The ‘ole Spectacles

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Planning + Prepping for My Capsule Wardrobe

I started wearing glasses in 4th grade. They were about the same size of my entire face and whenever I see old photos of myself when was, say, 10 years old, I say to my mom,”why on earth were my glasses so huge?!”

“That was the style, Kate! You looked cute!” she’d reply.

I’m pretty sure she’s telling the truth, too. Not in the “you looked cute” part, but in the “that was the style” part. I never minded wearing glasses, but as soon as I got contacts, I put those suckers away for life.

Unless I’m having serious eye issues, I never wear my glasses. Well, that’s a lie. I wear them at night, after I take my contacts out, and in the morning before I shower, but I cannot remember the last time I wore glasses during the daytime. Why, you ask? Because I’ve never found frames that I thought were cool until now.

So I get an e-mail from the David Kind team, and they offer me a try-on opportunity, and I think to myself, “MMMMMMMMmmmmmmm. . Β . I don’t know. Glasses are hard to pick out to begin with. How in the world is someone going to pick some out for me by just looking at a picture of my face?”

I’m convinced there is no bigger skeptic than me.

DK2

Β *the perfume pictured is by Fossil (their first fragrance!) and it smells like heaven. c/o

And then I remembered my sister worked with David Kind to help her boyfriend, Mike, pick out a new pair of glasses, and I was like, “what the heck. I’ll give it a shot.”

My kit arrived last week, and while David played on the floor with his newΒ favorite toy, I excitedly opened it up.

DK7

I didn’t have time to try them on right away, so I stashed them in my office until nap time.

When I did get a chance to try them on in front of a mirror, I was surprised how well the frames suited my face. David Kind knows what they are doing.

I discovered a personalized note from my stylist, explaining why she chose what she did, and that even though I said I didn’t want green, she couldn’t NOT include a green pair in my kit.

glasses

So I put the green ones on, and thought, “Huh. These aren’t so bad after all.”

Due to my aversion to color, I didn’t choose those in the end, but I did agree that they worked well with my coloring.

Here are a few that I liked, including the pair I ultimately chose!

DK4

DK5

DK6

And the winner is: the Mia in Rust.

DK1

DK3

necklace: Elisabeth Ashlie, Earrings: The Dotted Poppy

My thoughts on David Kind changed dramatically once I received the kit and started trying on the frames. I was unsure how the concept would work, but after I picked my favorites I realized how fun it was to try them on in my home. I also loved that someone did the thinking for me, and picked out frames that they knew would work.

If you are a glasses wearer, or a wanna-be glasses wearer, I’d highly recommend looking into this service! You can find all the details here. Styling, at-home try on, and shipping are all free. And if/when you choose the frames you want, you simply fill out a form to order your glasses. The process is truly a breeze.

 

I received a free pair of glassesΒ in exchange for sharing my opinions about David Kind here on the blog. As always, I only share my honest opinion and would never lead you astray, reader!

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Leigh Ann says · 08.18.14

I love them! You look super cute!

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Leigh Ann says · 08.18.14

Oh, and I have to ask: Before I start such a process, are the actual frames outrageously expensive? My lenses for my astigmatism are hugely expensive as it is. I mean, are we talking Lenscrafters price range or what?

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Leigh Ann says · 08.18.14

or does the price include lenses as well? So many questions, haha. But I’m intrigued πŸ™‚

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Megan M. says · 08.18.14

I don’t know about David Kind, but I got my last pair of glasses from Lookmatic, which is also online. Their regular price is $99 including the lenses, if you need “hi-index” lenses, it’s $130. Compared to the $300-400 I used to spend at Lenscrafters, it’s a steal!

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Emily H says · 08.18.14

Leigh Ann, found this on their website “All frame models with HD lenses & premium anti-reflective coatings are $295.”

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Leigh Ann says · 08.18.14

Thank you!

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Kate says · 08.18.14

Thanks for helping Emily!

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Krystyl says · 08.18.14

I have astigmatism too, and I know how expensive glasses can be for us. Check out zennioptical. You can “try on” glasses on the website, so you know if they will look good before you order. I think none of their frames are over $30. There are so many to choose from too!

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Chris says · 08.18.14

I love Zennioptical! I ordered a second pair of glasses from their trying to get a lightweight pair since they showed the weight on the frame, and now those are the only ones I wear. lol PS Also for an astigmatism.

