainment, and if you like the advances that smart phones give you over older cell phones, you will love the improved clarity of digitally surfaced lenses for your eyeglasses.  Stop in at Eye Elegance soon--we would love to share this technology with you!Tim

Transitions Optical Presents Transitions Vantage Lenses

Many of you know me primarily as a frame expert, but in my heart I am also a Lens Technology geek as well, and the recent announcement of Transitions Optical’s Vantage lens is a huge accomplishment in the world of photochromic (color-changing) lenses.  The Transitions Vantage lenses present a new, unique proposition—offering both variable tint and variable polarization!  With variable polarization the lenses not only adapt to changing light by darkening, but also by increasing in polarization.  This means that the lenses will have a variable level of polarization efficiency depending on the amount of UV exposure—the darker the lens, the more polarization efficiency there is!The ability to have a clear lens indoors that changes to a polarized sunglass outdoors is game-changing.  Up until now polarization has always been accomplished using a colored film sandwiched between two clear lenses.  There were options for darker or lighter variations on this lens, but the lens was always a constant color, with darker lenses offering more glare reduction.This new development will mean that the molecules not only change color, but self-align to eliminate more blinding glare the darker they get.  Lenses that both darken AND polarize upon UV exposure will deliver noticeably crisper, sharper vision, even in the brightest outdoor glare.Transitions Optical has planned a major announcement about the release of this lens on March 1—click http://www.transitionsvantage.com/ for a link to the announcement, and a video describing this exciting new lens.We at Eye Elegance think that this is a lens that EVERYONE will want to have—we are certainly looking forward to trying it ourselves.  As soon as it is available to order, I will let all of you know.Tim

Buyer’s Blog: Robert Marc Trunk Show

It’s hard to believe that January is just over, and it’s already feeling spring-like here in Houston!  To celebrate this early spring we would love to see you for our second annual Robert Marc trunk show.  Our good friend Brian from Robert Marc will be here on Saturday, February 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to showcase the latest collection from Robert Marc, which he has called “Via Roma”.From Robert Marc:  “Rome is world famous as a destination for art, design, architecture, great food and traditions.  There is a feeling of optimism and positive energy resonating among the opulent, century-old palazzos that I wanted to capture in this collection – a youthful, modern layer with crisp yet sensuous lines and distinctive, colorful materials.”The Roman vitality is highlighted by exquisite materials detailed in strong colors, brilliant and lustrous jewel-tones that create rich energy and high glamour.When we previewed the collection at Vision Expo West last fall, we were particularly impressed by to use of jewel-tone colors like Tiger Eye, Amethyst, Sapphire and Garnet in the women’s collection, combined with contrasting temples in a marble-like swirl of the front color blended with crystal, topaz and black.  The men’s collection includes a rich deep navy blue and a dark smoky midnight blue along with classic tortoise and a rich black.I would also like to invite you to view our most recent newsletter, which features new products from four of the most exciting collections in our store—Théo, Face à Face, Entourage of 7 and Robert Marc by clicking here.We hope to see you here on February 11!Tim

***Flexible Spending Accounts***

Still have pre-tax money in a Flexible Spending Account or Health Care Savings Account?  Do you have to spend that money by the end of the year, or risk losing it?  Prescription eyewear is a great way to use that money before the end of the year, and have a great new look for your holiday parties, or to start off the new year!  Stop in today and let our staff help you find that great new look.  We have recently received brand new collections from Robert Marc, Entourage of 7, théo and Judith Leiber!  We wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season—look for a new issue of our newsletter after the first of the year, and announcements about trunk shows coming in the New Year featuring Robert Marc and Judith Leiber.Thanks to everyone who turned out for our théo trunk show and made it a great success.  We found fantastic limited-edition eyewear for a lot of people on that day!Tim

Théo Eyewear Event!

We at Eye Elégance are excited to announce that our good friend Jessica will be returning on December 3 to show the newest styles from the brilliant Belgian designers at Théo Eyewear!  Known for innovative design and bold use of color, Théo has a worldwide following among eyeglass collectors—I know that many of our customers are big Théo fans, too!  Personally, I would be lost without my Théo frames.  I had the pleasure of previewing much of the new collection at Vision Expo West in Las Vegas, and can guarantee that there are a lot of exciting new things to see this season.Please join us on Saturday, December 3 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to view the entire current collection.  We will have food, drink and maybe even some special pricing on this very special collection.  If you are a fan of unique, high-quality limited edition eyewear, this is a can’t-miss event.  Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get the latest updates on special events, in-store specials and new arrivals.I hope to see you there!Tim 

Vision Expo West market recap!

