Luxury Eyewear Showcase Event
Join us on Thursday 14th November 6-8pm at
Hotel du Vin in Stratford-upon-Avon for our showcase event
Come along and find out more about the luxury brands we have available and to see the detail and craftmanship that goes into the frames. We will be showcasing a large number of frames for you to view.
We will have representatives from each brand who can tell you more about each frame, show you the characteristics of a particular frame and the trademarks of the brand. It is your chance to get a new look for Christmas or the New Year with the CG Optical team on hand to help.
Enjoy a glass of fizz and delicious canapes in the beautiful surroundings of Hotel Du Vin. All guests will be entered into an exclusive free raffle for a chance to win a number of luxury prizes.
RSVP to info@cgoptical.co.uk or call us on 01789 268 828 to reserve your place
Cartier & Dior here at CG Optical!
Did you know that aside from timepieces, Cartier was making glasses way back in the 1800’s? In fact, the story goes that in 1887, a French princess commissioned Louis Cartier himself to make her a pair of tortoise shell opera glasses set with diamonds.
For the next 96 years, Cartier’s lavish luxury glasses were only available to his elite customers. It was not until 1983 that Cartier sold its first mass-produced custom sunglasses and now just over 40 years later you can buy them at CG Optical!
From the finest materials to the meticulous workmanship, every detail of Cartier eyewear exudes luxury. Cartier's quality is simply undeniable. The brand makes a very limited number of glasses in various styles each year to offer devotees a sense of exclusiveness.
For an added touch of opulence, Cartier uses real gold in the construction of some frames. Gold frames can be made of solid gold or may be plated with a layer of gold for a luxurious appearance. Cartier is renowned for its use of premium materials, including 18-carat gold, to create exquisite frames. The temples, nose pieces and bridge pieces on Cartier eyewear often feature this luxurious touch.
Cartier and Dior - fashion icons we’re looking forward to styling you in!
And from the House of Dior and Thélios, the LVMH Group's eyewear experts “bring together their exceptional savoir-faire to create, manufacture and distribute Dior eyewear”. Designed in the Dior studios in Paris, each pair is first sketched according to meticulous drawings which gives them their fashion forward status.
The signature of a bold look, Dior eyewear exudes the artistic dialogue, inspiration, and powerful convictions behind creations by Maria Grazia Chiuri, Creative Director of Dior’s women's collections. After stints of working at Fendi and Valentino, Chiuri was named creative director at Dior in 2016. Her first shows for the French fashion house were characterized by minimalism and feminist themes which gives the brand such a strong look.
Inspired by the Dior catwalk, the Dior signature sunglasses line is enhanced each season with new pairs released. Distinguished by their pared-down design, frames are embellished with the name “Christian Dior”, evoking the embroidery of the emblematic Dior tote bag.
From the luxury fashion house to CG Optical, the Dior collection includes essential “must have’ pieces that lend a touch of style to any look.
Come in and browse these iconic luxury brands or book a complementary style consultancy with us today.
Autumn/Winter 2024 Trends
As you know we like to think of CG Optical as your go-to luxury boutique for eyewear, so we take a keen interest in fashion when we’re sourcing our collection to compliment the key trends of the season. The good news is that the Autumn/Winter 2024 fashion shows have left us with plenty of fresh ideas to get excited about and inspire our Style Consultants! We can’t wait to get you into the new seasons look.
Here's a quick look through what’s in on the Catwalk
Emerging from the Barbie-induced craze for pink, softer, more wearable tones are coming to the forefront. Sugary pastel shades now and then autumn welcomes in a dusty blush and a palette of olive, conker and cream. Then there’s Trench Coats! A response to all the rain and a timeless wardrobe staples all year round, it’s the new spotlight piece, with many brands making it exciting again. For work, the trend for ‘quiet luxury’ brings in relaxed blazers and wide-leg trousers as well as more feminine skirt co-ordinated with silky blouses or camisoles. Trendsetter for the season is Valentino and an entirely black catwalk set the scene for the monochromatic trend ahead. It may seem like an odd choice to wear in summer but take it from the LBD (Little Black Dress) : black never goes out of style.
It’s '70s boho at Chanel and double denim at Dior but the standout stars for the '70s trend are Chloe’s chiffon blouses, aviator sunglasses and flowing boho dresses. Shop the trend now, and then, when next season arrives, switch wooden platform sandals for over-the-knee boots, and finish with a trench coat.
