I am addicted to vintage cat-eye glasses and have become an avid collector of them. These are my new finds as of recent. However, finding the right pair is tough because you have to try it before you buy it. Many people shop for vintage specs through ebay and I have done that and learned that what you see is not always what you get. Vintage specs from the 50s and 60s were made in a variety of sizes but most run fairly small. Shopping on ebay, I ended up with a bunch of cat-eye specs that were way too small for my face and had to sell them. My suggestion to anyone looking for really great frames is to attend flea markets or thrift stores where you can actually try them on. The best part about buying specs at flea markets and thrift shops are the prices as well (depending on where you go). I like to find mine at flea markets in deserted towns, places that have boxes full of them. If you aren’t afraid to wipe the dust off, you may find the perfect pair of vintage specs at the perfect price. Some of my vintage glasses cost as little as $3! The most I have ever spent on a pair of glasses was $50 just because the lenses and condition was perfect and didn’t need work. I got most of these specs restored and re-lensed at Luxeye Optical in Williamsburg Brooklyn. I have good vision so I got regular lenses for just $30 and they sometimes finish the job the same day I bring them in. All of my vintage glasses end up costing me less than $50 which is less than most expensive thrift stores and online shops may sell you- with warped lenses and screws that may be loose. Save your money vintage mavens and go on a treasure hunt at your local vintage flea markets and get some vintage specs restored at a great affordable optical shop like Luxeye Optical. I am sure you will hit the jackpot like I did!
Here are some photos of me in some of my new specs <3
When I bought these 25% of the handle was broken at the tip, didn’t care..At $3 you wouldn’t care either. They are still broken but not really noticeable. 
These are really cool despite the leucite turning a little yellow from the age, I bought them anyway. The blue brows of these specs are simple but classic. $5 specs + $30 lenses = $35!
I bought these in pristine condition for just $5, they have a tiger strip design within the leucite that was irresistible. I mean look at them, they are amazing! They came with lenses that had a not so crazy prescription but I bought new lenses anyway. $35!These were a little more expensive at $20 and had no lenses at all. However, I fell in LOVE with them and they are actually my favorite out of my collection because of the intergalactic marble design. These ended up costing me $50 after I got them re-lensed.
There you go, you don’t have to go spending tons on a pair of glasses that fit your pinup personality. It is worth being patient and searching for a deal!
Happy thrifting!
XOXO
My name is Jasmin Rodriguez also known as Vintage Vandalizm. I am an avid collector of vintage dresses and most people know me for my style. I am also an artist and I try to incorporate all aspects of art in everything that I do. I am an aspiring Designer and I plan to take over the fashion world with my limitless imagination. My whole philosophy on fashion has always been to think outside of the box. My style has no boundaries but I have commonly taken inspiration from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. I love the pinup culture and style however I love being versatile so most of the time I like to clash opposites, different genres of history and fashion and somehow, someway, I make it work. I think the world is too fixated on trends that people tend to forget who they are and what they like..I’m here to help you break free, to help you stand out, to help you create your own style, be your own person, and most importantly see fashion in a whole different light.
I love vintage frames! My optometrist told me to look for ones that have NEVER been worn, however. The way they insert the lenses on older glasses that don’t have screws in the frames, is to heat the plastic and pop out the lenses and then put new ones in. Over time, the reheating causes the little ridge around the lenses to distort and then they don’t stay in the glasses very well. There’s a term for it but I can’t remember it right now!
None of mine have broke yet :/. That is so strange! <3
Seeing these just makes me wish I wore glasses! SO many possibilities.
Great post! I’ve actually bought several vintage pairs from Etsy and a few sites successfully. If you know the measurements of the frames that fit you, it’s pretty easy to buy online. I started wearing glasses in 3rd grade, and since high school have worn vintage or vintage inspired frames, so I have lots of glasses to refer to for size. Reputable online sellers list the frames’ measurements, which appear ON the frame itself (usually on the inside of the ear piece or the bridge, or if it has worn off, they will provide measurements. Since I don’t have any place devoted to vintage eyewear that I can visit in person regularly, knowing my measurements has allowed me to find some fabulous cat eyes of my own through the awesomeness of the interwebs!
I love your collection glasses and they look great on you.
I’m in love with Cat eyes too! and you are right searching for the perfect pair of glasses requires patience. I’m still on the hunt for mine! <3
You suit the style so well. I got a pair of Betsey Johnson cat eye shape sunglasses that were white , they had a few studs missing you could hardly notice I managed to get them cheap such a bargain.
I recently Purchased a pair online from The Vintage Optical Shop, they have a great selection of vintage cat eye’s though the prices on most are closer to $100. Even though the size was correctly listed they did not work for me and I had to return them, their money back guarantee came in handy. I don’t get around to flea markets that often so shopping online works for me.
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heeeey viny! believ it or not one month ago I found the same glasses you have (intergalactic marble design) at the flew market and fell instantly in love with. now I got new glasses and wear them all the time – just looooove it!!! too sad I can’t attach a picture
I’m interested in purchasing a pair of vintage cat eye frames and vintage cat eye half reading glasses. Don’t have a clue where to go. Please help me. Point me in the right direction. Where do I go?