Monocles.

[HadleyH]

No, I'm thinking more a 30s suit, tie, and monocle. One must have a little fun in life, mustn't one? Besides, in my field it's sort of expected that I cultivate some eccentricities.

Well Doran, then I say go for it!

 

[Sefton]

A less "military" look and one more in the 1930's would be like my current avatar: a young Fritz Lang. Monocle,fedora,and for a bit of extra flair;a scarf. Man of mystery...
Good luck and share a picture if don't mind. Cheers!

 

[Tony in Tarzana]

Quick technical question: Is the monocle worn over the dominant eye? How is it looking through one if both eyes need correction?

 

[Spitfire]

Then you wear two monocles, Tony.
But since that is rather difficult, someone has designed a metalframe holder in order to keep the monocles in place.
It's called spectacles.lol

 

[Tony in Tarzana]

The only person I ever knew who needed only one lens was my father, who lost the sight in one eye (and all of his hearing) in a motorcycle accident in 1925.

His younger brother tried to talk him into wearing a monocle, but alas wasn't successful.

 

[Cracker]

What subject was the PhD going to be in? Where were you doing it? When?

U.Va., Architectural History, early '90s. I got my Masters there, couldn't find a job, waited tables, and went back to grad school a year later. I liked the research, hated Mr. Foucault and all those "ism"s (postmodern, deconstructiv, marx, &c.). I bailed after completing the additional year of coursework and a semester of reading classes prepping for my orals. I got a job with the NCDOT, doing field work with other UVa refugees, and loved it.

 

[Veronica Parra]

I have been thinking about wearing a monocle. As I often shave my head completely bald and wear a suit and black tie, I am thinking it would look stylish. No one wears them at all anymore. Or am I wrong? I have seen a few on e-bay ... any advice?

You've neglected to say whether you have a vision problem with one of your eyes. If you don't, then how can you justify wearing a monocle without seeming ludicrous? Are you one of those fellows with perfect vision who wear spectacles, not to mention the healthy souls who pretend to use canes?


.

 

[reetpleat]

You've neglected to say whether you have a vision problem with one of your eyes. If you don't, then how can you justify wearing a monocle without seeming ludicrous? Are you one of those fellows with perfect vision who wear spectacles, not to mention the healthy souls who pretend to use canes?


Well, I think a cane would be odd if you are not injured, but a walking stick is perfectly acceptable, if archaic.

As far as monocles go, I have always been of the understanding that they are kind of a reading lens. It would be unusul to wear one all the time as it would surely fall out and of course you have the focus thing.

They are usually kept on a chain or in pocket and pulled out to read with or examine something closely, and then returned to pocket or string. For reading or whatever, one would either close one eye or just foucus their vision on the eye with the monocle.

You don't really need to scrunch one eye. You exagerate the opening of one eye, raising the eyebrow, then let it relax over the lens.

 

[luvthatlulu]

Brooksie is getting a little concerned...

that some of us may be losing our focus (no pun intended). I respect the original question that started this thread and the discussion; however, do we really want to see or do anything to encourage monocles to make a comeback? I think not.

There seems to be a current running thru the FL now that anything old, "of the period", Golden Era-esque, etc must be stylish by default. Not true. Every decade has had both good and bad style. We should all strive to discern what is and what isn't based on our own tastes (making some allowances for personal eccentricity). But I doubt we'll have much success converting many of the "great unwashed" or backwards ballcap-wearing idiots to our point of view if we all start emulating the look of that little Monopoly fellow--top hat,spats, waxed handle-bar moustache and all else that is today synonymous with foppish dress. You don't have to like that premise, but you really should accept it.

Now before everyone starts writing and whining, let me say this: I intend no disrespect to anyone who espouses all or any part of the aforementioned look. I just want the FL to be successful and to help instruct as many men and women as possible how to return to, or at least consider returning to, a manner of more stylish dress...all within the confines of today's society norms. To do anything else may get you high marks as a re-enactor, but on the street I fear it will pass only as buffoonery. And that, dear readers, is what I hope we're all fighting against.

 

[Fletch]

To me the word monocle always calls to mind another somewhat antiquated word: gout. Immobilized old British aristocrats in smoking jackets and emphatically waxed moustaches, piled in overstuffed chairs, one gauze-enwrapped limb balanced on an ottoman, having a screw at The Times and harrumphing mightily at the state of things, wincing slightly with every harrumph.

 

[Veronica Parra]

As far as monocles go, I have always been of the understanding that they are kind of a reading lens. It would be unusul to wear one all the time as it would surely fall out and of course you have the focus thing.

They are usually kept on a chain or in pocket and pulled out to read with or examine something closely, and then returned to pocket or string.

