Does the optician allow you to bring your own frames? Do you feel comfortable bringing up the issue with the optician? "I really appreciate your service but it seems that I can get the exact frames for $xxx less online. I love supporting local business but I am on a tight budget and I can't be foolish with my money. Is there any way you can discount the frames?".

Tortoise is always my favorite! Love your sunglasses.

I like the blue. What color is most of your wardrobe?

I would do the tortoise and the blue for the second. I dont like black frames at all on most people. As far as buying on line or from your local store, $500 is a lot of money, I would buy on line.

I've followed your other post and am happy for you. In fact, I remembered that I think I also have a prism in my RX and can't even remember why after all these years!

I work with a small shop as well, so I understand your concern. Mine offers a discount after your first pair. Perhaps yours will as well? I order a lot through eBay, but not frames. Too many options for problems with no recourse. Lately I've found more sellers a little loose with their descriptions.

I have dark hair/pale skin and always have both black and tortoise to go with what I'm wearing. Navy would be nice, but I'm not living the shade of blue.

Thanks for your opinions!

Yes, 3Katz. There is a medical reason for 3 pairs-- I address it in my other post about amblyopia.

Most of my professional wardrobe is black and some variation of ivory/natural/beige. I wear some brown and some navy. Play wardrobe is similar but with some aquas, pinks, lavenders and limes thrown in.

Yes, I can bring in frames and have them do the lenses-- but more than likely I will go to the ophthalmologist for the lenses given there's a chance they will need to be tweaked.

My optometrist is fine with me sourcing my frames myself and bringing them in to him for getting the lenses. I would not get the glasses with the Rx on line as they have said a lot of their patients have trouble with them. Esp given your issues and being a first time, I'd want to make sure they were done right. So your best bet is to ask if you can bring in frames. Just be sure the frames are appropriate for the lens. I know some frames will not work with progressives. Don't know if there are any restrictions for the size of lens you will need.

I've been to Pearle vision and lens crafter to look at frames...I write the number down and then go on line to order them for much less. I'm still debating about these as a second pair.

For you, I like them all, but of the 3, I like the blue for the reading glasses, the tortoise for the distance.

Yes, the shop offers 15% discount after the first but only if you get the whole deal with them. I will very likely be getting the lenses from the ophthalmologist -- which she knows and appreciates. If I need to tweak the prescription, they will do it as a professional courtesy but they eat the cost.

I don't *love* the blue but it is something different. I never wear that color which should be a sign.

Annie, all great points.. I did try them all on and check them with my prescription etc. I know the sizes I need. There's no chance I will order the lenses online.. in fact, I wouldn't order frames online had I not tried on the very same models.

I am not a fan of a color. For me, I would be obsessed with coordinating it with my outfit!

I do however, like the size and shape of the blue glasses.

The first pair look a tad too big for your face. The second pair seem okay, but my first choice is the third pair, but in black and tortoise.

I just went into Target Optical and tried on frames. Several times. I asked for opinions. I stayed for at least a half hour a couple of times. I brought in earrings to see what frames went best with them. I did hair and makeup to see which glasses looked best on a work day. I was totally obnoxious. I spent close to $700 on two pairs of progressives plus eye exam.

You should go into Target and play. They don't care. They are happy to help when they aren't busy.

I ended up with two tortoise shell frames. They were more square-ish than yours. One was Coach Brooklyn which has aqua plastic on the back, dark tortoise on the front, and I loved what it did for my blue eyes. I have blond hair and skin tone like yours. They look black on me, but not as stark. I think they are very business-like. They don't go with very many earrings, except my silver hoops and simple studs. My other pair is Oakley which is more sleek and goes better with a variety of earrings. My old pair is cat-eye plum faded to amber. They go with everything. But they are scratched now.

I would not do the blue. It's too saturated. Try dark burgundy or dark purple. I liked the red tones but some made my face look too red. The darker red tones were better and since they match skin tone, they go with a lot.

Regarding the sunglasses, look at maui jim if you go to target. They are expensive, but they offered instant relief for my eyes. I plan to get those next time. My 4 year old sunglasses still work great - they are giant like yours with a thicker frame. I suppose they are trending out, but they are incredibly comfortable, and I still love the way they look even though they attract attention.

FYI--Target is Lenscrafters.

I think that black frames are too harse for many people. I have salt and pepper hair and fair-medium complexion and I even think that about mine some days. I would vote for the tortoise ones. I do think fun color frames are a nice change for infrequently used glasses. (I really want a few pair--one sedate, one crazy, etc but my prescription is crazy expensive)

My DD2 just moved and lost her month old glasses in the process. Maybe they will turn up, but who knows. I have wondered about ordering frames online and taking them in or just asking where we got them to replace them at cost. Smaller place, 4 glasses wearers in our house, customer there for 20+ years. I'll be interested to hear what you do.

Jane, I just took my daughter to our Target optical and the glasses tech was pretty high pressure. Are you ready to order that pair, do you want to hear about our specials, with this pair you get, etc. We left because she wouldn't leave us alone, even after I told her we were just looking.