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Lauren says · 08.18.14

I almost got Mia, but ended up with Clover! I love them, and the process was fun, too πŸ™‚ They’re pretty expensive though – $300

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Diana says · 08.18.14

I just recently got new glasses and the stylist at the office insisted I first try on a pair that were rust with ear pieces a yellow/green clear. I resisted but put them on to please her and get on to all the rest. Thru elimination, which took forever, I ended up with the first pair I tried on! She was right, they were the best. A little more trendy than I usually go but I went with them and actually like them. It’s hard to choose, I actually like all these on you!

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Charlotte says · 08.18.14

Warby Parker is another option with at home try on, and most are only $99 including frames! https://www.warbyparker.com/

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Shari says · 08.18.14

Warby is a great choice if you are looking for glasses as a back up to contacts since the price is low. I know several girls and guys who have ordered with much success. And since it’s a free trial, might as well give them a shot as well – for $99 you could get two pair and an RX Sun for the same cost as David Kind.

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VA says · 08.18.14

Drawback to Warby Parker: They have a cut-off on the prescriptions they can fill, so if your vision is really bad (me) or you have more-than-moderate astigmatism (also me, ugh), they can’t accommodate you in terms of lenses. David Kind can!

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Catherine R. says · 08.19.14

My husband and I bother have Warby Parker sunglasses. His are prescription and he has an incredibly weird prescription but they were still only like $160.00 and that was also with polarized lenses. Mine are just sunglasses but I love them. They were $104.00 after taxes but they are very sturdy and that is a really reasonable price for a high quality, polarized pair of sunglasses.

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Lindsay says · 08.18.14

Had to click over from my reader to let you know I literally LOL-ed at David’s favorite “new toy” πŸ™‚

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sarah says · 08.19.14

Me too! πŸ™‚

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Pamela says · 08.18.14

These glasses are adorable. I love that glasses are truly a fashion statement. In middle school…they were just terrible! πŸ™‚

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Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says · 08.18.14

That’s so cool! I’m in the market for some new glasses I scractched my ray bans pretty badly! πŸ™ I might give these a try!

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Jessica Hansen says · 08.18.14

OOh I think my husband and I will both have to give this a try. He’s a primary contact wearer like yourself- I on the other hand wear my glasses 24/7. Excited to try some new looks out! I like to view my glasses as an accessorie…so I like to keep a couple of options on hand πŸ™‚ Even if these are priced in the $250-$300 range, it’s still way cheaper than going to a local optometrist. If you have eye insurance, you can always submit your receipt as a claim too. Can’t wait to get some new specs!! Thanks for trying them out, Kate!

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Kacia says · 08.18.14

I love the Mia frame on you!! I’m still a little bit in love with the green tho too!

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Susan Wright says · 08.26.14

I also love the green ones. I got my David Kind try ons today. I think I lie the Atlas and The Laurel best. I also got The Mia to try on.

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Andrea says · 08.18.14

Love the new glasses! I may have to try this out. I also wear contacts so I don’t typically wear glasses but I’m always looking for a cute pair.

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Shannon says · 08.18.14

I LOVE the green ones on you πŸ™‚

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Lori says · 08.18.14

I have a question….my optician has always told us that our eye should be centered in the lens. I notice on all these that your eye is to the top of the lens. Does David Kind have any recommendations on this?

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Kate says · 08.18.14

If you get styled by David Kind, you can chat directly with a stylist, so I would ask then! My thought is that your optician says that probably because you don’t have to worry about the frames inhibiting your vision? Just a guess!

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Kate says · 08.18.14

I also think it depends on the bridge of your nose and your ear height too!

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g says · 09.10.14

Hi Kate – I’ve never commented but had to say thanks for this!! I just skyped with my David Kind consultant and they’re sending my 2nd set of glasses to try. LOVE this process and love their glasses are pretty plain and little embellishment unlike most eye docs/chains. Also funny it’s been over two weeks since I’ve read this blog entry and after talking with the consultant – they’re sending me Mia in Rust and pretty sure that will be my fave!! haha didn’t realize same as yours until reading this again tonight. anyhoo thanks!!

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kacey says · 08.18.14

Wondered the same thing. Good question.

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Jess says · 08.18.14

Eyes need to be centered in the lenses because of physics and optics, not because of the frame. If you are not looking through the direct center it can cause headaches and eye strain, among other things. You need certain measurements to ensure you won’t be subjected to discomfort. Having an rx put in a frame and lenses is actually incredibly complex. Your optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist does a lot of work to make sure that your prescription is correct and placed precisely in the lenses. It would be nice to give them your business when they’ve done all the work.

