Not Exactly X-Ray Specs, Though That Would Be Bitchin’

I wear glasses. In fact, I kind of need new glasses, because I’m blinder than I used to be. But due to my fear of being told just how blind I am, I’m avoiding the optometrist. Let me put it this way - I’ve put the kybosh on driving at night.

But it’s high time to Face My Fear, not least because the other night, when I was glasses-ed up in a room full of Tragiquelly Hip dudez and dudettes, someone said ‘Hey, are those your glasses? You look like a secretary!’

I do not think this was intended in a sexretary/Miss Moneypenny sort of way.

So, to get inspired, here are my all time favourite vintage glasses looks, in no particular order:

1) Elvis Costello. You know how much I love a good nerd, and this guy basically has nerd superpowers. I particularly liked his look during the ‘This Year’s Model’ phase, though come to think of it, it’s possible that phase never ended:

Note: in a less iconic fashion moment, I believe these glasses were also seen on Garth in Wayne’s World.

2) Brigitte Bardot in Une Parisienne. Ooh la la. Ps, don’t you love the mixed messages of ’serious career laydee’ and ‘meow meow’ going on here?

3) Grace Kelly. Looking as though she couldn’t care less about being glamorous…despite being ridiculously glamorous:

4) Janine, the receptionist from Ghostbusters. Was she sassy or what? I have never seen a rounder pair in my life.

5) Lisa Loeb. OK, ok, maybe it’s not ‘vintage’ yet, but who didn’t enjoy the heartfelt strains of ‘Stay (I missed you)’? 1994 wouldn’t have been the same without these bad boys:

6) Finally, the man himself, YSL:


Looking a little intense, I’ll admit, but what spex. And what tude.

Whew, I’m already feeling better about my next sesh of blurry chart-reading and that weird test where they hit some mini hammer against one’s eyeball (tell me this is a legitimate test…)

There’s definitely a trend going on here in the shape and size. Looks like bold, black, and block shaped is the way I should be rolling. As if I wasn’t nerdy enough.

Party on, Wayne.