Summertime blooms are sticking around long into the colder months this year, so curate that English garden aesthetic now and build on its next season by adding extra, more wintry patterns like checks and tartans. Whether or not you’re into leopard, the print is taking over the new season catwalks. Ways to wear the trend are leopard trousers that look great with a white shirt and boots.
Many of the trends from the past few years like quiet luxury are evolving rather than drastically changing. Broadly speaking, the focus is less on silhouette than on materials and tactility. A combination of heritage tweeds and herringbones with plaids and Aran and argyle knits conjures an English country weekend. Building on this outdoorsy theme are a ski sweaters, faux furs and feathers.
These trends are reflected in our collections. If eyewear follows fashion, then “Real”, as opposed to fantastical, is the unifying message of the new season. It’s called #relaxedglamour from “fluffy fashions to tailored ones” AND creating your own bespoke look is key.
At CG Optical we can help you channel your inner Barbie with Chanel pink frames or Chopard Sparkles, combine the trench and Boho look with the perfect Aviators and match that little black dress with the perfect frames from Cartier, Dior or Catherine de Medici. Personal Styling guidance comes as complimentary, and our stylists love nothing more than helping our clients find the frames to make them feel beautiful and confident.
Sources
https://www.redonline.co.uk/fashion/buyers-guide/a60317882/autumn-winter-fashion-trends/
https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/autumn-winter-2024-fashion-trends
https://www.whowhatwear.com/fashion/trends/autumn-winter-2024-fashion-trends
Tips & Advice to Help Improve your Vision and Eye Health
The good news is that many vision problems are treatable if caught early. However, if vision loss starts and is left uninvestigated, it may be irreversible, so it is important that you have regular eye examinations.
Some vision changes can be expected with age. Have you noticed a shift in how you perceive colours or how your eyes focus? You may need more light to read or drive. If you have a family history of eye problems or health conditions, such as diabetes, Graves’ disease or high blood pressure you could be more at risk.
Eye Examinations to Prevent Vision Loss and Maintain Eye Health
At CG Optical we offer a comprehensive eye exam which helps us to diagnose conditions early.
Your eye test will include tests to check:
- Eye muscle function
- Peripheral vision, or how much you can see on the side while looking forward
- Pressure in your eyes
- Response to light
- Vision clarity
Even if you are young and healthy, a regular comprehensive eye exam is always advised.
It’s true that different ages and different people with different refractive errors like astigmatism, far-sightedness or near-sightedness and depending on lifestyle, will have different requirements when it comes to what is the ideal pair of glasses.
Computer Vision Syndrome
For example, if you do a lot of computer work you should consider glasses specifically for computer work to safeguard your vision during long days working in front of a screen. Also remember the “20-20-20” rule. When you're on a computer, take a break every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds, by looking into the distance at an object that's 20 feet away or further. This will help avoid stressing your eyes, which can lead to dryness, headaches and eye strain and blurry vision from the weakening of muscles in the eye as the day progresses.
Glasses specifically for working on a computer are ideally suited to that intermediate arm's length distance that desktop computers usually sit at. The glasses will keep that distance in focus and will alleviate a lot of that burden on the eye muscles to keep things in focus.
The most common type of eye problem is refractive errors. These conditions impact how light focuses in your eyes and includes:
Astigmatism - occurs when either the front surface of the eye (cornea) or the lens inside the eye has mismatched curves. Instead of having one curve like a round ball, the surface is egg-shaped. This causes blurred vision at all distances.
Farsightedness - is a refractive error that makes nearby objects look blurry.
Near sightedness - is a refractive error that makes far-away objects look blurry.
Presbyopia - is a refractive error that makes it hard for middle-aged and older adults to see things up close. It happens because the lens (an inner part of the eye that helps the eye focus) stops focusing light correctly on the retina (a light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye).
Most refractive errors develop in childhood and are caused by problems with the shape of the eye. The exception is presbyopia, caused by age-related loss of flexibility and strength. As we age our eye muscles that focus up close get weakened. Usually, that starts around age 40 and progresses to age 65 and beyond. Age may also be a factor in other eye conditions that can cause severe damage but are not a natural part of aging. These conditions can often be treated or slowed and include:
Age-related macular degeneration, a condition that causes cells in the eye to break down. Cataract, a clouding of the eye lens, diabetic retinopathy, a problem with blood vessels in the eyes and Glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve. Managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, can also improve your eye health. The earlier you take steps to manage your health, the better.
Natural Ways to Help Improve Vision and Eye Health
You can take steps to help improve eye health and prevent vision loss on your own:
- Stop smoking.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet with dark, leafy greens and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Exercise regularly.
