Twenty years ago for my 40th birthday one of my gifts was Lasik Eye Surgery to correct my near-sided vision. Prior to that I had worn glasses and contacts since the fourth grade. Getting my vision corrected was one of the best things I could have done for myself! At the time, they did forewarn me that my vision could change as I age; and I might end up needing readers. At that time, we didn’t spend near the time we do now on computers. Currently, I have a need for both. And don’t we all have a need for sunglasses whether they’re prescription or simply for fun?! They might as well be cute and act as an accessory to our outfits!

Meet Mia of Oxie Affordable Optical

Mia and her husband Ken opened their doors in downtown Aurora a little over 5 years ago. Since day one, she and her staff have strived to provide professional and friendly optical care at an affordable price.

Mia and I originally met when I escorted my mom to help her pick out glasses. Picking out glasses can be a really big deal especially if you need to wear them daily. Similar to myself, my mom wanted a cute pair that would compliment her face and coloring and look good with most outfits. Mia is one of those people that when you meet her you immediately like her! She was super friendly, helpful, patient and knowledgeable. Plus look how cute and stylish she is … an immediate connection! The next time I would connect with Mia was at a fundraiser that we both attended; and my husband’s band was playing at. A couple of years ago I needed to spend some of my Flex Money before the end of they year. I hadn’t had my eyes checked in some time so I decided to see if they had changed and if I had a need for glasses. I decided to support local women owned business and thought of Mia and Oxie Affordable Optical. Mia helped me pick out computer prescription glasses and some glasses for driving. I had so much fun with her looking at frames and making my decisions. I ended up picking out Guess for both pairs. The frame style and how they looked on me was more important than the brand.

These are my driving glasses. Mia encouraged me to wear them when we go to the movies. Now that we’ve been able to do that again, I need to remember to take them with me! I have a tendency to lean towards bigger statement frames. I feel as though my overall face shape and my head size (which I think is large) can handle it!

These are my computer/reading glasses. They’ve made such a difference as I spend a great deal of time both on my computer and reading! I don’t mind needing them as you know I thinking getting old is a gift. (To see my previous post on my thought on turning 60, CLICK HERE.) Additionally, I think of them as an added accessory. You know my feelings about accessories: They elevate an outfit and complete the look!

60TH Birthday Gift

When Ashley, social media manager at Oxie, reached out to tell me that they wanted to gift me a pair of sunglasses for my 60th birthday and asked if I’d be interested in doing a collaboration with them, I was thrilled and happy to participate! Who doesn’t love love celebrating their birthday, birthday gifts and a great pair of sunglasses? I don’t know about you but I have so many pairs and colors to match my swimsuits and just my everyday outfits! I consider sunglasses accessories and like them to compliment my look. Similar to clothing trends there are also sunglasses trends. Updating your sunglasses can be a super easy way to update your look. However, there are also some classic sunglass styles that stand the test of time and are must haves for your collection. Do you have a favorite pair that you always reach for? My favorite classic pair is by Ray Ban and they’re aviator style.

Mia had pulled several pair of sunglasses for my appointment, which I was so appreciative of because there are so many choices even for me (I consider myself very decisive!) it can be overwhelming. Mia helps to simplify the process! I have an oval shaped face and as previously mentioned can wear larger frames and pretty much any shape. I started out trying on about ten pairs of varying sizes, designers, styles and colors. Hope you watch this brief video of the try on process!

Initially, there were ten pairs in the running! Yes, you read that right – ten pairs and so many great options! With Mia’s help and advice, I was able to narrow my choices down to four. Then I did another try on in order to make my final decision. Have you figured out which pair I decided on in the end?

Final Decision

I have got to tell you that I consider myself a very decisive person. I usually know what I like and what suits me right away. I think because there were so many great choices I was really struggling to pick “the pair”! In the end, I choose the Ray Bans because I like the thick frames and style of them. I think they will be classics for a long time to come. I already have an aviator pair of Ray Bans that I love! The color and style will go with so many outfits. Did you make the right guess? Did my choice surprise you at all?

More Birthday Gifts

Getting a new pair of Ray Bans totally made my day so you can image my surprise and thrill when Mia gifted me a pair of round glasses and two pairs of gray colored contacts. The round frames from my try on were also in my top pick when I was trying to narrow down my decision. If you follow me on IG and watch my stories, you know that I was obsessed with the filter that changes your eye color. I loved how fun my eyes looked gray! I joking mentioned to Mr. FTF that I was going to get myself some colored contacts. He laughed but I’m sure wasn’t surprised. Did you know you don’t need a prescription to get colored contacts? I don’t wear them everyday but have been enjoying wearing them for date nights, girl friend get togethers and other special occasions. If you could have another eye color, what would you choose?

These round sunglasses with the yellow reflective lenses have gotten so many compliments every single time I wear them! You can see they are easily styled for work and play. The first picture is on my drive to work. The second picture is at Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) yoga!

I think these Ray Ban have just a little bit of an edge and coolness to them! I can’t imagine there being any outfit that wouldn’t look great with them from casual to fancy!

These gray contacts are beyond fun! I’m now curious to try other colors! What do you think…brown or gray eyes?

THANK YOU

A HUGE thank you to Mia and Ashley! You know that I’m all about having fun, laughing, trying new things and having new experiences plus we’re as much about friends as we are about fashion! This experience and collaboration checked off all of those boxes for me! I’m so grateful for Mia’s generosity, kindness and helping me celebrate my 60th birthday!

Oxie Affordable Optical

If you live local, you will want to visit Mia for all your vision, sunglasses, glasses and contact needs! If you’re not local, feel free to give Mia a call and she can address any questions on a phone call or via a zoom chat!

On a side note, I wanted to mention that Oxie Affordable Optical is in a really cool building in downtown Aurora. It was once a furrier and still has the vault. Mia has pictures of the old downtown area and her family displayed. It’s fun to just stop in and see the decor plus take a trip down memory lane!

SUPPORT LOCAL

Oxie Affordable Optical
131 W Galena Blvd, Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 692-9220

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What were your favorite pair of sunglasses that I tried on? Do you have a favorite brand of sunglasses or glasses? Leave us a comment! We love to hear from you!

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