Winter fashion winner is easy to see

Oct 25 2007 by Paul Corcoran, Liverpool Daily Post

THE weather has officially turned, and if you are anything like me you will be frantically searching your wardrobe for that winter 2007 look. Stressful.

When the majority of you will have turned your attention to the high street stores and are probably somewhere in the process of procuring that winter coat and matching scarf/gloves set, I have found a brilliant way of sprucing up my attire without having to don an extra layer. How, you may ask? With a new set of designer specs.

Having spent the last few months squinting at my computer screen and saying hello to strangers who I thought I recognised, the time had come to take the plunge and have an eye test, knowing all too well what the prognosis would be. I am practically blind as a bat, except bats at least have perfect hearing on their side.

Fearing that I would be pre- scribed a pair of Deirdre Barlow’s classic frames with accom- panying inch-deep jamjar lenses, I shyly booked myself into Optimark, on Bold Street, for a full visual MoT. Now some of you may be afraid of the dentist, a perfectly rational fear to many – I, on the other hand, happily embrace my quarterly scale and polish, but when it comes to the opticians, my back goes up as does the amount of sweat that gleams across my forehead.

But why am I afraid of visiting the opticians and having someone shine a light into my eyes? What is so intimidating about staring at an optical chart that reads like a run-down of Polish towns and cities? This is especially true nowadays when more and more people are opting to wear glasses as a fashion accessory, which acts as a cue for their own personal style. Just look at the latest winners of Celebrity Spectacle Wearers of the Year 2007, Sheree Murphy and Radio 1’s Colin Murray. They didn’t shy away from the opticians – instead, they have opted for designer frames and won themselves national style recognition as a result.

In the end, I could not have been more off the mark with my unwarranted fear. After my 30- minute eye test, which explored every nook, cranny and cornea I was invited to take a seat for my style consultation. Style consult- ation at the opticians? That is a sight to behold.

Gone are the days of the white coats and huge framed prescriptions. Instead, I was met by Chris Fitton, owner of Optimark, who carefully explained my prescription while identifying the frames and styles that would suit me and my somewhat oval-shaped face.

And what a selection of frames there were: Prada, Gucci, Eva Attling, Dior . . . the designers go on and on. Had I been left to my own devices, I can assure you that I would still be there now trying on the hundreds of frames that sat before me.

I have now found my perfect pair (which are the only ones of their kind in the city, I am told), a black pair of XIT frames, unlike any I have ever seen before, which change colour in the light due to the photo- sensitive materials from which the frames are made. Perfect; two looks for the price of one and I haven’t had them off since. They do go with everything after all.

Best of all, this little exper- ience means I can see quite clearly once more. My final tip? If you are looking to achieve a fresh new look for winter 2007, before you hit the shops do yourself a favour and get your eyes tested first.