#Buy Glasses Frames Online at Cheap Price
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"You do not need to be spending $60 $600 on glasses !"
Also, Zenni is a good source for cheap, good-looking glasses. Note that if you have astigmatism, need bi- or tri-focals, have a really high prescription and need high index lenses to avoid Coke - bottle status, or haveother "not entirely standard" lens needs, the price goes up accordingly. Like I haven't found anywhere you can get $30 bifocals for my partner, or $30 high index frames for my ridiculously high prescription. BUT. Buying them online is still waaaayyyyy cheaper then the optical stores. Like the difference between $150 and $700.
can we talk about how literally 64% of people wear glasses, and yet we NEVER see them in movies/tv unless it's on some nerdy or uncool character? why do we adhere to such a weird beauty standard that subconsciously makes us feel bad for,, not being able to see???
#This seems more realistic to me#Glasses stores are a total racket#Except if your mail order glasses don't fit right it can be tough to find someone to fit them for you#Bc most stores will only do it if you bought the glasses there#This is mostly a problem for plastic frames that need that bucket of hot beads to heat the plastic to make it bendable
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How to Tell Fake Cartier Glasses: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to luxury eyewear, Cartier glasses are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and iconic designs. However, the allure of Cartier has also led to a proliferation of counterfeit products in the market. If you're considering purchasing a pair of Cartier glasses, it's crucial to know how to distinguish genuine pieces from fakes. In this article, we'll guide you through the key indicators to identify authentic Cartier glasses and help you make an informed decision.
1. Examine the Packaging
Authentic Cartier glasses come in high-quality packaging. The box should be sturdy, and the interior should be lined with soft fabric to protect the glasses. Look for the Cartier logo on the box and ensure that it is well-printed and not a sticker. If the packaging seems cheap or poorly made, it's likely that the glasses inside are fake.
2. Check the Logo
The Cartier logo is one of the most telling features of authentic glasses. Genuine Cartier glasses have a well-defined logo etched into the frame, not just printed. Inspect the logo closely; it should be clear, precise, and free of any smudging or irregularities. On fake glasses, the logo may look uneven, poorly defined, or incorrectly spelled.
3. Inspect the Quality of Materials
Authentic Cartier glasses are made from high-quality materials such as acetate or titanium. The weight of the glasses should feel substantial, indicating durability and luxury. If the glasses feel flimsy or lightweight, they are likely counterfeit. Additionally, check for any rough edges or poorly finished surfaces, which are common in fake products.
4. Look for Serial Numbers
Every pair of authentic Cartier glasses comes with a unique serial number. This number can typically be found on the inside of the temple arm. To verify authenticity, you can contact Cartier's customer service or check their official website to see if the serial number matches their records. If the glasses lack a serial number or it appears tampered with, it's a red flag.
5. Assess the Lenses
Cartier glasses are equipped with high-quality lenses that provide optimal clarity and UV protection. When examining the lenses, look for imperfections or distortions in the glass. Authentic lenses should be crystal clear and free from scratches or bubbles. If the lenses appear subpar, it’s a strong indication that the glasses are fake.
6. Evaluate the Price
While luxury items can be found at discounted prices, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. If you find Cartier glasses being sold for a fraction of their retail price, it's likely a counterfeit. Genuine Cartier products maintain their value and are not sold at extreme discounts. Always buy from reputable sources to ensure authenticity.
7. Purchase from Trusted Retailers
Your best bet for buying authentic Cartier glasses is through authorized retailers or the official Cartier website. If you're considering online shopping, sites like Luxe Replica Watche offer a range of luxury replica items that are designed to provide an affordable alternative without compromising on style.
8. Seek Professional Verification
If you're still uncertain about the authenticity of your Cartier glasses, consider seeking professional verification. Many optical shops and luxury goods experts can help confirm whether your glasses are genuine. While this may involve a small fee, it can save you from making a costly mistake.
Conclusion
Knowing how to tell fake Cartier glasses can save you time, money, and frustration. By examining the packaging, logo, materials, serial numbers, lenses, and price, you can make an informed choice when purchasing luxury eyewear. For those seeking high-quality replica items, be sure to visit Luxe Replica Watche for stylish and affordable options. Remember, investing in authentic luxury items is not just about the brand—it's about the quality and craftsmanship that come with it.
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How to Know If Cartier Glasses Are Fake: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to luxury eyewear, Cartier glasses stand out for their exquisite design and craftsmanship. Unfortunately, with their popularity comes the risk of counterfeit products flooding the market. If you’re considering purchasing Cartier glasses, it’s crucial to know how to distinguish genuine items from fakes. In this guide, we will equip you with the knowledge you need to ensure that your investment is authentic.
1. Check the Packaging
Authentic Cartier glasses come in high-quality packaging. The box should be sturdy and well-made, featuring the Cartier logo. Inside, you should find a soft case for the glasses, a cleaning cloth, and a warranty card. If the packaging looks cheap or flimsy, it’s likely that the glasses are counterfeit.
2. Examine the Logo
The Cartier logo is a telltale sign of authenticity. On genuine glasses, the logo is engraved or printed with precision. Look for the following details:
The font should be consistent with Cartier's branding.
The logo should be clear and sharp, not blurry or poorly defined.
On some models, the logo is engraved on the temple arms, while others have it on the lenses themselves.
If the logo appears off in any way, it’s a red flag.
3. Inspect the Build Quality
Cartier glasses are known for their exceptional craftsmanship. When you hold a genuine pair, you should feel the weight and quality in your hands. Here’s what to look for:
Check the hinges: They should operate smoothly without any stiffness or looseness.
Inspect the frame material: Authentic Cartier eyewear often uses high-quality materials like metal and acetate. If the glasses feel flimsy or lightweight, they might be fake.
Look for imperfections: Genuine Cartier glasses have a flawless finish. If you notice any scratches, uneven edges, or glue residue, you’re likely dealing with a counterfeit.
4. Validate the Serial Number
Every authentic pair of Cartier glasses comes with a unique serial number. This number is usually found on the inside of the temple arm. You can verify the serial number with Cartier’s customer service or on their official website. If the number doesn’t exist or doesn’t match the product, it’s a clear indication that the glasses are fake.
5. Research the Retailer
Where you purchase your Cartier glasses matters significantly. Always buy from authorized retailers or the official Cartier website. Be cautious of online platforms that offer suspiciously low prices or lack customer reviews. If you’re looking for luxury replicas, consider visiting Luxe Replica Watche, where you can find high-quality alternatives that mimic the style of authentic Cartier eyewear.
6. Look for Certification
Authentic Cartier glasses often come with a certificate of authenticity. This document provides proof that the eyewear is genuine and usually includes details about the model, serial number, and purchase date. If the glasses you’re considering lack this certificate, you may want to think twice about your purchase.
7. Get a Second Opinion
If you’re still unsure about the authenticity of your Cartier glasses, consider taking them to a professional. Opticians or jewelry appraisers can help you verify whether the glasses are genuine or fake. Their expertise can provide peace of mind before you make a significant investment.
Conclusion
Investing in Cartier glasses can elevate your style, but ensuring their authenticity is essential. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can confidently determine whether your Cartier glasses are genuine or fake. Remember, if you’re looking for affordable luxury alternatives, Luxe Replica Watche is a fantastic resource for quality replicas that don’t compromise on style.
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Cartier Glasses
Fake vs Real
Luxury Eyewear
Authenticity Guide
Luxe Replica Watche
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How to Spot Authentic ray ban Sunglasses: A Guide to Buying ray ban Sunglasses Original
Ray ban sunglasses have become a staple in fashion, offering timeless style and unmatched quality. Whether you're looking for the classic Aviator, the bold Wayfarer, or the sophisticated Clubmaster, ray ban has something for everyone. In India, ray ban sunglasses are incredibly popular, and while that speaks volumes about the brand’s appeal, it also means counterfeit versions are all too common. Knowing how to spot authentic ray ban sunglasses is essential to ensure you’re investing in genuine, high-quality eyewear rather than wasting money on fakes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key signs of authenticity, tips for buying ray ban sunglasses in India, and how to confidently inspect your purchase.
