Unique Vision: the J Galt Eyewear Experience

I love being able to highlight local, small businesses and so today’s post about J. Galt Eyewear, a new eyewear boutique in the Chevy Chase area of Lexington, Kentucky, was a super fun post for me to write.  The one of a kind shop is super close {think walking distance} of the dorm I lived in when I was just 18 and a freshman at the University of Kentucky.

I’ve worn glasses, and then later contacts, since I was twelve years old. While my first memories of vision problems are not being able to see the whiteboard in class, these days I can’t even read my laptop screen without help.  Driving sans contacts or eyewear is out of the question.  Even with pretty good eye insurance, I usually only pick up a new pair of frames every other year since my insurance only covers a portion of my frames or what ends up being a year’s supply of contacts.  With my astigmatism, the last pair of frames that I got from my eye doctor’s office were over $500; while I like having the option of switching back and forth between my contacts and glasses, I’ve never been able to justify the extra out of pocket cost each year.

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Enter J. Galt Eyewear.  The space was expertly decorated and is aesthetically pleasing from the moment you walk in through the bright mint front doors.  Tables inside the shop were crafted from repurposed bourbon barrels bought from a local distillery.  When I stepped inside, the staff warmly greeted me and then we got down to business: it was time to pick out some new glasses.

This wall behind me in this photo runs the width of the store and is full of glasses for women, men, some sunglasses and for kids too.  All of these styles cost just $175 for the frames, lenses with anti-glare coating, and UV protection. They do have optometrists in this office so that you can get an eye exam and best of all for every pair of frames purchased, J Galt donates a pair to Mission Lexington, a free medical clinic that provides healthcare to those in need.

Right away the team handed me a tray to put any of the glasses I was interested in.  As I tried on different frames, they offered suggestions and tips on fit and size that helped me to narrow down my picks.  It was hands down the best experience I’ve had shopping for glasses.  Traditionally, I bring my mom with me to give her input and opinion, but I’ve never had anyone at the eye doctor I typically visit chime in with tips on how the glasses should fit and sit on my face.  {Did you know that your glasses shouldn’t rest on the top of your cheeks?! Mind blown.  Also, one of the few times that I’ve realized that my cheeks are higher and fuller than most.}

The staff sat with me through the whole process of elimination which included me grouping the different shapes and colors, trying on all of the pairs I was interested in again, and eventually narrowing it down to two pairs: the first pair was rounder than I normally would opt for, but after being encouraged to try them on, I fell in love with them classic shape on my face and the fun hint of blue on the edge of the frames.

These frames also came in a pretty purple that I LOVED.  I wasn’t sure I wanted such a statement set of frames and eventually chose the frames photographed below.  I love the oval shape and the black with white polka dots screamed classic with just the right amount of sass.

Be sure to check out J. Galt Eyewear if you’re in the central Kentucky area and give them a follow on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with new arrivals and special deals!

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Thank you to J. Galt Eyewear for partnering with me on this post.  Working with brands allows me to continue to create fresh and colorful content for What Nicole Wore.  All opinions shared are my own.