Last month we travelled to Las Vegas for Vision Expo West, and our frame vendors did not disappoint when it came to new offerings!  Everyone had great new ideas for style and color, and there are definitely some new trends coming in the next year.

Coming Events: Vegas and Beyond!

Here at Eye Elegance, we are busy preparing for Vision Expo West, one of the biggest eyewear and optical shows in the United States!  Held at the Sands Expo Convention Center in association with the Venetian Hotel, Expo West has over 450 exhibitors and over 13,000 attendees!  We experience a whirlwind of meetings with our vendors (15 vendors in 16 hours over the course of two days!) to see all of the new frame offerings for the Spring/Summer 2012 season. 

***Part 2—choosing the correct glasses for the job***

Everyone knows that sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from the damaging effects of UV light, but there are also very different aspects to the performance of sun lenses for different activities. I’m going to discuss two very different types of performance eyewear:  driving glasses and golf glasses.  Traditionally, many drivers wear grey lenses, which provide the lowest light transmission and are a good choice in the brightest sunlight.  However, brown or amber lenses increase contrast, enabling drivers to better read road contours.  These advantages also allow drivers to wear brown/amber lenses earlier in the day and later in the evening.Polarized lenses are also very advantageous when driving.  The polarizing filter blocks reflected glare from the road and blinding glare bouncing off of other car windshields and bumpers.  They may also add to your safety and security by allowing you to see the drivers and passengers in nearby cars instead of seeing the reflection of the sky on the windshield.  We have several ways of demonstrating the advantages of polarized lenses here in the shop.Polarized lenses may, however, be less advantageous on the golf course.  The purpose of golf glasses is to improve the eye’s ability to see and track a golf ball against varying backgrounds and light levels.  Grey is usually not used because it is a neutral filter.  To conquer the haze created by evaporation on a typical course, one must suppress blue light and increase green contrast.  That is best performed by colors which suppress the blue end of the spectrum, such as brown, amber and green.  When a golfer “reads” a green, they’re trying to subconsciously process how the following factors combine to influence ball speed and trajectory during putting:• Slope• Grass length• Moisture level (in and on the grass)• Base (firmness of the green)• WindGrain (direction the blades of grass are facing)Visual evaluation of these factors is accomplished through discrimination of differences in the amount of light reflected by individual blades of grass.  This is why most performance golf glasses do not use polarization.  Your perception of light reflection changes as you move, and reflections are greatly decreased through polarization, making it more difficult to read a green.Here at Eye Elegance we have the answers to all of your sunwear needs, from driving to golf to just great fashion!  Stop in and let us find the right sunglasses of ALL of your activities.Tim(Thanks to Barry Santini from 20/20 magazine for much of this info!)

***Choosing the Correct Glasses for the Job***

Having one pair of eyeglasses to solve all of our visual needs would be great, but depending on your specific needs, you may find that having a second (or third!) pair solves all of your visual needs better.  This is especially true when we are over 40, and presbyopia, the inability to focus up close, begins.  A pair of glasses with progressive lenses may be great for most day-to-day activities, but people who do a lot of work at intermediate distances, like musicians or people who work on a computer all day may benefit from an occupational lens that is specially designed for work at those distances (usually 24-36 inches).At Eye Elegance we offer the Essilor Computer lens just for those people.  Whereas a typical progressive puts emphasis on large areas for distance and near correction, the Essilor Computer lens puts the concentration on the Intermediate correction zone.  This lens offers a large, wide intermediate area for clear vision at the computer, a wide near zone at the bottom of the lens for close-up work, and a very small area at the top of the lens for distance viewing when you need it.  You actually tip your head down to access the distance portion of the lens.  These glasses are meant to be worn at your workspace, but not for driving or any other use when you primarily want distance vision.In addition to computer glasses, someone who does a lot of reading may find that although a progressive lens is best most of the time, they appreciate having a reading-only pair of glasses made in their prescription, also.  At Eye Elegance, we are happy to explain the benefits of all of these lens options to help you make the best decision for your specific needs.  Tim

***You Need a La LOOP!***

You know that you shouldn’t put your sunglasses on top of your head, and if you tuck them into your shirt collar, you’ve probably dropped them on the floor.  If you’re like me, you like to carry sunglasses along with your clear prescription glasses, and need a solution that allows you to switch back and forth between them.  The answer is La LOOP, the patented necklace for eyewear!