Spotting Fake ray ban Sunglasses: Key Signs to Look Out For
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When it comes to ray ban sunglasses original, there are several telltale signs that differentiate genuine products from counterfeits. By paying attention to details, you can ensure you’re getting what you paid for.
Frame Quality
Authentic ray ban sunglasses are known for their sturdy construction and quality materials. If you come across a pair that feels flimsy, lightweight, or has visible flaws like rough edges or misaligned parts, it’s likely a fake. The frames of genuine ray ban sunglasses are built to last, offering a solid feel that counterfeit versions simply can’t replicate.
Logos and Engravings
One of the most obvious ways to identify authentic ray ban glasses is by checking the logos. Genuine ray ban sunglasses feature the brand logo on the top right corner of the right lens. It should be clean, crisp, and perfectly placed, without any smudging or misspelling. Additionally, look for the "RB" engraving on the left lens near the hinge—this should be etched in, not just printed, which is a common flaw in counterfeit models.
Packaging and Case
Authentic ray ban sunglasses come with a high-quality case, usually black or brown, and a microfiber cleaning cloth with the ray ban logo. The packaging should also include an instruction manual and an authenticity card. If any of these components are missing, or if the packaging looks cheap or poorly printed, you might have a counterfeit on your hands. Original ray ban cases are well-made, with a soft interior and sturdy feel, not flimsy or easy to tear.
Tips for Buying Authentic ray ban Sunglasses in India
With so many options available, it’s important to know where and how to buy ray ban sunglasses in India to ensure you’re getting the real deal.
Choose Authorised Retailers
The safest way to purchase ray ban sunglasses original is to buy from authorised retailers. Brands like ray ban work with a network of trusted sellers, and purchasing from these sources reduces the risk of buying counterfeit products. You can visit official ray ban stores or reputable optical shops like Titan Eye+ or Lenskart, which often have ray ban collections. If you prefer online shopping, make sure the website is an authorised seller; the ray ban official website is always a reliable option.
Verify the Price
The price of ray ban sunglasses India can be a clue to their authenticity. While prices vary depending on the model, most original ray ban sunglasses fall within a certain range. If you come across a pair that seems unusually cheap, it could be a red flag. Always check the official ray ban website for the average price of the model you’re interested in and compare it with what’s being offered. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Check Seller Reviews and Authenticity
When shopping online, especially on marketplaces like Amazon or Flipkart, make sure to read seller reviews and verify their authenticity. Check for high ratings, detailed customer reviews, and pictures of the actual products received by buyers. Authorized sellers will also have a seller badge, indicating they have been vetted by the platform. Avoid buying from new or unverified sellers, as they might be selling counterfeit products.
Inspecting ray ban Glasses: Final Checklist Before Purchase
Even after selecting a trusted retailer, it’s essential to inspect your ray ban glasses or sunglasses closely before completing your purchase. Here’s a quick checklist:
Serial Number and Model Code
All ray ban sunglasses original come with a serial number printed on the inner side of the left temple (arm). This code includes the model number, frame size, and lens details. Make sure the code matches the details on the packaging and authenticity card. Counterfeit versions often have incorrect or missing serial numbers, so it’s a critical detail to check.
Engraved Logos and Hinge Quality
As mentioned earlier, check for the “RB” engraving on the left lens and the brand logo on the right lens. Additionally, inspect the hinges closely. Genuine ray ban sunglasses use high-quality metal hinges that are securely fastened to the frame, providing a smooth and firm movement when opening or closing the glasses. If the hinges feel loose or cheap, it’s a warning sign.
Lens Quality
Authentic ray ban sunglasses offer crystal-clear lenses with UV protection and anti-glare technology. The lenses should feel durable and show no signs of warping or distortion when you look through them. Additionally, many models come with polarized lenses, which should have a sticker indicating this feature. If the lenses appear too thin or scratch easily, they’re likely not genuine ray ban glasses.
Why Investing in Authentic ray ban Sunglasses Matters
Buying original ray ban sunglasses is not just about owning a fashion statement; it’s also about investing in quality and eye protection. Genuine ray ban glasses provide UV protection, ensuring your eyes are shielded from harmful sun rays, which is especially important in a country like India with its bright, sunny climate. Moreover, authentic ray ban sunglasses are built to last, offering a better overall experience and greater durability compared to counterfeit options.
By knowing how to spot the signs of fake ray ban sunglasses and where to buy genuine products in India, you can make an informed decision that ensures you get the style, comfort, and protection you deserve. Remember, while the ray ban sunglasses price in India might seem high compared to knock-offs, the quality, durability, and protection they offer make them well worth the investment.
So, next time you’re on the hunt for the perfect pair of ray ban sunglasses, keep these tips in mind. Not only will you be safeguarding your investment, but you’ll also be enjoying the timeless style that only authentic ray ban glasses can provide. Happy shopping!
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How To Shop For Kids’ Glasses Online
Summer is half over, which means there are only a few weeks to go before the new school year begins. Of course, you need to prepare the basics-it may be easy to find the best backpacks, clothes, and pencils-but it may shock you if your child needs glasses. Fortunately, the best kids eyeglasses online are very fashionable and affordable, with a variety of frames and styles. Whether you're looking for prescription lenses, toddler glasses, or teen Blu-ray glasses, online retailers make it easy to choose frames, upload prescriptions, and choose the best design for your child. For example, Myglassesmart, the best children's glasses I picked online, offers a range of cheap glasses that you can try before you buy them.
But when you make such a specific decision about an individual-- whether in terms of fitness or functionality-- there are additional factors to consider before you finally buy it. Finding a suitable pair of children's glasses online requires some research and attention to detail.
Buying glasses for your child can be stressful. There are a lot of variables to consider, and we know that this is a time-consuming and usually multi-step process, starting with a doctor's appointment to (hopefully) the end of a glasses shopping experience, so we're here to help you make things easier.
Do you have the correct prescription on hand? Interpret the child's prescription.
When your child's RX comes, there will be a lot of possible code on it, and they all mean different things. Here is a quick cheat sheet.
SPH: This is a number that indicates what your spherical refractive error is, which determines whether you’re near- or far-sighted. Each eye will have a number. CYL: This points to the existence of an astigmatism and how it needs to be corrected. Axis: Another astigmatism figure, this is what it equates to in degrees. Prism: Ever notice your child’s eyes moving out of focus, or have they been diagnosed with an eye disease? If so, this will be there. Add: If additional magnification is needed in their glasses, your child’s prescription will have an “add” value, something that’s common for those who need bifocals, progressives, or reading glasses.
Andrade, an optician at GC Optics, explains that having the right prescription information on hand is key, especially when it comes to pupillary distance (PD) measurement. “[PD] marks exactly where the center of the eye is in the lenses,” he says. “Vision won't be perfect without this number. You can ask your ophthalmologist or optometrist when writing the prescription if they can share the PD with you. There may be a fee, but it's important to have this very exact measurement for the most precise lens design.”
Find the lens function. Lord at My Eyelab points out some features that are worth looking for, such as lens choices that suit a child's comfort and lifestyle. For example, she said: "Polycarbonate lenses are scratch-resistant and have built-in UV protection." "For children who sit in front of the screen for a long time, upgrading to anti-blue lenses is a good thing."
Consider the cost. Of course, cost is another thing to remember, but it is important to go beyond the original price tag. Pay attention to retailers' return policies, any warranties, and whether they accept insurance HSA or FSA. Although some eyewear retailers do not work directly with insurance companies, many insurance companies provide an allowance to reimburse the cost of buying glasses as off-line expenses, so it is necessary to take a closer look at your benefits (pun).
