style tips | a bit coquettish

I don’t remember a time when I didn’t wear glasses.

(Fine, I exaggerate. I started wearing specs in the second grade, but life before that was all Legos and denim overalls and Playdoh and rainbows, and therefore not real real life, right? Reality is a lot less colorful. And Playdoh-y.)

Glasses, then, became an integral part of who I was and what I looked like. They were practical instruments for seeing — they were my eyes! — and so long as they didn’t squish my nose or give me headaches, I was never one to complain about them. These metal extensions might as well be permanent fixtures on my face. It was a very good thing, then, that my extended paternal family own eyewear boutiques and never failed to supply me with the latest styles on the market. To this day I pride myself in donning trends far before they reached the American glossies, but back then I was always in awe how I was never once called “four-eyes” (or any bullying equivalent) as a child. Coincidence? I think not.

It wasn’t until I started wearing contacts that I realized the potential I had long overlooked. Just as pivotal as they were for clarity glasses were also game-changers. Total look-changers, rather, that could easily change what was framed and what was featured. Eyebrows, cheekbones, or nose? Did I want professional, or geeky? Librarian or sexy librarian? Stoic or sleek or sassy or stylish? In one swoop I could easily change who I wanted to be (portrayed as) without the hassle of a full-on makeover. No hair-dye or new lipstick needed. Wardrobe re-vamp optional, but highly recommended because… pour quoi pas?

And come warmer months when change is desperately needed and more sun calls for more skin and sun protection, what better time to invest in new specs than now? Warby Parker has been the eyewear brand du jour for a while now, taking both the fashion industry and social media by storm since last year. There’s no sign of stopping either: they’ve debuted eight new shapes and six new colors for their Spring collection (and nine new sunglasses in their Spectrum Sun collection as well!), all of which showcase the very best of the Warby Parker ideal. Classic, with a nod to retro, but made modern with attention-grabbing hues and updated silhouettes.

Peel off your winter clothes and add a new pair of glasses: that’s Warby Parker’s prescription for cutting loose this season. Feel free to improvise.

It was difficult to choose a favorite, for the record. But what I did realize in the editing process was that I’m very much partial to tortoise shell and masculine/unisex frames with a slight 60s reference:

Marcel, in Aurora

Seymour, in Whiskey Tortoise

Both are incredibly appropriate for looking sharp at the office but equally adorable for at home, after-hours, wrapped in a cashmere pashmina with a steamy chai in hand. The Marcel has this fantastic statement shape — not unlike my current specs — with that feminine, 60s-meets-70s vibe I adore. It would complement a tailored sheath dress or a great high-waist, flare jean with a cropped sweater, no? The Seymour is its streamlined, subdued sister (brother?) meant to be swapped in for that jumpsuit or powersuit or those days when all you want is a sleek pony and chiseled cheeks. (I keep picturing Gisele in The Devil Wears Prada wearing the Seymours, it’s very Selena.)

In fact, this spring collection is the perfect complement to all things Victoria Beckham in silhouette and DVF in print and color (ah, the ideal wardrobe…).

Look no. 1: BURKE, in Tennessee Whiskey