How gorgeous are you and your babies? Cripes, you look incredible in of all those frames. I have a pair of frames that make me look like an angry witch, and sometimes I am one. Variety is good! I love your old blue ones. I'm off to check my brands now.

ETA: Guess what? My red pair are A & V also! Those are my angry ones.

You know what? You look beautiful in all these frames! And I LOVE the new ones on you. But. As others have said, it is how you feel that counts; it is a big purchase and you need to wear them for a number of years. Perhaps that is part of the problem. It's not like a dress that you could remix or consign or donate if it just didn't fit your style direction in a year. You have to wear them.

SO sorry this is so stressful. But I still believe it will end well.

AG, Suz, GP, Tarzy, Amy, Modgrl, Kari, Deborah, and Shannon, you are so uplifting - thankyou for the positivity xx.

I must say I have a bad habit of choosing the pics that show me in a good light heheh - there are soooo many of me looking all kinds of wrong in my glasses, including my favourite frames, but I thought that might make it awkward for whoever responds

AG you made me laugh out loud at the glasses making you look like an angry witch! When I got my dark brown glasses I thought they made me look like the former prime minister of Australia (see pic attached)! When my eldest son saw pics of some of the European frames I tried on a while back, he said they were loony glasses!

I don't know if I've seen your angry glasses - I wanna see!

Fruitful, I don't believe you could look bad in a pair of glasses if you tried. You are gorgeous and every single pair of frames (old and new) looks fantastic on you.

I agree with everyone else that you have to feel happy with the frames. If you don't like them, please stand your ground with the store, even if they're pressuring you. Take someone with you as moral support when you go deal with them.

Whatever the cost of contacts is, you usually need to replace them at least annually even if they're not disposable so they can still keep the credit on file for you since the glasses cost more. Also if in a week or so you feel up to browsing through their frames again or asking them to order in a particular frame you like, you could do that instead.

*hugs to you*

You have a face that looks good with all glasses frame. You could be a glasses model. I don't think any frame takes away from your beautiful face. I also believe in having more than one pair of glasses and using them as an accessory.

I'll explain my opinion of the frames.

Why I like them: they are beautiful, sturdily made, with a nod to a retro aesthetic. The colours are classic, and the design of the arms, as well as the butterfly detail in the upper corner is delicate and lovely.

Why I don't like them - on me:
They overwhelm my face. My features aren't fine but they are a bit small for this frame. My eyes barely sit within the frames and where they are is in the very upper part, close to the bridge with space on the sides. This lends itself to a crosseyed appearance (compared to frames where my eyes are closer to centred). My eyebrows also look small perched atop the glasses, which extend much wider.

They accentuate my prominent under eye bags and dark circles (which I've had all my life, but now they make me look old!). They accomplish this by 1) repeating that circular shape, 2) being too deep so that whole area is shown 3) being doubly efficient at this because my prescription magnifies my face, and the bigger the lens, the larger the edge magnification, 4) being heavy and glossy black, which repeats any darkness around my eyes instead of lighting them up.

The cat eye shape isn't cat eyed enough. From a distance, the tortoiseshell detailing is invisible and the black curves down at the top, where I first imagined it lifted. This gives me a sad face.

They don't sit well on me. My nose and ears make glasses sit low on my face compared to some people, so good frames are ones that add height above the arms to open my eyes more (and give them a fighting chance of staying within the frame). In the end I tried tucking them into my hair instead of over my ears to try to get them sitting where they should - but should I really have to go to these lengths? Then the lenses are angled too, so that's probably not good for my eyes.

The colours aren't great on me. Although I have brown skin, it's actually quite prone to looking washed out and pale, it has ashy tones, it's cool toned not warm. Even though I need contrast in my glasses compared with my skintone, I now feel such a strong black - it's a very glossy black - is too stark for my skin. Even worse, the tortoiseshell, which I loved the idea of, is a yellow that is just plain an unflattering colour for my cool skintone.

Rather than highlighting my features, they make my face look a bit pudgy, especially my nose which has always been squishy. Also, because they are large, and I know some people won' t believe this, they make my whole body silhouette a bit dumpy when I aim to create a lengthened, leaned-out silhouette.

Overall, the main problem is they are just a bit too large. If they could be shrunk a fraction and lifted higher up my nose they would look so much better (putting aside colour and style issues). But they can't.

I think people who love them are seeing how lovely the frame is rather than truly seeing my face as it works with the frame.

All my friends and family who've been asked have thought they were very nice, but when I pointed out the issues agreed they were true, just not things they would have thought about before.

As I've said, I don't totally hate them. After all it was me who spotted them while taking my son for an eye test, who loved them enough to take pics and go back.

My dilemma (apart from the problem of what the shop is willing to do) is, do I keep them even though they're not a perfect 10 and save up for a different pair? Do I return them for credit (probably for contacts as I don't like their other frames) and most likely lose quite a bit of money on them? Do I get the lenses put into something else somewhere else, and try to sell the frame, which I don't think I'd get much for?

