I was incorrect in guessing that my glasses frames from Warby Parker hadn’t yet shipped, because they arrived yesterday!
Once again, I apologize for my sucky selfies.
My favorites are the ones on the top two rows. 🙂
As mentioned in yesterday’s post, I also ordered at-home try on frames from Classic Specs:
The frames from both companies seem to be of comparable quality. (Although I’ve worn glasses since my early teens, I’ve only owned one pair of designer frames — Giorgio Armani — and I personally don’t believe the markup of a high-brand name is worth the extra $$$ in the case of glasses frames.) All the frames I received were of high-quality acetate with reinforced hinges, made in China.
As of this writing, February 2014, here are some basic comparisons between Warby Parker and Classic Specs:
 |
 |
| $95 includes prescription lenses, additional $30 for high-index lenses (strong prescription) |
$89 includes prescription lenses, additional $20 for high-index lenses (strong prescription) |
| anti-scratch and anti-glare lenses with 100% UV protection | anti-reflective and anti-glare lenses with UV coating |
| free shipping & free returns, 30-day return policy |
free shipping & free returns, 30-day return policy |
| offers at-home try ons up to 5 pairs for 5 days, CC authorization of $1 total (shows as a “pending” charge until return)  |
offers at-home try ons up to 6 pairs for 7 days, CC authorization of $1 per frame (shows as a “pending” charge until return)  |
| for every pair of glasses purchased, they will give a pair to someone in need | for every purchase made, they will donate 6% of the purchase price to New Eyes for the Needy |
To me, there doesn’t seem to be anything that really sets one above the other — at the end, it’ll come down to the style of the frames! So here are my top 4, side-by-side:
Which is your favorite? I’m still undecided, but I’m slightly leaning toward the top right because these frames fit the bridge of my nose and the contours of my temples and ears the best. (Not that the other frames are uncomfortable. Additionally, if you need any adjustments made to the frames after your purchase and you get charged for those adjustments, both Warby Parker and Classic Specs will reimburse you for those costs.)
Also, I like the little dots on the top corners of these frames. 
Because my vision is bad and I require high-index lenses, my total would come out to $125 if I order from Warby Parker and $109 if I order from Classic Specs. Either way, this would be the least amount I’ve ever paid for a new pair of glasses — even when I had kickass vision insurance at my old job (and I chose frames that were 100% covered), I still needed to pay about $160 out-of-pocket.
There’s also the fact that I get to try multiple frames for days at a time, from the comfort of home, with free shipping both ways…
Yeah, you can say that I’m very satisfied with the new era of internet prescription glasses thus far. 😀
If you would like to read up on additional places where you can purchase glasses online, check out Where to buy cheap eyeglasses online, for $99 and below from Brokelyn. I would have loved to try out the other online retailers listed on that kickass rundown, but I needed the assurance of at-home try ons. 😉
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Have you looked at Zenni Optical’s website? I’m not sure if they allow free try-ons at home, but the glasses are SO CHEAP! I was like you and went to an optometrist and with my insurance I was quoted over $300 for frames and lenses. I almost fell out of my chair when I heard that quote, especially since the guy said “you have such great insurance!”. I almost went with Warby Parker, but a friend turned me onto Zenni and since I’m a total cheapskate I was hooked. I’ve had the glasses for almost a year and they’ve held up pretty good so far.
Of the frames you chose….oh man, that’s tough because they all look good! I think I like upper right and lower left ones the best.
Yep, I was very tempted by their prices too, but they don’t offer at-home try ons. 🙁 I know Zenni and Coastal and practically all the other sites offer free returns but I wanted the extra assurance of the at-home try ons.
I also like the top right ones! I need to get some new glasses, I think my prescription is several years old. (I always get my contact prescription updated, but not my glasses one!)
I like the top right ones, too!
definitely top right. i was thinking that even before i read that’s the ones you liked the best!
I like the top and bottom right, squarer is def in style these days, but Top right is more timeless. My husband and I have been so into Warby Parker lately, he’s ordered a regular pair and sunglasses in the last few months. And, he was able to get 90% reimbursed from his vision plan! Warby Parker has been great to us, they sent us an adorable “Snowman making kit” shortly after purchase which inspired us to build a super fun snowman 🙂 (pics on my blog).
Glasses selfies are so hard! You’re trying to get consistent facial expression and angle and not look crazy.
That said, I like the top left the best! I think they fit your face shape well. You can always take your glasses to Costco after they arrive for an adjustment to fit your nose and temples perfectly! (that was a trick Warby Parker gave us when my husband ordered his sunglasses and they were a little snug on the temples) worked like a charm!