Making a DIFF

via @diffeyewear 

Some people collect shoes (I do), some collect coats (I do that, too), but then others collect glasses (to confirm: yep, still me). I have a few "collection" "issues" but I'm working on it. 

You see, here's the thing: curating fashion is a valid pursuit, especially when it has a purpose. I could go on and on about why stockpiling stamps or Pokemon cards or multiple husbands is a waste of time and resources, but accessories? Let me break it down for you. Shoes keep your feet protected and stop you from embarassing ejections from public spaces. Coats shield you from the elements, of course, while allowing you to wear pajamas to school drop-off and cover up coffee spills. And glasses? Well, they shade you from the sun, hide lack of sleep, and make you look cooler at all times of the day (just ask Corey Hart). While most people are obsessed with sunglasses, my particular fetish is for the non-shaded, non-prescription variety of glasses. I have my creative glasses (pink, tortoise, clear), my take-me-seriously spreadsheet glasses (no-nonsense black and heavy rims fit the bill) and then I have my 'my outfit is basic today' glasses that instantly elevate any 'fit.

I scored my first pair of DIFF glasses at Winners last year and while I fell in love with the style and comfort of these shades, it was their company mission that made me a repeat offender. Every pair of DIFF glasses sold helps to provide the gift of sight to someone in need through eye exams, glasses, medicine, and surgery. To date, DIFF Eyewear has donated over 1.5 MILLION pairs of glasses worldwide. So yup, kinda like Toms but in the eyewear space.

With all of the time I spend on my laptop writing, I've recently become a huge fan of DIFF's Blue Light Blocking collection. Not only do these glasses look dope, they minimize eye strain, prevent dry eyes and blurry vision, and reduce headaches that come from too much screen time. 

I'm a fan and I think you will be, too. Ch-ch-check 'em out below. Epic website problems seem to be fixed for now so will be sharing more scores on the regular, kk?

Happy Friday, beauties!

Bella in Clear Crystal

Carina in Clear Leopard

Selena in Cream Tortoise

Carson in Light Pink Crystal

h.e.r x DIFF

Bella in Black

Becky II in Himalayan Tortoise

WHAT'S GOOD | Warby Parker's New Sculpted Series

all images via Warby Parker

I have no shade when it comes to Warby Parker shades. I mean, is there anyone better in the glasses game RN? So when they asked me to check out their new Sculpted Series collection, I just had to share. The 4 new frames are handmade in Italy from premium cellulose acetate and layered in the coolest way. On the face of each frame, 2 layers of contrasting acetate are laminated together, then sculpted down to reveal the layer behind giving a frame-within-a-frame effect. Loving all of the earthy, luxe-looking frames but I'm especially tempted by MAE in Onyx Tortoise & Ivory Horn. More like SLAY. And since they start at $195, I might just be able to justify a new pair to keep the rays at bay in the most stylish possible way. Check out Warby Parker's full sunglasses range here - but only if you're ready to pick up some new shades because, well, Warby Parker just does that to a girl. Enjoy pics & a little outfit inspo below. Thanks Warby Parker - call me anytime ;)

xx

1. Dress w Tie Belt, H&M | 2. Mae Sunglasses In Onyx & Ivory, Warby Parker | 3. Mini Tote w Handles, Zara | 4. Leather Mules, Zara | 5. BITE Beauty High Pigment Pencil, Sephora.

How LINDBERG Has Ruined Me For All Other Sunglasses

If you know me, you know that I break things. And if you were to meet me, you'd probably guess after a few minutes that I break things. I don't try to be clumsy but I am. And while age and experience have taught me to walk slower and to generally take better care of my stuff, I can't help but trip on things, spill things, and sit on things every once in awhile. When I'm not doing the above, my kids seem to carry the clumsy torch for me. And so, aside from a pair of designer aviators that have miraculously managed to endure two years of trauma at my hands, my sunglasses collection is strategically low-end. 

I've heard about LINDBERG for years, the award-winning Danish eyewear company who specializes in insanely gorgeous glasses but for all the reasons listed above, I've chosen to ignore the awesomeness. Why invest in a pair of glasses that I'm guaranteed to destroy? Still, when I get the call to interview Peter Warrer of LINDBERG, I have to say yes. I've heard all the hype and am super curious to see how the other half live - you know the part of the population who can actually take care of things.