The lovely Lyn gave me a voucher for free online glasses, but I will treat that as an experiment and not count on getting perfect frames. And there's still the hurdle of getting these people to give me my prescription without also giving me the snake eye.

San, you make a very valid point (as well as saying some very sweet compliments!) about glasses being an accessory.

That means one frame wouldn't have to serve all your needs.

I'm just not sure, if I got another pair (which will take a few months), whether I would keep reaching for these given I find them difficult.

I'm also struggling with my feeling wronged by the shop. I feel a glasses shop should point out how a lens will look with a particular frame, once your prescription is in it.

They are under no obligation to do so, and I now realise how gifted the specialty glasses dealers are (i.e. I guess I was spoiled in the past).

My dear, Kieran. These specs look fabulous! Thanks for the pictures.

They are a little larger (vertical height) than what you are used to, and I get that you feel that they overwhelm your face a little compared to your previous specs styles. They are also dark if you hide the temples with your hair - which makes them look heavier.

However, they have a "geek chic" look about them which is a vibe you totally pull off. Dramatic and fun - just like your dressing style.

I do prefer you in lighter and colourful frames. To my eye those bring out your very pretty face even more. BUT! You also looks splendid in these and I HOPE that you believe us!!!

You look beautiful in your new specs (and I am not just seeing the glasses, how could anyone just see your glasses in picture 2!) and from the pictures I don't agree with some of your observations ;-). however it looks like you feel like in picture 1 when you are wearing them and if you feel like that AND especially when they don't sit well and the people at the shop can't fix this, they are not right for you anyway.

Hmmm. All the issues you've pointed out are the same issues I might have with my new glasses (too large, too low, too stark) but I'm into the geek chic look and like having a neutral color option(others are purple/citron, red, blue, and green!). I definitely do not see just the frames in your photos - I was primarily stunned by your lovely face, and the glasses are like a cherry on top, so to speak. But I agree you've got to be 100% happy with them, and the shop should feel the same.

Angie, thanks so much. I appreciate that you see what's good about these frames while also acknowledging the flattering power of lighter and colourful. That affirms pretty much how I see them.

Re the geek chic vibe, I felt that with some of my "frump fashion" (and I don't want to be that frumpy) the glasses could be too much? This is what was frustrating me too.

AG, I just studied the pictures of you in your new glasses, and I don't agree you have the same problem, even though yours is also a large black frame.

1) your colouring especially with your hair seems warmer/goldener than mine, which I think is set off beautifully by the glossy black. I've been trying to wear warmer makeup to compensate and it helps a bit (I just don't like feeling I have to)

2) your face shape - I think my face is shorter than yours; I want my nose and cheeks to look longer, the deep frames squish and widen my face. Yours looks beautifully balanced.

3) your glasses add some height above the arms, and lift at the upper corners - this opens up your eyes. They are also a bit straighter and squared at the bottom, which would avoid emphasising under eye circles (which I don't see on you btw!). These are ALL things I need in my glasses.

4) your prescription is kind of opposite to mine, so the things I'm worried about magnifying would be minimised on you.

5) Your edgy hair style and UWP dress style allow you to wear bold retro frames in a fashion forward way. My hair and clothes can be very oldfashioned and ladylike looking and with the glasses it feels a bit too granny and dare I say costumey (I can only make it work with a 50s trailer trash vibe, but I'm not up for that every day)

Sorry for another essay - I really wanted to point out that the criticisms I applied for my own glasses genuinely don't apply to you and yours, which are extremely flattering and gorgeous on you and a great choice. You obviously know yourself and know what will suit your face and style.

Also, I had a nap with my 3 year old yesterday afternoon, then went to bed a bit earlier last night and miracle of miracles - I actually woke up before my kids today. Such a nice, sane feeling.

Heleen, thanks for your lovely and practical perspective.

Sylvie, thanks for your lovely words - I feel like I should post some of the myriad photos of me looking bad in glasses now :). Thanks for the info on contacts which I've never had, just tried on.

GP, the fact that you were firm that I don't have to show pics of the frame, it is enough that I've tried it and didn't like it, but that you really like it on seeing it, carries a lot of weight with me. I am now thinking about keeping them and getting something else so I can wear these only when I feel like it.

Morethanbeige, so sorry you are still frustrated about glasses - I have learnt so much from this, I hope you can find a pair you love! Makrame, you are so right that in the grand scheme this is small stuff. Thankyou <3 Jonesy, Di, Bran888, Anya, Shipskitty, Missvee and of course Sharon, your empathy, perspective and shared stories has helped me calm down about this - truly, I was feeling traumatised every time I saw somebody wearing glasses!