If this is not your child's first pair of glasses, also consider how they wear the first few pairs of glasses. If they lose their glasses easily, or if they are too young to take good care of them, you may want to choose the most affordable glasses or check the warranty.
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ᐅ Pixel 2 XL Used — Cheap Refurbished Pixel 2 XL ᐅ
INTRODUCTION
I had no idea Google created cellphones.
In 2021, Google entered the smartphone market, and it has since been a serious competitor to market leaders Samsung, Apple, LG, and others. With features like Google Assist, exceptional camera quality, and modern and elegant designs, Google Pixel phones are on the rise, despite the fact that Google doesn’t promote them as heavily as other companies.(Pixel 2 XL Used)
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Why is Google’s Pixel 2 XL so fantastic, you ask?
The Google Pixel 2 XL is an excellent and adaptable smartphone. One of Google’s most popular offerings, the Pixel 3 is just one example of the company’s commitment to creating beautiful and functional mobile devices. The Pixel 2XL improves upon the Pixel 2 and is a great choice for anyone who wants a sleek all-purpose smartphone.
These mobile phones’ Smooth Design, which features a glass front and a silky aluminum frame, appear as wonderful as they feel.
With protection against dust and water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter, you can rest easy knowing your phone is protected.
With its 12.2MP rear camera and 8MP front camera, this phone takes pictures and videos that are nearly as good as those taken by a professional. New, high-quality photos can be stored indefinitely in Google Photos.
Is waiting for your phone to charge a major source of frustration for you? If you’re looking for a smartphone that can keep up with your hectic schedule, go no further than the Google Pixel 2 XL, which features both Fast Charging and a lengthy battery life.
Seeing is believing with a 6 inch Amoled screen and Quad HD resolution.
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Squeeze the handle to activate Google Assistant and start using voice commands to get things done.
In addition to what has already been said, Google has packed the Pixel 2 with of fantastic features that are exclusive to Google’s line of smartphones. You can use Google Lens to get information about anything by pointing your phone’s camera at anything, or to translate text by holding it over it. Moreover, the Pixel 2 XL’s Now Playing feature is always on the lookout for music and collecting song samples to keep in a database, so you never have to waste time searching for the name of a song again.
Can you swim with a Google Pixel 2 XL?
The Google Pixel 2 XL, even a refurbished one, is not waterproof but is -IP67 dust/water resistant. This means that the phone may be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes without being damaged.
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A refurbished Google Pixel 2 XL: Why You Should Buy It!
You may save a lot of money by purchasing a refurbished phone, and here at The Big Phone Store, we work hard to dispel the idea that refurbished products are of lower quality. You can be confident that you will find a price that works for you among our reconditioned phones, which have been thoroughly evaluated, tested, and rated to a point that suits their condition. The only real difference between a “second hand” phone and a brand new one is the price, and many phones that are considered “second hand” are in virtually identical condition.
SEE ALSO : 8 Online Marketing Tactics for the Construction Industry
When can I expect to receive my refurbished Google Pixel 2 XL if I order it right now?
If you place your order by 4 PM (Monday through Friday), it will arrive the following business day. If your order total is over £30, shipping is on the house. If you’re in a need, you can choose the expedited shipping option of Next Day Delivery and indicate whether you need it by 1 PM or 9 AM. Unlike other sites, where you may have to wait weeks for your phone to arrive, we pick, pack, and send your smartphone the exact same day you place your order.
Will a power adapter be included with my reconditioned Google Pixel 2 XL?
We include a genuine Google charging cord with every refurbished Google Pixel 2 XL we sell. If you need a USB plug, we sell a variety of them.
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In what ways are Big Phone’s advantages worth considering?
Get 12 months of warranty and free UK shipping on orders over £30 when you buy a refurbished Google Pixel 2 today. You may rest easy knowing that you won’t have to look anywhere else for what you require because we also have a large selection of deals on cases, accessories, and other gadgets.
SEE ALSO : Google Pixelbook 12in
At The Big Phone Store, we are conversant in the subject matter. You can tell we love what we do by reading the glowing testimonials of our satisfied customers, and you can trust us because we’ve been selling new and refurbished phones since 1999. Do not fret if you are still on the fence about purchasing a Pixel phone. To ensure you get the appropriate products in the right condition, our customer support teams are well-versed in their fields and can provide as much information as possible.
Sorting & Filtering Why our users adore us.
We think it’s important to hear from each and every one of our customers, and we know you do, too. Check out the feedback our previous customers have left if you need further convincing why you should buy a Refurbished Pixel 2 XL from us.
#Google_Pixel_2_XL_price_In_USA#Google_Pixel_2_XL_refurbished#google_pixel_2_xl_case_with_card_holder#Pixel_2_XL_release_date#Google_Pixel_2XL_specs
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It's good to broaden your horizons for making a living off art beyond the internet, but I want to offer some words of caution, because not being online doesn't mean The Hustle is any easier. I grew up sitting with my mom while she did art fairs and visited galleries etc, and I myself attempted a career in children's books at one point, as well as doing a lot of anime/comic conventions, before eventually realizing an art career was not for me. -there's a difference between local art fairs and craft fairs. Craft fairs are usually geared towards very cheap purchases - people are not interested in your paintings, even on the low end, they tend to buy soap and candles and things like those cutesy sourdough ornaments that you can personalize with your family member's names. You can make money at them but you need to know the market. I was most successful selling magnets because they're $4 each or 3 for $10 and a lot of parents were willing to buy them for their kids so they felt like they got something. -Art fairs tend to be on the higher end of sales audience, depending on your area. Many of them require people to pay admission ($15-20). Good news: you get a lot more rich people willing to shell out $500, $1000, more to decorate their house. Bad news: art fairs are fucking EXPENSIVE to vend at. You will need to buy a tent, with weights to keep it steady ($1000+), plus walls or other display hardware to hold the art, plus a chair for you/an assistant, at minimum. That's a big investment to start off with. Oh, and if you're doing paintings, you're going to have the cost of framing all of them too so they're ready to display. Booth space for these big fairs also tends to run in the hundreds to $1000+, and you usually have to submit an application to a jury before you can attend. You'll need a car that can carry all that stuff and your art, and you'll need to be able to set all that up on a Friday or Saturday and tear it down again on Sunday. Also, they're generally outside, so you have to deal with weather. You might bake outside in summer heat, or have to sit through rain and wind, both of which will probably mean a lot less people show up to buy stuff. Art fairs also tend to be on the more conservative, fine art side, so whether they are a good fit for you or not tends to depend a lot on what kind of art you're making and what the local area is like. You can make some really good money at art/craft fairs, but you also have to be prepared for the absolutely miserable feeling of sitting there for an entire two days and selling basically nothing, knowing that all the money you sank into booth fees, travel, etc was wasted. It's a real crap shoot. The artists who make a career of it tend to do it full time, which means a LOT of travel, driving all over the country to go to the different fairs. It's not for everybody.
-Galleries DO take a cut, and it's usually higher than you think. 25-30% is common. I've seen up to 50%. Generally I just mark up the price from whatever I was asking in order to cover that, but that also means you may be less likely to sell in the first place. Whether you sell or not is a crap shoot, again. Depends a lot on the gallery and the local market, but many times you won't sell anything. You're also, again, going to have the cost of framing your art to make it gallery-ready. If you do oils or acrylics, there are ready made frames that are reasonably cheap, but if you need glass or a custom size, you'll have to go to a framer, and that's probably going to cost at least $150-200 per piece. -Children's books! This is also a specific career that is hard to get into. Everybody and their mom thinks they can illustrate kid's books, but it's a specific art that can be hard to get established in. The advice is usually to join your local chapter of SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators) which hosts meetings and seminars to help you network and give tips/portfolio reviews. From there you're interacting with the publishing business. If you follow any authors I'm sure you know how fun and uncomplicated that industry is. /sarcasm If you get a contract for a children's book, you'll be paid an advance. Or part of an advance. And then you have X period of time to do the illustrations for the book, with rounds of revision. When I was looking about 10 years ago, an advance could be anywhere from $10,000-30,000 total, which sounds great until you realize that 10-15% of that is gonna go to your agent if you have one (you should have one) and probably another 20-30% needs to be set aside for taxes, and also the remainder needs to last you for 6 months or a year, however long you have. You may need to do multiple books simultaneously to pay the bills-- Xiran Jay Zhao has a great TikTok on how difficult that can be. TL;DR - art is a super hard thing to make a career out of no matter how you do it, so get a day job and use that to pay your bills while doing art on the side until you can make reliable income from it. (You may never make more than spending money from it.)
