Oh dear. Trust me when I say I unintentionally ordered two of the same glasses but in different colors. I wasn’t even planning to make a post about my new pair of glasses until I unexpectedly received another pair of frames about a week later. There was a “mix-up” in the order, but I’m such an easygoing/lazy person that I decided to drop the idea of looking into how to return one back and just keep both of them instead.

Versace has really stepped up in their frame designs. I’ve grown to love frames with unique patterns on them because you just don’t see it that often.

Here I am, wearing the brown one because I think I like the brown a little bit more because the patterns are bolder BECAUSE because. I also decided to grow my bangs out because my forehead wanted to breathe for once. Yup, that is all.

Ya, I sorta like wearing glasses. I don’t see them as an inconvenience, yet, but more as an accessory to my face. No matter how strict the dress code is or how I’m required to wear a uniform at work, I can still wear whatever the hell kind of glasses I want. I can still show off a little bit of my own personal style that way, which is why I don’t mind having the eyesight of a bat. I’ve been wearing glasses since middle school, so I’ve had quite a grand collection of glasses to wear in the past. Oh, and add to the fact that I’m an optician, so I guess you can say I get some pretty sweet deals.

2006 — After I got hired by my previous optometrist, he told me I could pick out a pair of glasses for free. I ended up picking a simple pair that was magenta with a metallic shine to it. So rad.

2007 — This was the start of my interest in bigger, black frames and generic hipster glasses. At the time, none of the designer brands made any thick rimmed black glasses, so the closest I ever got was to picking out a frame that were made for men.

2008 — What’s cool about these is they have a “chain link” on the sides of the temples. One of our patients bought the same thing, she ended up breaking her’s and was not able to replace them because they were discontinued. I ended up giving her mine, and now, I miss them.

2008 — I was ready to stay away from the black frames and start moving towards red.

2009 — At the time, I was looking for retro glasses so I got these Ray-Bans. Shortly after, I wanted to move on to cat-eye frames but I had a tough time trying to look for a brand that carried them. With no luck, I looked up vintage online stores and purchased an actual vintage pair, but they were all so small.

2009/10? — Yay, I found my cat-eye glasses! These are, to date, the most expensive frames I had ever bought ($300) and my #1 favorite of all. I continue to wear them to this day because they are the most comfortable and fitting glasses I have ever worn. The quality is superb because these glasses went through so much for the past four years yet the condition still looks brand new (SEE Eyewear, your frames are awfully expensive but they are so worth it).

2011 — I wanted to level up and purchase some extreme cat-eye glasses so I bought Tom Fords which were originally sunglasses. Getting them was a bad idea because they aren’t comfortable as prescription glasses at all.

2011 — Getting this was also a bad idea, as it didn’t work with my Asian yellowish skin tone and the frame itself was also yellow-ish. They ended up blending too much together.

2012 — I wanted happy, bright colors but sadly, this didn’t work for my skin tone either. Having yellow skin can be a bummer sometimes.

2012 — The most recent style. It’s only just the beginning of my quest to find more transparent frames. I already have two so far *grins*.

I recently heard about an unbelievable deal where you can get your first pair of glasses for free from Coastal.com. What–this is impossible, it’s the scam of the earth! I cried out (not really). I decided to order my first pair for “free” anyway and see what happens because I’m all about living life on the edge…of the internet. I thought I’d also take a stab at reviewing their service and product. Oh and I wasn’t paid to do this, blah blah…

After observing their ordering process, here’s what I like to share:

• Coastal is great for those who want single vision glasses (ie: You want to correct your vision for distance or reading, but not for both in one pair) . On the other hand…
• People with multifocal prescription typically requires additional measurements, which online services like Coastal cannot provide. There is a chance that, people with said prescription, might experience some issues with their vision if they get their glasses online simply because multifocal lenses can be more complex.
• Basic lenses are free for your first pair, any upgrades such as anti-glare coating, hi-index, UV coating, tint, etc have additional fees.

One of the more obvious disadvantages to ordering glasses online is you can’t physically try them on before ordering them. However, Coastal has an online tool where you can upload your own picture, add in your PD size, and watch the virtual try-on magic unfold.

The frames I bought are transparent so it should be forgiving that they technically put white frames on me. I’m ignoring the color and only trying it on for size, literally. With the actual frames, they’re a little smaller than I had expected, but it’s not problematic.

Bonus picture of me and my kickass niece:

Now onto receiving the glasses:

• I ordered them on November 23rd and I ended up receiving them on December 1st.
• Aside from the glasses, the order comes with a hard case and a really nifty repair kit, which has the cleaning cloth, spray and screwdriver.
• In terms of comfort and quality, they’re not on the same level as the (queue the snobby accent) expensive designer frames I typically get (yes I can feel the difference). Regardless, these frames are quite sturdy and have a spring hinge, and that’s the most important thing. As long as I’m not rough with them, they shouldn’t break on me.
• Look! There are little hearts on them too!

The charges:

• Frame (Love L740 Crystal Shadow): $0.00
• Durable Air Lenses: $0.00
• Premium Anti-Reflective Coating: $9.95
• Shipping: $7.95
• Handling: $7.71
• Total: $25.61

All in all, I paid only $26 for a decent pair of glasses and it only took me about a week to receive them. For a free pair, the quality is not bad at all. It’s not great, but it’s good enough as long as you’re not wreckless with them. My prescription isn’t that complicated so I can see just fine with them. You definitely get what you pay for and a little bit more–it’s perfect for those who are on a budget. Thanks Coastal!