L.A. Eyeworks Rufus Frames

THE ASKMEN TAKE

The fact that you need to wear eyeglasses should not condemn you to a unfashionable life. In fact, with the ever-increasing variety and availability of cool glasses to choose from, even those with 20/20 vision have been known to purchase a pair of spectacles simply for their hip style. These Rufus frames from l.a. Eyeworks are exactly the type of glasses that can make you almost glad your vision is impaired, and they have the power to convert even those with perfect eyesight into specs devotees.

UNIQUENESS

l.a. Eyeworks’ Rufus frames are not exactly on par with your average LensCrafters offering. Designed for the customer with inferior optical abilities -- but a superior sense of style -- these frames will instantly set you apart in a crowded room. Softly angular edges keep these eyeglasses modern, while the thickness of the frames gives them a weightier, retro feel. For an updated spin on '60s cool, go for a simple yet elegant look a la Raphael Saadiq by teaming your glasses with smart separates, likecashmere pullovers, perfectly fitted blazers and slim-cut trousers.

If vintage clothing isn’t your thing, channel the future by pairing these specs with an electric-colored blazer, distressed denim and some high-tops. For guys who really want to make a statement, these frames are also available in khaki, eggplant, gray, and tortoiseshell on a cocoa-colored background.

DURABILITY

First off, these frames are made of plastic, so we can’t really guarantee they’ll stand up to a significant amount of mistreatment. That said, as far as plastic goes, l.a. Eyeworks’ Rufus frames are about as high-quality as they come. Additionally, because you can wear these year-round and geek chic continues to be a popular theme in men’s fashion,  you really will keep these eyeglasses until they physically destruct. The major setback of these spectacles is their price. Considering, however, that you’ll keep this sleek eyewear for approximately five years and that $250 is an average price nowadays for fashion-forward specs, you probably won’t feel cheated by purchasing these frames.

Van Heusen Skinny Ties

THE ASKMEN TAKE

Van Heusen may be known for stitching shirts of the no-iron, fuss-free, cotton-blend variety, but the mass manufacturer, sold almost exclusively in JCPenney, does occasionally leave the safety and comfort of barn life for trendier pastures. Fitted dress shirts in slimmer fits come in a palette that strays from the confines of tried and true whites and blues. Brighter colors, like jewel-toned purples, pop against subdued black-and-slate gray offerings. And when arguably one of the most basic brands in a store that breeds consistency is ready to change things up, it’s a wake-up call that everyone should be able to hear even if you’re stuck in a cornfield. Now, Van Heusen is churning out playmates for its trimmer fit shirts. Meet their interpretation of the skinny tie.

UNIQUENESS

It may have taken an arduous six seasons or so for the skinny tie phenomenon to trickle down from the runways into the gut of the garment industry, but the style has managed to seep under JCPenney’s doors. Van Heusen’s version takes the lobster bib width of the nondescript, 9-to-5 government-worker tie and refuses to give it a mandated one-hour lunch break. What you wind up with is a waistline that has shrunk a modest ¾". It’s a subtle change, but the results are surprisingly dramatic. And it comes in seven colors, including an unexpected solid pink and white.

DURABILITY

There is no need to cut the skinny tie loose at the end of the season. Like almost all of JCPenney’s products, this one is in it for the long haul. The tie is made from 100% silk, the steak-and-potatoes-eating daddy of tie fabrics. Colors like red, black, charcoal, baby blue, and eggplant are reliable enough for looks that run the gamut from the everyday to the eclectic. And at $24.99 a pop, they’re an easy and economical way to update your workwear wardrobe this holiday season.