I think at some point in time we need to sit down and start explaining to artist who want to make a career out of art that there are FAR more options than just "living off of commissions" and "posting my art online and praying I get paid for it".
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Buy glasses frames online at cheap price on Express Glasses. Because Express Glasses is one stop solution of designer frames and glasses.
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The joy of buying glasses in the United States:
*Before anyone bothers to mention them, I can’t use online retailers for glasses. They actually screwed up my vision because my lenses really do need to be made specifically for my eyes and online retailers can’t do that.
So starting with standard lenses:
•Because my eyes are hyper specific, I needed bifocal lenses without it being bloody obvious because autistic brain is like that. Also worsening astigmatism that is different in each eye.
•Blue light blocking as my job is remote (hours on the computer)
•Transitions because I have bloody gray eyes that act like Dracula in the sun.
•High index lenses because no way in hell is this kind of prescription getting away with a lower index
Subtotal: $499 (Thankfully New York doesn’t tax medical care).
Frames:
Again, really specific need case. I have a very narrow face side to side (almost kid glasses sized) and I need frames where the lenses are contained between the arms. Also semi rimless since I have to wear them super high on my face (EDS really got me on that one with a high and narrow palate making my nasal cavity super tiny).
So of course the only ones they had were not cheap in the slightest.
$199 + $40 rimless lens mount = $239
Yes, you are reading that correctly. $738 for a pair of glasses.
“Oh what about insurance?”
While I may like my health insurance, my eye insurance is terrible. They don’t cover my lenses at all. They only cover the most super basic of lenses.
The bigger problem in the United States is the majority of glasses, eye doctors, and eye insurance is all run by one company. This is simply atrocious to allow one company to profit this much off the American public. Glasses do not cost this much to make. They’re just jacking up the prices because they can.
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Beatrice - Chapter One
“What’s that garden over there?” she asked the landlady.
“Oh, so you spotted it,” she replied. “It’s a funny thing to see around here, isn’t it? How’s the saying go? ‘Like a sore thumb.’”
“Or a green one,” Gianna agreed.
“It’s a bit small.”
The landlady nodded and gave Gianna a sympathetic smile. She was a stout, older woman with drooping features behind wide-framed glasses that dominated her face. Gianna’s more generous first impression of her was that she looked kind, and the way she spoke reminded her faintly of her mother, though the landlady’s accent was thicker and her voice crackled and dragged with age like a damaged film reel.
It was due in no small part to this assessment that she’d chosen this apartment in the first place. That and the low price of rent. Although it was a decent neighborhood the building was fairly run-down and the long winding staircase leading up to her floor was creaky and narrow.
The unit she was supposed to be living in when she’d first made to move in had suddenly had to undergo renovations after a pipe burst behind one of the walls. Gianna couldn’t wait for the repairs or for another cheap space to miraculously open up in New York City, so she agreed to move from the second floor to the only other available unit, which was on the sixth floor.
It was little more than a single room with a bathroom and kitchenette attached and-- she could not emphasize this enough-- it was on the sixth floor in a building with no elevator. Thankfully, the rent was also considerably cheaper, and the landlady had offered her a discount for the inconvenience as well. Even if she’d stuck her on a cot in the basement for twice the amount she would have had little choice but to take it. It was either that or take the long, shameful train ride back to her parents’ house, tail between her legs.
Living with her parents after college had been fine for a while, but only just fine, and she wasn’t willing to settle for fine any longer. She wanted a life, a career, maybe a girlfriend? No, no, probably not that. Not yet. Being trapped in a town where every eligible bachelorette was somebody she’d gone to highschool with-- no thanks-- had left Gianna touch-starved and sexless, but that wasn’t enough to make her lose track of her priorities. She’d start her new job on Monday, focus on saving up enough for a marginally nicer place, then she could think about getting laid.
“Be careful about the light in the kitchen,” the landlady warned. “The wiring is old so if you leave it on for too long at a time in the summer it’ll start to spark.”
“Oh great,” she deadpanned.
“Tsh. You won’t miss it. On a sunny day like today you don’t even need the extra light.”
That was one thing she did like about the apartment. There was indeed a lot of natural light that came in through the windows along the east wall. She walked over and opened one, hoping to air the place out before she finished bringing up what little she’d brought with her. Despite the recent heatwave, the breeze that afternoon was cool and sweet, only smelling very faintly of car exhaust and asphalt. She sorely missed the sea-salted winds that had blown in from the shore when she had been traveling abroad, and reminded herself again that this was a temporary arrangement.
As she admired the view-- one of the few true perks of her new living arrangement-- a splash of green amongst the brown and gray colored landscape caught her eye. She pulled up the mesh screen and leaned her head out, one hand braced on the windowsill, expecting to see maybe a stubborn curl of ivy that had climbed its way up the neighboring brownstone. Instead, she was surprised to see a lustrous garden growing out of a terrace a couple floors below. If she took a good running leap, she mused, she could jump right onto that ledge from here, providing she didn’t miss and end up splattered all over the alleyway.
The elevated garden was too high and too hidden to be seen from the street, but from above she could get close enough to count the leaves on the shrubbery. It was quite an impressive collection, particularly the many-colored array of flowers. Gianna wasn’t exactly a florist, but they looked exotic, unlike anything she’d seen before.
“What’s that garden over there?” she asked the landlady.
“Oh, so you spotted it,” she replied. “It’s a funny thing to see around here, isn’t it? How’s the saying go? ‘Like a sore thumb.’”
“Or a green one,” Gianna agreed.
“Honestly I almost forgot about it. You can’t see it so well from the other apartments. The man who lives there is a… what’s the word? A stay-inside man. You know, someone who doesn’t go out much-- a shut-in! He likes his privacy. I remember once he called the office phone one day in a terrible mood, saying if I got in the habit of housing peeping toms he’d have to inform the police. Horrible old man.”
She tutted disapprovingly.
“Geez, all that over someone looking at his plants?”
“Well, he didn’t say it outright, but I got the feeling it was more about the girl. His daughter, I think, or granddaughter maybe. I never met either of them in person, and for that I thank God.” She blew a kiss towards the ceiling and chuckled raspingly. “Now come this way, I need to show you what to do if the sink gives you trouble.”
With no small effort Gianna pulled her gaze away from the window. The richly colored blooms just across the way captured both her attention and imagination in a way that made her wish she hadn’t given up painting. When the last of the paperwork was settled and she was alone in her-- her!-- apartment, she returned to the spot and stared.
At the center of that mass of plantlife, that color swatch of eden, there was a big ceramic fountain with even more flowers filling up its basin, taking root who knows where. Delicate vines dotted with purple and yellow flowers spiralled up the center statue, a broken, half-eroded thing which must have once depicted a human figure, though now all that remained was an offwhite pair of naked legs and the beginning of a torso.
After a few minutes of languishing by the sunlit sill like some lazy housecat, a door slid open and Gianna saw a figure enter into the garden. She took one look and knew this must be the man that the landlady spoke of. He was wearing a dark dressing gown over his clothes, which hung loosely from his bony frame, and moved as though he were ankle-deep in quicksand, plodding through the mass of green at a snail’s pace. As he came more into view, Gianna began to glean why. The man’s face was sallow, sunken, with an unscrupulous smattering of pure white stubble on his chin. Even from a distance, he was unmistakably ill.
