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Bernard Shear
Thousands of frame choices make your quest for new glasses a can’t-miss. For both sunglasses and clear lens frames, browse designs by Oliver Peoples, Paul Smith, Bvlgari, Zenka, Tom Ford, Michael Kors, and more. Try on lovely shades by Tiffany and Company, and others. You’ll find prices in every range. The full-service store prides itself on catering to every branch of the community. Hits for spring: Even in eyeglasses, the sizes have gotten a little bigger. In general, metals, plastics and animal prints are IN. In sunglasses, check the frilly Chanel frames with artful embellishments on the temples. 9153 Reisterstown Road (410) 363-1777
Paris West Optical
Featuring over 6,000 frames, the full-service store packs glamorous specs galore. Great clear-lens lines include J.F. Rey, Paolo Seminara, Okki, and Ann Et Valentin, and in sunglasses, Chanel, Roberto Cavalli, Kieselstein-Cord, and Paul Smith. Hits for spring: sunglasses by Chanel (oversize Hollywood look), Oliver Peoples shades in neo-vintage tortoiseshell, a new line by Tiffany and Company with sterling silver temples, and funky frames by Martin and Martin out of Germany in rich colors and thick, bold designs. Staff is ultra knowledgeable, enjoys advising. 521 N. Charles Street (410) 528-1877
Bowers and Snyder
The five-location, full-service optical store carries a strong offering of Silhouette Eyewear, known for its lightweight comfort. A selection of Swarovski crystal eyewear by Silhouette for both women and men is available at the Cross Keys location. Other lines include Calvin Klein, Ted Baker, Coach, Gucci, IZOD, Chesterfield, and Pro Design. Hits for spring: plastic frames that are multi-layered and sometimes textured. Both rimless and semi-rimless will remain popular in clear-lens eyewear. Sunglasses by BCBG, Lulu Guinness, Kenneth Cole and DKNY are extra-extra-large and in charge. Lightly mirrored sun lenses are another fun, on-the-trend option. 64 Village Square – Village of Cross Keys (410) 532-9046 & 515 Fairmount Avenue in Towson (410) 494-1281. Stores also available in Mt. Vernon, at G.B.M.C., and in Timonium.
Clark Appler and Loeber
Snag the so-right frame for your lifestyle! With more than 1,500 options on hand at this friendly, full-service shop, you’ll appreciate the salespeople’s pro feedback. Scan both clear lens frames and sunglasses by Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Armani, Kate Spade, Liz Claiborne, and Coach, and sunglasses for athletes by Maui Jim, Kaenon, and Rudy Project. Hits for spring: super-size split-temple sunglasses by Kors and Jacobs, and darker, more dominant plastic frames for clear lenses by designers like Kate Spade a la Katie Couric’s current smarty-pants look. 7301 York Road (410) 825-4454
Roland Park Vision Services
This full-service, “patient-based” neighborhood staple carries clear lens lines by Prada, Gucci, Coach, Ralph Lauren, Armani, Dolce and Gabana, Bvlgari, Silhouette, and more. Hits for spring: Coach designs reliable, user-friendly frames in both glasses and sunglasses. For amazing coverage opt for Gucci biggie shades. Try colorful eyeglass frames in lavender and other pastels. Note: Sean Jean, Tom Ford, and Marc Jacobs are all designing a thicker frame and bigger lens. But sleek frameless options also available. Be sure to ask for shopping guidance—friendly experts on hand. 409 West Cold Spring Lane (410) 243-8884
Wilmer Optical
The medically-inclined pros at Wilmer happen to have a fierce fashion sense. Stores stock four to five hundred clear-lens choices—among them, Nautica, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Nine West, Kate Spade, and Silhouette. In sunglasses, find Prada, Dolce and Gabana, Ralph Lauren, and many more. Hits for spring: Bold with a capital B plastics. Goggle-type sunwear by Roberto Cavalli offers awesome protection. Ray Bans are back in a big way, The Wayfarer but also newer oversize styles, usually with a glass lens. Six locations including Green Spring Station 10753 Falls Road, Ste. 455 (410) 583-2668 and the Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center 601 N. Caroline Street, Ste. 1163 (410) 955-9373. Also: in Columbia, White Marsh, at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Bayview.
Eye Candy Opticianry
This quirky and adorable shop on the Avenue in Hampden carries more than 350 frames, all hand-picked by owner Cerrill Meister, who has a knack for finding inventive shapes and colors. She does not offer exams but can refer you to a great specialist. In clear-lens eyewear, check the cool Theo line out of Belgium, the Menizzi (Italy) and eyefunc lines (London), and Kala by Golden Gate Optical. A smaller offering of sunglasses is equally standout, including sport lines by Adidas and Julbo and a minimalist line by Silhouette. Hits for spring: Crazy fun color! Many of Meister’s selections feature multiple color schemes. Another peeper perk: UVA and UVB-protective sunglasses for infants. 900 W. 36th Street (410) 889-0607
Eyewear Buying Advice from the Pros:
“Opt for quality sunglasses that guarantee to keep out 95% of UV light.”
— Andy Stewart, Wilmer Optical
“Ask about reflection-free Teflon lens coatings from Zeiss Optical for a softer looking lens and crisper view.”
— Brad Bowers, Bowers and Snyder
“Larger frames are still in, but anything goes. Wear what looks good on you!”
— Cerrill Meister, Eye Candy Opticianry
“Polarized lenses reduce glare and increase comfort. For driving, try a brown polarized lens; on the water, try a gray polarized lens.”
— John Appler, Clark Appler and Loeber
“When choosing frames, accentuate cheekbones and jaw line. If you have a big jaw, however, find a pair to soften it. Avoid anything that will widen or pull down the face.”
— Aubrey Deickman, Paris West Optical
“It’s very important to wear sunglasses all the time—you really need them in winter!”
— Deneen Jackson, Roland Park Vision Services
“When I’m advising on frame selection, I consider the size of the face but also the size of the person, their hair, their coloring, and their eyes.” — Eileen Shear, Bernard Shear Opticians