***Introducing Eyecode Lenses***

We at Eye Elegance are excited to introduce the most individualized lenses ever made, Eyecode lenses from Essilor.  Essilor’s technology allows us to measure the Eye Rotational Center, the position of the frame on you r face and the pantoscopic angle of the frame.  It also accounts for your natural posture.Eyecode lenses capture the unique code in each individual eye, and use that data to perfectly calculate the design for each gaze direction.  No matter where you look, you get the most precise vision—instantly and effortlessly.Eyecode is available in single vision and two Varilux progressive designs:  The Varilux Physio Enhanced Eyecode and, for the ultimate in personalization, the Varilux Ipseo IV Eyecode.  In addition to all of the personalized Eyecode measurements, the Ipseo lens also determines your ratio of head-to-eye movement when you scan a room or a page.  This allows the digital program to accommodate not only for your natural posture, but also for your individual behavior!We would love for you to stop in soon and let us show you what complete lens personalization can do for you.  Watch our website, along with our Facebook and Twitter accounts for more information and for a special promotion on Eyecode lenses starting soon!Tim

***New Service—Custom Frame Coloring!***

At Eye Elegance we are constantly trying to find ways to offer our customers the ultimate in service and frame customization.  We are therefore very excited to introduce custom frame coloring.  We now have the ability to re-coat any metal frame, including titanium frames, to its original color, or to ANY color you want.Texans fan?  How about a Texans steel blue frame front with red temples?  Do you prefer Longhorn orange and white?  We can do it.  Have a favorite scarf or jacket?  We can custom-color a frame to match.  Even if you simply have a favorite frame that has some chips and is beginning to look worn, we can restore it to its original finish!  We can do this with one of your existing frames, or you can purchase a metal frame from our inventory and have it custom-colored for you.  While you’re at it, why not order a custom sun-clip to match?We are always looking for innovative ways to offer something different to our customers.    Stop in soon to ask about pricing on custom frame coloring.Tim

Buyer's Blog

I am often asked “why is this plastic frame more expensive than frames for other companies?”  The answer lies in the type of plastic used by high-end spectacle manufacturers, and how those companies use that material.The type of plastic used in better-quality frames is called zylonite (zyl), which is also known as Cellulose Acetate.  The best quality zyl available comes from the Italian company Mazzuchelli.  Mazzuchelli zyl has been in the plastic industry since 1849.  Their zyl originates from cotton fibers or flakes and wood flakes.  The best materials begin with 100% cotton.  Cellulose Acetates are tough with a deep gloss and high transparency.  They possess a “feel” which is different from other plastics which is often described as more “natural”.  Cellulose Acetate is combined with plasticizers to create a material which can be heat softened, molded and easily adjusted without cracking or becoming brittle.  Larger manufacturers often use these qualities to injection-mold their frames.  Smaller, exclusive companies such as Face a Face and Lafont work with Mazzuchelli to create exclusive colorations and pattern combinations.  Once those colors are created, only the company which designed them will be able to use them.  They then use a more traditional method to create each frame by hand.  The frames are then polished in tumblers for up to two weeks.  Creating each frame one-at-a-time by hand using materials unique to the individual manufacturer gives an end product which is much more exclusive, beautiful, and therefore more expensive!Few plastics have such a ling pedigree as Cellulose Acetate, and being made entirely from renewable resources it certainly has a long way to run. You can see a video of Mazzuchelli Zyl being produced here.Until next time!Tim

***New Arrival—Théo Septante Series!***

Just arrived today, the series of frames that includes the orange frame I’m wearing in the picture (coming soon)!  The Septante series features all new colors from théo in bold shapes.  Building on the success of the Soixante (sthéreo) series which was a super-thick, bold, solid-colored vintage look, these frames are all made in two-tone colors with slightly less-thick acetates.  The accent on the endpiece this time are math symbols, which will continue with the Huitante series later in the year, all making up a collection which will be known as “Mathéo”.New pieces from other lines are coming in soon!  I will let everyone know as soon as I get them!Tim

