Good day my fellow Judges,

I hope you are all fine and Dandy! Looking forward to the weekend … Here at Sendoptics.com we have been busy of late, what with the Fashion shows for A/W 2012 shows, customers coming into the shop looking at the new collections of optics and sunglasses. We have lots of great comments about our selections.

Well unless you have been living on the moon or in some far off country you may not be aware that it’s that time of year! Yup you Judges its awards time; we have already had The Grammy’s, The Bafta’s, The Mobo’s and recently we have had The Brit’s. The biggest award of the film world is upon us and the star’s of the big screen have been eating lettuce and bleaching and blitzing their bikini lines. Begging and stealing from any designer that is the one to watch.

The films are the obvious stars in the Oscars and they earn massive credence to popular and more art-house films also. For the past few weeks we at Judges Opticians have in our own time been enjoying some of the films our local cinemas have on the screen.

Well the firm favourite is ‘The Artist’ set to sweep the floor at the Oscar’s with multiple wins across the board. The film had us in awe set to a backdrop of the silent film industry in the transition of changing over to ‘talkies’. The film pay’s homage to Hollywood’s glorious hey days of the glamour and glitz of the 30’s. The stars would look equally at home in today’s styles the leading man Jean Dujardin would not look out of place in Oliver peoples sunglasses. The Starlet that looks so beautiful in everything she could easily go back in time and slot straight in to the silent era with the most beautiful features and expressive faces on film would look stunning in Miu Miu .

Another hopeful is ‘The Help’ which is set against a background of the changing political landscape of America and the changing attitude toward black housemaids in the civil rights era. The Star Viola Davis who plays one of the maids is up for an Oscar for best supporting actress and we think to finish the 60’s inspired look of Prada would look great on her.

Obviously we are loving ‘Warhorse’ Speilberg created a masterpiece in this film and treated the subject with a great human story alongside a backdrop of the blood and squalid conditions of the first world war. The film itself is described as an epic and is deservedly recommended for various different award categories. The owner who is a young soon to be soldier played by Jeremy Irvine would look great in Paul Smith

The British made spy drama ‘Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy’ this is made in true Brit-flick all grit and in true sharp dressed elegance. The story itself is a classic and is known as one of the best spy dramas ever. The film has one of the best British casts to be seen in many a year. The cast as a whole would look fantastic in Dior homme any of the men would look great in these.

So we will be there on Oscars night with our popcorn and fake awards to see whether our Judgement on the films that are already held in high regard win their just rewards.

Keep ‘em peeled Judges,

The Judge

We here at sendoptics.com are currently busy bees buzzing around finishing writing up the descriptions and and photographing the final lines of designer sunglasses we are going to be adding.So Judges’, keep them peeled as they will be on before you know it and we are really looking forward to launching two very cutting edge brands.

So what is happening with you Judges’?. We are getting lots of feedback and are fast acting upon it and still building other elements to the sites around some of these really helpful titbits you keep feeding us, of course, like you Judges’ who keep on reading this blog we are always hungry for more. Please use the contact us form for any feedback you wish to continue sending in. We love to hear from you.

Well what else is going down on the streets we hear you ask?. Well, at the moment our eyes are peeled for the next BIG thing, and so this time the Fashion pack takes us over the pond to the Big Apple. Yup, ‘pardner’ you got it, its another crazy yellow taxi riding (no Danny Devito unfortunately), Prozac ridden chain smoking New York fashion week; I hear you asking what the hell do you Judges’ keep on going on about fashion weeks for…well, when looking for who to stock, we like to know the whole look, not just the sunglasses.

So, New York fashion week, what’s it all about we hear you cry!. Apart from the glut of the fashion world Anna Wintourn and of course some of the biggest names known to the fashion world. Our American counterparts are responsible for single handedly creating our obsession with Branding and creating some of the worlds most well known superbrands.

America also has a more conservative and classier side which reflects back to it’s glamourous Hollywood era of yesteryear. On www.sendoptics.com we currently have two major players in the sunglasses/optics market, these being Oliver Peoples and Tom Ford. Oliver Peoples we have been referring to in the past, so we thought we would give you some bitesize pieces of information.

Oliver Peoples - The L.A. based company is famous for its timeless collection of sunglasses. The company has a massive archive of frames ranging from early 20th century onwards which it uses as reference to all its collections. Oliver Peoples began life in 1986 on Sunset Boulevard selling American vintage sunglasses but they soon began designing for the present with a strong nod to the past for inspiration. The company has a strong anti-branding image and believes in subtlety and quality.