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heidi says · 08.18.14

after your post about creating.. I have a plan for you lol
I am about to cut off my very long hair, i’m taking your hair pics to the salon with me, but could youbdo a post on your hair when its straight, how u style it etc.. please, pretty please lol

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Misti says · 08.18.14

I tried out the company after reading about them on your sister’s blog and LOVED the whole process. It was so exciting to try on all the different frames and get opinions from friends and family. I ended up going with the Laurel and my stylist even corrected to make them tighter to fit and adjusted them to sit even on my face (one of my ears are lower than the other). They also have you send in a pic from straight on wearing the glasses so they can measure where your pupil is at. All a great experience and totally worth the $295 in my opinion. I have gotten cheapies in the past and have always been dissatisfied with style/fit. I think these will really last for years to come!

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Sam says · 08.18.14

Kate can’t wait to try this! Thank you for the recommendation

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Adriele (StyleAssisted) says · 08.18.14

The green frames were pretty stink in’ cute on you, but I can see that for $300 more than one pair isn’t super practical. It is lovely to have someone pick out some frames for you. I’ve been dragged to the store with friends on more than one occasion to help pick out glasses. I guess “stylist” means EVERYTHING. Lol. I always defer to those working at the store (unless they try to go crazy), so this option is a win, win for everyone!

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Jill says · 08.18.14

The pair you chose looks great! I know what you mean about being 10 and having enormous glasses. I feel so cartoon-y when I look back at those pictures!

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Angela says · 08.18.14

What a great service. They all look super cute! I too wear contacts and only contacts. I strongly dislike wearing my glasses although if I had snazzy one’s like these I might be more inclined to wear them. Great post!
http://palsywalsyblog.blogspot.ca/

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Julie says · 08.18.14

Those glasses are super cute! I’m the same way about my glasses- I only wear them when my contacts are bugging me and I absolutely have to. I always forget how cute of an accessory they can be though!

-Julie
julieupstairs.wordpress.com

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Karen Hall says · 08.18.14

I really like the green ones!

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Evelyn says · 08.18.14

I’m like that too, but I wear glasses when I know I will not go out, just because I’m lazy!

I actually really like the green one on you, but I just bought a dark green for myself. I feel it is like the eyeliner, a nice but subtle change of color from the black!

Thanks for sharing!

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Charlie G says · 08.18.14

Since I have a little granddarling just one month older than your David I just HAD to click over to see what his new “favorite toy” was~you know..in case I wanted to get one for her! lol haha Im sure she would be enamored with that too! πŸ™‚

Love the new glasses on you and thanks for the information on David Kind. I wear glasses exclusively and am always looking for cute frames!

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Sarah says · 08.18.14

My sister has a company, http://www.ditto.com – worth a look. You can virtually try on lots of cute designer styles (and the fit technology actually works; it’s not just a paper-doll-esque pretend try-on), there are lots of pricing options & they can handle your prescription.

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Theresa @ AMomInTheMaking says · 08.18.14

Cute!! I really like the glasses πŸ™‚ So I’m not a glasses wearer… but we though about trying it out for my hubbie

Thanks for the review πŸ™‚

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Lauren says · 08.18.14

Looking lovely, Kate.

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Angie says · 08.18.14

I liked the green ones on you the best! The shape looked really good on you! I am the same…contacts during the day, glasses at night!

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Angela says · 08.18.14

Hi I loved the green ones on you. I personally would never have used david kind , however after seeing those green frames on u I am definitely going to check them out. I love your blog! I have come to think of u as a friend, of a sort. I even started this post Hi Kiddo, I changed it because I didn’t want to offend u. When I get ur blog I usually say to myself “wonder what the kiddo is up to”. Thank you for your time and talent.

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Melissa says · 08.18.14

The part of the story where you talked about your glasses being as big as your face sent me walking down memory lane. When my son was in 2nd he had to start wearing glasses. I let him pick out the pair he liked and they too were so big. I cried for two days after that. I felt so bad my son had to wear glasses. He is now an adult and wears wireless frames! Thanks for the smile.

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Susan says · 08.18.14

I was legally blind and wore glasses from childhood until 9th grade and finally went to contacts. My glasses lens were so thick, heavy and embarrassing; Iwas definitely the ugly duckling in school. I had LASIK surgery 12 yrs ago. My vision began to regress and several years ago ago realized I needed part-time glasses so, I,bought a pair of prescription sunglasses from Specs….Vera Wang frames and not so cheap lens. As a grown woman I knew what I wanted and it didn’t matter that they were $500+. A month later a colleague from work visited a local optical shop in my small town of Hillsborough. They carry designer frames, MY Vera Wang frames she purchased with a 30% discount because of where we work. Needless to say my husband and I visited the shop and I bought morning and night glasses (Vera Wang frames) and my husband bought designer glasses and sunglasses because your family gets the same discount. What a deal!

