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

1. I am obsessed with a little website that I think I've mentioned before called Human. While they have a lot of novelty tees that aren't really my style, they also have lots of feminism-themed items that I find more than amusing (I even purchased a crewneck sweater that I pretty much haven't taken off since I bought it). Take, for example, the below:

A bright and cuddly blanket to curl up with while also supporting eye patches and equality?

  

Some new throw pillows to spice up your apartment?

Or perhaps you'd rather wear your heart on your sleeve?

2. So basically, trailers forever. I've been keeping a window with 20 tabs of beautiful vintage trailers open in my Chrome for week. Did it weird out the man? Maybe. But I have a feeling there might be some paintings and/or papercuttings and/or beautiful daydreams coming.

(Srsly. Look at those flamingos... swoooon.)

3. One of my favorite ladies, my main sister/dirty mistress from my time in foreign lands, shared this pin with me, reigniting my passion for the Austrian artist Egon Shiele. I forgot just how much I enjoy his works. A student of Klimt, his life was crazy, his choices were questionable, and he may have been run out of multiple towns for his 'improper' behavior, but his depictions of places, women, and sex are gorgeous and unique. I encourage you to take a look!

4.  I'm in love with these dainty old lady teacups with sassy sayings inside from UO... I will divise a plan to make these. Stand by!

5. Lastly, for your lulz:

Inner-City Wizard School from Peter Atencio on Vimeo.

mama says you should do it while you're young,
cait

Friday's Awesome Five

1. It's spring time which means it is almost summer time which means all I can think about are fruity cocktails. Forever and ever. Next on my to-do list is this Blueberry Passion Mojito.

2. Speaking of alcohol, the recenet purchase of Elysian Superfuzz was an excellent choice. Fruity but still with all the excellent qualities a good pale, we enjoyed a couple of these with a fancy ass pizza we made the other night. And seriously, who could resist the packaging?

3. Ya girl has been online shopping! I just dropped some dough at Lulus.com (among other places... sorry bout it), they've got lots of super girly and cute stuff. Maybe too much. Either way, I picked up this frilly little skirt, and Cait was very surprised! I guess spring is putting the girly girl back in Gu!

4. I'm getting a haircut today! I am so so excited! I have no clue what I'm gonna do, but I have never gotten a bad 'do from the sistas at Supernova. Whenever I get the final "so what do you think?!" there's only ever one thing to say:

5. This weekend is the Daffodil Festival in Tacoma! You wouldn't believe the gritty city would still be into this kind of thing, but the festival revolves around a group of "Daffodil Princesses" and is a debutante type of thing. They do some volunteering, throw a parade, and daffodils get painted on main intersections around town, so I'm not complaining! Check out their Facebook page for event info, I'll see ya there pre-gaming Second Saturdayz!

Brought to you by a splash of gu and a dash of Cait. 

Friday's Awesome Five

Hey Lush Scouts! It's Friday again, praise be! And that means a wrap up of all my favorite things about this week. Besides it ending, here are the best parts of my week:

1. This super inspiring TEDxtalk by Amanda Palmer. She has some great things to say about life and asking for help, but more than anything, she says some stuff about the changes the music industry may have to consider to stay relevent; things I've considered myself in fact.

2. I love Essie Tart Deco so much that after buying it last year I used the entire bottle over the course of the summer. Now it's spring again and this lady wanted her tart! So using the $2 off Essie coupon Target is offering right now, I got a new bottle. It immediately went on my fingers. I feel springier already.

3. One of my favorite places for on-trend, sometimes over-the-top, and always sexy plus-size clothes right now is Posh Shoppe. I own a couple things from them already and love them all! As if I didn't already want this top aaaand also this one, they just released a new Colorblock Crossback Dress and I'm in loooove.

4. My sister sent these tea-cup lights to me on Pinterest from Apartment Therapy. They are the Electric Mavis lighting collection from Greg Bonasera. It may or may not be pretty obvious to those around me that I love teacups and this is such a brilliant way to use them! I may have to figure out how to wire a few of these for my own apartment!

5. Besides the other eighty-seven-thousand items I covet over at Modcloth, the Lilac Festival Top has been tickling the hell out of my fancy lately. Much to Gu's chagrin, I love ombre and this shirt fits the bill. Also, I'm not normally a fan of purple but something about this has convinced me to put my predjudice aside.

