I have (at least momentarily) lost the will to decide things on my own. The overwhelming response to the quandary I posed below was in favor of the speaker, so the speaker it is! The decision, insofar as I made it, was a little easier because our current speakers went completely belly-up yesterday, but I do appreciate everyone’s input. I find it hard to cut myself slack, especially when I’m in the midst of serious work, so I especially appreciate the comments of those who encouraged me to spend my credit on something that rates higher on the “enjoyment” than “practicality” scale.
In the spirit of soliciting people’s opinions on purchases, I invite you now to help me choose a pair of glasses. Nuala has destroyed both pairs I got and loved from Zenni Optical. They were cheap (as low as $12 for regular prescriptions, mine were $45 because I’m blind), and if you don’t have a toddler or are klutzy, I would highly recommend them. I can’t keep replacing them, however, and I can’t spend the $300 the optical shop requires to produce a prescription worthy of my nearsightedness. This is where Warby Parker comes in. $95 for a pair of glasses ($125 for me) built like the glasses you get from your ophthalmologist. The selection is heavy on the nerditude, which I enjoy, but the best part is that you can order 5 pairs to try on for free to help you decide. There was a wee delay in shipping because they’re having trouble keeping up with demand, but Wednesday I received my five pairs. Apologies for the less than ideal photo composition and focus–it’s hard to do self-portraits without a tripod and yadda yadda yadda. Here they are:
This style is called “Webb.” From the wearer’s perspective, they’re nice because they minimize the binocular effect you get with dark frames. I’m undecided on their coolness/attractiveness/fit for my style, though.
I like the shape of these (“Zagg”) a lot, but the dark frames with heavy-duty lenses might end up making the lenses look tinted. They come in this color combination that suggests old-fashioned horn-rims, which I theoretically love because they look badass to me. That particular pair was unavailable for home try-on, though, and I’m not sure if I’d actually love them.
These (“Finn”) are good. Nice color, shape is lovely, they look like they’re made for my face. The smaller size of the lens might not work well with my prescription. Also, do I want something a little edgier? I dunno.
This (“Miles”) is the look I think I’m going for: smack-dab between nerdy and badass. I didn’t initially pick these as a favorite, but I think they’re currently in the lead. They also come in the same color as the “Finn” above.
I said I had five pairs, right? I automatically rejected one because the look was somewhere between Harry Potter and Grimsaburger Circa 1988. The line between edgy and ridiculous is sometimes very fine indeed, but they crossed it.
What say you?
I like the second pair best- and indeed am currently sporting a pair just like ‘em!
What do you think about the two-tone option?
Rather like the colour(s) on you.
I’m team Miles! But perhaps Finn would be more versatile? I’ve heard of Zenni optical, but not Warby. Will have to check them out. I think I’m going to get contact prescriptions this year but would like a pair of updated glasses as well.
If I could, I’d wear contacts all the time. My eyes are just so dry, though, that I top out at two, maybe three half-days a week and have to keep a bottle of eye drops handy. If I ever get a big pot of cash, I’m going to seriously think about Lasik.
Check out Warby Parker! I love not having to go through 80 frames to find the 20 I would really be choosing from.
I like the Miles pair as well:) And I like the color option that you have on. The brown seemed to blend in more with your coloring. Now some people like that. However, I am LOVE glasses and think that part of the fun is having your glasses make a statement. The black say, “Hello, I am wearing rockin’ glasses and love it.” Or at least that is what they say to me:)
All that being said, I didn’t look at any of the options and think, “God, No!” So you probably can’t go wrong with any of them.
Good advice from the lady with invariably awesome glasses!
I think Miles looks great on you! Everytime I try to sport a pair like that, it looks like the glasses are wearing me instead of the opposite. But you pull it off really, really well!
Thanks! I think my secret is big honkin’ features: big eyes, robust nose, marshmallowy lips.
I knew a lady who had refined features like yours, and she looked amazing in her narrow cat-eye glasses. I was always so jealous because I looked ridiculous in similar ones.
Definitely Miles for first place, but I do dig Webb for a close second. I don’t envy you this process. The only thing I hate more than picking out frames is trying on swimsuits. Trite, but true.
Yes. I am so relieved I found a swimsuit last year and won’t have to do all that again this year. If it doesn’t still fit I will be sorely disappointed.
Miles. Love the striking look, and the silver (?) accent on the sides. Plus, they’re big and bold, but not so big and bold as to say “look at me, I’m trying to be trendy.” Just, as you say, badass. Cool service — I’m going to have to order my next pair online.
I vote “Miles” as the best looking one and best black version. I had a black pair previous to my current bronze pair. The bronze blends in. While I like the style, I miss the black that accentuated rather than blending in. Like the pink lipstick, btw.
i’m with everyone else on team miles! very cute!
Glad to see a consensus has come together. Miles it is! Now, do I do black, amber tortoise, or sandalwood like the Finns? Heather and Debbie are right about the Finns blending in with my coloring, thereby reducing the accentuation factor, but the amber tortoise wouldn’t. Hmm.