Just like the beauty of the terrace garden had caught and cradled her attention, so too did the ugliness of its master. She felt bad for spying, but it was like a car crash on the highway or a particularly inane online argument; she couldn’t look away.
The man pulled on a heavy pair of gardening gloves and a paper mask and began to prune and pluck at certain growths. He gathered and sorted the clippings into little plastic bags. If he had some sort of system driving his path, it was an inscrutable one. After a while of picking through the garden seemingly at random, he retreated back inside.
However, just as he was shuffling through the sliding door-- the phrase, “back from whence he came” came to mind-- he paused with his hand on the glass and raised his head. He turned and, as if guided by some preternatural intuition, stared directly into Gianna’s window.
Their eyes met and Gianna withdrew with a gasp. Of course after the moment had passed, she laughed at herself for her reaction. There was no way he’d been looking at her. Coincidence paired with a chronically overactive imagination had made her see something where there was nothing. He was a sick old man with a perfectly normal hobby, not some sinister ghoul.
Nevertheless, she lowered the blinds and kept them lowered for the rest of the day.
-----
By Monday, Gianna had more or less forgotten about the creepy old man and his garden. There was unpacking to do, furniture to acquire and then spray with bedbug killer, and most importantly, a fancy new job to buy some fancy second-hand clothes for.
That was maybe overstating things a bit. She was hired on to work with a small team restoring and preserving a local university’s art collection. The reality of the occupation wasn’t glamorous, but it was dignified. It was something Gianna could and did take pride in, undoing the damage wrought by the passing years one cotton swab at a time, revealing the beauty underneath.
Being back in the city, she nostalgically recalled a field trip to the Metropolitan back at the age when the nude sculptures made her classmates giggle, earning rolled eyes from the chaperone, and made young Gianna deeply uneasy in a way she didn’t yet have the words to explain. But it was the women with the flowing finery and piercing painted stares that caused her insides to flutter with something like hope. Billowing skirts caught in suspended animation mid-twirl, whether staged in the dramatic light-vs-shadow games of the baroque period or abstracted by a million tiny brushstrokes in a more impressionistic style. They had changed something in her.
But in spite of her love of the arts, she could never seem to sum up the same confidence when the brush was in her own hands. After long struggling on her own, she reluctantly accepted her dad’s offer to put a word in for her with connections at Fordham. Once upon a time the idea of returning to her dad’s alma mater would’ve warmed her with pride. Now she was just thankful the surname Alexander was common enough that the chances of anyone recognizing her was slim. The last thing she wanted was to start her first day with people already thinking she was only here by the grace of her family connections.
In spite of all her apprehensions, her first day went by without a hitch, save for the belated realization that she’d forgotten to tear the tag off her new blouse. She didn’t think anyone noticed. By the time she stepped on the subway that evening she was practically vibrating with a frantic, ecstatic energy that didn’t abate into exhaustion until she was home and sweating off her six-story hike. That, more than anything, was going to take some getting used to, she mused.
She shed her good-first-impression suit in favor of a cropped halter top and sweatpants. The setting sun cast beams of golden light through the slats in the blinds and over the back of her neck, the curve of one freckled shoulder. It wobbled iridescent through the glass and on a whim Gianna got up to open the window. There was that sweetish scent on the wind again, overpowering even the smoke that wafted up from the tenant below as he ground his cigarette butt against the masonry. Innocently, almost incidentally, she cast her gaze upon the little eden. There was someone new in the garden today.
The woman in the violet dress was opposite to the old man in every way. Dancing through the garden, touching every bloom and bud as if it were the hand of a treasured friend, Gianna had never seen anyone more alive. Short, dark curls like fiddleheads bobbed around her plum-flushed cheeks. In the pink twilight, she almost seemed to glow.
It wasn’t like Gianna to start waxing romantic over a stranger. She hadn’t felt that sort of blind infatuation since her first year of college, when she left home for the first time and a whole new world of opportunity suddenly opened to her the way it never could have with her passionately Catholic mother looking over her shoulder. This, she reasoned, must be something like that. She was just getting high on that feeling of possibility and freedom again.
Before she fully realized what she was doing, Gianna had opened the window and climbed out onto the fire escape. She climbed from platform to platform until the neighboring terrace was only a stone’s throw away, until she could hear the young woman’s voice as she murmured fawning nonsense to the flowers. In her distraction, Gianna’s foot slipped on the last rung of the ladder. She caught herself, though not gracefully and not before making a notable clamor on the way down.
The woman’s head shot up. Her eyes were the same color as her dress, and there was a leaf caught in her hair.
“Hey,” Gianna said, trying and failing to recover smoothly.
“...Hi.”
She swallowed. “I live up there.” She pointed. “I’m not, like, a burglar.”
“You wouldn’t be a very good one,” the woman said with a timid, uncertain smile.
She stepped away from the ledge and started to walk away. As Gianna’s heart sunk, she glanced back over her shoulder.
“I just need a refill.” She held up an empty plant mister. “I’m coming back.”
“Wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t,” she said under her breath, hands covering her face from the embarrassment. What is wrong with me?
“Are you the new tenant? My father said there was someone new. He hated the last person who lived in that apartment.” She clapped a hand over her mouth. “But, I mean, I’m sure he’ll like you.”
She huffed a laugh, taking some comfort from the knowledge that she wasn’t the only one so utterly awkward at introductions.
“I’m Gianna.” She put out her hand, although it was obvious she couldn’t reach to shake it.
The other mirrored the motion. “Beatrice. It’s a pleasure to meet you, new neighbor, and a relief.”
“Oh yeah, why’s that?”
Beatrice fiddled absently with her dress, twisting one thin strap around her finger. “None of the other neighbors ever come to say hey. It’s been boring.” She smiled. “You don’t seem boring.”
That fluttery feeling returned, the tender thrill of standing before a piece of artwork. Here like there, now like then, something just clicked.
Insects filled the silence with their buzzing hums of contentment. A butterfly alighted onto Beatrice’s shoulder as she settled on the garden wall and a faint woozy feeling overcame Gianna as its wings slowed, spasmed, then went rigid as it fell motionless to the ground.
--
next chapter
#my writing#project: beatrice#writeblr#chapter story#gothic#horror romance#lgbt#rappaccini's daughter
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This has been bothering me since you posted the Fergus needing glasses headcanon, but as a person who has to wear glasses I have started wondering what style of glasses would Fergus wear? And how do you think he would react to just how complicated the process is including the variety lens treatments and tints? I know I just buy mine online after getting a copy of my prescription because it's way cheaper then buying them from the eye doctors, I can get cheap but good looking frame with expensive lense treatments for the same price that just the frames alone would be from the doctors office. How would he even react to finding out glasses could be cheaper like that? On another note DaVinci is a fucking genius who could probably make them for practically free couldn't she?
