Warby Parker Home Try On: A Review of My Experience

Being the adult that I am now, I felt inclined to ask my parents to give me new glasses for my birthday. I already had glasses, but they made me look like a 16-year-old and that is approximately when I got them, so I thought something a little more profesh would be nice. I also tend to run a little short on cash myself, so my mom and dad were gracious enough to help out for my birthday. Thus begins the Warby Parker Home Try On experience.

I immediately put 6 items into my cart and ordered them for the free try-on:

   

My box showed up within a few days, though there were only five pairs instead of the six on my order confirmation. It's probably for the best, however, as the Winston likely would be too large for my face based on the size of the others. 

I quickly set myself to figuring out which pair I wanted. I stared in the mirror a lot, took lots of pictures of myself, and was generally vain and disgusting. This part is very fun. My only complaint is that one of the frames had arms bent so badly they wouldn't sit even remotely straight on my face. In the end I narrowed it down to two pairs from this box. 

The Finch in Violet Magnolia looks good on me because it has the slightly sloping brow-line and a gentler shape. I also appreciate that the tortoiseshell colour has flecks of purple in it. They're very unexpectedly what I like regardless of how large they are.

The Beckett in Revolver Black Matte is just enough dork-chic without being toooo dorky, which was the problem with several of the other pairs. They seem to make me look smart, which works in the professional world. I wish the brow-line was just a little more sloped, they might be perfect then.

I posted these pictures to instagram with the customary hashtag: #warbyhometryon. My friends weighed in an Warby Parker weighed in (how cool would it be to have that job? Just hanging out and commenting on peoples' glasses all day?) and the Finch style won overwhelmingly. I liked them but I wasn't quite ready to make up my mind about it yet. I am a generally indecisive person, and Warby Parker totally plays to me, as they'll send a new box of 5 for free! I packed up the original 5 and hauled them off to the post office. I made note of my favorites and placed an order for a 2nd home try-on. I decided to go with a few more colours and different styles this time, as the thick black frames don't seem ideal for me. I even threw a pair of actual cat-eye glasses into this try on, since the sloping brow-line actually does look quite nice.

It took a little bit longer for the second box to arrive, as they do have to wait for the first box to be returned and checked for all the pairs, so the anticipation was probably even higher with the second box. I was surprised by which pairs topped my list.

The Holcomb in Oak Barrel were my favorite. They were very librarian in a completely good way. This pair, however cost extra. They were $145 as opposed to the $95 of all the other pairs.

The Lyle in Hanalei Tortoise was another neat pair; green and yellow tortoise shell and actually pretty bright in colour. The green in the frames definitely brought out the green in my eyes. I wasn't 100% convinced that this particular nose-piece style looked best on me however.

I returned these pairs as well. It took a lot of deliberating (mostly between the Finch and the Holcomb) but I ended up following my pocketbook to the winner. Because I am so blind, I have to have high-index lenses so I don't go all Trelawney. These lenses are much more dense than typical and cost a completely reasonable 30$ extra (they often run much higher than that at brick and mortar vision stores). I picked the Finch in Violet Magnolia, measured my pupillary distance, and placed the order.

Here is where things went slightly awry! I waited patiently for my glasses only to open the box and be very confused about what was inside. I was convinced that the frames were not what I expected and that I must have messed up my pupillary distance, as I couldn't see at all! Luckily they print the name of the frame on the inside of the arm, and what a received was NOT the Finch. I emailed customer service and they provided a label for me to return this pair for my correct pair. I expected them to offer some kind of service gesture to apologize for the mix up, and once I submitted that as feedback, they offered 20% off my next pair of glasses. Not ideal, as I don't generally buy glasses that often, but it's better than a kick in the pants.

Since receiving the correct pair, however, I have not been dissatisfied for a moment. I wear my glasses far more frequently now that I don't feel like the president of my high school anime club (or something equally young and nerdy) when I wear them. I actually can kind of pull of a more professional creative-type glasses look which I'm very happy with.

All-in-all I would definitely recommend the Warby Parker Home Try On experience. I enjoyed it immensely, loved the variety of styles and colours, found it very convenient, and the price was totally reasonable even with my special lens needs. Even when they did mess up, they rectified the fumble as quickly as possible. 

Have any of you tried one the many online glasses retailers? How was your experience? Let me know in the comments!

Let's go upstairs and read my tarot cards,

Cait

Rock the Trend: how to wear black and white this Spring

Since I'm still home, laying about, I have spent a lot of time engaged in the glorified window shopping that is 'putting outfits together'. It mostly makes me realize that I am capable of being stylish, if only I had the funds.

