In an effort to avoid some of the countless calls to come...here are the official Paris West Optical Thanksgiving week hours of operation:
You'd think that this song was about Kendall... or maybe Mista Steve (after his 9th blueberry vodka and club soda), but NO...I swear it's about Dr. Larry (and his famous prank phone calls.) The good news is that the good doctor is back from his "conference" ...cough cough "cruise" and will be back in this week (Friday the 13th fittingly). We have a few appointments still remaining so if you're interested give us a shout.
I think back about 100 years ago I posted that we were getting the French collection : Volte Face. Well... I have a confession to make. We got them. 2 months ago. I'm just a slacker...and getting our resident super model to pose for a decent picture nowadays is as easy as getting Rush Limbaugh to say someting nice about Barack Obama. So in order to expedite the process I gave Miss K. complete artistic control over the images we use on the blog (this one at least). Above is the Volte Face model: "Matt" in Amber Tortoise. I'm not sure who "Matt" is exactly but I think Kendall really captures his essence in the photo.
Here are the 3 color options that "Matt" comes in... note the stained glass effect on the temples.
Speaking of stained glass... here are models: "Nara" and "Dita" with 100% titanium fronts and hand carved temples filled with acetate.
Rounding out the collection we have "Cary", "Maje" and "Knit"... check out the interlocking acetate temples on "Knit" -extremely unique. As far posting goes, I promise to make more of an attempt to do so more frequently... but for now I need to go...Kendall is demanding chocolate milk and threatening to walk off the set. The fine folks at Volte Face should design a frame for her... and name it "Diva".
Also now available is the fall collection from Alek Paul. Modeled above by Aubrey and Kendall who are sporting their matching "angry Russian wash women hairstyles...aka I don't feel like styling my hair early on a Tuesday."
Handmade and uniquely feminine these frames are flattering and funky without being over the top. Wow...Feminine, Frames, Flattering and Funky all in the same sentence...someone learned alliteration in remedial english class. I guess if you take the same class 4 times something is bound to stick.
And the usual disclaimer applies...we have ONE of each so stop in now and try them on.
Following up from some previous posts...what's old is new...again. To continue that theme we just brought in the Vintage Revisited collection from Jee Vice...just like real frames from the 50's but with a sexier, better and smarter twist...(and they're handmade).
Pictured above is the "Sexier" in Mother of Pearl, Red, and Black/Ruby.
"Sexier" yet again in Black/Gold, Amber Brown, and White with black polka dots.
"Better" in Ruby Swirl, Amber Brown, Sky Swirl, and Black/Ruby
Last but not least we have "Smarter" in Brown Amber/ Mother of Pearl, Olive Brown, Red, and Black/Ruby. Currently we have one of each so stop in and try one on.
"What did you learn today? I learned nothing.".... sounds like the story of my life. I don't know why they're the Kaiser Chiefs...why not the Kaiser Rolls? Hmm...Kaiser Rolls...is it lunch time yet?...I want a sandwich...
As loyal readers know...we're big fans of the Gail Spence collection here at Paris West. We've sold the re-issued models to customers from coast to coast... The upside-down rimless was such an ingenious idea for reading glasses and the aluminum design was both durable and timeless...
After 20 plus years...somebody finally had the bright idea..."what if we turn them upside down..or right-side up...and make traditional eyeglasses out of them....BRILLIANT!" At least that's my supposition of how it happened...nobody tells me anything.
anyway we are proud to announce that these are NOW IN STOCK... the upside down/right side up...whatever you want to call them Gail Spence models... stop in and try one on.
One of the new arrivals I mentioned is the "Deacon" from Oliver Peoples...pictured above in Olive Fade and Chocolate Horn. Extremely solid and well made...works for men or women.
Speaking of L.A. Eyeworks...here are the "Pick-Up" in Red and "Hitch" in Black...we have a ton of other similar products in stock now...so if you feel the need to embrace your inner nerd (or if like me you just actually are a nerd) stop in and check them out. Pardon me as I go back to humming this song that for some reason I have stuck in my head..."Here we are now, entertain us..."
Cue annoying cheesy DJ voice: "This goes out to all of our new customers making the trek in from suburbia..."
In recent weeks we've had new converts from: Pikesville, Towson, Hunt Valley, Severna Park, Bel Air, York PA, Columbia, White Marsh and Ellicott City amongst others... thanks for spreading the word... we hope to see more of you suburbanites in the near future...now that you're realizing what our long-time Baltimore City customers have known for the past 15 years...we're the best...really...if you don't believe it, hop in the minivan and see for yourself...we'll even pay for your parking.