* Bonus: I am watching the HELL out of X-files on Netflix Instant Stream. Can I get an amen?

Bring out the tiger in you,

Cait

Anything get your goat this week Lush Scouts? Let us know!

Friday's Awesome Five

1. Madewell. This site and I have been courting one another for a long time, and I finally took the plunge and gave it a full-day browse. They solve all of my inner preppy vs hipster angst! Its like J. Crew meets Urban Outfitters in there! Its like a martini with a PBR chaser, or cut-off mom jeans with a side of grandma's pearls. I'll certainly be drooling over those bright colors and generous use of denim for a long time, but I won't be able to resist these lil' sneaks they teamed up with Keds to design:

2. For some reason, Dave Grohl has been my patron saint of late. I think it started with this article I happened upon (nothing like a good rock nerd!) and he keeps finding little ways to make himself known.

3. I started watching Wilfred and it SLAYS me! Pretty witty writing from people who clearly have spent some time stoned and wondering what their dog is thinking.

4. Moms! I get to hang out with my mom all weekend for her birthday, which is pretty freakin' exciting. You should know right off the bat, we are very pro-mom here at LS. Either that or we are just blessed with especially legit moms.

5. Went to Patti Smith on Wednesday! She's up there in the hero list, and if you haven't read her book Just Kids get on that real fast. Highlight: Patti yelling "P-U-S-S-Y R-I-O-T!! NEVER FORGET!!" And watching all the middle aged people in front of us look confused.

Ain't no party like a mom's house party

gu

Show us some love, scouts, whatcha into this week?

Welcome to the GU life

You know how once you realize how great a song is, it is almost physically painful to not be listening to it every minute of every day? (I know at least Cait feels me given her current ongoing This American Life binge!) Well  I get that way with a lot of things. I don't have an addictive personality or anything, but I'll be damned if you make me wear anything but the brand new dress/shoes/modcloth item every day for the first week I own it! Nor would it have been easy to stop me from announcing "EFF YEAH THAT'S FUNNY I'MA TWEET THAT!!" when I first discovered how great twitter is. Its kind of like having an inside joke with yourself, that go-to thing that you know will make you look/feel good without any effort.

This jacket & shoes combo has been really doing it for me this week. Some days I sport 'em with some black pants, zip up the jacket, and mean mug around town. Other days I throw 'em on with some mint pants and a lil' collared shirt and look like a grandma. On days like this, they make a great comfy laundry day outfit to impress all the other apartment-dwellers at the laundromat (and a homeless gentleman, if we're keeping it real here). Its the perfect amount cute and the perfect amount cool. The jacket was left at my house after a party and has been adopted as a member of the family, but is originally from Urban Outfitters. The dress is H & M, the shoes are from the Gap, and the scarf was my aunt's (neat, vintage!). Bonus: this was my first day wearing a super cute bra from PLNDR and we are a match made in heaven.

Go lush yourself,

gu

Friday's Awesome Five

1. This video: I just... I can't even... it's just.... just watch it. (And use headphones if you can.)

2. I can picture myself living in this tank all summer, bro-ing out to a Wes Anderson marathon and listening to the Kinks day and night.

3. This video is a mind-blower. Not only is it beautifully shot, but there is some profound insight. (I'd recommend full screen.)

OVERVIEW from Planetary Collective on Vimeo.

4. I covet these Swedish Hasbeens. I've been wanting a pair of their beautiful (and rumour has it, super comfortable) clogs for a while, but I just haven't been able to muster myself up to pay 200 dollars for them. But then came the lacy sandal and I'm seriously considering. Look at how great they are! Not too tall, but these beauties still have a heel. They come in black and olive as well as a white that has been selling like hotcakes over on Modcloth, but I'm a much bigger fan of the natural.

5. Winter Fruits: I'm a huge fan of them, primarily grapefruit. I love them so much I took photos. There is nothing like sinking your knife into a nice fat grapefruit and getting that glorious citrus aroma. I also really like tart/sour foods and this fits the bill. The New York Times also had an interesting take on winter fruits that's worth a peek.

Anything really turning your crank this week? If so, let us know!

Blue blue electric blue,

Cait