I also wear glasses and anon lemme tell you I just go to fucking Specsavers with my prescription and pick whatever feels best on my face and call it a fucking day because I do not have the mental capacity to deal with much else. Just give me my shit and go please it's bad enough I have to have eye tests to begin with I'm not here for the rest of this palava too
But yeah Fergus just gets them made by other Servants anfsder he genuinely didn't know he needed them until Leo noticed him constantly squinting and was like "...hey do u need glasses or smth?" and he was like "what?" lmao
As for type of glasses hmmm probably Wayfarer! They're bulky and bold so he doesn't have to worry about fiddling with tiny frames and I doubt he'd care much about how "fashionable" they look as long as they're functional. He thinks the whole process behind getting them is a pain in the ass but once he actually puts a pair on and is like "I CAN SEE!!!" he's so excited he never goes without them ever again
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#bluelightglassesonline #bluelightglasses #bluelightblockingglasses
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Everyday things you can do to build your witchy supplies and cheap ways to do it
Burning to get your witchy supplies started but have no idea where to start? My suggestion- start anywhere and with everyday things! Herbs To get a herb collection started, you do not have to have homegrown herbs or herbs from metaphysical stores which can be pricey. You can start a simple herb collection with just herbs available from your grocery store. If you are not a green thumb or you live in an apartment with no space for a garden, this is a really good option for getting a collection started. Just because something came from the grocery store doesn’t make it any less magical, and many people are under the impression that due to the mundane nature of how the herbs were obtained they are therefore less effective. This is not true at all! If you like doing the whole drying process yourself, you can go to the fresh food sections and pick up bunches of basil, parsley, mint, peppermint, rosemary, sage, dill, lemongrass, coriander, tarragon, oregano etc very cheap and usually already in a perfect bundle ready to be dried! You just need to take them home and hang them up somewhere dry for a few days to a week or so before they will be all dried and ready to use. If you are lazy and can’t be bothered or don’t have time to do the drying process, you can go to the spice section and find many of these same herbs already chopped up and dried out. If the packaging on the product makes you feel a bit “meh”, just take them home and place them in a jar or other similar container where they can remain dry, and the look of the container makes you feel inspired.
Gathering herbs and flowers is another really great option. Of course, if you are not experienced in recognizing wild herbs and flowers, I recommend you practice gathering a bit differently. Try gathering with the help of your community. Some of your neighbours might be green thumbs and be willing to share some of their plants with you. I used to live near someone who hedged their garden with basil, and every time their basil hedges grew out of control they would trim them. They were happy to give me the trimmings of their basil plants. They also gave me the rosehips that they had on their rose bushes, and if they had roses or lavender growing I would always ask for some trimmings if they were willing to share. People are actually more generous with their gardens than you think! A lot of avid gardeners are always willing to share cuttings as well, so if you know how to grow from a cutting this is a really good way to also build a herb collection. Any dandelions I see around my home I like to gather for drying, and any other flowers I can easily recognize such as hibiscus, daisies, frangipani, marigolds, chrysanthemum, cherry blossom, magnolia etc I will always try to gather a bit here and there. Another really cool option is to go to community gardens and gather the plants there that you can use, where they are labelled and everyone is free to take what they need! Save your orange or citrus peels for drying as well, as you can use these to emit the smell of their essential oils when placed over a heat source! Herbal teas are another really great option to safely consume herbs. Of course, check with your medical practitioner as some herbs contained in teas may cause issues with medications etc, (You can never be too safe when it comes to things you choose to eat/drink) however, herbal teas are a really great way to enjoy the benefits of the herbs in a safer manner than say, walking onto the street, picking up what you think is a certain type of herb and then making a tea out of it. Jars Jars are simple to obtain, and you do not have to start buying a million jars from your local dollar store just to have that witchy aesthetic that everyone seems to want. Recycle the jars from your food to store herbs or to use in spells. Pasta sauces, mayonnaise, anchovies, preserved foods, peanut butter, etc etc, anything that comes in a jar. Not only is this a great way to reduce waste, but glass is a safer option for storing things as you will not have the nasty toxins from plastic leaching into your herbs, oils, moon water, floral waters etc, and they look so much more attractive than plastic. And having all sorts of types of jars in different sizes and shapes makes for a very rustic witchy aesthetic look anyway. Collect natural objects Homeware stores have started selling bits of driftwood, false flowers, shells, pinecones, pebbles etc for ridiculous prices so that rich people can look fashionable and “rustic”. There is no point in buying these things when you can go to the beach and pick up a piece of driftwood or some shells for free. Objects picked up in their natural environment also seem to retain their energies more so than those objects that have been commercialised. Scour your local nature strips or parks for pretty looking dried leaves, pine cones, nice shaped rocks and anything else that inspires your witchiness. Make sure that you respect the spirits of these areas. Do not take more than what you need, and ensure that you ask permission from the spirits before taking. It is always good to leave an offering in its place- usually something organic such as fruit, seeds or nuts which can feed the local ants or birds.
Collect ribbons and coloured paper Every time it’s Christmas or you are given a gift, save the ribbons or wrapping. String has so many uses in witchcraft, and different colours have different meanings that can be used in all sorts of rituals. You can reuse them as well if you don’t end up burning them. Coloured paper can also take on meanings if you will it so. Tell people you want candles for Christmas Tell everyone who asks what you want for Christmas or your birthday that you really want to decorate your space and you love candles and you are dying to get some. Then watch as all your friends and family give you tons of different types of candles. Trust me, you can never go wrong with this. Candles are often so cheap that people will buy heaps of them for you in different colours and fragrances. The other good thing about this is that if people know you are a witch and they want to buy you a witchy type present they will often have no idea what to get you and will default to a candle. Buy candles from the lighting/electrical/barbeque section of a grocery store. Buying candles from a speciality metaphysical store, a homewares store, or even a dollar store can be expensive. But many grocery stores sell candles to be used in emergency blackouts or power outages, and some have started selling these types of candles in different colours as well. They often come in bulk packs and work just as well for half the price. You can also buy birthday candles and use those for your spells, especially if you need to do a quick spell. If you are after some really beautiful white candles, buy candles listed as “church candles”. These are sold cheaper than other white candles, probably because churches get all sorts of discounts. But they often are moulded in a really classical shape so they can look sometimes more beautiful than just your plain ol’ white candle. You do not have to burn your entire candle down for a spell to be effective. If you don’t write your own spells you will often see spell instructions telling you to allow the candle to completely finish burning. This is a waste of time and a waste of the precious candles that you conned every one of your family members into buying you last Christmas. It is also ridiculous- some candles burn for 18 hours or more, and it is totally unsafe to leave candles unattended. Do you have 18 hours to monitor a candle? Nope. You can cheaply make your own specialised spell candles, you do not have to waste 20 dollars on one from a metaphysical store. Yes, that’s right, with a microwave and a cheap candle you can carefully melt the wax down, add a wick in one of those jars you saved and then add all the herbs and fragrant oils, flowers, or whatever you want to the melted wax before allowing it to dry. There is a lot of tutorials for this on the internet, but please make sure you go for candles that do not have a foil or aluminium wick holder on the bottom as these will catch fire in your microwave. Candlesticks with nothing but wax and a wick at the top are best for this. Please take precautions with hot wax. Otherwise, there is no reason why you need that fancy candle for triple the price. You do not need a fancy obsidian scrying bowl, a kitchen bowl with water works fine! That’s right! Those metaphysical stores who try and make you buy an expensive obsidian plate for scrying seem to have forgotten that water scrying is an art that has existed for centuries! Any reflective surface can be used for scrying, it doesn’t have to be a fancy looking crystal object. Learn to read playing cards for divination You do not need to spend on tarot if you cannot afford it. Pick up some playing cards and use the power of the internet to learn how to read them for divination! If you are a closet witch as well, no one will suspect a deck of playing cards either. Print pictures of deities at a photo store. Never before has it been cheaper to print pictures now that digital has taken over. My local department store has a photo printing station where you can buy photo prints for 5 cents. I take a USB of pictures I like of my deities that I found online and print them off as photos. Then I frame them in dollar store frames. BAM! You have an altar set up for a few dollars.