Love your new specs, love your blog and I’m addicted to your hair and make-up tutorials. Now, if I only had your youth and beauty!

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Elizabeth says · 08.18.14

As always, you look so polished and put together. I don’t have kids and my boyfriend of 3 years just broke up with me, had to move recently, and lost my job. So I have been a bit stressed and anxious. I have lost about 20-25 pounds because of my nervous stomach. I don’t want to buy new clothes because I anticipate the weight coming back on, but what should I do in the meantime with most of my clothes hanging off me. Doesn’t really do much for my self-esteem which is also at a low right now :/

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Shelley says · 08.20.14

Elizabeth, I am so sorry to hear of the recent events in your life that have left you feeling so upset and anxious. When I was younger I had a similar experience and found that embracing the weight loss (mine was a good thing, I really needed to lose that 15 pounds) helped me. I decided to keep the weight off through exercise and better eating. It really helped give me energy and boosted my self esteem. If your weight loss was not a good thing for you, perhaps, now would be a great time for you to write a list of 5-10 things you like/love about yourself and 5 things you would like to see yourself grow in and then daily remind yourself of your unique and wonderful qualities and also take small steps towards your goals (perhaps watching some tutorials on something you are interested in or finding some local classes on something you want to know more about) and begin to invest in yourself.

As far as some new clothes, I’d recommend giving yourself a small budget for a few new items of clothing – maybe 2 bottoms and 5 tops. When we are confident in how we look it helps our mood and how we convey ourselves to others which is important when trying to find a new job! check out some local consignment stores, thrifts stores (it is crazy what cute stuff people just donate) and if all else fails there is always Target and their wonderful clearance racks.

Sorry for that long ramble! I hope that you find hope and joy in some small way today and know that you are worth fighting for! You can totally handle the challenges that are in your life and come out better and braver and stronger!

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Angela says · 08.20.14

Shelly your beautiful! You make the world a more beautiful place. Elizabeth you reached out to the world and got a plan. Good luck! God Bless!

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Katie @ Cup of Tea says · 08.19.14

The glasses look great on you! But can I just say, I laughed so hard at David’s new favorite toy πŸ™‚

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Sammy-Jo says · 08.19.14

I have just come across your blog & fallen in love with it! πŸ™‚
I also think this is such a good idea,I have only recently needed glasses & I just chose any old pair which i now regret & want new ones that i actually like!

xo

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DAVID KIND says · 08.19.14

Kate!

You look AMAZING in every pair! Beautiful photos. It has been a absolute blast helping you find a pair of new glasses and thank you for sharing us.

I am happy to help with any questions about our new company.

With kind regards,

Dave Barton
Founder of DAV/D K/ND

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Samantha says · 08.19.14

Does the cost listed on the website include your prescription? Or just the frames? I was unclear on that part on their website.

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Amy Whitesell says · 08.19.14

ZENNI OPTICAL!! They have great frames and their prices are amazing!! I’ve never spent more than maybe $30.00 for a complete set of glasses!! My husband paid the same price and he got bifocals. Check them out!!

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Alyssa says · 09.02.14

I just discovered Zennioptical.com! Love it – they have a really nice selection for cheap. Also, coastal.com is great. I ordered a pair of glasses from them (first pair free!) around 2 years ago and they’re still holding up great. I just ordered another pair from them for $30, free shipping.

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Kate says · 08.21.14

I love David’s new favorite toy! Hilarious! My 5 month old tries to put it in her mouth when I use it…anything and everything is what she wants in her mouth.

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Jessica says · 08.27.14

What a cool idea! I have never heard of anything like this before! Thanks for sharing – I always like it when someone tries something and ends up loving it! BTW – the new glasses look smashing on you πŸ™‚

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Emily says · 08.28.14

Oh. I LOVE my contacts. I wouldn’t go without them. I just started wearing them 2 years ago, and I will never go back to glasses. πŸ™‚

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Pallavi Roy says · 07.16.15

Nice blog. After reading this blog about your spectacles, I am very much benefited. Keep sharing.

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lisa says · 04.22.16

Hi!!! cool glasses green looks pretty on you :):):)

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Marian says · 01.09.17

Nice eyeglasses. I love it!
I wish https://www.eo-executiveoptical.com/ also have those frames, I always bought mine at that store.

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Zeeshan Alam says · 07.17.19

Love those green glasses! I may have to try this out. I am used to have contacts but i will try those soon.

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Caity says · 03.12.20

Awesome post! Its great to see you found a pair of glasses that you liked and suited you! Picking out good glasses is very hard indeed!

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