Lookmatic
Tortoise frames have long been a part of my daily uniform since high school. If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me who made my glasses, I'd have $88—enough to buy another pair. The hand-made, hand polished frame of my favorite pair is vaguely reminiscent of Tart Optical’s classic FDR silhouette, only hundreds of dollars less.
Lookmatic RX FDR glasses in tortoise ($88)
I distinctly remember the era when stylish eyeglasses were a high dollar solution to a common problem. In fact, the tail end of that era is still lingering. It was only two years ago I coughed up close to $500 for a pair of stylish prescription eyeglasses. That’s fine for those with more money than sense. But for the rest of us replacing our prescription eyewear every year, it’s a bittersweet experience.
The dirty secret about the eyewear industry is that the margins are huge—fragrance margin huge. That’s changing. From the industry movers and shakers that brought you “glasses in about an hour”, comes Lookmatic, the one-stop online shop offering high-quality, stylish prescription eye glasses, prescription sunglasses, and readers. Their offering is vast but cohesive; and a home trial of up to five frames ensures you’ll find the most flattering silhouettes. The kicker? They’re only $88.
left a comment on 2/6/2012 at 8:50 AM:
@George—Your source is inaccurate. Every item of Rugby clothing I have ever worn on Unabashedly Prep was paid for by my hard-earned cash. If there is such an advertising program at Rugby, I don’t know about it. Your girlfriend has good taste if she likes you in no socks in the summer and spring…keep her around.
left a comment on 2/6/2012 at 12:59 AM:
@FEC Hmmm. Someone told me you are part of a new type of advertising campaign, where the blogger appears to pick outfits from their own “closet” but are really given free goods… Even if this is true, you rock them so god damn well. My girlfriend is in love with you. Hell, she won’t even let me wear socks anymore!
left a comment on 1/29/2012 at 10:59 AM:
That’s fine for those with more money than sense? Interesting interpretation of good judgment - what about those who buy a single pair of glasses and wear them for more than a year?
left a comment on 1/28/2012 at 11:15 AM:
FE - not to distract from the emphasis on the glasses, but where is that blazer from? It’s great.
left a comment on 1/28/2012 at 10:49 AM:
That is exactly the jacket I’m looking for. Would you tell me who makes it?
left a comment on 1/28/2012 at 10:00 AM:
So, what about those glasses? Pretty cool, huh? And for only $88?
left a comment on 1/27/2012 at 4:46 PM:
Great discovery. Thanks for sharing. What is the name of the model you have on in the photo? Thank you!
left a comment on 1/27/2012 at 4:40 PM:
If readers enjoy this post, they should also check out Warby Parker (www.warbyparker.com). Not only are their prices just as reasonable as Lookmatic, but they also provide a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair they sell.
left a comment on 1/27/2012 at 2:09 PM:
Hey F.E. Castlebery, I enjoyed this posting. As an eyewear designer I do enjoy the margins (it pays my salary) and I do enjoy the other brands popping up that are cutting down their margins to improve sales. It’s a neat business model. I wonder how long they’ll last in the industry. What are your thoughts?
left a comment on 1/27/2012 at 2:04 PM:
It’s amusing to see you wearing such nice clothing—in greasy diners and downtown burger parlors.
left a comment on 1/27/2012 at 12:00 PM:
@Jeff—Lookmatic offers the home trial. Simply call them if you cannot find it on the website. They will get you set up.
left a comment on 1/27/2012 at 11:58 AM:
I am trying to find the home try on, but cannot find it anywhere on the site. Are you getting it confused with the Warby Parker home try on that they do? Or does Lookmatic do it as well and I just can’t find it.
Jon left a comment on 2/14/2012 at 8:01 PM:
@FEC Although I believe that you are not advertising for Rugby, I don’t understand why you wear so much of them… I’ve entered a rugby store twice and both times quickly left because what ever I’ve felt or tried has been bad quality even if they do have some good looking items. Is this the case or have I just had bad luck?