ICU Eyewear : See, and Be Seen

"All fops and dandies love lorgnettes. They employ them to stare quizzically at those less fashionable than themselves. Presumably [Christopher Drawlight] felt naked without one, and so he had hung a large kitchen spoon in its place." --Susanna Clarke, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell

Although I try not to stare at those less fashion-blessed than myself, I do find that lately I tend to stare quizzically at everything else. Alas, like many thirtysomethings, my eyes are going. My doc recommended reading glasses and said that for about $100 he could fit me out. Gulp!! Not exactly in my budget right now.

While I applaud quirky accessories and encourage fashion thrift in these trying economic times, I was not about to emulate Mr. Drawlight and hang a spoon on my face. Nor was I going to resort to the granny-glasses usually sold at the corner drug store. However, I couldn't bear to give up my favorite pastime of devouring elephantine novels like the above quoted (800 pages, a nice weekend read).

For about $7 more than your typical drugstore brand, ICU will provide you with a pair of dream glasses. Men and women can enjoy the hundreds of styles ICU sells - everything from classically conservative to kooky. In fact, they have so many fabulous frames that I could easily see myself becoming the Imelda Marcos of reading glasses. Fortunately for my husband (who has to share a cluttered condo with me and my stuff), I practice restraint and only have three of ICU's Eco-Friendly plastic frames.

What beauts they are! I love how these glasses combine classic styling with a spark of funky color. I use the Watercolor Pattern in Purple at work. The softly rounded lenses and attractive Impressionist pattern proclaim, "creative, competent, and classy." When I feel mischievous, I whip out my blue Animal Pattern Two-Tone frames. These are really fun; at first glance they appear to be your typical tortoise shell, but when the light hits them the turquoise-accented leopard pattern pops out. I chose the red Mixed Rhinestones frames as something of a joke...but ended up falling in crystal-dazzled love with them. Much to my surprise, they provide just the right amount of glam without a hint of gaudiness. Whether reading the program at an evening concert or donning them to free my inner diva while dancing with the vacuum cleaner, their bling is just the thing!

If the dazzling array of styles doesn't have your inner fashionista strutting the runway in delight, each pair also comes with a cute color-coordinated protective case. Don't just take my word for it that ICU is hot, hot, hot! This month, ICU glasses are featured in Oprah's Green O List of "environmentally conscious and absolutely adorable" must-have fashion items.

As for quality, the lenses are crystal-clear and range from 1.00-3.00 magnification. (If you're not sure what strength you need, try ICU's online eye chart.) Sturdy spring hinges provide an almost custom fit - these are the comfiest glasses I've ever worn. Best of all, ICU has introduced three eco-friendly frame lines: recycled metal, plastic reclaimed from their factory floors, and formaldehyde-free sustainable bamboo.  

Bottom Line : Runway worthy reading rescue for your oh-so-discerning eyes. --N.K.W. (April 09)

Price: $ $22.95 ICU, Amazon.com -Click to shop/purchase.

Buy Online: check ice site for retail outlets

Manufacturer's Site: www.icu.com

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