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Apr 17, 2013

Which of these five sunglass frames is your favorite on me?



Friends, for my birthday I thought I would treat myself to new sunglasses: my old ones are shot and you know how much I enjoy sunglasses!

I decided to try out the brand Warby Parker.  You may or may not have heard about them.  You go to their website, select five frames you like, they ship samples to you that you keep for (up to) five days and then return via UPS using their return shipping label, all for FREE.  If you choose a pair, you order your choice online.  The basic frames (the majority) all cost $95, including (non-prescription) lenses.



For sunglasses, the selection isn't tremendous, which is actually a good thing.  Most frames come in two or three variations, generally a black version and a brown (tortoise) version.  They're all pretty retro (we're in hipster land here, let's face it).

Mine arrived today -- fun!  Here they are:

#1 -- This frame is called "Jasper" and the color is marine slate.



This is JASPER.





#2 -- Next up, "Winston," the color is lunar fade.





This is WINSTON.



#3 - This is "Paley" in revolver black.



This is PALEY.





#4 -- Next is "Neville" in black matte.





This is NEVILLE.

#5 - Finally, "Downing" in revolver black.





This is DOWNING.


 

So, what do you think?  As you can see, the frames I chose are all acetate (they have a few metal ones too).  They're made in China (apparently even Made in Italy glasses have something in them that was made in China), but the quality seems excellent -- certainly on par with anything by Ray Ban.

Would you let me know which you like best?

1) Jasper (the blue)

2) Winston (the angular black-to-gray fade)

3) Paley (the dark black)

4) Neville (the black matte)

5) Downing (the thinner, rounder black frame).

I have five days to decide.  Choices, choices....

Thanks for your input, everybody!

87 comments:

  1. AnonymousApril 17, 2013 at 8:03 PM

    Winston! The shape is great, and the frames are black but don't read as severe. Also, the grading of the color adds a good bit of interest.

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  2. ZeilaApril 17, 2013 at 8:06 PM

    It's Winston, hands down!

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  3. UnknownApril 17, 2013 at 8:08 PM

    Another vote here for Winston. Look fab on you.

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  4. K.LineApril 17, 2013 at 8:08 PM

    I third that.

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  5. FairevergreenApril 17, 2013 at 8:08 PM

    I like the Paley, but the Winston would be my second choice.

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  6. Jane MApril 17, 2013 at 8:12 PM

    I certainly like Winston on you the best but Jasper is a close second. I'm hoping that Warby Parker is considering no line bifocals in the future since their quality and price seem unbeatable.

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  7. JaneApril 17, 2013 at 8:14 PM

    First choice Winston...second is Downing. There seems to be a consensus building :)
    -Jane

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  8. AnonymousApril 17, 2013 at 8:18 PM

    Downing!!! Proportionate to your bean!! And a handsome bean at that.:o)

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  9. CosmicCaroApril 17, 2013 at 8:21 PM

    I like the 2) Winston (the angular black-to-gray fade) too! :D

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  10. KimmeApril 17, 2013 at 8:24 PM

    Definitely Winston, hands down the best on you.

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  11. RegenaApril 17, 2013 at 8:27 PM

    I like Jasper and winston....leaning toward Jasper more

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  12. CocoApril 17, 2013 at 8:28 PM

    Winston!

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  13. TiffanyApril 17, 2013 at 8:33 PM

    Winston! The softer color is more flattering for you, I'd say.

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  14. Nancy KApril 17, 2013 at 8:46 PM

    Jasper first Neville second.

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  15. CleverclogsApril 17, 2013 at 8:56 PM

    Winston looks most flattering to me (and I typed that before scrolling up to see what other people thought!) I'd go next for Jasper. The others are nice enough as objects but all make you look a little stern. This would be good if you are contemplating a career move into academe, but don't seem to suit your current persona.

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  16. woolcatApril 17, 2013 at 9:01 PM

    Winston or Downing. What's with the British Prime Ministers theme?

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  17. AlaskapsychApril 17, 2013 at 9:02 PM

    Winston!!!!

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  18. GracaApril 17, 2013 at 9:06 PM

    Winston is my first choice, second would be Jasper and my third choice is Downing. But more important, which one do you like? And Happy Birthday!

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  19. girliefrankApril 17, 2013 at 9:16 PM

    Paley and Winston.

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  20. MarianneApril 17, 2013 at 9:23 PM

    Winston!

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  21. SondraApril 17, 2013 at 9:32 PM

    Winston is fabulous! Neville is my second choice. Happy birthday, Peter!

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  22. ElleCApril 17, 2013 at 9:41 PM

    Winston I like the best on you and Jasper I like the least.

    ♫ Happy Birthday to You ♪

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  23. MariliseApril 17, 2013 at 9:41 PM

    Paley. I think they suit the shape of your eyebrows the best. (I was once told that's the way to pick glasses frames...who knew?)

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  24. AimeeApril 17, 2013 at 10:14 PM

    Paley, 100% Paley.

