You know what it is like… you are trying on sunglasses and one pair after the other is making you look sillier than the next. You start laughing, but soon your humor becomes frustration because nothing is working on you. So you find one or two pairs of frames that are maybe just “OK.”
When I met the founders of Tortoise & Blonde I had the opportunity to try on their vintage inspired frames. I have to say, I tried on pair after pair and they all looked great! I liked the Delancey in Deep Purple, and the Bowery in Blond, and the Bowery in True Tortoise, and the Nottingham in Black Ice…and on and on.
Tortoise & Blonde started up recently by Evan Weisfeld, who left the business world, his father Steven Weisfeld, an optometrist and Phil Cobucci with a background in the music industry. I fell in love with pair after pair, their classic shapes, fun colors, and something I really like: a lack of logos. Yes, they showed me where their logo is hidden, a tiny guitar pick shaped logo that lands right above your ear and is hidden under your hair! I can see the rock ‘n roll connection to these frames, which is always in fashion.
The vintage styling gives you frames that you can keep forever. The variety and price, starting at $97 for sunglasses, compels you to collect them. I got a sneak peak of their Spring 2012 Collection and I saw some very cool shades in interesting layered colors. If you order prescription glasses, you can get them next day. Optometrist Steven showed me the high quality of the frames, and how the seams around the temple hinges match up perfectly. You can feel confident ordering prescription lenses with he knowledge that an eye doctor is there.
Check out the fun Tortoise & Blonde site, where you can go to their virtual mirror and upload a photo of yourself to see what pair look best on you. But I know from experience, chances are you will have a hard time making a choice!
—Carol Calacci
FTC Disclosure: Product sample received for review.
