On the Scene at Vision Expo: Here's What's Next in Specs & Sunnies

A #VisionExpo #Selfie

I'm a regular contact lens wearer but in recent months, I've been experimenting more and more with eyewear. After all, glasses can be a killer way to freshen up your look, or to add interest and contrast to an outfit. And after a visit to Vision Expo, the annual eyewear trade and trends show held at the Javits Center in New York, I'm reminded that what I find most interesting is that the trends in eyewear aren't specific to sunglasses - these days, you can also find specs in memorable shapes and colors, and with truly incredible, statement-making details.

At Vision Expo, I was not only able to explore all of the latest trends in eyewear, I also caught up with style expert Jenn Falik, who was on the scene to chat trends and key takeaways. If you're planning to add eyewear or a new pair of sunnies (or two!) to your accessories wardrobe this season, here's what you'll want to look for:

• Unique details and slight embellishment, like the tiny baby pyramid studs seen here on the nose bridge of these Balmain

• Statement brow bars, a la the fur-trim Givenchy seen here, or the Valentino Rockstud sunnies seen above

• Printed frames or, in dramatic juxtaposition, clear ones - seen on both eyeglasses and shades. I particularly liked the fun and affordable Kensie version below.

Truth be told, there were too many pairs of eyewear to love at Vision Expo to recount in a single post, but I will say that a few brands REALLY stood out - among them, Balmain's statement-making eyewear and sunwear, the new (to me?) collection of frames from 3.1 Phillip Lim, Eté's exotic wood frame specs and the luxe French collection, Face à Face. I'll also be keeping my eyes peeled for frames by Selima for celebrity stylist, June Ambrose, who also has a great-looking collection of shoes launching at HSN this Spring.

If you have any favorite eyewear brands that I may have missed, leave a comment below, or tweet me @eye4style. And for updates on all things eyewear, visit the Eyecessorize blog, and follow my friends at @eyecessorize on Twitter!

While this post was produced in partnership with Vision Expo, all opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

Eat This: Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley

It's sad but true to say that I LIVE for a tea service, and in the past, I've featured my amazing, life-altering Prêt-à-Portea experience at The Berkeley in London (see post here.)

But just as seasons and styles change, so too do the delicious couture treats you'll find The Berkeley and the posh hotel has JUST unveiled their latest collection of fashionable deliciousness. Included in the mix are a Valentino orange and ginger clutch bag cake closed with oversized chocolate bow, Jil Sander's pomegranate and grenadine mousse dress topped with colourful chocolate flower pattern, a gold Dolce & Gabbana chocolate éclair sprinkled with festive stars and OF COURSE, Miu Miu's winter spice sparkly high-heeled shoe for a shocking pop of colour (spelled the Brit way, obvs).

Prêt-à-Portea is served in the Caramel Room at the Berkeley from 1-6pm daily, and priced from £36.50 (Approx. $59) per person. For more information or to book online, head here now, with little to no haste.

On The Power of a Style Signature

Style is a funny thing in that it's kind of undefinable. You either have it or you don't, and to be honest, I'm not sure if it can be learned. One of the few common denominators among the most stylish people I know (who range from tattooed rockabilly punks to uber-preps who feel most at home at their country estate in CT) is that they tend to have at least one style "signature" -  a key silhouette, accessory, color or item that creates a thread of consistency through their look from day to day.

I've often discussed how I love a fashion multiple, and it's generally in those multiples that I inadvertently find my own style signatures. Ironically enough, I've got not just one, but essentially all on today.

• Simplicity in style and cut.  As you can see, I'm wearing super classic pieces above, including a crazy cheap pair of dark rinse, skinny Charlotte Russe jeans that give any high-end pair a run for its money.
• Color. I love NOTHING like I love a pop of color. Exhibit A: the gray and chartreuse scarf (via Old Navy.) Exhibit B: the Balenciaga Giant Day in Electric Turquoise
• Oh right...Balenciaga. Another style signature of mine - I have three and I'm currently eyeballing a fourth for Spring '11 in Mimosa, a bright, poppy yellow (Surprised? Probably not, assuming you read the bullet above.) I love many things about Balenciaga bags, but most notably, the ultra soft leathers, easy but edgy styles, and unique colors, which are (#themoreyouknow) never repeated.
• Jewelry. If I leave the house without it, I feel absolutely naked. Generally speaking, I go for one statement piece (in this case, the stacked Alexis Bittar, Disaya and Kenneth Jay Lane bangles) at a time, and balance that with smaller, more delicate pieces.
• Lastly, but never an afterthought (in fact, I often start there), shoes. Today's beautiful weather allowed me to break out the very spring-y, very dangerous Valentino Rockstud Pump, which inspired my colleague John to exclaim, "Those are fucking terrifying! But in a nice way." In other words, mission accomplished.

What are your style signatures? Do tell in the comments.

Photo snapped by Felicia "desperately seeking Filippa K" Sullivan