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  25. AnonymousApril 17, 2013 at 10:24 PM

    They all look fabulous, dahling...
    I like them all. Have you asked Cathy which pair she likes?

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  26. CarolApril 17, 2013 at 10:29 PM

    Winston

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  27. kmisnerApril 17, 2013 at 10:32 PM

    Downing. Hands "downing" Ha!

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  28. UnknownApril 17, 2013 at 10:35 PM

    Winston suits you perfectly!

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  29. AnonymousApril 17, 2013 at 10:35 PM

    Peter: Winston is nice; however, I think that the Jasper really light up when you smile. Also-I would never consider the Paley, unless you are carrying a gun and want people to know it (revolver-black ???)

    However, Peter, you really can't make a bad choice - they all look great on you. -Babe

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  30. TheresaApril 17, 2013 at 10:37 PM

    Jasper.

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  31. PiffleApril 17, 2013 at 10:37 PM

    Jasper by far!

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  32. Aunty MaimuApril 17, 2013 at 10:40 PM

    They all look pretty breat on you but Downing is by far my most fave pair!

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  33. sandbagsApril 17, 2013 at 10:43 PM

    I say: 1.Downing, 2.Winston, 3.Happy Birthday!

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  34. LauraApril 17, 2013 at 11:06 PM

    I think all the frames are too big for your face, but I'm probably in the minority....

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  35. Ame HowardApril 17, 2013 at 11:21 PM

    winston!

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  36. Cherri PorterApril 17, 2013 at 11:24 PM

    Winston. Seems like you have a winner.

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  37. Nikki H.April 17, 2013 at 11:46 PM

    I think the Downing has a cool WWII German scientist villain look to it, so that is my vote.

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  38. SergeApril 17, 2013 at 11:55 PM

    Classic Winston!!! ;)

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  39. Summer FliesApril 18, 2013 at 12:21 AM

    I think they are all too big for your face too and that the way they extend beyond your eyes makes for lots of reflection on the glass. You need more wrap around ones...I know cause I have a small face around my eyes. If you have to choose the last ones are the smallest and suit you best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Peter LappinApril 18, 2013 at 1:34 AM

      I know what you're saying. Styles these days seem to be on the oversized side:

      http://pinterest.com/pin/261490322086692316/

      Delete
  40. ChristinaApril 18, 2013 at 12:30 AM

    My vote is either Winston or Downing!

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  41. UnknownApril 18, 2013 at 12:43 AM

    Downing for sure

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  42. JaneApril 18, 2013 at 2:09 AM

    Winston, with Paley in second place. x

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  43. TempestApril 18, 2013 at 2:45 AM

    Definitely Winston - they have some quirk to them but don't try overly hard to be interesting.

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  44. WendyApril 18, 2013 at 2:51 AM

    I'd go for WINSTON, without a doubt!

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  45. Andrea CornellApril 18, 2013 at 3:05 AM

    Ok, I decided not to look to other answers, so here is my oppinion:

    - #1 and #4 don't fit you

    - Payley is my favorite

    I wear glasses (prescription) everyday and use to change each 2 or 3 years the frame, but for sunglasses I use to be more economic. Anyway, mine I bought 3 years ago and I am sure I will keep it longer.

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  46. MrsC (Maryanne)April 18, 2013 at 3:32 AM

    Another vote for Winston. I like the width and proportion, height and angle on you. Colour-wise, I quite like the Jasper boue, but I think the Winston frame is better on you :)

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  47. AnnekeApril 18, 2013 at 4:12 AM

    I also prefer the Winston on you. The frames are a bit larger and they seem to sit a bit lower on your face, which looks better in my opinion!

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  48. CorneliaApril 18, 2013 at 5:03 AM

    Winston or Payley. Both are a little conservative perhaps... but I like them best.

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  49. fritzs mumApril 18, 2013 at 5:24 AM

    Love the winston very classy glassy!!

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  50. Jen in OzApril 18, 2013 at 6:01 AM

    Winston or maybe Downing

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  51. UnknownApril 18, 2013 at 6:23 AM

    Definitely the Winston!

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  52. The Wishful TinkerApril 18, 2013 at 7:15 AM

    Winston to me looks like the best shape for your face, it's a good look on you! Downing is my second.

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  53. FlorenciaApril 18, 2013 at 8:09 AM

    #3 "Paley" I think looks the best on you.

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  54. EmilyApril 18, 2013 at 8:19 AM

    I like Winston best, but Paley was a close second.

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  55. AnonymousApril 18, 2013 at 8:35 AM

    Downing. And I hope you get something nice from WP for featuring them.

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  56. Sew little timeApril 18, 2013 at 8:42 AM

    definitely winston with downing second.

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  57. BConkyApril 18, 2013 at 9:15 AM

    First choice Winston and second Downing.

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  58. JoanierApril 18, 2013 at 9:15 AM

    Winston first. They look great! Downing is the second choice.