Peter is here from Denmark for a special event at Josephson Opticians to preview the new optical collection from LINDBERG. He comes at me all cool and Danish - I can tell it's him right away because he's wearing the raddest pair of glasses I've ever seen on a man. Peter has been with LINDBERG since the '80s but from the moment we sit down, I can tell that he isn't remotely jaded about the brand. He talks passionately about the company's philosophy - 'discreet elegance' and 'carefully considered simplicity' - and how their obsession with great design shows itself in everything they do. From the brochures to the display cases to the glasses themselves, the LINDBERG aesthetic is clearly on another level. 

In a hushed, almost reverent tone, Peter eventually asks if I'm ready to see the glasses. I don't know that I am but I whisper 'I think so' anyway. He whispers back, 'Are you sure?' Yes, definitely yes. With a flourish, he opens the case and after the dry ice clears and the angels stop singing, I see them - the most beautiful glasses I've ever come across in my whole entire life. Pair after shiny pair of perfect shades beckon me to try them on. I am definitely going to destroy them all. But I can't help myself. I gingerly pick up a pair and oh em geeeee they are so light! Like statement and oversized yet impossibly light. And sooo comfortable. My world is rocked. My mind is blown. 

Peter explains that LINDBERG frames are made of titanium, giving them incredible strength and flexibility without the weight. Plus, as Scandinavians are prone to do, they've done away with anything non-essential - meaning their patented, award-winning designs have no screws, rivets or welds.  You can literally bend the arms and bridge in every direction and I'm pretty sure even I couldn't break them. He then explains that every pair of Lindberg glasses is custom - meaning that not only is each pair measured and made to perfectly fit your face but you also choose the frame shape, materials, and lens colour. Once each frame is customised to your preferences, it's hand-finished, individually numbered and even monogrammed. The moment I tried on my first pair I was sold, but now I'm fully in it. Now to decide...

The patented screwless design up close. 

Cool epitomized. 

Truth: macarons make hard decisions easier. 

Debating the pretty pink ones. 

I decide on a pair of tortoise cat-eyes with a gold browline detail - modern and cool but classic all at once. I order them, then go home and camp out by my door for a few weeks. Once they arrive, we sit down and I make a solemn promise to take care of them forever, to not drop, scratch or destroy them. And while I can't promise that my kids won't somehow track them down and rip them apart with their sweet little hands, I vow to store them on a very high shelf in my closet - just in case. As I'm admiring my new LINDBERGs, I find a sweet surprise engraved inside...

Right?? This. Is. EVERYTHING. 

Ready to experience LINDBERG for yourself? Check out all things LINDBERG here, then head to Josephson Opticians to try them on. You might fall in love. You'll probably walk away with the most beautiful pair of glasses you've ever owned. You've been fully warned ;) 

Inside the Brand New Saks OFF FIFTH

via the Vaughan Mills blog

It isn't every day that a care package from Saks OFF 5TH lands in your mailbox. Bills? All the time? Designer shades, a gorgeous scarf and a VIP invite to the grand opening party? Never. Which brings us to tonight. I'm at Vaughan Mills, dressed in my all-black too-cool-for-school swag, to fête Saks OFF 5TH's arrival in Canada. Those of us who've flocked to the States over the years for our annual fix are already addicted. And if the looks of longing by my fellow shoppers are any indication, I'm in for some stiff competition tonight...

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SO SHADY | J. Crew's First Ever Sunglasses Collection Is Finally Here

As someone who can't help herself around sunglasses, I'm always on the lookout for fresh new specs to add to my collection. So when I found out that J.Crew launched its first-ever sunglasses collection today, I had to share the news (and pretty pics) with you. 

J.Crew partnered up with NYC-based Marchon for its first collection, featuring scratch-resistant, 100% UV protected lenses. The frames are made entirely by hand in high quality acetate and the sleek and supposedly super-stable hinge was designed by Dame Jenna Lyons herself. With 5 women's and 3 men's styles, the collection features a variety of fun prints and colours that are seriously toying with my shopping self-control.  

Check out the collection for yourself. The sunglasses are available now in J.Crew stores or online at jcrew.com and range in price from $128-$168 CDN. 

Hmmm...I'm thinking the top-right tortoises. And you?