‘I grew up thinking that spy stories were terribly passé –derivative, obvious and crucially, lacking artistic merit. And what a terrible snob I was –only reading ‘real literature’ to the detriment of anything else.
I cringe at the arrogance of my youth in dismissing the popular to pursue the avant garde, because as I approach middling years I am much more open minded in what I consume –and that has given me many new things to love.
Adam reads whilst rocking the London Retro 'Kings'
Shop Adam’s London Retro frames, here.
Top of that list is the work of John Le Carre. I would like to introduce you to ‘The Spy Who Came in from the Cold’
To indulge a little book reviewing cliché it is a tense page-turner.
This book was written at the height of the cold war –the communist and nuclear threat was very real, and this insight, written by an active intelligence officer (Le Carre served in MI6) was as gritty and realistic as it got –in comparison to Fleming’s misogynist vodka martini drinker.
The story hinges on Alex Leamas –an aging intelligence officer, working to infiltrate East German intelligence. I want to say more –but sharing anything else would be to betray the story and ruin your fun.
The joy is in the writing –Le Carre is spare in his use of language, but conveys a huge amount in what little is said, and also importantly what is not said. The characterisation is stunning, and real –the characters operate in grey areas and we are never truly sure of allegiance, action or thought.
An examination of faith in humanity, political conviction and loyalty, the book draws you in further and further –with intelligent twists, and a dramatic dénouement. A rereading throws up even more questions, and as you grow to care for Leamas you can see the bigger machinations and what he is walking into.
It is a truly stunning piece of writing, taut and well paced, rewarding at all the right points
I am excited when I meet someone that has not read it, as I know what enjoyment they have ahead of them. That, and an expensive Le Carre habit as the George Smiley stories are not far away…’
Thanks Adam!
Each monthly GD Bookworm winner will receive a prize as well as a pair of glasses and this April, the winner will receive one of our goody bags from this month’s press event. Like what you see below? It could be yours. All you need to do is email us your review, along with a picture of yourself with the book your reviewing. Simples.
Email your entries to: gdwin@glassesdirect.com
And don’t forget to include a picture of yourself with the book!
(If you’re camera shy, just the book will do but we’d rather see your lovely faces!)
Posted on: April 25th, 2012 by Sarah
Ok, so we could be completely wrong here (and we’re not too proud to admit it when we are wrong) but we’re pretty sure that Tim Burgess, he of Brit Pop stature and heart throb status is sporting a pair of Sherlock frames from London Retro.
IS HE???
What do you think?
Snapped below sporting skinny jeans and dip dyed hair, the Brit Pop original has spoken candidly about his mad times with Dannii Minogue and The Smurfs, ditching drugs and booze – and penning some particularly ‘graphic and descriptive’ passages for his memoir ‘Telling Stories’.
Sherlock on a Charlaton?
Any excuse to turn up the cool Britannia tunes, we’ll be reading his memoirs whilst digging out our army jackets and adidas gazelles, and of course reporting back on our GD bookworm page, so keep your eyes peeled. Let us know what you think if you read it yourself too!
Shop the London Retro Collection here.
Posted on: April 23rd, 2012 by Sarah
‘I first read The Great Gatsby in senior school (over a decade ago) and have always remembered LOVING it. So, the recent revival of interest in it caused by the upcoming film adaption with Leonardo DiCaprio, Isla Fisher, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire to name but a few, inspired me to pick up a copy again.
Carly gets down to some reading in the Mai Tai frame.
(Shop the Mai Tai frame collection at Glasses Direct, here)
It’s easy NOT to fall in love with the book – primarily because it’s so hard to fall in love, or even like, most of the characters. However it’s well worth persevering with, because Fitzgerald’s writing style IS totally lovable – especially when you realise it’s Fitzgerald’s intention that you can’t stand any of the characters!
When you read The Great Gatsby you have to look beyond setting, plot, characters and events. Fitzgerald allegedly reworked the novel over and over and over until he was satisfied with every single word, which you can actually believe when you think about what each word adds to the story. He doesn’t just tell us about events happening if they don’t develop characters or show or tell us anything new. Underneath the pretty standard love triangle romance on the surface, The Great Gatsby is a commentary on how the socioeconomic status you are born into in America is basically a prison sentence you are never released from, completely at odds with the ‘American Dream’. The settings, descriptions and characters all symbolises stereotypes and restrictions of the class structure in 1920′s New York.
Although we aren’t living in 1920s New York and may not be able to like or relate to the depressed and detestable characters living within in it in the novel, Fitzgerald’s suggestion that we are all subject to our history but that it is only natural to strive to achieve dreams above and beyond our past, is surely interesting for us all. So, although Fitzgerald’s conclusion that no matter what we do we are victims of our past seem bleak I urge you, Glasses Direct bookworms, to pick up his masterpiece and discover it for yourself! Do it quick, before the next blockbusting book-to-film-adaptation takes over the silver screen and no doubt alters the original material to make it more commercial – forcing it into familiar pigeonholes in hopes of reaching a broader and less discerning audience than I know you all are’.