***New Arrival—Oliver Peoples Vintage***

Eye Elegance is proud to introduce an exclusive collection from Oliver Peoples, the Oliver Peoples Vintage collection. Larry Leight, the founder and chief designer for Oliver Peoples was inspired to explore his personal archive of original Oliver Peoples designs after being encouraged by numerous requests from friends, family and loyal customers.  During this exploration, he rediscovered several iconic, brand-defining styles.  Among these treasures were some of his favorites, including the first style introduced in the Oliver Peoples 1987 debut collection, the OP-505.  The 505 featured filigreed antique metal temple and bridge detailing.  Others were the OP-1955, a unique style recognized for its contrasting frame front and temple colors, and the O’Malley, inspired by former LA Dodgers president Peter O’Malley, which is one of the most recognizable frames in Oliver Peoples history.Convinced that interest in these classic styles is just as strong today as it was over twenty years ago, he wanted to make some available to select customers.  Since very few of the original pieces exist, and because it is essential that the same attention to detail, craftsmanship and the integrity of the original styles be retained, he reached out to the same Japanese factory to reproduce a limited quantity.We at Eye Elegance are proud to be one of the select few boutiques to offer this limited edition collection of twelve distinct pieces.  Call or stop in today to see them!  They are a must-have for the connoisseurs who have endlessly supported Oliver Peoples, and who continue to inspire them!

***Don’t forget the Etnia Barcelona Trunk Show***

Tomorrow, April 30, 2011 we will be hosting a trunk show from Etnia Barcelona.  If you are a fan of beautiful eyeglass frames with outstanding color and pattern choices, don’t miss this show!  We will have food and wine, and the representative from Etnia Barcelona will be here with every frame in the current collection, in every color!  Need sunglasses?  Etnia has classic sun shapes in the vivid colors they are known for.  We will be offering special pricing for in-stock AND SPECIAL ORDERS for one day only!  We would love to see you there. Don’t forget, our End-of-Season sale is still happening, too.  There are great values still to be had from many of our frame lines, so come in soon.‘til next week,Tim

It’s better to give than to receive

Spring is not Christmas nor is it typically a gift giving season, but it is going to be a good time for six Hondurans.  Eye Elegance, working with members of the Honduran Kids Foundation and I Care International, is providing new prescription eyewear; frames, lenses and cases, for six very disadvantaged individuals ranging in age from 11 to 62. Their visual needs were great and Eye Elegance used the best lenses available to maximize vision and reduce thickness and weight.  This is a continuation of our pledge to help those who really need help.  After our promotion in which we asked our clients to turn in their old glasses for a $250.00 credit toward the purchase of a new pair, we were able to send 176 pairs of glasses to Lyons Club of Honduras.  That was a program which helped a large number of people in a general way, but this time we were able to address the very specific needs of just a few.  We will continue to do what we can as we break down the logistics of dealing with a foreign land and create a larger contact base.Daniel Protz,Eye Elegance, Inc.

Eye Elegance Update

Hello, Everyone!This update is a little late, but we have been very busy preparing for...***Vision Expo East**Daniel and I will be going to New York on Thursday, March 17 through Sunday, March 20 to see the latest eyewear styles and lens technology.  This is the biggest eyewear show in the United States, and it is the time that we see all of the new styles for summer through winter 2011!  From some of the teases I have seen from vendors, I expect to see a very resort-oriented collection from Robert Marc (the collection is entitled “Palm Springs”, bold and colorful new collections from Theo, and a continued emphasis on larger vintage looks in general.  We will be posting pictures from our trip as we go (maybe video, too, if I can figure out how to do it ☺ ).  If anyone has any specific requests for frame styles, ideas, colors etc., post them in the comments! In my last post I promised Trunk show news, so here it is:***Etnia Barcelona Trunk Show April 30, 2011!!***Join us on Saturday, April 30 to view one of the most colorful, innovative and well-made collections in the world today!  Each piece of Etnia is handmade in Spain from exclusive Italian acetate colors, top quality hinges and metal finishes in monel and titanium that will satisfy the cravings of any eyewear addict.  This year they also introduced their first sunwear collection, and came up with classic shapes in the unusual, bold and bright color combinations they are known for!  This really is a must-see for anyone who loves eye-catching eyewear!Our next post will probably be from the Vision Expo—follow us on Twitter and Facebook to see where we are and what we are doing!Thanks,Tim