One thing that is abundantly clear to me about this Spring: black and white is in. There are so many patterns and designs available in black and white right now, which is fine with me because you can really dress those items up any way you want. I've dressed up some of my favorite things for six different occasions below.


First, this gorgeous illusion dress with lots of gold accessories for a night on the town. I haven't really been able to get into the toe-cap shoes as a whole, but I do like these ones that add just a little glitz, while remaining comfortable (and flat) enough to dance the night away. I'm also really enjoying all of the insect-themed jewelry available right now, especially honeycomb necklaces and these earrings.

dress- ELOQUII, necklace- Etsy, cuff- Nordstrom, shoes- Overstock

This is a pretty typical weekend outfit for myself, comfortable and practical, and these monochromatic giraffe-print leggings just set it off. Paired up with your favorite chambray shirt and leather jacket, plus these awesome ribbon-laced docs, you'll be ready to kick some serious ass.

leggings- ASOS, sunglasses- Romwe, boots- Zappos, jacket- Dorothy Perkins, shirt- Modcloth

Nothing quite makes going to work bearable like knowing that you look awesome. I'm in love with so many parts of this outfit, and the top is already on my to-purchase-when-your-size-is-back-in-stock list. I added a cardigan, though I hate them just a little bit (I can't make them fit right), because it seems so much more practical for an ice-cold office. It's a fact known only go Gu that I'm obsessed with blue footwear (see above), so these velvet flats tickled my fancy AND are work appropriate. Incidentally, I adore these earrings, because they accurately reflect my feelings while at work, acting as a small way to stick it to the man without getting fired.

skirt- ASOS, shirt- Modcloth, sweater- H&M, earrings- Etsy, shoes- Heavenly Couture

I always have a hard time getting dressed up for a hot date with my fella, because I can never decide where on the spectrum of fun to fancy I want to end up. Black and white makes it easy though, because a simple geometric dress like this, while a little on the fancy side alone, can have bright and quirky accessories added to pull it over to the fun side. Seriously how cute are these bobby pins? Throw your hair up into a bun and put a few in the back for extra colour. I find that you can never go wrong with dress+boots because dress+boots=perfect outfit, without fail.

dress- Modcloth, purse- Topshop, tights- Silkies, hairpins- Jane Tran, boots- Modcloth, ring- Forever 21

The outfit is also the hardest part of my job interview prep routine. I always like to keep it professional, but I'm not going to hide my personality. I love the swirl on this dress, and the pop of red will still show through an open moto-cut blazer. I waffled between black and red shoes for this outfit for a while, but decided that I'd probably go for colour in my real life, so why not in my window-shopping life. These earrings are very playful, but can hide beneath your hair if necessary. And look at this bag: you could fit your tablet, copies of your resume, your wallet, AND your lunch in it, thus preventing you from becoming a bag lady (with purse, lunchbag, computer bag, etc in tow).

dress- Modcloth, blazer- Dorothy Perkins, shoes- Modcloth, tote- Dorothy Perkins, earrings- Forever 21, watch- Etsy

Lastly, a cute outfit for a casual dinner with friends. Comfortable and easy to wear, a nice flowy tank with a fitted skirt is an option that I always keep available in my closet. I also paired this with sandals because I am ready for the rain to stop and the weather to warm up enough to bare my toes all over the sound.

shirt- ASOS, necklace- Romwe, skirt- ELOQUII, sandals-Lulu*s

What do you think of all the black and white options out there this spring? Let us know what ones are your favorites so we can check them out! 

you fool, it's only moonlight,

Cait

March Coveting

1. Always Flock Together Flat

2. Fancy Cutout Scalloped Back Dress

3. By The Sea Glass Necklace

4. Super Soft Flamingo Scarf

5. Tatami Woven Classic in Peridot

6. Housewarming Your Home Top

It's all I can do to keep from falling in love with you,

Cait

Friday's Awesome Five (on Saturday, but still awesome!)

Hi there luscious Lushies! I apologize for my absence as of late. I've been fighting a pretty terrible back injury that has me in physical therapy several times a week. This Sunday, when sitting down to enjoy some soup (Szechuan pork soup, as it were), something crunched in my back and it left me screaming, unable to walk, and being taken to the hospital by paramedics. I'm in much better shape now after some good medications, one Harry Potter movie marathon, and lots of TLC from my Mom, so I intend on resuming my posts (especially since I have another week in which the doctor has forbidden me to work and there is only so many times I can watch 6 episodes of True Detective). So without further ado...