Yes...it's that time again. Time to eat too much...drink too much...and then play with explosives. Our hours for the rest of the week are as follows:
Today (Thursday): 10-6
Friday July 3rd: 10-6 Dr. Larry IS IN and appointments are available.
Saturday July 4th: CLOSED (duh)
Sunday July 5th: CLOSED
Monday July 6th: CLOSED (like every other Monday)
Tuesday July 7th: 10-6
Have a safe and fun weekend...while we're gone enjoy this video from local band Animal Collective...it's called "Fireworks"... wow what a coincidence.
When you think of high-end frames usually France, Japan, Italy, Denmark or Germany are the usual suspects that come to mind as far as where they are manufactured. Not in this case...Playing the role of Keyser Soze we have newcomer Etnia Barcelona from Spain. Who is Etnia Barcelona? How the heck do I know... I had to watch "The Usual Suspects" like 30 times before I figured who Keyser Soze actually was. (I'm slow like that)...anyway Etnia features reasonably priced acetate and combination frames in vibrant beautiful colors. Above we have Aubrey in the Tel-Aviv in Brown/Turquoise.
A trademark style for the collection, the Noosa in Black/Grey Chess (or checkers for simpletons like me.)
The Tel Aviv in Brown/Gold Chess
Tel Aviv (again) without Aubreys noggin in the Brown/Turquoise.
The Aqaba in Green/Gold.
Mogadiscio in Copper/Navy
Noosa in Black/ Brown Chess
(no sleep til)Brooklyn in Pink/Grey
Brooklyn in Violet/Amber on Aubrey. By the way...Aubrey is not moving to Michigan, or Alabama, or to the Shire for that matter. Fortunately those plans fell through and she will be around to continue to make my life a living...er I mean provide fodder for my blog posts...oh, and do an exceptional job running the office.
Sorry for the delay in updates...we're still recovering from our most successful trunk show to date. Thanks for all of those who stopped by to see us...and a big thanks to the many people who decided to make purchases. We are currently working hard filling all of the orders and some of you may have already picked them up at this point. I apologize for lack of pictures from the trunk show, but we we're so busy that I never even had a chance to take my camera from out of my briefcase.
Yes that's right...THIS WEEKEND! All the cool specs and shades featured in this video as well as a whole bunch more...how many more you ask? Well just every single one from the 2009 collection. In every color. In every size. Special deals, maybe a prize or two, and the catering magic of Mista Steve. No, Zooey D. won't be in attendance...but Steve Kramer will... who's Steve Kramer you ask? (actually every one asks that)... he's just the bestest, greatest sales rep of Oliver Peoples and Paul Smith spectacles in the great state of Maryland. (he's also the ONLY Oliver Peoples and Paul Smith sales rep in the state of Maryland but why quibble over small details). Hours are Friday 10-6 and Saturday 10-5. So bring a friend, bring a significant other, bring an insignificant other, bring your flex spending card just don't miss it...It may never happen again. (at least not til next year.)
Yes...If all the cool OP and Paul Smith specs weren't enough we're making Mr. Kramer bring the Mosley Tribes sunglass collection as well. At least he'll get some exercise this weekend hauling the frame bags around. (his wife can thank me later.)
There's nothing like the day back after a holiday... especially when it seems like every sales associate is breaking down your door or blowing up your phone in an attempt to sell you the "latest and greatest" in eyewear. Having been in this city for coming up on 15 years (June 6th is our 15th year anniversary!), we've pretty much seen everything. Currently our inventory is north of 7000 frames...yes...7 THOUSAND...so we have to be a bit selective when we add new products.
Yesterday we had the pleasure of being visited by our friend Stephen...who showed some new Mykita and JF Rey frames (which will be in SOON) and Michael who sells us Okki and Exalto frames...we also were impressed by 2 new collections that he's carrying...Alek Paul and Jono Hennessy.
So impressed in fact that we wrote an order right away... and we are proud to announce that in a few short weeks we will be Baltimore's exclusive Alek Paul and Jono Hennessy dealer.
These frames are beautiful, colorful and handmade... get ready...we will post photos the minute they arrive. Well maybe not the very minute...we'll need to try some on first...lets go with the very hour they arrive...that's better.
Actually it's Memorial day and nothing is really playing at Paris West at the moment... but at some point this WILL be heard in the shop. It's very mellow...a good song to sit by the pool and relax with a beer to. Speaking of which...why am I sitting here talking to you people??? Happy Memorial Day.