I like the tortoise with Tiffany blue, prob because I have similar sunglasses!

Black is too harsh and to me , the blue is very funky and to me if you have ask then they aren't for you iykwim.

as long as you give the optician some business, it's all good

Whoa, sorry d_gw. That was not my experience at my Target where I buy groceries. Sounds more like lenscrafters. Maybe they all are different. The optometrist at my Target store is really popular - she has a machine that takes a pic of your eye health so they don't have to dilate (if you choose that service).

I just tell them I'm not going to buy anything today and they let me look. I tend to act like I own the place - maybe that's it. I don't try on eyeglasses on a low confidence day.

Come to think of it, I rarely get pressured no matter where I shop. Hmmm.... Could be regional too.

Once I went into another optical store, and I overheard a guy (maybe the owner) mutter something about a "fashion show" as if he were annoyed by looky loos. I never went back. Eyeglasses should be more than functional. I also got snubbed at lenscrafters the last time I was there. I balked at the price, and was told I might not be their type of customer. Haven't been back there either. Sears Optical (also owned by luxxotica) was the best experience. A few years ago, I got two pairs of progressives with every feature I wanted for $210. When I went back last time they wanted $350-500 per pair just like Target and Lenscrafters.

Again, thank you all!

The tortoise and tiffany blue are and have been my first pick-- I really like them. You all have confirmed my thoughts on black frames but unfortunately, that nixes all my choices for the second pair.

I agree that the blue are too blue.. too saturated.. and yes, too funky (and not in the good way). They just aren't me. I included them here just to mix it up and to make sure I wasn't being too cautious.

No reds for me.. and my current glasses are a purple ombre titanium so I am avoiding purples.

Mtn, I think I have decided to do just that. I will get 1-2 pair online and buy the other(s) from the local shop. I may have them do the lenses too. If I require any tweaks to the prescription (a very real possibility), they will do them as a professional courtesy but will have to eat the cost. She seemed very willing so I will give her the option.

I went with what looks more like navy...it's really a blue and black tortoise called blueberry buckle. I like them a lot. I got mine on line from warby parker.

Green would also look good with your coloring

I just saw those green glasses with leopard trim on Oprah! Looks good on her.

I hated green on me. (Not fond of wearing green.)

I had navy frames a while ago and I loved them. It was hard to find them recently.

I only like the rich, dark tortoise shells.. and none with other colors in them. I admit I am very picky LOL!!

I only look good in a very limey--almost fluorescent green. My second choice black frames (not pictured) have a lime interior.

Jane, Tory Burch has some great navy options. Her frames just didn't fit me well.

I am running out to a picnic (in the rain!) .. thank you all for your continued feedback and suggestions!

I like the tortoise (also a tortoise lover) and the blue. I do like the shape of the black pair but they look a little harsh with your soft, pale hair color. Plus I think the blue would be a fun change. And I love your sunglasses with the matte finish.

Tortoise tortoise tortoise! Tortoise lover here and I think it goes with everything. I think black frames look harsh on most people so I'd pick blue for the second pair.

I am sorry to the blues lovers. I appreciate your input but the blue just isn't me. However, the three photos above aren't my only choices-- they were just examples of my color choices.

I am still so torn. My nieces all vote for black-- but in the cat eye style. In fact, the family is pretty unanimous about a cat eye style.

I am going to sleep on it... again.

There are cats eye glasses and then cats eye glasses. I found the more modified ones were far better looking on me than the more exaggerated ones.

If you go to glassesusa.com you can upload a pic of yourself and then "try the glasses on" virtually. I found that very helpful in picking a style.

Thanks, Annie. I have seen those sites.. and I am sure it's helpful! I have been trying them on in person.. nothing is going to beat that.

I currently wear a cat eye style-- yes, modified. The two leading black cat eye styles are very much like the blue glasses above-- in fact, one of them is the same model but in black. My hesitation is the same as I started the thread with.. a concern that black is too severe. too harsh.

Good prices and I have had really great experience at Costco optical and I have a tricky prescription… given the cost of the glasses if you shop there, I would definitely stop by their optical department the next time you're in and let the price a pair for you.

I favor the blue ones, but I think it's because of the shape. Do they come in any other color than the blue and black? Can you find tortise in that same shape?

I once had some aqua tinted frames-they were like a sea-green color and I got more compliments, especially from men, on those glasses. My current pair are tortoise, shaped like the #3. I'd chose a colorful glasses for my computer glasses myself. I do like your shades.

As to your dilemna, I agree with the other poster who suggested mentioning the price factor and see if they'd be willing to work a deal with you. $500 is nothing to sneeze at.

Actually, I found that the uploaded pic led me to a better understanding of the shape I needed rather than in person. (Less so on color rendition.) Just like sometimes in decorating, a pic of your room can lead you to see it more clearly as others do, I think the on-line pic can help you see yourself more as others do. Remember your face is not symmetrical, and the image we see of ourselves in the mirror is backward from the image others see of ourselves. If you want to really see how others see you, you have to put mirrors at 90 degrees and look at the reflection of the reflection.