Buy festive decorations after the season has passed If it’s yule time and you are dying to decorate your house with holly, red and green, pine etc, wait until the next year to decorate (I know, it sucks, but if you’re frugal you can dig this). Go to a dollar store and buy up big after the Christmas period has ended in preparation for the next year. Holidays such as Christmas, Easter and Halloween have become so commercialised that there is a serious overproduction of decorations each year and after the season has passed the stores just want to get rid of stuff as fast as possible. This is when you can jump in and get some witchy looking objects for a really cheap price. What’s great is that a lot of dollar stores sell some very witchy looking decorations during these typically Christian festivals- Bunnies, eggs, chickens, skeletons, pine branches, holly, cauldrons, etc without realising. Splurge on expensive incense when you can. 20 dollar packet on incense? Get it. My advice here is- quality really shows when it comes to incense. I am a massive incense fan, but whenever I can afford it (which is not always, sometimes I too have to go for the two dollar packets) and I find a really nice packet of pricey incense I go for it. Why? The cheaper the incense, the faster the burn time and the less resin it contains. One of the reasons that incense gets that burnt smell is because it contains sawdust to help it burn. Cheaper incenses smell less fragrant and burn faster because most of the resins coating the sticks are substituted with more sawdust. That way, the manufacturer keeps the costs of production down. More expensive incense sticks often have a ton more resin in their coating, smell more potent, and burn slower with a more beautiful smoke colour. They are well worth their price, and when you experience it you will want to always try and get the pricier sticks. The more expensive sticks also tend to have more of the real resins in them. Sandalwood, for example, is actually an endangered species and has become very expensive to buy. So manufacturers who create cheap incenses often substitute with sandalwood smelling substances but never really use the real thing. If you can afford it, go for incense sticks manufactured with real Australian sandalwood. Australian sandalwood smells extremely similar to Indian sandalwood and is specifically farmed for incense production. Thus you are getting the real thing but you are not contributing to the endangerment of Indian sandalwood which is a culturally sacred species that needs to be protected. That being said, my point here is quality and a long lasting product will save money over time when it comes to incense.
Anyway, that’s all for my witchy money saving tips for now! I hope this helped you!
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The One Where I Become a Product Reviewer
Hey there, fellow kids! Jumping on the already-parked annual back-to-school bandwagon, I bring to you an AWESOME new blog post highlighting my FAVOURITE 15″ LAPTOP BACKPACK PICK! Get ready for at least 145 paragraphs of preamble before I reveal this NUMBER ONE TOP 100% BEST 15″ LAPTOP BACKPACK PICK and DIY BACKPACK HACK!!
I also realised I needed a post in my “lifestyle blog” repertoire that might convince people to send me free products? So this is that post. Search engine optimization.
Backstory
On February 19, 2019, esteemed letterer and all-around Creative Professional Jessica Hische tweeted out that she was looking for a new, fashionable laptop backpack and wanted suggestions. I happened to see this tweet that night and thought, “Maybe I, myself also a Creative Professional, need a new, fashionable laptop backpack as well?” I read through the mostly terrible (???) suggestions from her followers, saw one I liked, and then, with the quick late-night text approval of my probably-drunken sartorial consultant T, impulse-bought a $235 backpack.
The Arrival
A week later The Backpack arrives. It’s partially leather! It smells very new! It’s literally made by a Creative Professional for Creative Professionals! It’s so nice that I’m already worried about ruining it with thoughts of biking or commuting. But the straps are kind of stiff and uncomfortable on my delicate mammary glands. And did I say it’s pretty expensive?!
It’s the kind of backpack I’d be happy to keep if it were, say, $79. Maybe even $89. But $235?! For a backpack that’s not even some sexy upscale Creative Professional household brandname?? My lower middle-class upbringing prevents me from committing to such an expenditure on which I’m only lukewarm. What to do?
The Virgo/Libra Cusp Solution
Obviously I go out and buy two more backpacks.
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All my children.
On Being a Virgo/Libra Cusp-er
I’m on the Virgo/Libra cusp which makes me the perfect person to review anything because I’m really picky and really indecisive. This means that if I’m forced to make a decision about anything, I generally change my mind multiple times and lose sleep in the process of over-thinking every minute detail, what fun! (For the record, I’m also strictly adhering to the deeply-scientific, back-of-your-local-free-weekly astrology column definitions of these signs. [Also, unnecessary childhood trauma story, I never really knew how to astrologically-identify growing up because as a cusper my sign categorization changed from paper to paper? The struggle was—and I cannot stress this enough—real.])
Laptop Backpacks: Necessary?
“Why does one need a special laptop backpack?” you might ask. Obviously, you don’t. No one needs anything. Why do we buy things, to feel a brief sense of happiness or accomplishment in our lives? Does it work for you the way it definitely and always 100% works for me? Leave your response in the comments!
But also I’ve never had a bag that was made for a laptop, so I figured I should probably get a backpack that's actually functional and isn’t painful to carry heavy shit around in all day?
Criteria
In order to be considered for this review, a potential backpack had to meet the following criteria:
Must hold a 15″ MacBook Pro
Enough padding to protect that laptop without a case
Must be comfortable to use while biking
Unisex design
Is black/screams “Creative Professional”
Bonus points: also screams “... who deserves a large salary”
In addition to my a laptop, I assembled a weight/capacity testing control group with the following everyday accessories:
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Work essentials: mouse, laptop charger, Moleskine notebook, pencil
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Life essentials: overnight kit, moisturizer, deodorant, underwear, sports bra, water bottle
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Um, glasses and some other crap: eyeglasses & case, dirty socks, folded blanket, Le Creuset 18cm cast-iron pot
🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒 The Backpacks 🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒
Bag option #1: The ISM Backpack
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The ISM retails for $235 USD; it’s only available online but comes with free shipping and returns in the USA. It ships in a pretty box with a pretty branded dust bag and a bunch of tissue that smells of “Instagram unboxing moment”.
I wore this bag out in public a few times: to the work lounge at the Public Hotel (a hotspot for “cool-looking people” working remotely), to pay a visit to my old MoMA office, and to a job interview. Did I feel like a Creative Professional? You bet I did! But then my former coworker commented that the bag made me look like a “techy person”, which ruined everything it had going for it. (There is a fine line between Creative Professional and Startup Chic that I refuse to cross. It involves hoodies.)
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Left: fancy regal satin lining, to remind you that you’re the millennial queen you are. Right: full bag, with front pocket that is great for fitting flat stuff and maybe only flat stuff.
It fit everything in the “capacity” control group, albeit quite snugly, but its real downfall was the straps: although they were quite hearty, being both wide and well padded (which would be great for those with flat chests), their stiff sturdiness meant they were very inflexible, and basically cut into my breasts any time I raised my arms together, as one would if biking:
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MEINE POOR BOOBS.
ISM owner/designer Justin emailed me after I returned the bag, and explained they were working on a smaller version for 13″ laptops. I explained this doesn’t help people with mammary glands who own 15″ laptops. Per Justin:
I feel what you mean Christy, a bag that fits a 15" laptop and is unisex has been a tough design challenge given the size difference between males and females. We have been able to shorten the straps to accommodate though.
I get it. Designing for the fact that 50% of the population has boobs is hard! Did you know that basically everything is designed around men and their stupid bodies?? It's also subsequently a prime example of how e-comm genders backpack sizing: you’ll find that 15″ laptop bags are generally only found in the “Men’s” section of websites. I need a drink.
Pros
Looks and feels fancy
Separate laptop pocket from main compartment
Water and weather resistant
Good amount of padding everywhere
Real leathurrrr bottom
Bitches be loving gold zippers
I am weirdly very into the simple strap adjustment design (not pictured but trust me that it’s nicely done)
Cons
High price point for my feeble income
Cut into my boobs
Front pocket is pretty difficult to put stuff in due to being so flat
Makes me look like a tech bro
Did not get the job I interviewed for while using it
Rating
Comfort: ★★☆☆☆ Creative professional-ness: ★★★★★ Female compatibility: ★☆☆☆☆ (one star for gold zipper) Value for monies: ★★★★☆ (if you don’t bike or have boobs) Overall: ★★★☆☆
🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒 Bag option #2: MUJI Water Repellent Backpack
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I bought this bag at the MUJI store for a very reasonable $49 USD. Like everything MUJI, it’s pretty decent quality both in materials and design, and feels like it’ll last a while.
