I have chronically inflamed eyeballs. It sounds awful but it really doesn’t hurt. It just means that my eyes are tired and dry from wearing contact lenses twelve hours a day for the last ten years. Because of this condition, my optometrist recommended I only wear contacts for special occasions and stick with glasses most of the time.
At first I was upset by her suggestion. I have a respectable amount of vanity and I want to look good. Plus we all know guys don’t make passes at girls who wear glasses. But then I went to the optician.
Ladies, I am here to tell you: glasses are the new shoes! In the shop were all kinds of frames from my favorite designers. Kate Spade was showing tortoise. Ralph Lauren had wiry, preppy frames. The Prada glasses were big and dark and dramatic. There were frameless frames, statement frames, Euro-chic frames and colorful frames. There were classic frames, dressy frames and sporty frames. I couldn’t have been happier if I were in the shoe department at Barney’s New York surrounded by open boxes.
One of the things I love about footwear is that I am always a size nine in a shoe. It’s been a long time since I could wear a nine in a dress. There are no fat days or bloated days when it comes to shoes. There is only instant gratification and sheer joy. I feel the same way about jewelry and purses. And now, I can add glasses to that list. I left the shop with two pair of Kate Spades, some Burberry sunglasses and a promise to return in a few months.
Shortly after my shopping expedition, I had to attend a semiformal work function. I decided to wear my contact lenses just to change my appearance. It changed alright! During the party I went to the ladies room and looked in the mirror. All I could see were dark circles and bags under my eyes. I felt like I had aged ten years from day to night. Then I realized that part of my face is usually covered by my frames. I decided, just like I would never wear a half shirt and bare my mid-section, I would never again leave my house without my glasses. No one needed to see that part of me.
A few weeks later, I went shopping for some evening attire – for my eyes.