Featured Frame Line: Chrome Hearts

***Featured Frame Line:  Chrome Hearts***Established in 1988, Chrome Hearts began by producing leather riding gear for friends and their extended families.  The company is an international luxury lifestyle company, integrating classic design with the highest standards for quality and craftsmanship.  Products range from distinctive handmade jewelry in sterling silver, gemstones, platinum and 22K gold; furniture made from exotic woods; and clothing made from the finest leathers and fabrics.In keeping with the Chrome Hearts tradition, the eyewear collection is, without a doubt one of the most innovative collections in fashion eyewear ever released.  Utilizing a diverse range of materials and inspired designs, this luxury eyewear collection—exclusively designed, manufactured and distributed by Chrome Hearts Eyewear, LLC—has earned the reputation as a leader in cutting-edge eyewear.Nothing but the greatest care is taken when selecting materials to ensure that the eyewear is a clearly defined extension of the Chrome Hearts design/brand philosophy.  Exotic woods, fine leathers, precious stones and sterling silver decorations are combined with the latest innovations in optical technology, metallurgy and laser engraving to produce a product worthy of the Chrome Hearts name.  For eyewear of this caliber, it is only appropriate that each case is made of the same high quality leather used in all Chrome Hearts leather products.We would love to show you our extensive collection of Chrome Hearts frames at Eye Elegance.  Please come in any time Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.***Trunk Show Update***Many thanks to everyone who came in for the Robert Marc Trunk show, including our great sales rep, Brian Harting.  You all made it a very fun and very successful show!  I’ll be announcing our next trunk show with a new featured frame line next week!Tim

What “size” frame do I wear?

Now and then a customer comes into the store and says something like “I can only wear a 47”, or “These frames are a 52.  I have to have something close to that size”, or “Can you tell me what size frame I should wear.”  It is all part of the myth that eyewear comes in sizes like your shoes or clothes, and it is true that some frames (not all) are imprinted with a “size” on the temple or bridge.  You should bear in mind that that is only one of many "sizes" that determine how a frame fits.  Really, it is a guide for the optician when it comes to ordering lenses than anything else.  Take a look at this diagram.For instance, a "47" eyesize with a 20mm DBL (distance between lenses, or bridge width) and 9mm endpieces will be much larger [(47x 2) + 20 + 18 = 132mm] overall than a "49" with a 16mm DBL and 5mm endpieces [(49 x 2) + 16 + 10 = 124mm].  In that example, a size "47" frame is 8mm, or about 3/8 inch larger than the size "49" frame. You can see in the second part of the diagram that even temple length can be affected by how the temple is attached to the frame.  If the temple hinge is attached to a 10mm long extender, a 135mm temple would fit the same as a 145mm temple with the hinge attached directly to the frame front.The shape of the lens, placement of the temples higher or lower in respect to the lens, and the thickness of the plastic or metal surrounding the lens all also affect the overall fit and appearance of the frame. The "frame size" is a VERY unreliable predictor of frame fit.  By varying the bridge width and endpiece size, it is possible for a “40” to fit the same as a “52”.  The real question always is--Does THIS frame fit me and do I like the way it looks?  At Eye Elegance we are experts in finding the right frame for your face, regardless of “size”!***Don’t forget the Robert Marc Trunk Show February 5***We are very excited to introduce this beautiful collection to Houston!  Come by on Saturday the 5th to view the entire collection of frames, have a bite to eat, and see our newly redesigned space!Also, be sure to visit the Special offers section of our website regularly!  We will have special offers available only for our website, Facebook and Twitter followers throughout the year!Tim

HUGE LA EYEWORKS SALE!!!