Sharon, thanks for pointing out that I shouldn't have to worry about the store - and very good advice to spend time doing something other than worry about glasses. I'm going to visit Dad tomorrow. With luck I could leave the kids with him for a bit and go out by myself - BY MYSELF!!!!!!!

Sharon you are so kind to reframe my view of myself as having bad judgement. Your words are like a great big hug and bring a tear to my eye. Thankyou <333

You are all lovely.

I still would like to hear any other thoughts you have if you have any so don't consider this thread killed!

Fruitful, I'm glad you're feeling better both physically and mentally after getting more sleep. I think it's so important and can change your whole outlook. It's so hard with little ones and I know I always need more sleep!

I think it's like Angie said about the midi skirts...it may be that you just need some time for your eyes to adjust, because the frames are a little thicker than your last one. But once you do adjust to the new look, you can't go back to the old look. The same thing happened to me when I got my current glasses...when I first got them I was coming from a pair of thinner metallic Gucci glasses that I absolutely loved and I was so so bummed when they broke. I loved the shape of the frame, how delicate they were on my face, and the red stripe on the sides of the frames. But we had changed insurance plans and it was cheaper for me to go to a new place to get my glasses. It took me so long to find a new pair because I was trying to look for something similar to my previous pair and couldn't find anything. So I took a chance on two new styles (I got a discount for buying two pairs), one red Pro Design Denmark pair and one brown Vogue pair. Both were much thicker than my old ones. For a while, at least a month or two I'd say, I didn't like how they looked on my face and thought they were too thick and made me look nerdy. But I kept wearing them and got used to them. Now that I've been wearing them for a couple years, I don't think I can ever go back to the thin metal frames.

I think the "geek chic" chunky frames actually work well with the retro ladylike styles that both you and I favor. Kind of a "hipster librarian" vibe. I don't think you look frumpy at all. Look at #2 & #3 in your new glasses. Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. I am so jealous of your curls and pretty face!

Here are some pics of me in my old and current glasses so you can see what I mean. I don't think these outfits would work so well with my old glasses, do you agree? Those glasses were great for my previous safe & classic style but now I like the thicker glasses because they seem a little edgier and more current. My style has evolved and now they really match my glasses.

In your case, while I love your old glasses, I think the new glasses would fit really well with your style and are my favorite of the three. While I still think that you should only keep the glasses if you want to, not based on our opinion, I'm secretly rooting for you to keep the glasses. I think they're really cool and I would totally wear them myself if I could! Maybe you could keep them and get another pair in a thinner/lighter/more colorful style so you can have some variety? It's nice to have a neutral pair so they don't always clash with your outfits (like you said happened with your blue specs). I know I am very happy having two pairs because I can swap them out based on the colors of my outfits and my mood and change up my look. Plus you have a backup in case something happens to one pair (either you lose it or it breaks, like your old pair) and next time you won't feel so pressured to find a pair right away because you will have a working backup pair. And I agree, $500 is a lot of money, but think of how often you wear them! Every day! Cost per wear is cheaper than anything else in your closet, I bet. And my glasses cost around that much with the high density lenses & everything (super high prescription) so it's not unreasonable for it to cost that much. Why don't you try those free glasses you have a voucher for?

Good luck with your decision, and know that either way you will look great! Hugs!!!

Such beautiful photos GP! I really should keep an eye on the WIW forum more, I don't think I've seen you in the cognac jacket! On topic, I love how you look in all these frames, but the current brown and red ones definitely work with your look the best. Look at 4 and 7! These outfits are perfection and your glasses play completely into the look, and you look so pretty in them too!

Thankyou for your lovely boosts - I do appreciate them :).

While I've found it tricky to style the glasses with my outfits, I definitely think this is worth playing with. I know what you're saying about them possibly complementing the librarian look I do have some reservations but as I said to AG I see them as a 50s/60s trailer trash look - like I need bigger hair, winged eyeliner or something (without looking like an Amy Winehouse wannabe...) I can't do that look every day but sometimes it's good - and to be clear, I see it like that in my head but I don't think it translates that way to onlookers!

I agree with your advice I need 2 frames so if one breaks I'm not left under pressure again. I love your story about how you came to your current frames. Some of my favourite style finds have been the result of limitation rather than going and finding what I thought I wanted.

I loled when you said you're secretly hoping I'll get the glasses I wish I could see them on you, I think they'd look great!

Re styling - this is a very bad photo taken in a McDonalds toilet on the road trip back from Sydney, and yes my dress is a bit short, but it's one outfit I felt they suited quite well:

What a cute outfit! I think the glasses look perfect with these. The more I see them the more I love them! But I think they will look good with more formal/elegant/ladylike looks too...I don't think they are "trailer trash" at all!

What brand are these? I'll have to look for them the next time I need new glasses!

Thanks GP! They are Face a Face. This model is Polen 1. They have lots of lovely classic-with-a-twist frames. I looked at their website and they even did a tartan collection!

(psst I saw mine on ebay new for about $200...)