A shout out to Jason Kirk...(thanks for the email, and YES...Aubrey's forehead is still available for advertising space...) Speaking of Aubrey...and her ever changing hairstyles...here she is with a brand new color in the Kirk Heroes collection -Amber Brown to Blue.
NO...that's not Mikey from American Chopper...that's Aubrey again with another new color in the Heroes collection...Black to White.
Yes...it's Aubrey again...rocking a hair style lovingly referred to by me as "The angry Russian washwoman"...and yes...it's ANOTHER new Kirk color...Noir to Red Sparkle. Actually it's really not a new color but the first pair we had Aubrey took to a local wine festival and it went "missing". I call shenanigans...but no matter, it's back in stock for now.
Here we have Aubrey again...wearing 4 new Kirk styles (the aforementioned 3 pairs and the Amber to Pink) with a hair style I've never seen before...I'd call it reception desk with faux marble finish. I really think it brings out her eyes...all 8 of them. Like the desk...I mean "hairstyle"...all Kirks are hand painted and take countless hours to produce.
We are pleased to announce that we will be hosting the FIRST EVER Baltimore area Oliver Peoples/Paul Smith/Mosley Tribes TRUNK SHOW on Friday June 12 and Saturday June 13. One of my best friends in this industry -Steve Kramer (pictured above, further proof that I need a better class of friends) will be bringing all the brand new 2009 optical and sunglass releases as well as all the other classic styles from these legendary collections. There will be some special promotions and (if I promise to be nice) Mista Steve has agreed to break out his famous catering skills. (so...no I won't be making any hairy, angry Martha Stewart jokes today...check back after the show for those).
Just because I REALLY have nothing better to do... I've created a twitter account so all 3 of you can monitor the latest and greatest happenings here at Paris West Optical.
Actually I created the account over a year ago but I forgot to ever update it...not that I really had anything super interesting to share.
In any event... if you'd like (yes Mom, this includes you)...you can get updates on upcoming events, sales, or new products by following us at twitter.com/pariswest. I promise not to send silly updates about what I ate for lunch or if my head hurts.
FINALLY! The long wait is over and we have received our brand spanking new 2009 John Varvatos collection. For those who don't remember, John is a former GQ Designer of the year award winner. (Google him for more info...what do I look like? Wikipedia??)
Above is the V120 in Antique Brown, the V328 in Tortoise/Olive, and the V328S in Amber/Horn with Chocolate Sun Lenses.
Last but not least is the V301 in Tortoise/Horn. the V328 in Black and the V330 in Brown/Horn.
For all the customers who call me Jason...or Jonathan...or Justin... or Julio...or the bald guy... or...well, you get the idea.
Hopefully this will stay up for more than a day this time.
Spain...when I think of Spain I think of paella and sangria (mmm... sangria) anyway I guess I need to add eyewear to the list... our friend Hillary (and her beautiful daughter Cheyanne) stopped by for a visit last week with this unique and colorful collection.
The photos above and below will give you an idea of what the collection offers, but in about 2 weeks you'll be able to stop in and see exactly how cool these affordable yet high quality frames really are.
Also arriving around the same time will be Italian manufatured frames from Menizzi and Biggu that are funky and also reasonably priced. We will have pics to follow so stay tuned...
You may remember a previous post where I promised to update when the cool new arrivals from J.F. Rey/ BOZ arrived in our shop... ok, consider yourself updated...they're here.
Let's start with some Traction models... here's the 1131 in Matte Noir. One of the coolest mens frames we've seen in quite some time.
Above is the 1136 in Brown/Turquoise.
One of my favorites...the 1135 in Tortoise/Satin Gold with checkerboard interior. Yes...checkerboard...nice.
And now for the BOZ segment of our update...here we have Aubrey (or Audrey to some of our customers who refuse to pay attention) wearing her newest frame the "Louna" in Noir.
Here's "Louna" again...without Aubreys head crammed into it.
Above we have "Lorette" in Sparkle Amber/Violet. (sounds like the lineup at a Gentlemens Club...or so I've heard...not that I have any firsthand information or experience...really Mom I don't, so don't call and yell at me)
Moving on... here is the "Kawa" in Tortoise/Bleu.
and last, but certainly not least we have "Lorette" in Tiger Eye/Bronze. There's a bunch more but I can't feature them all...as always I say stop in and see them yourself.
I'd be remiss if I didn't include a shot of another great arrival from Traction Productions. Here we have the "Pistel" in Noir with swarovski crystals. LOTS of crystals... for all you "Bawlmer" residents ...don't forget "Hon Fest" 2009 is just around the corner.( Hmm...I wonder how I'd look with a beehive hairdo??)