We are offering a HUGE sale on all in-stock LA EYEWORKS Frames!  This is the first sale of it’s kind, and we’re offering it only to our Facebook Fans, Twitter Followers, Website followers and email client list!  It’s so big that I can’t give you the details on my blog—click HERE to register for the sale, get the details and print out your sale coupon.!***New Frames***We have received the newest collection from Entourage of 7, and we LOVE them.  The new acetates are bold, big and in great new colors. Many of them include details like 10K gold-plated rivets, hinges and logos. The new titanium shapes are creative and lightweight, and have a great fit!  Entourage of 7 is the story about Rikke and Jakob Talbo, co-founders and motor behind Entourage of 7. After a decade working for industry leaders, in 2004 the native Danes decided to move from their home in Copenhagen to Los Angeles destined to live out their vision – creating their own luxury eyewear label. With home base and head quarters in Los Angeles the Entourage of 7 has branched out and is now represented in fine optical boutiques in more than 20 countries. ***Don’t Forget***Don’t forget the Robert Marc Trunk Show on February 5, 2011 from 11 to 5.  I am planning more events for later in the year, so keep reading!Tim

New Year, New Look, New Line!

Happy New Year from Eye Elegance! We have completed the remodel of our interior and, as I promised in December, I am proud to announce the arrival of a new frame line, the Robert Marc Collection.Robert Marc is recognized as a visionary in the world of eyewear.  After designing and consulting on many of the world’s most successful premier eyewear collections, Robert launched his own collection of luxury eyewear in 1999—for which Vogue magazine announced “Robert makes his Marc.”By combining classic and modern elements, he creates timeless eyewear designs.  He has revived the art of the handcrafted frame and subtly brands his eyewear with the trademarked Robert Marc hinge that is inspired by historical design and construction.  This signature hinge adds distinction and luxury to each frame and unifies the collection.  Fans of Robert Marc’s designs include celebrities such as Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Julianne Moore, Uma Thurman and Matt Damon.  Recently, Robert’s designs have shown up in films such as Salt (Angelina Jolie), Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps (Shia LaBeouf, Michael Douglas) and When In Rome (Kristen Bell, Anjelica Huston) as well as TV’s Entourage, Grey’s Anatomy, How I Met Your Mother and CSI.***Save the Date***To celebrate the arrival of the Robert Marc Collection, and to give everyone a look at our new interior, we are having a ROBERT MARC TRUNK SHOW on Saturday, February 5, 2011!  Please join us from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to view the entire collection, and have some food and drink to celebrate the New Year.  We believe that 2011 is going to be a great year!  We hope to see you soon!Tim

How dark should my sun lenses be?

There is a misconception that the darker the lenses are, the more protection they provide.  To analyze this statement we first have to define protection.  The most important thing lenses can protect the wearer from is ultraviolet light.  UV light is measured in waves at the lower end of the light spectrum, 0 - 400nm.  These waves are not visible to the human eye but they are what causes a sunburn if we stay outside without protection.  What filters out this light in a pair of glasses or sunglasses is virtually colorless.  The amount of tint in a pair of sunglasses only shades the wearer’s eyes from the brightness of the light.Having lenses really dark can be detrimental.  Shading the eyes from ambient light causes the pupils to dilate, or get larger.  This increase in pupil aperture makes it more difficult to focus, especially up close, and allows more UV light to enter the eye.  Therefore, if the lenses do not have a UV400 filter and are dark, they actually allow more damaging UV light to enter the eye.Sensitivity to light is what is corrected with tints in lenses.  An individual’s sensitivity to light is unique.  Some people are extremely annoyed by bright light and others have no issues.  Your lenses should be tinted just enough to keep from squinting and no more.  For most people this is about 55 – 85% tint or 15 – 45 % light transmittance.  If you want to reduce glare or unwanted reflected light, a tinted lens will offer some comfort, but a polarized lens will perform even better.  In order to eliminate glare you need a polarizing filter or polarized lenses.  They work by eliminating reflective glare, also known as “blinding glare”.  This is the type of blinding light that may be reflected off of the water, or from car windows, car trunks and other highly reflective surfaces.    Polarized lenses come in many lens materials and lens designs offering anyone who demands true performance in their prescription or non-prescription sunwear many options.Hope this clears things up,Happy New Year!Daniel Protz