Buenos dias Reet,

What you’re describing is in fact a LOUPE: in English, a very small magnifying glass about the size of a monocle. Unlike a monocle, however, the loupe has a small, thin handle which you use to hold it up to your eye. Monocles don’t have such a handle, because they are held in place by your eye socket.

 

[HadleyH]

To me the word monocle always calls to mind another somewhat antiquated word: gout. Immobilized old British aristocrats in smoking jackets and emphatically waxed moustaches, piled in overstuffed chairs, one gauze-enwrapped limb balanced on an ottoman, having a screw at The Times and harrumphing mightily at the state of things, wincing slightly with every harrumph.

lol lol funny!!!

 

[Tony in Tarzana]

To me the word monocle always calls to mind another somewhat antiquated word: gout. Immobilized old British aristocrats in smoking jackets and emphatically waxed moustaches, piled in overstuffed chairs, one gauze-enwrapped limb balanced on an ottoman, having a screw at The Times and harrumphing mightily at the state of things, wincing slightly with every harrumph.

My life's goal is to be that guy.

 

[Tango Yankee]

Apparently someone still buys them to use

I found a couple of companies that sell new monocles. You can get them with standard reading glasses magnifications or to match your prescription. At eyeglass.com you can get one in tortoise shell or they have them in gold or silver colors. The latter two are made with extensions known as the gallery that raise the lens slightly to keep the eyelashes from jarring it (per Wiki).

The tortoise and the gold are both on back order so they must be popular somewhere! Don't know if you could get a lens without a frame if that's preferable.

They also sell pince nez and lorgnettes! From the web site: "Lorgnettes are spectacles mounted on a handle and were popular during the late 18th century." Never knew what those were called till now.

You know, I can see where someone who needs to somewhat frequently but briefly use reading glasses might prefer a monocle over reading glasses.

Cheers,
Tom

 

[Dr Doran]

A less "military" look and one more in the 1930's would be like my current avatar: a young Fritz Lang. Monocle,fedora,and for a bit of extra flair;a scarf. Man of mystery...
Good luck and share a picture if don't mind. Cheers!

I haven't gotten the monocle yet. EBay is the only place I have found for reasonably priced ones, and unlike the rest of you, I am loath to deal with them. No good reason why. When I get it, I'll take a pic. However, I'll try the source mentioned by Tango Yankee (thank you TY).

 

[Dr Doran]

Quick technical question: Is the monocle worn over the dominant eye? How is it looking through one if both eyes need correction?

I have to confess that I do not wish to get one that actually corrects my vision, for which I wear contact lenses ... call me a poseur if you must (sigh).

 

[Dr Doran]

U.Va., Architectural History, early '90s. I got my Masters there, couldn't find a job, waited tables, and went back to grad school a year later. I liked the research, hated Mr. Foucault and all those "ism"s (postmodern, deconstructiv, marx, &c.). I bailed after completing the additional year of coursework and a semester of reading classes prepping for my orals. I got a job with the NCDOT, doing field work with other UVa refugees, and loved it.

A well-respected school. For a bracing tonic against the radical social constructivism inherent in postmodernism, Marxism, and perhaps deconstruction, I recommend things like Steven Pinker's The Blank Slate.

 

[Dr Doran]

that some of us may be losing our focus (no pun intended). I respect the original question that started this thread and the discussion; however, do we really want to see or do anything to encourage monocles to make a comeback? I think not.

There seems to be a current running thru the FL now that anything old, "of the period", Golden Era-esque, etc must be stylish by default. Not true. Every decade has had both good and bad style. We should all strive to discern what is and what isn't based on our own tastes (making some allowances for personal eccentricity). But I doubt we'll have much success converting many of the "great unwashed" or backwards ballcap-wearing idiots to our point of view if we all start emulating the look of that little Monopoly fellow--top hat,spats, waxed handle-bar moustache and all else that is today synonymous with foppish dress. You don't have to like that premise, but you really should accept it.

Now before everyone starts writing and whining, let me say this: I intend no disrespect to anyone who espouses all or any part of the aforementioned look. I just want the FL to be successful and to help instruct as many men and women as possible how to return to, or at least consider returning to, a manner of more stylish dress...all within the confines of today's society norms. To do anything else may get you high marks as a re-enactor, but on the street I fear it will pass only as buffoonery. And that, dear readers, is what I hope we're all fighting against.

I am not on much of a mission, dear Lulu, I regret to admit. I shan't wear spats nor a waxed mustachio, but a monocle has always attracted me. Not for regular use, just perhaps for amusement ... or is amusement acceptable in your programme?

 

[BegintheBeguine]

I have been thinking about wearing a monocle. As I often shave my head completely bald and wear a suit and black tie, I am thinking it would look stylish. No one wears them at all anymore. Or am I wrong? I have seen a few on e-bay ... any advice?

My advice is to wear one. It would look stylish.

 

[Absinthe_1900]

Or you can go for the "Charlie" look.