1. Wait, you might be saying to yourself, I am already well aware that Lush Scouts love donuts! However, these aren't just any old donuts; these are micro-bead donut pillows! They're 16" in diameter and less than 25$. If you are a blasphemer who likes ice-cream sandwiches, cupcakes, or ice-cream cones better than donuts, there are even options for you.

2. This video has been on repeat in my life this week (and everyone else's if you're judging based on the 4.5 million views). It takes on special meaning when you have a basic understanding of German, in that geil means both 'awesome' and 'horny'. There are a couple of other amusing jokes in there, involving cats and the like.

3. This handy little infographic (click to embiggen) is going to be helping me out with a little bit of spring cleaning, which I hope to do this week (I promise I won't over-do it Mom). Thank you unfuckyourhabitat!

4. BEHOLD! The Teggings tubetop. This baby, from what I can tell, is essentially a functioning bandeau top for ladies with big tatas! Right now it's almost out of stock, but when black is back, you can bet your sweet bippy I'm going to buy one. A bandeau that would work for me would be a MIRACLE. It's like Re/Dress can see into my soul.

5. I'm gonna let you in on a little secret: I love looking in other peoples' houses. Now it isn't strictly because I'm nosy. It's more because I like to see how other people decorate. This is why sites liked Apartment Therapy etc are such an epic time-suck for me. This is why I can watch HGTV nonstop when I am somewhere with cable TV. This is also why I thoroughly enjoy the Young House Love 'House Crashing' series. In the most recent installment they took a look at the home of Kimberly (a stylish American living in Manchester). Just check out those colours, that bright and airy kitchen, and that amazing gallery wall that gives this poster-junkie hope for her own future.

Tired of waiting, tired of waiting for you,

Cait

Friday's Awesome Five

In just a short few days I'll be beach-bummin on my first ever jaunt to Hawaii, so pardon me if this five is a bit sun-soaked. PARDON ME, Lush Scouts!!

1. Courtney Barnett is a girl who surely knows a thing or two about sunshine--she's a new singer-songwriter from down undah! A recent discovery for me, this aussie's new single 'Avant Gardener' is guaranteed to get you chilling on your front lawn. She reminds me of Ty Segall or Kurt Vile in a way, with her psychedelic almost country sound.

1. The neon-coral Scallop Crop Vest (is that British for tank top?) is going to look so so good with my favorite pair of high-waist skinnies! It's leaving me yearning for that first day of spring where you can whip off your jacket and dance in the streets--but for now this bright and sunny top will have to do. From Topshop

3. I found this tasty sounding Candied Grapefruit Cocktail on pinterest this week, and it's kinda hard to tell if it's a cocktail or a cooking project... For people like us, that's a good thing! From Tablespoon

4. Every time that I forget and re-remember that indoor citrus trees are possible, my day is brightened! That happened today, and I spent a good amount of time learning more about how easy it is to keep a lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, or whatever tree thriving in your favorite sunny window. I have only dim windows (apartment livin'... sigh), so I'll keep this on my list for my next move!

5. Another Topshop item I want need! Summer is the best time for big purses, so that you can have everything from your current book, a bathing suit, a jar of wine, a frisbee, to an emergency cardigan (should night unexpectedly fall). From Topshop

We'll get there fast and then we'll take it slow,

-gu

Friday's Awesome Five

1. I'm kinda bad at the internet--I know that seems like a weird thing to admit, but I am famously not great at finding cool new blogs etc. (unlike you! you hip scout reading LS before it's even cool) But this week I discovered a new blog and also a new person I want to be: Keiko Lynn. Find her blog at www.keikolynn.com. She wears amazing outfits that are the perfect combo of badass and girly. Gurl is revvin' my fashion engines, and even makes me kinda want to wear cool eyeshadow!

2. The Looking for Love Sunglasses from ModCloth. Only one month till V Day! Cait and I got matching pairs.

3. This 'Huge Uterus Plush' toy. I want to hug it.

4. My weekend marathon show this week is Lilyhammer. It's a netflix original about a Mafia member who gets relocated to Norway and makes the 'Gu Frown' face a lot. Watch it!

5. I bought a LOT of Chia Seeds. A LOT. I definitely got caught up in the magic of costco, but I suppose there are worse random items to come home with in bulk! They have a zillion health benefits (my new years resolution is to be very regular) and I won't bore you with those because I'm sure your healthy friends have already spammed facebook with them. I've only tried a few things with them, and I'm in search of the perfect use! I've made the Easy Chia Pudding pictured below (I give it a B), I've added Chia to my oatmeal (A-),  and  soaked the chia seeds in orange juice and used the mixture in this Pineapple Coconut Citamin C Smoothie (A+). Send your favorite recipes my way, I have more than enough to do some experimenting!