After digging out of the recent snow, we were happy to have some new arrivals to dig into when we finally made it back in to work. One of the most interesting mini collections we have is the Cristal collection from french design house- Traction Productions. These handmade acetates are crystal clear with bold color outlines and are like nothing else on the market. (until some unoriginal hack company copies them eventually.) Pictured above we have the "Balboa" in Noir/Cristal. No doubt named after everyones favorite Philadelphian...Rocky Balboa. (yo Adrian).
Here is the "Khos" in Meleze/Cristal. Cool diamond shape will work well with a progressive lens.
Here's the "Bastille" in Bleu/Cristal. Perfect for Bastille Day (whenever that is) or any other occasion.
This is the "Palomina" in Rouge/Cristal. Another great shape for women.
And finally, the Palomina again in Tortoise/Citron Cristal. Stop in and check these out... but don't wait too long...as we have exactly ONE of each.
As many of you know we're closed on Mondays. (really...we've never been open on Mondays, ever in 15 years) Now the real question is what we do with our time on Mondays. Well, sometimes we all gather together and take an outing or 2. This past Monday we took Miss K down to the National Aquarium in the inner harbor. (Thanks to the fine folks at MECU for the tickets).
She got to see lots of fish (including her favorite Nemo)and sharks and even some frogs and monkeys.
Mista Steve even refrained from throwing anyone into the shark tank so we deemed the trip a success. For some reason after our visit Kendall wanted sushi for lunch, but we settled on The Cheesecake Factory instead.
Not wanting anyone to think we're complete slackers, after lunch we all traveled out to one of our lens suppliers (New City Optical) for an extensive lab tour. Lab Manager Dave (pictured above) took us through the impressive state of the art facility. Here we saw the entire lens fabrication process, including the surfacing lab where the Varilux Elipse 360 lenses are ground and the brand new coating facility where they apply the Crizal Avance with Scotchguard coatings. Unfortunately no photos of this equipment are allowed (or they'd have to kill us) but here's a good photo of the crew. Notice the look our lab manager Rudy is giving Dave? I'd say he has a serious case of "lab envy".
Again, thanks to Dave, Scott and the entire staff at New City for their hospitality...and Kendall says thanks for the gift bags, the candy, and the globe "bouncy balls".
Loyal readers may remember back in May when I posted some very short videos featuring IC! Berlin sunglasses. Well, here's the long form video...there's really not much else to add, besides I'm sorry. The glasses look cool however...and spring is just around the corner...no matter what that groundhog says.
For Marco in Arizona. Just ignore the Japanese part. Re-attaching Ic! Berlin temples is a pretty easy process... of course you can just stop in and have Aubrey do it for you.
Straight outta Mogadishu. Yes...the one in Somalia...yes that's in Africa...
If, like 2 1/2 year old Kendall, your knowledge of hip-hop begins and ends with Kanye West (whom she refers to as Johnny Cash...don't ask) then you need to expand your horizons... you can thank me later.
In the cold winter months we don't get too many new arrivals as we wait for spring, all bundled up in our hats, and bide our time waiting for the weather to break.
Fortunately, we've had the good fortune of some hot new arrivals to warm us up (and give me something besides football to talk about).
We love the new models that Gold&Wood has delivered to our door. Handmade in Germany, Luxumborg, and France these are truly luxury eyewear frames which have no peer. Check out the handcarved wood treatments on the top frame above. Or the middle frame which is carved out of pure natural buffalo horn and hand etched with diamond chips on the temples.
Each piece is handmade from the finest metals or precious metals and the temples are either handmade from natural african woods or natural buffalo horn. Some, like the one in the middle above are even dripping in diamonds. I've seen other companies explain that their frames are "jewelry for your face", but Gold&Wood truly fulfill that claim. (I just have to keep my mother out of the shop until they all sell out).
Here are some more pics from Gold&Wood, in this case from their brand new "Wood-Look" series. Some great full frames for men pictured above.
The rimless in this collection are a visual treat with bold, bright colors and thick natural wood temples with bold geometric "tattoos" emblazoned on them.
Of course Miss K couldn't miss an opportunity to mug for the camera...and to show off her new leopard shirt. (she thinks the leopard spots are polka dots however)
Our friend Stephen stopped in this past week (pictured above with a shot of camera hog Rudys' hand) He brought with him a TON of new J.F. Rey and Boz new releases for 2009.
There was just an unending supply of great new shapes and colors for men and women...