- Use protective eyewear during activities that may be dangerous to your eyes, such as gardening, sports or DIY.
- Wash your hands before handling contact lenses.
- Wear sunglasses with 99% or 100% UVA and UVB protection.
- A comprehensive eye exam is an excellent way for everyone to care for eye health. But it is essential if you’re noticing changes or are at risk from eye conditions due to family history or a health condition.
A celebration for the Gough family
Many of you will know we had a big event in our family this year, the wedding of my eldest son Dom.
Dom and Bronia have been together for 5 years and 2 years ago got engaged in the magical Eckington Manor, Pershore with the help of one of our patients Tracey Rothwell! On the 2nd August Dom and Bronia tied the knot on a mountain top with stunning views and surroundings. Bronia looked so beautiful, and I was so very proud of Dom and my younger son Oli who was his Best Man.
Following the wedding we all boarded an open top bus to take us to the harbour so we could aboard a yacht for the reception and evening party. As many of you know I really don’t have sea legs and was very nervous about being on a yacht!
Once aboard it was time for the speeches which Dom wanted to do early on in the celebrations as he was so nervous. It was a good job this happened, as after an hour aboard I felt so sick, and my stomach was churning. I sadly had to leave the yacht and was rescued in what could be described as ‘Milk Tray Man’ style (those of you who remember the advert!). I was transferred to shore where the kind gentleman escorted me one mile back to the hotel. While this was happening Dom and Bronia were having photos taken on the yacht. Dom turned and said, ‘I think that’s my Mum on that little boat?’
So, I am now a bit of a standing joke from the wedding!
It was a wonderful, family occasion (apart from being seasick!) and I was so very proud of my boys and daughter Becky who helped organise things.
After the wedding Dom and Bronia enjoyed another week in Cyprus enjoying a relaxing holiday.
Claire x.
Anton Du Beke Waltzes into town!
Brought to the public’s attention through the hit BBC1 show Strictly Come Dancing, Anton Du Beke has become a household name and a familiar face on our TV screens. Whether he’s dancing, presenting, or making television guest appearances — he’s fast becoming a media personality in his own right and earning himself the title ‘Mr Showbiz’.
This October Anton will be waltzing into town for the Stratford Literary Festival to launch his new book A Dance for the King, a page turning and epic wartime story filled with drama, mystery, dance and romance. It’s London, 1942 and the war is far from over for soldier Raymond de Guise. His wife Nancy is overjoyed to be reunited with her husband, and to introduce him to their son. But their safety is threatened once more as Raymond returns to the ballroom at the Buckingham Hotel, ordered to discover the dark secrets held by the glittering high society. On the dancefloor Raymond uncovers a dangerous relationship that could change the course of the war, and also threaten his marriage to Nancy. Can he protect his King and his family before it is too late?
We have 3 free pairs of tickets up for grabs!
Would you like front row seats to see Anton Du Beke? The first 3 customers to call us on 01789 268 828 after the 18th October 2024 and request a pair of tickets will get front row seats. Only one pair of tickets per customer will be given away. They will be given away on a first come, first served basis. The lucky customers will need to collect their tickets from CG Optical prior to the event.
Anton Du Beke is at the Crowne Plaza in Stratford upon Avon on Friday 25th October 7.30 – 8.30pm.Tickets are £14 each, go to the Stratford Literary Festival website for more details and to book tickets.
Providing You with the Best Prescription Lenses and Frames from the Finest Brands
Prescription glasses and sunglasses lens technology has never been so good. Not only can we help you see clearly near and far in one lens, but we can significantly protect your eyes from dangerous UV Rays and eliminate glare. Importantly, we can even prescribe lenses that can slow down the progression of Myopia in children.Read more
Claire Would Like to Introduce You to Emily, Our New Dispensing Optician
The time has come for me to get some help in dispensing as the practice becomes busier. I would like to introduce you to Emily, our new dispensing optician in stratford upon avon who will be working alongside me in the practice. Read more
Glasses Trends 2024
We like to keep at the forefront of the latest glasses trends 2024, so you don’t have to. Step through the door and we’re here to help you up your frame game ready for the coming seasons. We will help you select the right pair of frames that will transform your face, define and enhance your features.
Kirk & Kirk, a fabulous new brand in our new Spring & Summer collection 2024
CG Optical are excited to announce the arrival of Kirk & Kirk eyewear by Jason and Karen Kirk. Read more