Unfortunately, I didn’t end up testing this “in the real world” because, whoops, it only comfortably fits a 13″ laptop. But I did uncomfortably fit my 15″ laptop inside, really stretching the limits of the side panels, and then managed to cram the test “capacity” content on top (with room to spare!). I then did a “hunch test”, folding myself over as one would on a road bike, and found that there was barely any padding on the back panel, and my spine was knocking against the hard surface of my computer. Not cool! Plus the back did not have a mesh surface, literally making it not cool on a sweaty back.
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Yes I get it, I have a big stupid computer.
Pros
Nice quality
Large capacity
Water repellent
Has a secret little back pocket you’ll probably never use
Has those tacky side pockets for water bottles which are surprisingly handy for sunglasses or pocket chargers
Cons
Made for a 13″ laptop
Non-meshed back
Not enough back padding
Rating
Comfort: ★★★☆☆ Creative professional-ness: ★★★★☆ Female compatibility: ★★★★★ Value for monies: ★★★★★ Overall: ★★★★☆+
🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒 Bag option #3: UNIQLO Water Repellent Backpack
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Right after purchasing the MUJI bag I walked across the street and picked this up for $29.90. YOLO!
Realising that is was yet another bag made for 13″ laptops, I could immediately tell that the quality was much lesser than MUJI’s: it was much lighter in weight, and the fabric thinner. Look at those ugly shoulder straps where the fabric is bunching. The front pocket’s structure is so weak that it sags. Sad!
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But: pretty good akshully?!
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I again force-fit my behemoth laptop and belongings into the small frame, yet, contrary to expectation, this thing was comfortable AF?! And even had room to spare. The straps were super soft and cushy and malleable around my boobs, and the “hunch test” revealed amazingly thick layers of padding on two sides of the back panel, with a thinner center panel that relieves any pressure on your spine. What kind of ugly genius is this?
Pros
Stupidly comfortable
Large capacity
Water repellent
Again, tacky side pockets, this time with an angled top hem
Cons
Made for a 13″ laptop
Pretty cheap and ugly looking
Pretty cheap and ugly feeling
Rating
Comfort: ★★★★★ Creative professional-ness: ★★☆☆☆ Female compatibility: ★★★★★ Value for monies: ★★★★☆ Overall: ★★★★☆
🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒🎒 Other opshuns, you ask?
There’s a few other mid-range “nice” bag brands I was looking into online, such as the one which esteemed Creative Professional Jessica Hische ended up going with, but let’s just assume I left them out because they lack the quality needed for this rigorous assessment and not because the bag designer whom I went on a date with decided to ghost me after I sprained my ankle while in Canada. Ahem.
Final Verdict... and a Backpack Hack (!!) (...Backhack™?!)
Although I was quite impressed with the comfort the UNIQLO model provided (both to my body and my wallet), I was actually going to declare this experiment a failure and return all the backpacks. Until, that is, I took a closer look at the interior construction of the UNIQLO and MUJI bags: they measured as though they should be tall enough for my latop, and yet the MacBook corners stubbornly stuck out. Time to play detective! 🔍
Turning the bags inside-out, I noticed they both included a superfluous, space-reducing seam at the bottom of the main pocket. WTF.
UNIQLO bag before & after: the difference a simple seam (and lack of colour temperature matching) makes!
By removing this seam on the UNIQLO model, I gained a full inch of vertical room, ALLOWING THE 15″ LAPTOP TO ACTUALLY FIT IN THE DAMN BAG. Yes, it fits snugly, and some may argue that the superfluous seam protects the edge of the computer from hitting the ground, but the very bottom edge seam is actually pretty bulky and does a decent job of protecting as is.
Verdict: With the inclusion of this super deviant hack (and ONLY with this inclusion), UNIQLO wins!!!!!!!!
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Epilogue
I’ve been using this bag for 7 months now. It looks kinda cheap and it tends to collect lint, but my shoulders are miraculously like never sore. And, even on a grocery run after stuffing a myriad of pokey-shaped food items in the thing until I can barely close it, it’s always very comfortable on my tender back when biking home (I did this very thing 2 weeks ago at the Farmer’s Market after buying Celine Dion tickets, because I am a white woman in her late 30s).
Oh, also: it’s black, so yes I am a Creative Professional, thank you for noticing!
TL;DR: UNIQLO; cheap; comfortable. Send me your products to review! 🔚
Colophon backpacks: ISM, UNIQLO, MUJI; socks: UNIQLO; t-shirt: from a Women Who Code meetup hosted by One Month; sweatpants: Alternative Apparel; laptop: Shmapple; glasses: Steven Alan clearance; stool: Target; plants: IKEA & Home Depot; blankets: Hudson’s Bay, E. Stocking; mirror & couch: IKEA; drawing above mirror: K. Freeman & P. Lyle; posters: Bruce Nauman and a Finnish Design Annual fold-out; calendar: Massimo Vignelli; bike: Miele; weight/capacity control group: thrifting, Peru, Amazon, HAY, more places; suddenly questioning the consistency of whether I’m listing where objects were bought or the brand name of the object itself: something I am going to pretend to resolve at a later date in time; brevity rating for this blog post: ★☆☆☆☆; fan appreciation: I am so sorry if you read this far
#product review#backpacks#UNIQLO#ISM#MUJI#review#diy#hack#padding#seam removal#laptop#macbook pro 15"#knapsack#computer bag#SEO
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Why Ponder Buying Cheap Prescription Glasses Online?
Have you ever considered buying cheap eyeglasses online? This is something you should try because there are some very notable e-stores like Express-Glasses, which offer the world of eyeglasses and sunglasses to the global buyers. This online store is not only known for its large varieties of glasses and frame options but also, for best quality products and speedy delivery facility. So, if you want to buy glasses at the cheapest prices and very conveniently, you need to visit this online store at the earliest and start adding the chicest spectacles in the cart.
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Get the Best Quality and Cheap Prescription Glasses Online
Frames are divided into various categories in these stores and as per your preferences, you can choose the style you like. ‘Innovative Styles’ for men, ‘Timeless Looks’ for women, and ‘Playfully Modern’ frames for kids are offered in this renowned online store. Furthermore, you also get the facility to turn any frame into sunglasses. Attractive discounts and other benefits are also offered on the frames and glasses that you buy. Express-Glasses makes finding the finest quality, cheap prescription glasses online very easy and hassle-free for the customers.
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What you need to know to buy glasses!
Many people have serious misunderstandings about wearing glasses. They probably think that wearing glasses is not good for their appearance and it's not comfortable to hang a thing on their face.
In fact, choosing the best size for your glasses will even make you look better as well as feel comfortable wearing them, it is very important to choose the right glasses, especially the right size for your glasses., so let's learn about how to choose the right size of glasses.
Finding The Perfect Frame Width
Your perfect frame should be slightly wider than your face — no more than a fingertip's width between the temple and your face. Any wider is a sign that your frames are too wide.
Get Cozy With Your Temple Length
Temple length is the measurement (in millimetres) of the frame's arms. The temple should fit horizontally and evenly along your face and fit comfortably along the outside of your ear.
Picking The Right Lens Height And Width
Your eyes should be centred within your lenses. Eyeglass frames that are too wide will make your eyes appear too close, while frames that are too narrow will make your eyes look farther apart.
Selecting The Ideal Bridge Width
The distance between a frame's two lenses is called the bridge width. The bridge of your glasses should sit comfortably against your nose. If you have close-set eyes, the ideal bridge width is a lower number. If you have wide-set eyes, the ideal bridge width is a higher number.
The width includes lens and bridge widths in millimetres. Look on the inside of the temple arm to find your frame measurements.
Most eyewear brands print these details in a similar spot; if you already have a pair that you like, you can compare measurements to see how a certain frame of ours will fit you.
Here is an example for you to easily understand the exact data you need:
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TIPS:
Sunglasses tend to be larger than eyeglasses, so your sunglasses size will most likely be different than your eyeglasses size. With sunglasses, you have more freedom to choose within a wider range of sizes, since the fit does not need to be as precise.
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