Each month, our issue is dedicated to a particular topic or theme that we base much of our editorial frame content around. For November, women’s eyewear takes center stage within our fashion feature and new products sections, incorporating all of the latest sun and optical styles we’ve discovered. There are some months where I excitedly rip open boxes and bags to see the latest product offerings, but there are other months where I’m a little more subdued. Although women’s eyewear is a popular issue here at 20/20, I have to say I wasn’t as thrilled to cover the topic as I expected.

After our product review and selecting frames for our photo shoot, Editor-in-Chief James Spina walked over to my desk and asked me if I’d be willing to write a column this month for the women’s issue. I was immediately worried about what I would contribute that would amplify our stance on this topic. Then I came to the realization that the reason I wasn’t eager to highlight all of the new women’s styles we found was because I RARELY wear women’s eyewear. Growing up, I was a true tomboy, playing sports any chance I got and not really focusing on my hair, makeup or clothing choices. Although I’ve grown out of this phase, it seems some of my tomboy nature has followed me into my adulthood. Whenever I select a pair of eyewear, there is no doubt in my mind that I will pick an aviator shape. Just ask my fellow colleagues, they tease me relentlessly about it, but I know what I like and what looks good on my face shape. Don’t get me wrong… I’m not classifying an aviator frame as a men’s style, but the frames that we usually come upon or select for our women’s issue are a far cry from this classic shape.

The women’s eyewear styles we feature tend to lean more toward oversized, CatEye and glamorous frames that draw attention or make a statement. With bright pinks, purples and blues, these frames aren’t necessarily for the faint of heart. On the other hand, over the past few years, I’ve found that placing men’s and women’s eyewear under separate categories isn’t always necessary, as many frames are unisex and can be worn by anyone regardless of gender.

So, I’ll attempt to give women’s eyewear a chance and make more of an effort in trying out new shapes and colors that are a bit out of my comfort zone and not navigating directly toward aviators. But… I can’t make any promises.

Victoria Garcia
  Senior Associate Editor
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