Latest news with #BootsOpticians
BreakingNews.ie
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
‘I'm not always dressing for the male gaze': Olivia Attwood Dack on how she's made glasses cool again
There was a time when wearing glasses – especially as a woman – was synonymous with awkwardness. A shorthand for geeky, uncool or – most misogynistic – unattractive. But Olivia Attwood Dack has never been one to lean into stereotypes. Advertisement The reality TV star and presenter has long been associated with her bold eyewear choices and it's something she's become proud of. 'I think I am so known for my glasses, like I really bring glasses into my fashion,' she says, 'and I've done so since I was on Love Island. I mean, I was the first person to ever bring their glasses into Love Island.' The reaction, at the time, was unsurprisingly mixed. 'Back in 2017 […] people found that wearing glasses was kind of like geeky or like, not cool,' but Attwood saw it differently. 'I've always been a very pro glasses wearer, a proud glasses wearer.' (Pinpep/Boots Opticians/PA) She's been wearing prescription glasses and lenses since her early teens – but, like many, didn't always feel confident about them. Advertisement 'I think when I was like 13 […] I'd have them in my school bag, and I'd be squinting at the board […] and then the teacher would be like, Olivia, you're squinting, put the glasses on.' But that reluctance faded with age. 'As I got into my later teens […] I didn't love doing contact lenses,' she says, 'I always have really long nails. I do find them like a bit of a faff and I genuinely find glasses a really good way to express fashion.' (Pinpep/Boots Opticians/PA) More than a practical choice, glasses have become part of her identity. 'They can be a statement if you want them to be. I think, for me, they've become a massive place of security,' she says. 'If I'm not feeling my best […] I feel like I can kind of hide behind glasses if I choose a chunkier frame.' And Attwood Dack's collection is extensive. Advertisement 'I think I probably have easily 20 pairs, but maybe more,' she laughs, 'I am an avid collector.' She selects frames the way others choose shoes or jewellery: 'If I was wearing a predominantly black outfit, I might go for a tortoiseshell frame or a gold frame […] or I might use black on an outfit that's already quite busy.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by OLIVIA ATTWOOD DACK (@olivia_attwood) But her go-to pair is a black, chunky frame from Saint Laurent, 'they go with everything and they're robust,' she says. 'Having a large surface area with the lens as well gives you a lot more freedom than a slightly narrow lens.' This is one of the pairs that she has included in her latest project: a style-led collaboration with Boots Opticians that showcases the range of designer frames they have on offer, from Attwood Dack's favourite Saint Laurent to Gucci and All Saints. Advertisement 'I've got quite a small face, so technically, they probably wouldn't recommend a lot of the frames I have,' she says, 'but I enjoy the quirkiness and the aesthetic of an overpowering frame.' Olivia is working in partnership with Boots Opticians to showcase their designer brands (Pinpep/Boots Opticians/PA) Overpowering is a moniker Attwood Dack has long been associated with, following her debut on our screens back in the late 2010s. But what some dubbed 'overpowering', others deemed straightforward and outwardly spoken. Throughout her career, Attwood Dack has borne the brunt of some appallingly sexist remarks – from the way she looks to her personality. But incredibly – and perhaps this is what owes to her long and ever-growing career – she has managed to stay put in her own beliefs and identity. 'I think glasses are a fashion statement now, and I think they can be sexy and they can be feminine as well as cool,' she says, 'I'm not always, you know, dressing for the male gaze.' Advertisement Her priorities – like those of many women – have evolved. 'When you're younger, it's something you're very focused on – does something make me look cool? Does it make me look, you know, attractive?' she reflects, 'and I think now it's like, as long as I feel good when I look in the mirror, I don't care. 'I want the girls to love it, the gays to love it.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by OLIVIA ATTWOOD DACK (@olivia_attwood) Despite her commitment to glasses as part of her style, she still finds resistance in unexpected places – like the glam team. 'The other night, I hosted an event for eBay, and I had to read from autocue and I was like, I need to wear my glasses,' she recalls, 'and [her make-up artists] were like, no, you're hiding our work. But actually I think that's not correct anyway, because that's the beauty of a bigger frame – that you do see all of the eye.' And if the outdated assumption still exists that wearing glasses makes you look more serious or intelligent – 'I'm not against that,' Attwood Dack laughs, 'if it makes me look smarter – there's even better reason to wear them!' It's clear that she thinks glasses are just as good an accessory as a bag or bracelet – even if they don't necessarily suit your face shape. 'Sometimes I like to lean into the fact that the frame is very big – or even too big – on my face,' she laughs. 'There is fun in leaning into a pair that isn't your style.' Attwood Dack is working in partnership with Boots Opticians to showcase the wide range of styles and designer brands available in-store. For more information please visit Boots Opticians .
