It seems like it was just a few months ago that Gov. Sarah Palin stepped out of the out Alaskan wilderness and into the white-hot political spotlight. Whether you are a fan of her conservative views or not, there are few who can deny that the governor demanded attention with her dynamic speeches and uncompromising sense of style.

Since she first stepped on stage at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul Minnesota on September 3, 2008, Sarah Palin demonstrated just how today’s woman can effectively portray, strength, intelligence, and haute couture simultaneously. It wasn’t long before opticians around the country were fielding calls from fahionistas everywhere dying to get their hands on the custom-made rimless, Kawasaki, 704 series frames sported by the vice-presidential hopeful. Without prescription lenses, Palin’s frames are reported to cost anywhere from $400.00-$550.00. Discounted frames can be found at www.glassesetc.com for around $350.00. For those seeking to imitate the look without denting their wallet, www.bleudame.com offers the “governess” frame. This inexpensive version, of the popular style comes in red and sells for $5.00 plus shipping and handling.

Perhaps the designer eyeglass frenzy would have stopped there if were not for meteoric success of the insanely talented actress/writer, Tina Fey. Wearing her own version of today’s hottest eyewear, Fey stars as a quirky television producer on NBCs hit series 30 Rock, and ironically enough, as the Republican Vice-Presidential candidate, Sarah Palin, on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. Designers such as Kate Spade have not been slow in recognizing the new style and in return have introduced out a host of “geek chic” eyewear for both men and women.

Just as your coloring affects what make-up, jewelry, and clothing you will wear, it should also be taken into consideration as you select your eyewear.

Warm Coloring- People with a ‘warm” tone tend to have a yellow or olive tint to their skin. These people look best in earth tones- tans, greens and browns. Be sure to look for frames designed for warmer skin tones, they include khaki, copper, bright reds and warmer blues.

Oval- The oval face is often thought to be the most ideal shape and the easiest to fit. Because an oval face is balanced on top and bottom, make sure that the frames are wide in the center, so that they compliment the widest part of the face.

Round- A round face can be made to look longer with frames that are more angular. Wider, rectangular frames are excellent choices for a round face. Oblong-An Oblong face is longer than it is wide. Glasses with color or designs on the temples will serve to widen the face.

Square- If you have a square face, it can be softened with round edged frames. In addition the allusion of length can be added with a wider frame that extends over the temples.

     The styles available from today’s designers can be found in a variety of places and are not limited to the local optometrist’s office. A trip to the mall will reveal a host of intriguing eyewear. For those who would rather do their shopping from home, a few moments on your home computer can lead to an exciting way to bring new life to your closet. 

     Whether you are looking to expand your wardrobe with a new pair of sunglasses from Juicy Couture, or have the more modest goal of retaining your individuality when selecting a pair of distinctive reading glasses; the variety of today’s styles and colors are sure to entice your inner celebrity.