High points for Oliver Peoples collections are the round 1950’s optics/sunglasses range and the square aviator. The round shapes from the 50’s is bang on trend for this year so Judges’ check out…model Sheldrake

Tom Ford - Last year saw a massive leap into the limelight for Tom with his directional debut being praised to high heavens. Tom Ford reinvented the Gucci label and placed it firmly back on the map. Tom Ford is world renowned for his minimalist approach to fashion and again does not believe in the heavy branding that so many of the American Designers believe is a staple of their ethos.

His sunglasses are recognisable by the innovative ‘T’ hinge and the Tom Ford name is only visible behind your ears. Like his clothing the sunglasses are coverted by the fashion world and celebrities alike. E.G. the iconic Jennifer

So for you Judges’ who did not know much about Oliver Peoples and Tom Ford we hope you know them a little more. Both labels are classic and contemporary with an ultra luxury feel and highly innovative little finishes.

Keep the peeled,

The Judge.

Good day fellow Judges,

Today’s Fun filled blog is going to start celebrating all things that are good and British. Surviving the cold we hope mind with all the bright snow filled sky’s of late here at sendoptics.com we have been sporting our sunglasses. Of course to keep our peepers protected from the suns nasty glare and hey it’s an excuse to think it’s a lot warmer.

So this year we have so much to celebrate being British for. The Queen is Celebrating her Diamond Jubilee ( cucumber sandwich and a glass of Pimms anyone) The Olympics and so much more to boot. The Queen love her or not you must admit she always knows how to throw a right royal knees up. Up and down the land no doubt we Brit’s will be celebrating on the streets. So judges how will you be spending the Jubilee ? You know how we love to hear from you so let us know.

Well This week see’s the final installment of the fashion world tour coming to a stop in Britain and if anybody know’s anything about fashion it’s us Brits. Highlights for this coming London fashion week apart from the jellied eels, pearly queens and of course the controversy is that Stella McCartney will be launching her Eco friendly eveningwear range for the world to see.

So onto another huge Fashion high roller who has yet again provided us with a stella collection of sunglasses. All hail Sir Paul Smith. Renowned for his quintessential English man about town with a nod to the exhibitionist of the Dandy. Paul Smith never fails in any of the market places he inhabits whether it be fashion, fragrance or interior pieces he can seem to do no wrong.

Up until 10 years ago you would not have seen a Paul Smith shop outside of Europe well Paris but the man has spread his sights so much further and with a cult following in the far east Smith now has flagship stores selling just about anything in his British inspired multi purpose shops. Smith wherever he goes is always championing how great this country is and what a wide variety of cultural influences we now have thanks to our past. So if Paul Smith say’s it’s a good it must be right

So open your eyes to Paul Smiths latest offerings and we currently love

Keep them peeled and stay safe

The Judge

What’s all the fuss about with Christian Dior homme?

Well, it’s a cold and real frosty day as we sit and write the next installment of the blog for you hungry lot. We here at sendoptics.com have been receiving some great feedback and the Judge is really enjoying your kind words and constructive criticism. Trust us, we are taking this all on board to make a brighter and better experience for you savvy shoppers.

We are still getting regular deliverys of the new stock and are scheduling time to photograph and write up descriptions, trust us when we say this, it does take a lot of time and even more Ibropfrofen.

Facebook is finally gaining momentum with us joining lots of fanpages, and people waanting to be our friends (oh to see our popularity gaining it does make the Judge’s day…)

So one of the comments we received from a few gents was that the recommendations and also the information on the majority of the blogs seemed aimed at the ladies, so from now on we will be trying to rectify the matter by incorporating a happy medium. This one guys is especially for you, and we will do a blog especially for you every other week.

So whats new for the Gent in the know?!

Well, in 2001/2002 the little known Dior menswear range quickly grew to cult status catapulting the Dior menswear range back into the limelight. Under the creative direction of Belgium born Heidi Slimane who completely changed the direction and created waves in menswear by recreating the current silhouette. His collections were based on rock icons and the Berlin club scene. The silhouette he created was svelte almost androgynous. Cut with the precision of a surgeon.