Metro
24-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Metro
Sunglasses season has arrived and these are the key factors to look for
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more The moment we catch a glimmer of the sun's rays, there's one item we reach for – a pair of sunglasses (and SPF, obviously). Even if it's a little fresh on a spring morning, or we are cooking in the 30 degree Maldivian sunshine (we wish), it's an essential. Yes, sunnies look stylish on, whether you opt for retro cat eye styles, Victoria Beckham oversized specs, or Chloe-inspired bohemian goggles, and it can be the missing piece to make an outfit complete. But, sunglasses are more than just an accessory. Sunglasses are just as important as sun protection as the right lenses can filter the sun's harmful UV rays, to protect against your eyes burning (yes they can) or more permanent and irreversible damage over time. However, not all sunglasses offer protection, which is why it is so important to be aware of the labels on your next sunglasses shopping spree. Some sunglasses offer UV protection, others may have tinted lenses, or be polarised, but what do these terms mean? More importantly, what is the criteria to find protective, yet stylish sunnies? We spoke exclusively to Boots Opticians Optometrist, Opinder Malhi, as well as Jake Lawrence-Barber, the Designer Frames Buyer at Boots Opticians, to navigate through the array of sunglasses in search of the best protective eyewear for summer (and beyond), as well as the trending styles worth investing in. Opinder explained the key factors to look for: 'Not all sunglasses are made the same and the level of UV protection provided by sunglasses can vary from pair to pair. All sunglasses from Boots Opticians, both prescription and non-prescription, include filters that provide 100% protection against damaging UVA and UVB rays meeting the International Standard of ISO 12312-1:2013, ensuring your eyes are shielded from harmful sun rays. 'Our eyes are up to 10 times more sensitive to UV (ultraviolet) damage than our skin, and exposing our eyes to UV light could have damaging long-term effects. By wearing sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection, you can help shield your eyes and preserve your vision for years to come', she continued. Confused about the difference between UV and polarised sunglasses? You're not alone. The short answer is that the two are different. Sunglasses that offer UV protection, feature the CE or up to UV400 mark on the frames to prove it protects from the harmful UVA and UVB rays. Whereas a polarised lens doesn't offer UV protection, it merely 'reduces glare and improves visibility', says Opinder. Protecting the eyes against UV damage is crucial, without this protection you could risk burning the outer layer of the cornea, while long-term damage could cause eye conditions, including cataracts, eyelid cancer or blindness. While the ultimate protection is UV400, sunglasses may vary, so this value is vital to check. It is also important to check the lens shade, which ranges from 0 to 4 (the latter being the darkest lens), and keep your eyes peeled for the CE mark, which proves the glasses have conformed to the health, safety and environmental requirements of the EU and offer sufficient UV protection. Now we have covered the important information, it's time to find the shape and style to suit you. Jake has shared the popular sunglasses styles this year include 90s-inspired silhouettes, which are categorised by 'smaller frames in oval and rectangle shapes'. He also noted that oversize bohemian styles are always on trend for festival-goers, as well as minimalist designs with slim frames. More Trending While the lens colour can play a part in the protection, Jake has revealed there is a shift towards bright coloured lenses, such as yellows, blues and oranges, which offer 'a playful twist to traditional eyewear.' The shape of your sunglasses depend on your face shape, style preferences and outfit. In recent years fashionistas have pivoted towards cat eye, round-rimmed designs, as well as aviator styles. Boots Opticians is currently offering 25% off designer sunglasses, including Fendi, Prada and Gucci, which is available now until July 15. Recommended by Jake, these designer specs have a retro feel, though it is the modern pair of sunglasses everyone in the fashion know has been wearing for months. With 100% UVA and UVB protection, these specs are not only stylish, but sun safe too. Buy Now for £376 Jimmy Fairly has grown in popularity over the years, and it's one of the affordable, yet stylish, top quality brands to shop new Berry specs offer a round shape that looks retro, yet classy. The lenses are a category 3, which is one of the higher rankings, certified ISO, IAF, and KAB MC 04, and promise 100% UVA and UVB protection. BUY NOW FOR £135 The Aviator trend is a stylish trend that has been hugely popular for many revealed that retro styles are popular, as well as the aviator style, which this design 100% UVA and UVB protection through the light brown lens, these specs deliver on style and protection. Buy Now for £310 With a UV400 and EU category 1, these vintage-inspired sunnies are all the craze. It also boasts scratch-resistant lenses so you, and your frames, are protected. Available in plain colours, as well as tortoiseshell, which we love as a versatile staple. BUY NOW FOR £109.90 Another recommendation from the Boots Opticians Buyer is the Saint Laurent sunnies, which boast a squoval shape, which offers a softer finish in comparison to rectangular or square lenses, as well as asymmetric cat-eye 100% UVA and UVB protection, a tinted lens, these will keep you protected in the sun. Buy Now The most popular pair of sunglasses in our opinion, and a timeless style to see you through decades to come. The Wayfarer Classic is a square-shape, with a slight slant to fit the face and protect against the sun's rays. This design offers 100% UV protection, and is also fitted with polarised lenses to prevent any glare, which is the ideal combination for walking, driving and slurping on a cocktail beachside. BUY NOW FOR £202 Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: Dunelm's £35 garden loungers are 'so comfy' you'll never want to get up MORE: Trench coats never go out of fashion – but M&S's new design is a must have MORE: Save £300 off 'Ferrari of lawn mowers' that delighted shoppers are calling 'unbelievable'
