Can you help me get cool glasses?

I’m finally going to an eye-doctor after a 6 year hiatus. I know I need glasses – contacts are not an option: I used to use them and they’re – for lack of a better term – icky. So, I want some cool, unique frames, but I wouldn’t know where to look. I live near NYC, so I know I can plunk down $500 for some designer crap, but I’m looking for something more modestly priced. Should I go the lens-crafter route? Should I go hoity-toity? I’d order from a catalog, but would prefer to try them on myself. I’m at a loss. Any suggestions?