Stars were lapping up the collections as soon as they hit the catwalk and the likes of Brad Pitt, david Beckham, Mick Jagger ( Slimlane must of surely used Mick as one of his icons along with Iggy Pop) Kanye West and Lenny Kravitz (the god himself) were at the forefront of the skinny smart revolution. Slimlane has been quoted to say ‘I thought the look would only last a season or two’. The look itself has influenced the new wave of skinny jeans and created persona’s for the likes of Russel Brand and many a boyband. High fashion traditionally takes anywhere between two to three seasons in traditional fashion to filter through to the masses, but with consumer demand this has now been reduced to a season ot most.

So why are we telling you about Christian Dior homme?…Well go to www.sendoptics.com homepage and look on the list of designers, you will note the introduction of the Black Tie collection. This range is designed for the man who is classic yet fashion conscious but not governed by trend alone; the Black Tie collection is all of these and more. Made from quality materials they are sure to get you noticed. The images are taking a little while but have no fear, they will be up before you know it…….

Keep them peeled,

The Judge.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Italians do it better

Well Judges’

We here at sendoptics.com are preparing for summer discussing holidays at the moment. Whilst this cold weather is still keeping us in with its grip, we need something to keep our spirits up!. So have you decided to go abroad or staycationing this year? The UK has has some amazing places to visit. Just think Cornwall, The Lakes, The Cotswolds, Scotland, Wales, ireland and you will have a great time , but here at Judge Opticians Leicester we are talking Italy. Al fresco dining,snappy dressing and of course sunglasses at night in the piazza.

So this takes us to this little blog where we are going to reming you of some of the greats that Italy have produced. Italian fashion can be divided into two camps. You have the simple elegance of Giorgio Armani who celebrated 40 years of fashion opening a hotel in Milan ‘as you do’ last year.along side Armani’s elegance you have the simplicity that is Gucci who the celebrities still love and they create a huge amount of fuss each year with their winning accessories. Check out this seasons Gucci sunglasses.

The other camp you have can be described as brash,showy,or just plain simple glamourous fashion. Dolce and Gabbana have been the darlings for over twent years with their mens and womens lines alike. For the ladies you will have winning black dresses, oodles of leopard print and of course lace ( see the lace collection in the Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses at sendoptics.com ).Bvlgari is famous primarily for its jewellery, watches,handbags and hotels but they have branched out into sunglasses.

Armani sunglasses and Gucci sunglasses are favourites with pretty much anyone who likes simple design that is high on trend. Shapes that you will notice this year are the reintroduction of rounds for Armani, and an overhaul of clasics for Gucci.

Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses and Bvlgari sunglasses are a little more trend led , infact, what the heck, theses sunglasses are high fashion over sized frames and signature finishes which make these sunglasses instantly recognisable. Patterns and bright colours often are used to the max by these designers to stunning effect.

So Judges’, which Italian camp do you fit into?. The sleek and stylishly classic or the high voltage on trend fasionista?. Whichever way you swing, be sure to consider some of the latest looks and inject some Italian passion into your wardrobe, even if it is just accessories.

For now Judges’ we are off to book a summer holiday,

Keep them peeled,

The Judge.

Well, it’s official…..us Judges’ here at http://www.sendoptics.com/ are turning blue from this cold . We just don’t seem to be able to keep warm. So what is new with us ?. Well, the website is coming along nicely, and changes in the back will be being maade live very soon, so keep visiting and also keep buying!. This cold snap has not put you Judges’ off looking for this seasons must have sunglasses. We are seeing Stella McCartney, Oliver Peoples and Gucci orders shooting out before we get them.

Well, we have so far visited Paris, Italy, USA, and good old Blighty. So on to another designer and a little further north than the USA….all cower, the Canadians have arrived. Yup, on the homepage in the list of designers you will see the label D Squared. It’s not a Mathematics site we are sponsoring, like you fellow Judges’ need that…you all know what at least 10% of RRP off all orders sums up to don’you?. Yep, the Judges’ prices….Top of the class all of you!!!.

D Squared hail from the spectacular city of Toronto, Canada, where they launched their menswear label back in 1994 with womenswear launching in 2003. The twin brothers are outspoken and often called ‘cheeky’ by the fashion press who can never get enough of their laid back luxury line.