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  59. RonniieApril 18, 2013 at 9:23 AM

    Winston and Paley coming in a close second.

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  60. Heather LouApril 18, 2013 at 9:34 AM

    I vote Winston with Jasper coming in at second. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Warby Parker. They totally changed the prescription eyeglass game. No more paying $500 for designer frames. I love mine. It might be time to spring for a new pair!

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  61. KatherineApril 18, 2013 at 9:35 AM

    I think the Winston and Paley frames suit you the best - good shapes and colours for your face shape and skin tone

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  62. MaggieApril 18, 2013 at 9:58 AM

    Winston is first for me, then close second is Paley. But they do all look great!

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  63. SeamsterEast@aol.comApril 18, 2013 at 9:59 AM

    I too think they're too big, and perhaps too dark as well.

    Oversized glasses, sun or otherwise, give me the impression the wearer is trying to distract the viewer's eyes from seeing the wearer's eyes. Most people's eyes are very expressive. For very few people does covering the eyes add to the effect their face makes.

    Seriously dark glasses make it difficult for people to talk with the wearer, which is why Hollywood stars so often wear very dark glasses in an ordinary day in public.

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  64. UnknownApril 18, 2013 at 11:00 AM

    They all look pretty good, but I think the Paley frame looks the best.

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  65. LLADYBIRDApril 18, 2013 at 11:04 AM

    Ooh, I love Warby Parker! My vote is Winston or Paley, Winston being my #1 choice.

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  66. AmyApril 18, 2013 at 11:14 AM

    Winston would be my choice.

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  67. TestosteroneApril 18, 2013 at 11:25 AM

    I saw the Warby Parker founders profiled in Vanity Fair. Their one-for-one donation-for-each-purchase is commendable.

    They all have their appeal, but Paley and Winston stand out.

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  68. zilredlohApril 18, 2013 at 11:32 AM

    The downing ones, hands down are my favs on you. I think they fit your personality and complement your face best. :)

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  69. AnonymousApril 18, 2013 at 11:44 AM

    Winston, blends with your face color the best.

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  70. TinaLouApril 18, 2013 at 12:40 PM

    Downing for shape, scale and proportion ... does it come in any other colorway? If not, then Winston, for the softer, yet still traditional colorway... Happy Birthday, Peter!

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  71. Alex in CaliforniaApril 18, 2013 at 12:48 PM

    Paley.

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  72. ClaireApril 18, 2013 at 12:52 PM

    I like Downing! And second choice would have to be Jaspar.

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  73. AnonymousApril 18, 2013 at 1:11 PM

    3) Paley (the dark black)

    TRENDING!
    It's Dench! Absolutely Judi Dench!

    ReplyDelete
  74. RachelApril 18, 2013 at 1:29 PM

    Oh, fun. Winston is definitely my favourite by far - good colour and shape for you. Maybe Paley is my second choice, but it's far behind.

    ReplyDelete
  75. The Slapdash SewistApril 18, 2013 at 1:37 PM

    My favorites are the Paley.

    If you want REALLY cheap sunglasses, go to zennioptical (no connection, I just love them). However, they don't accept returns so you're stuck with them once you get them. If you consider them, I recommend the black tinted lenses over the brown ones. The brown tint just isn't very dark.

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  76. Mary Lou in Central NYApril 18, 2013 at 2:13 PM

    #1 Wintston
    #2 Paley

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  77. Vi Brant ViApril 18, 2013 at 2:47 PM

    It was fun, virtual shopping with you, Peter!

    5) Downing - for shorts and casual days
    1) Winston - for suits and more formal wear

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  78. ErzulimojoApril 18, 2013 at 3:06 PM

    Put me in the Downing camp. I agree that the others look too big on you.

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  79. SaraApril 18, 2013 at 4:34 PM

    Totally Winston!! The color is the most flattering on you, as are the shape and proportion.

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  80. sewpdxApril 18, 2013 at 4:41 PM

    Downing!

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  81. SeraphinalinaApril 18, 2013 at 4:42 PM

    I like Winston followed by Paley. I thought I was going to like Jasper, the shape and colour are great. However, I think they look too big for your face, the proportions aren't right.

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  82. AnonymousApril 18, 2013 at 4:54 PM

    Winston - which surprised me, because I didn't like the style in the box, but it looks great on you!
    -- stashdragon

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  83. AnonymousApril 18, 2013 at 6:10 PM

    I agree with some of the others they are all a touch too wide for you. That said I think the Paleys suit you best.
    Mel

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  84. Russell1947April 18, 2013 at 6:45 PM

    I think they are all too wide for your face.

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  85. SuzanneApril 18, 2013 at 7:10 PM

    I have warby parkers! One cool thing about them is the company donates a pair to someone in need for every pair they sell. I like the last pair on you, for what it's worth.

    ReplyDelete
  86. NettieApril 18, 2013 at 7:49 PM

    Jasper, then Winston are my choices.

    ReplyDelete

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