Tips For a Rewarding Eyewear Purchasing Experience

Wouldn’t it be nice, if every time you go shopping the salesperson knew everything you liked and every unique thing about you?   This would make your shopping experience delightful and everything you purchased a perfect fit.In our dispensary we get to know our patients and their particular needs, but every once in a while we help someone we do not know.  Your time is valuable, and we certainly want to get things right the first time around!  You shouldn’t have to return saying you have to dip your head to see at distance, or tilt your head to go up stairs.  Sharing information is the most important thing you can do.  It is our job to try and get useful information before we measure, fit or adjust your eyewear.  However, here are a few things that help us make your glasses work best for you:Maintain a natural posture while we take measurements.  Hold your head naturally—this is especially important if you are very tall, or very small.Let us know what your primary visual needs are.  A long-haul truck driver may primarily use his distance vision, while a       jeweler may spend most of her time doing extremely close work.  If you work on a computer 8 hours a day, you may benefit from an occupational lens that works best for intermediate distances (24-48 inches).Some occupations, for example pilots, plumbers and musicians, may benefit from special lens designs. Athletes, construction personnel and craftsmen may benefit from lens materials that are more impact-resistant. Let us know how your lifestyle may affect our lens choice.Please, let us know if you have had any prior negative experiences with your eyewear, such as:Lenses which are thicker than you would like.Lenses which cracked.Frames which were too heavy or otherwise uncomfortable.Frames which irritated your nose or ears.Frames which broke to easily.If a progressive or multifocal, how was your experience?  Did you have sufficient distant, intermediate and near vision?Did you feel as though your eyewear caused headaches?Have you ever experienced double vision.Have you felt that your vision was different between several pairs of glasses?Frames which slid down your nose, or didn’t fit properly.Color-changing lenses that didn’t live up to your expectations.It is important that you bring your old eyewear with you, especially if you have experienced any issues so that we can examine them.  Some lenses also give us important information.  For instance, progressive lenses all come with laser engravings that tell us what brand, design and material your lenses are.We want to make your eyewear purchase experience a good one.  We really want your next visit to be for your next pair, or to drop in to say hello!  Having all the information that we can makes this process much easier, so do yourself a favor and help us help you. Thanks and Merry Christmas!Daniel Protz

Welcome to the Buyer’s Blog

Welcome to a new feature on our website!  I will be using this space to give you product information, to let you know when new frame styles arrive and to make important announcements, as well as to share pictures from our buying trips and to let you know about upcoming events.***Don’t forget your FSA***If you have money set aside in a Flexible Spending Account, or Health Savings Account you may need to use that money by December 31 or lose it forever.  Glasses or Prescription Sunglasses are a great way to use those dollars.  We can accept your FSA debit card or provide you with an itemized receipt for submission.  Can’t get an exam before the end of the year?  No problem—we can hold your order for as long as you need and use those pre-tax dollars today!***New Look***We are almost complete in our remodel of the office interior.  We have new carpet and a new paint job—we’re just waiting for a couple of new furniture pieces and the new look will be complete.  Check this space in January for an announcement about a trunk show to celebrate the new year, our new website, our new look and a BRAND NEW FRAME LINE!***Cartier News***Speaking of new frames, Cartier has released the “Collection Première Cartier”.  It is a “Première” collection because it is the first time Cartier uses acetate in its optical eyewear range.  They are smart, sophisticated and beautiful—totally Cartier.  “Première” because of its simple shapes, which revisit the sixties look with the discreet luxury of temples marked by unique tubular piston hinges.  Each one-color or gradient-color frame is enhanced by décor in a platinum and gold or a ruthenium finish.Adieu until next month,Tim

Welcome to Our New 'Look'

Thank you for stopping by the newly redesigned EyeElegance.com.  Along with our new 'look', we are excited to bring you helpful information, tips and special offers through our blog and newsletters which will launch soon. Please click here to join our email list to be the first to hear about our sales and new arrivals.  A selection of the unique eyeglasses, sunglasses and accessories will be posted regularly in our Style section.  Beautiful photos will be featured regularly from some of our top brands including Cartier, Chanel, Lindberg, Oliver Peoples, Paul Smith, Judith Leiber, l.a. Eyeworks, David Yurman, Etnia Barcelona, Theo, Chrome Hearts, and more.We would love to hear what you think so please take a moment to drop us a line by clicking on 'Leave a Comment' below.  We appreciate your time and for the over twenty fabulous years we have had serving the eyewear needs of the best customers in Houston.Follow us:  Twitter.com/EyeElegance  Become a fan:  Facebook.com/EyeElegance