Made in China

This seems to throw people off. If we play a game of word association, when we hear the words "Made in China" we generally think "cheap, knock-off, cut corners, poor quality, mass produced..." and the list goes on. We have been accustomed to think that if it is manufactured in China that we don't want to buy it.

What if I told you some pieces from Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, Gucci and may others were made in China. Natural instinct will say "they are ripping us off".

But like anything else, it doesn't matter where is it made. The quality will be reflected on "QUALITY CONTROL". The larger manufactures maintain a certain level of quality control by bringing in their own personnel to oversee the operation. It is not that the local are not capable of managing the level of quality, but it is just so that companies can implement their own measures to control quality.

What this all means: you can have 2 factories, back to back, using the same materials, machines and local people but produce different products. One factory will produce products for Company ABC while the other produces for Company XYZ. Company ABC wants aviators finished and out the door for $2 regardless of anything else and Company XYZ wants them made at $50 while implementing their own policies and quality control in the factory. Their quality will reflect in that.

So, if its made in Italy, it must be well made. MYTH! Same goes for Italy, Denmark and everywhere else. It's about quality control and not the country.

How to Read the Model, Color and Size

If you have ever looked on the inside of your frame, you will see that there are a bunch of number and letters all mixed together. Although they are all mix-matched, look carefully to decipher the "code".

You will find several important pieces of information
1. Brand: It will simply be the name outright, or a logo
2. Size: It will be a number (usually between 47-60) followed by a dash or box and then another number (between 13-22). The first number is the size of the lenses width and the second number is the bridge size
3. Color: It will either written as a code or the letter "c" followed by a number. Ex. "C.001" or "C.867" or sometimes it is a code like "1AB-0V0" (like Prada)
4. Model: It is usually a number OR letters followed by numbers. Ex. "1845" OR "LA304" (Lacoste)
5. Temple: It will be between 130 and 150. 140 is average.
6. Country of Origin: This one is sticky. It will sometimes say "Made in Italy" or "Frame Italy". Due to the technical aspects of this. It will be in another post of it's own.

Example:

Mont Blanc
Model: MB 80S
Color: J06
Size: 58
Bridge: 17
Temple: 140

Hope this helps you!

How to Find the Perfect Size

Dear City Connection,

I just saw a pair of sunglasses online and I think we were meant to be, it was screaming my name. The only problem is that I don't know if they will fit well. Are there any ways of making sure they will fit well and the size will be right? The last thing I want is to spend money and find out that I look like a doofus. Please help me.

Please help me,
Almost-every-online-buyer


So you saw a pair of sunglasses online and you absolutely love them. Only problem, you don't know if they will fit.

The best thing to do if you are buying online and haven't tried them on...

Get a good fitting pair of sunglasses or glasses. See how the size works for you, then look at the measurements on the frame. It will say a number then a box then a number Or a dash in between (52 'box' 15 OR 52-15). The first number is the size of the lens (horizontally) and the second number is the size of the bridge (connection between the lenses that go over your nose). Try to find something similar to what you have now.


It is a 75% fool-proof way to buy online. Why 75% and not 100%, you ask? Well, there are variables like wrap of the frame, thickness of frame or bridge, length of temple, fitting of bridge, bridge skew and so on. But take them in to a reputable store, tell them you bought them online and ask if they can fit it to your face (adjustment). Thank him/her for her expertise, throw the guy/gal $5-10, he/she will be as happy as you.

Anti Reflection Coating

Most people are generally misinformed about "options" for your lenses. Of those "options" is anti reflection coating, some times also called anti-glare or non-glare.

What is it?
Anti-reflection coating is a coating put on the lenses to reduce the amount of glare by makitng the amount of light coming through the lens more effective. It will also reduce the amount of glare when people are looking at you. Have you seen on TV when you can't see a persons eyes when they are wearing glasses? That is because they don't have the anti reflection coating.

Do I need it?
Yes, it is great for overall aesthetics and vision. They reduce glare, making them very good for night time driving and computer use.

Now you know...Anti reflection coating is for you! If your eyecare practitioner doesn't mention it. Ask them about it. Be an educated consumer.

(on the Left: WITHOUT anti-reflection; on the right: WITH anti-reflection)

Ask Men's 2009 Eyewear List

Look at Askmen.com's predictions of this years trendiest eyewear. I can agree with some but not with others. I dont think Aviators will be as big this year. It will be more of a geek-chic/ conservative look. But in any case, take a look at what they have to say...

http://ca.askmen.com/fashion/trends_400/463_2009-eyeglasses.html

Vintage: Quality or Price?

There are many things to consider when buying Vintage style eyewear.

Quality
-What material is it made of? Acetate, Optyl, Titanium, Stainless Steel...
-Where are they made?
-What kind of hinges and nose pads are used?
-How is the quality of the solder?

Price
-Price varies quite a bit from place to place and online store to online store
-Best way to check current pricing is to check ebay, most of the online stores have current value pricing

Original or Reproduction
-Most people don't care whether eyewear is a real vintage piece or if it is a reproduction. But if you are looking for a true vintage style, I would suggest to find a real vintage piece. Most reproductions are made with inferior quality in order to cut costs.
-Re-production's are vintage-inspired, they are of similar style, but a true vintage will have many detailed parts such as hinges and solders that cannot be reproduced now-a-days within a reasonable production cost.

Vintage style, in or out?

Vintage is in! Whether you're into mainstream, budget or high-end brands, you know as well as everyone else that the vintage style is in.

What is vintage-inspired?
Styles from the 40s to the 80s. A retro style that is large, thick and at times over the top. They make a statement when worn. Most people associate the Ray-Ban Wayfarer as a classic vintage style. Thick, large, and loud colors.

Brick and Mortar Store vs. Online Stores

A lot people contemplate whether they should buy glasses in a brick and mortar store OR online.
There are pros and cons to both, let me take you through a few...

Online
Pros:
-Inexpensive: most online shops are not a large operation, hence reducing their overhead
-Convenience: Shop from the comfort of your own home
Cons:
-Style: you cannot see if you like the style on you or not
-Adjustments: are your glasses lopsided? crooked?
-Warranty: what are their policies on manufacturer defect?


Store
Pros:
-Professional Advice: They know what works well for your RX and what looks good on you
-Precision: They will take measurements to make sure your glasses will be comfortable and in focus.
-Comfort: All opticals will have someone who will be able to adjust your glasses to make them sit well
-Warranty: Any reputable store will be able to provide you with a warranty
-Try it on: Try them on and compare them with other frames. See what they look like back to back
Cons:
-Cost: it may cost more than online but it is because they have skilled professionals on site
-Selection: A single store might not carry all the lines you want to see

Everyone has the choice to pick how they want to shop. Both have their pros and cons, it's your choice to pick what's most important to you.

Kristin Davis in Salt Optics

Kristin Davis from the 2008 movie Sex and the City wearing a pair of Salt Nikki sunglasses. Handmade from Acetate (plastic) with Prism Free Vision Lens Technology, which translates to sharper vision.

Welcome!

Keep updated on the latest trends and styles in optical fashion. I'll show you whats not and whats not.

Have a question?
Email me at city.connection@live.com