I’ve written about my love of high street opticians before – I’ve always gone to a ‘proper’ shop to get my glasses as there’s something about buying them online that terrifies me. What if the frames make me look like Deirdre Barlow circa 1989? What if they get my prescription wrong? Or more likely, what if I get my prescription wrong?

When London Retro contacted me to see if I’d like a pair of their frames, sold exclusively online, I hesitated. Deirdre Barlow flashed before my eyes. But one look at their classic designs and I was sold. London Retro frames are sold through Glasses Direct so I decided to do a bit of research. After discovering I could order up to four pairs of glasses for a home trial (where plain lens frames are sent for you to try over seven days) I made my choices and waited for them to arrive. A day later, a pink box popped through my letter box, jauntily asking the question ‘could these be your new glasses?’. Let’s see, shall we?

‘Soho’ in tortoiseshell, London Retro at Glasses Direct

The Soho frames are quite similar to the ones I wear at the moment – square with thick rims, but with a slimmer arm so they’re not too heavy on my face. I went for the tortoiseshell shade as an alternative to my current black frames.

‘Shoreditch’ in light brown, London Retro at Glasses Direct

Described as ‘wayfarer style’, the Shoreditch frames are 60s inspired, oversized and bold. I love the soft light brown colour, but think these are just too wide for my narrow face.

‘Queens’ in tortoiseshell, London Retro at Glasses Direct

Queens are a cats eye shape frame with vintage style diamante detailing on the wings. Again in tortoiseshell, they’re much smaller and more delicate than my other two choices. These would be great for formal events and nights out.

Being able to try the frames on while posing in front of Photobooth was brilliant – I really struggle to see how plain lens frames look as I’m so ridiculously short sighted, and have never felt comfortable using the machines in shops to take a picture. From the comfort of my sofa I could primp and preen, trying them with a bold red lip and a variety of facial expressions (most far too embarrassing/hideous for the blog).

I think the Shoreditch frames can be discounted as they’re just too big for my face, but I’m really struggling to choose between Soho and Queens. A little help, please? Let me know which you prefer in the comments below. When I’ve chosen my frame I send the home trial box back using the free return label inside, and can order straightaway. I’ll be writing another post about the ordering process and delivery so keep an eye out for that to get a full (and honest) review of the experience.

PS – I’m wearing a Topshop denim shirt, Topshop ring and Topshop lipstick in ‘Rio Rio’. Whole lotta Topshop.


Full disclosure – I was given a gift card to purchase a pair of London Retro frames but was not expected to write about them, nor was I paid to write this post.

Years ago, I read an article in a magazine about seasonal style. Apparently, the way you dress can be classified by the seasons – Victoria Beckham, with her tailored dresses, coiffed hair and court shoes, is a ‘Winter’. Sienna Miller, her of flowing blonde locks and maxi dress fame, is a ‘Summer’. There was a quiz (naturally, this was the 90s and it was probably Cosmo) and my love of chunky knitwear, tights and brogues put me firmly with the Winters.

I’m just not very good at dressing for summer. I have a terrible habit of buying too-short dresses which look indecent without tights, I’ve tripped over my maxi dress hem more times than I’d like to mention and my version of a tan is a slight pink tinge, cultivated with badly-applied Dove Summer Body. By the time August rolls around, the initial novelty of not having to wear a thermal vest has worn off and I’m bloody sick of painting my toenails, so I start dreaming of my AW wardrobe… and, erm, buying it.

Michael Kors leather biker jacket, TK Maxx

I ‘just popped in’ to TK Maxx one afternoon under the pretence of buying a birthday present, but came out with this instead. I’d been looking for a leather biker jacket for months and I’m now desperate for cooler weather so I can throw this butter soft beauty over a tea dress and tights. It smells DIVINE too.

Navy and tan collared dress, Next

I actually bought this last year – it’s my go-to dress for frosty days and looks great with bright tights and a chunky cardigan.

Poncho-style knitted cardigan, Topshop

I bought this in the Topshop sale at the beginning of summer for a very reasonable £20. I thought it’d be a great camping cover-up (which is was, more on that tomorrow) but now I’m ready to wear it with skinny jeans and a striped tee.

Vintage leather shorts, Mighty Baby

My favourite vintage shop has a whole section dedicated to leather shorts – these are slightly high waisted, not too short in the leg and had a £10 price tag, so obviously they came home with me. They’re crying out for thick tights, heeled brogues and a printed blouse.

Jonak boots c/o Sarenza

I’ve already worn these with summer dresses and bare legs, but I think their true partner is a pair of 120 deniers. They’re cute and comfy and I know I’ll wear them so often you’ll be sick of them come January.

Admittedly, it is nice to sit outside without fear of frostbite and I do like being able to just drive my car rather than dig it out of 2ft of snow first, but I really am looking forward to the colder weather. What about you – are you a ‘Summer’ or a ‘Winter’? Would you take a parka over a playsuit any day, or will you still be wearing your flip flops in October?