My DH's face is fairly asymmetrical and I'm always amazed at how different he looks when I look at him in the mirror from his real self.

Funky, I thought about you last night. I love the look of black glasses, especially with blond hair. But I thought about your first post and how you felt about this situation.

Black frames will bring focus to your eyes. They make a strong, imho, powerful statement. Given that you are still going through the correction process, perhaps you want to start with the tortoise and see if you're satisfied with the result. If you feel confident, then go for the black. Give power back to the place that "took" it from you.

(())

I seem to be in the minority, but I love the black - and I actually think black frames look good on almost anyone if they're brave enough to go for it. They are a strong statement. I'm blonde and fair and I wore various black frames for years (my favorites were Ralph Lauren) prior to having vision corrective surgery last February.

I like the first pair the best on you. I think, with your issue, I would probably not buy the glasses on-line.

Thank you all.

Tina, the first pair is a solid yes-- as are the sunglasses. I still need a second pair. As for buying online-- all I am considering buying online are the frames. Frames I have already chosen locally. It's not any different from trying them on and ordering from a local shop-- except the money doesn't stay local. They are new, in original packaging etc and can be returned.

That said, my glasses are ALWAYS sent out for the lenses. My lenses must be specially ground. Still, I order them through the dr office where they take the proper measurements and make the necessary adjustments.

smh - yes, you and my nieces! The black glasses above aren't even in the running-- but it was the best photo showing a black frame. There are others that look better.. but I went with the one that showed the color best.

1929 - excellent point! I will start with one pair first-- just because the prescription is tricky. The Dr wanted me to start with one pair.. wait a few weeks to a month and then get the others.

Annie, yes your points are all valid.. but shape isn't really a decision I am struggling with. I have had lots of input and help in choosing the frame shape. I've also been wearing glasses for as long as I can remember. Don't worry that I'll go all rogue LOL! While my style can be a touch quirky, it's basically classic with a little funk... never the other way around.

Neetsie - There is a model with tortoise shell cat eye but the stems are blue. Too much like the first pair which I am definitely ordering... and they don't have them in the store. I tried them on in the spring but they sold out. The black has black stems and a tiffany blue inside the frame. Much easier to distinguish.

I guess I should have shared that since I will be switching from computer/reading glasses to walking around glasses-- even to just go to the bathroom, I want them to be different and distinguishable. Even meetings will be a challenge as I will need one pair to read.. and another to see someone across the table. I am hoping I can adapt to that well enough to not need to constantly switch back and forth and distract others.

I guess some would prefer the two to look similar so it wasn't obvious they were wearing two pairs glasses. I guess I can mull that around.

practigal - my mom says the same thing about Costco. I haven't tried them as they are no longer convenient to me. I can always check to see if they carry the brands that have been consistently working well for me.

Thank you ALL again! You are all so sweet and helpful!

At an optometrist my glasses were between $550 and $600 per pair. At Costco they're about $270. If I am careful and buy glasses and sunglasses at the same time when Costco has one of their buy two today specials they are even less than that...

I, too, have become a Costco girl. I have a black pair by Cole Haan and a tortoise pair. An then I just bought a pair of multicolored readers-- for the newspaper.. Also have blonde variegated hair and fair skin. My clothes are black, all day, every day. I'm not liking the blue too much but do like the other two. Perhaps it's my monitor but the tortoise reads to me as a solid color. Too difficult for others to say what's good for your wallet but the difference is substantial. Otoh, we do need to support local b&m stores, if we can. Dunno.

I think they all look good on you but my favorite is the Tortoiseshell. My tortoise are so dark that they look almost black. You need three pairs so they would all work well for you but maybe you would consider purchasing one pair in a slightly different style than the modified cat eye.

Do you go to H-----i? I often see their sign on my way to DD's house.

I agree with you that the dark glasses are too severe. I would try something lighter weight in appearance. Maybe you don't like frameless or lightweight metal frames so they are out of the question. JMO, for something light, not so heavy on the face.

Of the three, I like the tortoise shell the best.

Yes, holly! That is my primary local shop -- they've been great. Only the blue frames above are a cat eye.

I cant do frameless due to the prescription -- and I'm not a fan of partial frameless. I have a metal allergy so titanium is my best option... My current glasses are purple titanium but I will do better with classes without nose pads which can shift and throw off the whole prescription.

I wanted to circle back as I posted from my phone where I am very limited by my impatience and slow typing.

I have worn glasses my whole life. I wear them for everything and contacts aren't an option. I don't want to make the glasses disappear on my face.. because, well, they won't. I have worn wire rims before but they just don't work out well-- I end up getting sores on my cheeks and nose from the metal.. and they aren't really in style.

The first two glasses shapes are pretty classic. Here's the first head on-- not cat eye, modified or otherwise.

I like them. Wish I had more choice.

My pinhead requires a smaller profile, so I wear LaFont. Not inexpensive, but pretty. I have them install nose pads on plastic frames at the factory to further accommodate the fit.

I have a huuuuge head.. :)