German eyewear brand, MYKITA, has launched a charity edition of its highly-coveted Franz model frames, designed by famed fashion designer Bernhard Willhelm. Strictly limited to 100 copies, the FRANZ-for-Japan comes in the Hinomaru colorway to reference the Japanese flag. All proceeds will go to the Japanese Red Cross earthquake appeal.  And will be available at ContactsandSpecs.com soon.

After turning 40, many Americans may start to develop Presbyopia or the inability of the eyes to focus sharply on nearby objects.  When that happens, progressive eyeglasses may become necessary. For some people, wearing progressives can be quite annoying since your eyes need to adjust to the bifocal lenses as you look up and down.

Now, there’s an eye-opening development. At the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, PixelOptics showcased the world’s first electronic eyeglasses, emPower! They were so ground-breaking they made Maximum Tech Magazine’s Most Innovative Product.  With this new technology, you can simply turn on and off the electronic reading zone by touching the temple.  If you need to constantly look up and down at documents or a computer screen, you can turn on the automatic mode by swiping the temple.  And in the blink of an eye, the glasses will adjust accordingly to your movements.  At 1,000 to 2,500 dollars, they are more expensive than high-end progressives.  PixelOptics will begin a national roll out in the spring. To get your own pair go to ContactsandSpecs.com or if your in Chicago come visit us for your pair of emPower.

Lady GAGA is wearing a LAFONT… TWENTY sunglasses, the anniversary frame  which was made to celebrate in 2007 the 20 years of Lafont Eyewear presence in North America, this frame is a limited edition which is only available at ContactsandSpecs.com and any of the 5 Lafont boutiques in Paris France.

Here’s the sitch… you’re out shopping with girlfriends and you’re sunglasses are coming off and on and as you enter and exit each store; inevitable stretching them out, making it harder to rest them on your head.   Here’s a product to solve your annoying problem.  La LOOP, which can be found in 500 stores, across 16 different countries, relies on its magical hinges on either side of the loop to enable the glasses to stay in place when in the loop. Fashion photographer Mario Testino and costume designer Jeffrey Kurland were early enthusiasts. Through them, La LOOPs ended up on some of today’s biggest stars: Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, Demi Moore.  La LOOP is carried at international favorite’s  such as Harrods, Le Bon Marche, Isetan and Selfridges.  Designer Elizabeth Faraut introduces a new collection twice a year. Styles like the Dog Tag and the sterling/vermeil diamond cut necklaces have become staples in the collection and been recognized by the press domestically and internationally.

LaLoop At ContactsandSpecs.com

In terms of fashion meeting function, there is no accessory more crucial than a standout pair of sunnies . . . or do not disturb signs, as I like to call them. They put the finishing touch on an outfit while protecting your eyes from the sun or concealing puffiness from a late night out (we’ve all been there). When shopping for a new pair, pay attention to the shape so you choose something that flatters your face AND color — I almost always suggest neutrals since sunglasses are something you will wear every day. Also, keep in mind that you do not have to spend a fortune to get a-mah-zing sunnies. True, it is great to have at least one very nice pair — Oliver Peoples Balmain 2 Aviators are my ultimate fantasy — but there are countless stylish options out there with savvy price tags. For inspiration on a few different styles at a variety of prices, read on and see my current top five do not disturb sign picks . . . ! xoRZ