Arlington Heights, IL

(847) 368-9999

Barrington, IL

(224) 407-2020

Eyewear can define who you are and who you want to be perhaps more than anything else a man owns. “You could have a great pair of shoes or a great suit, but people are first connecting with your face, so finding the right pair of glasses is crucial,” said designer Garrett Leight, who has followed in the footsteps of his father Larry Leight, founder of 28-year-old Oliver Peoples, by creating his own eponymous eyewear company which specializes in frames inspired by classics from the literary and film worlds.

For me, finding the perfect pair of glasses is about being comfortable with risk-taking. When I moved to New York at the age of twenty-two with zero feathers, no cap, and the innocuous, thin metal frames I’d worn since grade school, I knew I needed a change to make an impression. After trying on dozens of options, I went with thick, acetate Alain Mikli frames; their subtle black, white and gray coloring lit up when the sun hit just right.

Compliments poured in. I felt confident enough to pull off more stylish clothes. I got my first job. I found the girl who became my wife. Was it the glasses? I think so. 

I may be an extreme Cinderella story, dubious evidence of the power of stylish eyewear, but just look at our sartorial history. Le Corbusier was a brilliant architect, but would he be as recognizable without his glasses? Cary Grant and Michael Caine were style icons, but they’re ranked higher in the pantheon because they glamorized glasses back when most of the four-eyed population looked like nerds from central casting. And turn on the television these days after any NBA or NFL game. Athletes, the opposite of nerds in the schoolyard sense, are now wearing eyewear for the postgame peacocking sessions.

In other words, everyone wants to be Clark Kent these days instead of Superman. Quite literally. The chunky, horn-rimmed frames the Daily Planet reporter sported—seen only on hipsters a decade ago—are now far more popular and mainstream than, say, the conservative rimless, metal frames favored by Donald Rumsfeld or Edward Snowden.

Though acetate frames are ubiquitous, you’ll find enough variety to make a wide range of statements. Black rectangles signal sternness, seriousness. Tortoise shell is friendlier with a touch of the literary and/or preppy. Anything colorful reads playful and outgoing; people who wear them are a self-selecting group. Oversize frames like those worn by David Hockney should also be reserved for the truly confident—you’ll know when you’re ready.

But there are calculated risks a man can take without being “that guy with the glasses.” Mr. Leight suggested a crystal (translucent plastic) frame. “People think it’s a bigger risk than it is,” he said. “But I think even a brown crystal or a pink crystal is a good way to be a little bolder. It’s just different enough, and if it’s the right shape it could be a great look.”

Already have frames that you like? It’s easy to pivot. “Men can push the envelope with a bit of color,” says Neil Blumenthal, co-CEO of eyewear company Warby Parker. “If you’ve normally worn black, maybe try dark navy. If you like tortoise, try a warmer brown. Or maybe there’s an interesting combo. The cool thing with subtle color is that sometimes others might not notice it, but if you step into the light they’ll be able to see it. It’s a surprise.”

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Arlington Heights - Arlington Town Square

Monday

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Available by appointment only

Tuesday

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wednesday

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Available by appointment only

Thursday

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

Barrington - Barrington Village Center

Monday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Available by appointment only

Wednesday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Available by appointment only

Friday

Closed

Saturday

8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

Arlington Heights - Arlington Town Square

Monday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Available by appointment only
Tuesday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Available by appointment only
Thursday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday
Closed

Barrington - Barrington Village Center

Monday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Available by appointment only
Wednesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Available by appointment only
Friday
Closed
Saturday
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sunday
Closed

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