Thanks Carly- we love a good classic ourselves.
If you’d like to become a GD Bookworm, read below, get involved and WIN a KINDLE TOUCH!
Each monthly GD Bookworm winner will receive a prize as well as a pair of glasses and this April, the winner will receive one of our goody bags from this month’s press event. Like what you see below? It could be yours. All you need to do is email us your review, along with a picture of yourself with the book your reviewing. Simples.
Email your entries to: gdwin@glassesdirect.com
And don’t forget to include a picture of yourself with the book!
(If you’re camera shy, just the book will do but we’d rather see your lovely faces!)
Posted on: April 20th, 2012 by Sarah
We were really excited when a sneak-peek of London Retro’s new ad campaign landing in our inbox this morning. Shot on location in London’s coolest northern spots, the new collection has moved on to a more 70s inspired vibe with aviator silhouettes, tortoiseshells rounds and preppy tones of navy and red being introduced into the sartorial collection. With names such as ‘Ronnie’, ‘Suzy’, ‘Kiki’ and ‘Sherlock’ included into the 70s vibe of London Retro’s second season, we’re all set for a rather psychedelic summer in the city.
Here’s some exclusive shots from yesterday’s shoot in London.
Straight from the camera...
Shop the collection, here: http://www.glassesdirect.co.uk/londonretro/
Posted on: March 6th, 2012 by Sarah
As it’s the month of love, heart shaped things and all things rosy, it only seemed right that we dedicate this week’s frame slot to the rouge silhouette. A great frame choice to compliment those with dark skin tones and features or create a striking contrast against fairer skinned fellows, a red frame really does pack a punch in the style stakes.
So, may we introduce to you, the chosen one this week. The Natalie from Element:
Natalie By Element: One for the redheads
And a red palette isn’t just for Valentine’s Day either. A timeless colour to add to everyday attire, celebrities such as Johnny Depp, Ellie Fanning and Social Network’s Michael Cera have all been papped in red specs. From oversized square frames, to neat rounds, to rectangular silhouettes red adds an interesting spark, whatever frame or prescription you have.
Blondes and brunettes should experiment with primary reds and tomato hues, whilst red-heads should try burgundy for an eye-catching contrast. Those with black skin and dark hair will look fabulous in any tone of red, but we think that the brighter the better! For an immediate update to your eyewear ladies, why not try out the ultra-flattering cat-eyed silhouette? Teaming it with red makes for the the perfect combination for those who are coveting vintage.
Not entirely sure which frame to go for? Check out our Style Finder, here.
Posted on: February 13th, 2012 by Sarah
You could say that the preppy trend is having a bit of a style surge at the moment, but if truth be told, it’s never really found itself in the fashion trough either. A true sign of a timeless look, preppy pieces have been cropping up amidst the more whimsical, fast-fashion trends on the high-street. Edging up florals and accentuating tomboy-inspired denims, scholar style silhouettes are big news in fashion and naturally, in the eyewear world. Spec silhouettes don’t discriminate at the school of prep, but classic styles include retro rounds and laid back wayfarers.
Indie Queen Sevigny in Wayfarer Glasses
Whether the silhouette be neat and tidy, or over-sized and attention-demanding, opt for a 2012 update and experiment with tones of tortoiseshell and red with brands such as London Retro and Element offering an extensive range. For retro rounds and classic styles, the GD Collection should whet your appetite, as well keep things massively purse friendly meaning that you can try something different with our 2 for 1 deal.
Element Norton
For high-end inspiration, take a truly British slant on getting preppy and look at Paul Smith’s AW11/12 show. An avid fan of glasses himself, the British designer sent his models down the fashion pavement in boldly silhouetted acetates, to accessorise their classically Paul Smith brogues and sweats. Fendi teamed a mixture of monochrome and neutral stripes with tinted rimless glasses at their SS12 show, whilst on the celebrity front, Drive star Ryan Gosling has been snapped in circular tortoiseshells frames, much like the John Lennon frames available at Glasses Direct.
Ryan Gosling in Circular Frames
Female stars including Demi Moore, Alexa Chung and Chloe Sevigny are all regular specs wearers and expert coveters of the preppy look. So, however far you want to go with this studious and timeless look, you’re sure to add an injection of educated viewing with a pair of glasses. Prescription optional.
- Paul Smith AW 2011
Shop from our retro selection for more inspiration, Here.
Posted on: February 10th, 2012 by Sarah
U.S house-hold clothing empire, GAP haven’t exactly been setting the world alight with their fashion-focused collections of late, so it’s nice to see that they’ve gone back to what they do so well, and that’s the classics. Once the go-to brand for your true blue denims, and everyday chinos GAP ruled the all-American roost with its casual classics.