Ch ch ch ch chia!

gu

Friday's Awesome Five

1. The Fox is Black is one of my favorite blogs right now. It is run by Bobby Solomon, who has an eye for lovely and good taste in art and music leaning towards the cutting edge. Plus they really love space suits.I really got hooked on the site when I discovered their clever way to partner with talented artists and designers and bring some talent to a boring-sounding medium: the Desktop Wallpaper Project. Here are some of my favs, but there are about a skillion on the site.

2. I want ALL the stuff! Including this tee from Urban Outfitters. (Any stuff accepted though!)

3. The National's new album Trouble Will Find Me is rocking my emotional socks. I admit, I stumbled upon this while perusing NPR's recent Tiny Desk Concerts (a good way to spend a slow day at work), but I am so happy I did! The video from NPR is surprisingly intimate and honest considering that they're in an office and it looks to be about noon the day after a show. Grab the album and sit by a river or lake with some beer, that's how The National would want it.

4. Taste of Tacoma is going on this weekend! Sorry non-locals, this food-filled-fest right on the GORGEOUS Puget Sound is in Tacoma only, this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I've never been before, but I know for a fact I'm gonna love it. And did I mention there's a Wine & Jazz garden??

5. I AM GOING SKYDIVING TOMORROW! 'Nuff said.

Friday's Awesome Five

Salut Lush Scouts! I have a roundup of my faves from this week, and there are some really great things, if I do say so myself, so read on!


1. I had a great birthday this year! My parents sent me a package of cool things (including a neat bulletin magnet board my mom hand crafted), Gu got me a couple vinyls, my niece made me a card and sent me a picture of a rainbow unicorn, I went to a concert with Gu and some rad dudes, Gu brought me a donut cake (yes, those are giant donuts sculpted in the shape of a hamburger and fries, and yes, it did have real bacon on it), and she also accompanied me to Von Trapp's to drink Austrian beer and eat Käsespätzle!

I even got to partake in the sharing of a boot of Radler! (I have been informed by my uncle that I have betrayed my German ancestors by drinking without the toe up. My bad!)

Which brings me to my next point...


2. While living in Austria, I discovered the most refreshing beverage on the planet: Radler. It is a beer based, mixed 50/50 with soda, drink that comes in a variety of flavors from lemon to lime to grapefruit to berry and in Austria you can even get an Almdudler mix (if you know where to look). It comes in bottles, it comes in cans, it comes branded, and it comes generic. Similar to the British 'Shandy,' but better, I'm always shocked that it hasn't caught on in America. There is nothing like carrying your groceries from the store to the streetcar, to your apartment, and up several flights of stairs, just knowing there is an ice cold Radler to cheer you when you get to the top.

3. On an unrelated note, I recently ran across Fashion to Figure on Pinterest and I'm a big big fan! It's affordable, on-trend clothes for me! There are already many things in my cart to purchase. I've been wanting a galaxy dress for a while and I really like the colour and the style (especially the sleeves) of the one below. I'm just kind of in love with the striped illusion dress, and that skirt is so so so intriguing. The skirt is sheer, but there are boyshorts inside of it. It's just so crazy! Also interesting fact, the founders are the great grandsons of the Lane Bryant and the store is named after something she said in Glamour: You should never ask women to conform their figures to fashion, but rather bring fashion to the figure.

4. I made Gu this little craft project quite a while ago. It's a canvas with raised letters, all painted the same colour. I was making frames for my niece and nephew to keep pictures of themself with their brand new baby brother and had leftovers so I made one for Gu. It took us all of 6 seconds to decide that it should say 'LESS MOPE MORE DOPE' because that's her favorite slogan after 'Life's A Beach'.  I've been trying to figure out what I want to do with mine, but I think I've finally decided and I'll maybe do a quick little DIY when I get around to making mine this weekend.

5. I am considering putting myself on the market for a rug to brighten up the floor of my room/protect my carpet and thus far I'm finding a few things that draw my eye over at Urban Outfitters. I really like the split rugs that they are offering. I like the idea of getting two prints for the price of one. I'm also always a sucker for bright bright florals. I really like the half polka-dot/half floral rug pictured below and I've included a bonus, because I just really like that mat!

She Moves In Mysterious Ways,

Cait!