STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

clothes_horse · Dooney & Bourke

question for those that wear glasses...

Kelly · Hermes

Hmmm. I've always just bought them from my ophthalmologist (her office sells them) but my mom goes to Lens Crafters or some generic place like that. I know I'm not getting the best discount, though. It think it could be a bad idea to buy glasses online without trying them on first. Even frames with similar shapes look good or worse on me, depending on the color or the size or just small details. You could always go somewhere like Lens Crafters, try on frames, and when you find the ones you want write down the brand and style and search on the Internet to get them cheaper. At my ophthalmologist, you can bring in frames and they'll ship them off to get the lenses put in for you.

cahabo · Kate Spade

I'd never get glasses over the internet because I have to try on countless pairs to find something I like. Besides, it's so much funner to try on the ridiculous frames for a good laugh! For my regular glasses I got them at an optical center where I could use my insurance to get them for practically free (Shopko Optical). I got my prescription sunglasses at Walmart. They have a few designers like Oscar de La Renta. All my family who has gotten glasses at Walmart has been very pleased with them and like them so much better than pairs they have paid $$$$ for elsewhere.

exsupahero · Kate Spade

costco is awesome in terms of price and service

Elle · Hermes

exsupahero wrote:

costco is awesome in terms of price and service

Ditto this - that's where I'm probably headed when I need a new pair.

Last time I went to America's Best though, when they had their exam + 2 pairs of glasses for $99 sale. I was pretty impressed by their selection of higher-end frames, but if you get those your price goes up from $99! Might consider going back there again, because I really really like having more than one pair of frames to pick from everyday.

I don't see any problem buying frames online if they're the same as the ones you'd get from an eye doctor - I'd call or go into a couple eye places first and find out how much they'd charge you to put lenses in them first though.

-- Edited by Elle at 10:50, 2008-05-02

clothes_horse · Dooney & Bourke

thanks ladies! i have a costco near me, so i'll go check them.

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

If you have a SEE nearby, they have reasonable prices and stylish frames.

ILoveChoo · Hermes

I got mine at costco. they're super cute!!

KaffeeKlatsch · Marc Jacobs

Hmmm...I always get mine at the office also. Maybe next time I'll have to look around more.

Suasoria · Chanel

I think if you have the exact style number, color, and size (the same frame is often made in multiple sizes) I don't see why you shouldn't buy them online.

I've gotten new lenses put in older frames at LC and at regular optometrists, so there's no difference that I can think of if you want to BYO frames.

Bear in mind they won't give you the same guarantees and whatnot - like if they happen to break your frames when they''re putting in the lenses, you might be SOL.

I also like having different glasses and switching back and forth depending on my outfit. If you can afford new glasses plus getting a new prescription in some you already have, it's great to have the option in the morning!

Those are really cute, by the way.

bex · Chanel

greendiamond wrote:

If you have a SEE nearby, they have reasonable prices and stylish frames.

ditto- this is where i get my glasses from. my dr has fuddy-duddy styles so i just go to SEE to get my glasses when i need them.