The pair often use reference of Canadian sterotypes and real world in their collections whether it be truckers, cowboys, the pilgrims, mormons or cheerleaders. D Squared take these elements and create clothing and accessories which are fun yet classy. Using only the best, their clothing comes at a price, but no fear, you too can own a piece or two of D squared and start your own double trouble…

View the whole collection at http://www.sendoptics.com/d-squared.html/

We know the blogs are a little shorter at present but dont worry, once these next couple of weeks are out of the way we will be back in full throttle. We know you can’t wait for the Godfathers of fashion’s installment, but until then Judges’….

keep them peeled,

The Judge.

FEBRUARY IS THE MONTH OF LOVE!!! ….and 10% EXTRA DISCOUNT ON DIOR AND PAUL SMITH!!!!!
Welcome back fellow Judges’

Well, February has begun with snow hitting the UK with bright skys aplenty. We hope you are not starting all your stories a’la Victoria Wood…’it begins on a cold wet february morning….’. At least the bright skys are giving us an excuse to keep on trend wearing one of the many pairs of sunglasses. Which look are you rocking to beat the cold and stay well protected?.

So onto a bit about what we are doing here at www.sendoptics.com . We are finishing up the mass job of overhauling the site as a whole. This seems to have been an idea that was thrown into the court last year and in our naievity we did think we would be all done and dusted by now,many apologies for missing photographs but i promise that they will be uploaded over the next few days. We at Judges’ cannot thank you enough for your patience and of course your brilliant thoughts and feedback.

As a thank-you we are giving an extra 10% discount on all Dior and Paul Smith sunglasses until Feb 15th, so you can give your loved one that something special. Just type in VAL15J in discount box at payment area, and we will deduct an extra 10% from the already discounted price!…So nice of us! ….Bless, call me cupid!…
See our ranges at…
http://www.sendoptics.com/diot.html
http://www.sendoptics.com/paul-smith.html

So now we have got january over and done with, the year is finally swinging into shape!. So with our fingers ever firmly on the pulse we have another little gem of style advice for you all. This year is seeing colour blocking for men throwwing itself into the arena along with ice colours to keep us all cool in the summer (surely we deserve a heat wave, so we have an excuse to have so many pairs of sunglasses). Ladies, you have a veritable feast of trends, look out for strong colours and of course February is all about love so think the colour of love. with red you will not go far wrong to see you right through the season. If you dont feel confident to wear the colour as a whole look, ever thought about injecting red into your sunglasses and accessories, come on, you wear it on your lips and hair, so why not over your eyes….?

So with it coming to Valentine’s day, ladies/gents, why not give your love something more lasting than a meal in a packed restaurant, flowers that wilt, or worse still, ynderwear they would not be seen dead in!. Give your love protection and something to see you through for sometime to come…..

With all or love, here’s to the month of love…

Keep Judging, and keep them peeled,

The Judge….www.sendoptics.com

Hello fellow Judges’

We hope all is well with you, as it is with us. Are the new year’s resolutions still going strong?!. With all the work and stress the start of the new year seems to bring; after the christmas break and the sales it seems quite a few of us are starting to waver. (Now where is that chocolate advent calender we swore we were going to throw out?!). Come on Judges’ we are STRONGER and can keep going!.

So what is new with you?. Come on, you can tell us. We love to hear your news and opinions no matter how small. See the ‘contact us’ form and keep letting us know. Here, at www.sendoptics.com we recently put the fantastic environmentally aware Stella McCartney range onto the website and are pleased with how sales are going, having sold a few pairs without any blog to announce the arrival!.

Most of you I bet are thinking environmentally friendly design (I know we certainly did) is going to be drab and all for the Birkenstock brigade. Ms McCartney for over a decade has been putting the cool into this form of design using organic fabrics and materials wherever possible so you can be environmentally conscious and cool at the same time.

Stella McCartney graduated from the prestigious Central St Martins college of fashion in London in 1997, her style already noted for sharp tailoring, confidence and femininity.

Stella quickly became a force to be reckoned within British fashion creating wearable clothes for the modern Woman. The success was not due to her father Sir Paul McCartney as so many critics would say….but due to the wearability of the design and the way she designs clothes that she enjoys wearing herself.

What also helped her rise was the fact that Britain at the time was so saturated with contoversial male designers creating unwearable clothes they thought women ’should’ be seen in.Stella has a keen eye for detail and uses inspiration from music (she would be daft not to), her travels, and old photographs.

