The kids are back in school, the racetrack is closed and the shops are filled with fall and winter fashions. Optical offices are also receiving their fall eyewear inventories as Vision Expo International introduces new trends and lines for the change in seasons.

Governor’s Glasses Strike a Chord.

Big news in eyewear is Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, Vice Presidential candidate of John McCain. Her drilled rimless eyewear with anti-reflective coating sends forth a message of strength and power. Optical offices around the country (including ours) have been receiving calls with questions about her eyewear.

Drilled rimless have been a dominating presence in the frame market for the last several years with Austrian manufacturer Silhouette being the industry leader. Silhouette’s drilled rimless frame lines are the best selling frames in the history of eyewear.  They are made from titanium and silicone sleeves. There are no screws to fall out and they are extremely light-weight and durable. They can be re-used with a change in lens shape which creates a whole new look at a fraction of the cost. Many celebrities and entertainers have been wearing them for years including Al Roker of the Today Show, Randy Jackson of American Idol and David Caruso of CSI. In the past Oprah Winfrey featured a Silhouette drilled rimless give-away in one of her “Favorite Things” episodes.

The Look is Hardly Neutral.

Far from the minimalist look of the drilled rimless is this year’s push toward thick bold plastics and heavy looking but light-weight flat metals with dramatic wide temple designs in numerous warm fall colors. From rusty orange and deep velvet browns to dark ruby reds and dramatic indigo and purples, designers have loaded this fall’s collections with universally flattering tones that surround us at this time of year. Geometric cut-outs and colors layered to abstraction, La Font introduces pieces so striking and utterly bold these wearable “canvases” are classic in form. Jai Kudo mixes plastic color chips with colored flat metal, creating a bold, strong look for women in warm shades of burgundy and reds. Metallic designs by Jessica Simpson and Kate Spade in softer hues and with a bit of bling by adding crystals, these frames are both feminine and contemporary. No one does floral as well as Vera Bradley for ladies and young girls (the “girlfriends-line”) and this fall is no exception. Timeless classic shapes in plastics with deep browns and coppery reds and cases to match the frame designs and handbag designs!

Men’s Trends! 

Simple clean lines in dark blue and gray and warm orange-brown are this season’s best look for men. Newly released models by CK, Calvin Klein and LaFont are small, bold rectangular shapes with thick temples and patterned fronts.   Rimless frames remain the best bet for the “disappearing” look desired by many this year with thicker temples that are patterned and colored. Boys and teens will love new Nike Hybrids that mix titanium flat metal fronts and thick plastic temples that are head-hugging and lightweight, in spite of their thick look.

Rockin’ solid Suns!

Sunglasses are not just for summer. Fall means a drive home from work includes driving directly into the setting sun. Polarized sunglasses (available with or without a prescription) are your best defense against the glare caused by the changing lighting conditions. Polarized lenses actually remove surface glare which enables you to see more clearly, more quickly, thereby increasing your response time. The sooner you see - the more time you have to react.  Best lenses for driving include recently introduced Drivewear lenses which actually change with lighting conditions.  Not to be mistaken with Photogrey or Transitions - Drivewear lenses are sunglasses only - not to be worn indoors. What they offer is superior polarization and a lens that changes from yellow in low light conditions to warm brown as light intensifies and finally dark copper brown in intense lighting conditions. At all times they are 100 percent UVA and UVB protective. Frame styles for fall suns are larger, full coverage models in warm, rich fall hues. From Nine West to Maui Jim and Nautica, fall suns make a bold fashion statement while also providing much needed eye health protection!

Susan Halstead is a nationally and NYS Licensed Optician at Family Vision Care Center at 205 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Susan may be reached for questions or comment at www.saratogasight.com or by calling (518) 584-6111.