Gap's New Classics
And bring back the classics, we say! The GAP Pure line consists of an array of scoop necks, race backs and v-neck t-shirts that will frequent your everyday ensembles. Styling their models with black and tortoiseshell rimmed glasses, GAP illustrate why they’re a household name in the art of dressing preppy. At Glasses Direct we’ve got a whole host of classic frames to get you in the mood for prepping your wardrobe up and adding an extinguished touch to your everyday prescription. From eco-fabulous Element, to the leaders in vintage attire, London Retro, Glasses Direct’s selection is unrivalled when it comes to online eyewear. If you’re looking for a purse friendly option then shop from our own range of classic frames where you can shop from a wide range of acetates and metals, colours and prints.
What do you think about GAP’s new Pure line?
Geek or chic?
Element's Caprio in tortoiseshell
London Retro Carnaby in Red
Glasses Direct's Mai Tai in Black
Glasses Direct's Harold in Black
Posted on: February 8th, 2012 by Sarah
Corden and Jagger channel Sellers and Ekland
Its official, Peter Sellers-style specs are in Vogue. Well, Harpers Bazaar actually, but either way the thick rimmed classics are having a fashion moment this month with funnyman James Corden sporting a pair whilst he and model Georgia May Jagger pay tribute to the iconic duo of the swinging 60s, Peter Sellers and Bond Girl Britt Ekland.
Posing with Mick Jagger’s model-daughter Georgia May Jagger, the former Gavin and Stacey star was snapped by Harpers Bazaar reclining on a chair wearing a pair of black-rimmed glasses similar to the ones sported by Sellers, as Jagger cuddles him from behind, looking sexy in a sixties-inspired cream patterned dress. An admirer of Sellers and his notoriety in having the ability to laugh some of the most attractive women into bed, James, who has achieved huge success of late with his run in West End play ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’ said he’s been inspired by the comedian from the beginning of his comedy career.
Eco brand Element's Hopper
He said: ‘I worked out pretty early on that if you look like I do then you sure as sh!t had better make the girls laugh if you wanted to get anywhere.
The newly slimed down actor has apparently gone down from 21 to 16 stone, aiming for another 2Ib loss before he hits New York with his critically acclaimed production. The 33-year-old actor is believed to have gone from 21 stone to 16 stone, and is thought to be aiming to shed another 21lbs before hitting New York with his critically-acclaimed production.
Channel the funnyman’s look. A sure fired hit with the ladies:
The Oscar frame
Posted on: February 2nd, 2012 by Sarah
X factor finalist and Glasses Direct’s favourite diva, Johnny Robinson was unexpectedly voted out at this week’s show alongside boy-band; The Risk. Loveable eccentric, Johnny channelled a sartorial silhouette over the weekend whilst smashing classic ballad; Unchained Melody, opting for slim line suits and a MOD style barnet. Leaving his more flamboyant attire in the dressing room, Robinson teamed his low key look with some acetate red specs from east London label, London Retro. The unisex frame fitted the singer’s neat features perfectly.
It maybe the end of the road as far as The X Factor is concerned, but a new journey may well be in the pipeline for Johnny, with next year’s Eurovision Song Contest well within his reach. However, the 45-year old could have a fight on his hands in the form of reformed 90s sugar-pop band Steps tipped to throw the gauntlet down for the opportunity to represent England in Azerbaijan next year.
Personally we’d rather see Johnny rocking the Euro-mic come May 2012, than the likes of H from Steps. Watch this space for the unlikely song bird to make his mark. How? No idea. We’re waiting with baited breath, too.
Posted on: November 7th, 2011 by Sarah
An article in The Guardian this week has focused on the G20 summit currently taking place in Nice this week and among the items on the agenda has been the much publicised Robin Hood Tax. This is in no small part thanks to the presence of actor Bill Nighy ( him of the cool, geeky glasses…….and Love Actually fame) who has got behind the tax reform with the same gusto he normally reserves for the big screen.
Right on, Bill.
In essence, it is asking for a tiny tax to be implemented on the world financial sectors, thus creating hundreds of billions of dollars which could then be used to improve public services world wide and at the same time help reduce poverty and debt throughout the countries of the world. The UK alone would generate £20 billion in extra cash.
Shop The Nighy Look:
Bench BCH180
With Nighy being joined by other famous names like Nicholas Sarkozy, Angela Merkel, Bill Gates and even The Archbishop of Canterbury the Robin Hood tax is growing in recognition by the day and currently has web support at 97,398 people. Not bad for an idea that has only been in the public eye for 19 months.
And the reason for Bill Nighy getting behind the cause?……”I blame Richard Curtis…..everyone else does”. Get’s our vote!
Posted on: November 4th, 2011 by Jon
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