Stella has recently launched collaborations with the sports giant Adidas and also a kidswear range, but here at www.sendoptics.com we are most excited about the fantastic range of sunglasses that she has launched. The range is dubbed by the designer herself as ‘ecofriendly’ using materials such as Castor oil seeds and citric acid and are available in high quality acetate and metal. Colours reflect the traditional Stella palette but also the effort the designer went to to create this high quality and beautiful collection…

We are saying look out for the on trend nudes, greens and ever cheerful berry hues.For those of you wanting something classic with a hint of political awakening with your style. We Judges’ are saying rock with Stella and save the world.

So for now my friends it is almost time for us here at Judge Towers to turn the eco friendly light bulbs off and think about making a move. By shanks’ pony as my old nan would say (walking to anyone who lives down south!).We have an early start again and are in need of our much needed beauty sleep.

Take care , keep them peeled and keep judging…

The Judge.

Well hello there,

You little Judges are being so spoilt with all these blogs, you will be wanting more soon, and we shall be giving you much more in the coming weeks with the launch of some very very exciting new labels for us here at www.sendoptics.com

Well, Milan is over and Paris couture is been and done and what a whirlwind it has been watching all that fabric and colours for what we should be wearing at the end of the year. Personally, we think Mcqueen nailed it with the lace head covering dresses oh so wearable and well with a pair of sunglasses you could lie and say you are going for the invisible man/woman look…..

So back in Italy and the crazy pace of Milan, what with the chain smoking, espresso,grappa and the elegance of the Italians themselves, this years men’s and women’s shows at Milan were hailed as some of the strongest with fashion favourites Prada both men’s and women’s collections the fovourites of the whole week for many an editor…..

So if you are a Muccia Prada what do you do if you are short of a few male models for your menswear show?….Well, you fly in a truckload of Hollywood’s leading men and parade them up and down in a baroque inspired velvet laden heavily embellished menswear collection of course. Talk about lucky front pages for featuring not only the clothes but also the men. That is what I call marketing!.

Well, Muccia herself is the driving force behind the Prada label. As its creative director she not only fuels a passion for design but inspires so many in fashion. Prada has gone from strength to strength and has acquired shares in many companies along the way that were a thorn in their side. Muccia often is regarded not only as a designer but a despot in business. She is noted for keeping Prada at the head of its game by not only design but by taking control of rival companies. Most recently the company acquired the Jil Sander label and it placed Raf Simmons as its chief designer, noted for controversy and simplicity. This was a key move and he has put the house back on the map. Simmons is rumoured to be the successor to the throne of Dior due to his success eith the Sander house. Just remember, www.sendoptics.com told you first!

Prada this year is rocking back to the 1950’s with its high octane of pimped up autos and petrol collection. The collection is a mismatch of beautiful figure hugging pieces with heavy embellishment to prove that in spite of the economic climate we can all still shine and enjoy a piece of pure class.

Back in the early new millenium Prada launched the Prada Linea Rossa diffusion range.Originally it was developed to support the yacht team that Prada sponsor for the annual race under the same name. The line is the sports line developed for high impact and sports in general whether it’s running or water skiing, Prada ensures you are protected in such a cool way. Branding is high with the visible red stripe that is the Linea Rossa. www.sendoptics.com are proud to reintroduce this collection after a short absence. We believe with so many men taking time out to play sports and taking greater pride in themselves, the range will appeal to many with the great shapes and quality materials used in their make up.

Ladies, don’t you fret, there is the range of Prada’s especially for you. The collection is divided into two with classics having undergone a slight transformation and the introduction of the much talked about ‘Swing Collection’.

As well as being popular with stars, sunglasses have become popular with poker players. This is so they can help to hide reactions and to intimidate opponents. Tournament players are now being sponsored by some big names.

Did you know that the colour of lenses can often have great effect on the wearer as well as the style?

Grey and green lenses are neutral because they maintain true colours.

Turquoise lenses are good for medium and high light conditions, because they are good at enhancing contrast, but do not cause significant colour change.

Orange and yellow lenses increase both contrast and depth perception. They also increase colour variation. Yellow lenses are used by both pilots, hunters, shooters for their contrast enhancement and width perception properties.

Blue and purple lenses are purely cosmetic (oh you style junkies you!)

finally, one thing you all should know is that regardless of summer or winter sun , if we start to wear tinted glasses or sunglasses from a young age we can prevent damage and early ageing of the eye.

We hope you found this useful, and please look at our Prada, Prada Linea Rossa, and Miu Miu collections at www.sendoptics.com

Think sunglasses, think www.sendoptics.com

Keep them peeled,

The Judge.