...and yes, even some kids frames. (Which Kendall tried on at least 3 times each)
Handmade (yes, by adult hands) in France from the finest acetates and metals including titaniums and aluminums, J.F. Rey has always been a big seller for us. We think the 2009 collection is one of the best ever and predict a big year for them.
The new stuff is set to reach us by the beginning of March and we'll be updating you as soon as it does.
It's a new year and a time for change and resolutions. This video reminds me of our new resolution for 2009 to not purchase or sell any products manufactured in China. With these big "insurance" companies and monolithic chain stores forcing these inferior products down our throats we've decided that enough is enough. We've carried a small amount of these products in order to stay competitive in the years past but that stops now. So as of this month we have stopped any orders from companies who distribute these products and whatever we have left in stock is being sold off and not replaced. Don't worry, this will just give us more room to bring in even more unique product, from responsible companies who put people and quality ahead of profit. We will still continue to do our best to work with your various "insurance" plans but we will NOT be carrying any of their frames or using their discount lab services. We promise you to offer only the best products, with the best quality and service at the best price. (as always). Ok, I'm stepping off my soap box now. Enjoy the video, these guys rock.
Freed from their previous US distributor, the fine folks at Freudenhaus have taken control of their product and are bringing classic German styling to the States. At least that's what I'm told. Anyway, we just broke out the new goods- just in time for the new year. (Happy New Year by the way). Pictured above we have "Whip-It" in Grey/Lavender, "HoneyBunny" (yes...HoneyBunny) in Mocha, and "Gibson" in Platinum/BrownOlive.
In addition to the titaniums/metals we also have some handmade acetates as well. Here we have "Kent" in Bamboo, "Fred" in Havana, and "Dutch" in Onyx.
We think the collection is pretty cool, Kendall however thinks they're "souper". Stop in and form your own opinion.
As everyone hurtles towards the holidays (or in my case, stumble), we at Paris West Optical are already gearing up for 2009. To that end, we seem to be getting a new 2009 release almost every day. One of the coolest in recent days has been the trio of collections from industry veteran Sheila Vance- Sama, Badgley Mischka, and Loree Rodkin.
From top to bottom we have Sama model: Spark in amber/horn, Sama model: Sofia in noir/feather... yes those are REAL feathers embedded in the acetate...very unique and elegant, and Loree Rodkin model: Lindsey in striated brown.
Here are some pretty cool offerings for men. At the top we have Badgley Mischka model: Clifford in brown/dark-light wood, Sama model: Cobra in platinum/snakeskin, and Badgley Mischka model Clark in Platinum/black-grey wood. Yes that IS real wood and yes that IS real snakeskin. Very cool.
These shades are so cool in fact that they even make Steve and I look good. (well almost). Steve is sporting Cobra while I have on Clark.
These shades come standard with crystal polarized lenses and backside anti-reflective coatings. YES, they are also available in most prescriptions.
I know, I know, the new, less dark, more commercial sound isn't everyones favorite. (me included) But it sounds nice in the shop and Kendall can sing along. So stop being so elitist and enjoy it...and maybe if you keep the hate mail to a minimum I'll post an older tune as well.
Yes it's true...Aubrey is 30. (or as she likes to say 29 for the 2nd time.)
The Birthday Girl, me, Mista Steve, and Aubreys' best friend Missy (who fortunately wore green to help us avoid the appearance of coming from a funeral) all went out to Mele in Fells Point to celebrate this special occasion. (And to drink). Thanks to our server Nina we had a fantastic time and an exquisite meal. Especially Mista Steve who had 6 (yes SIX) Ultimate Upper Espresso Martinis. For those of you who know Steve, take what you know and apply a heaping serving of alchohol and caffeine. Yes... it's just as scary as you imagined. Thankfully we all survived and will live to celebrate with Aubrey next year. (for her third 29th birthday).
Now that everyone has over-eaten and awakened from their tryptophan induced comas it's time for everyones favorite shopping day...Black Friday. Ok, well maybe not everyone wakes up at 5 am to wait outside in the cold at the local Wal-Mart for a chance to buy that 9.99 toaster oven. But for those that do... stay away...you scare me.
In case you missed it, here are a few pics from this past weekends trunk show. There was a ton of beautiful product from both collections available for your viewing pleasure.
There was even a few select pieces on hand that fit my large cranium... and NO, that's not a zoot suit.
Mista Steve prepared a" bountiful autumnal vegan repast" that was absolutely delicious. Above we have a picture of him threatening me with a cutting knife after I innocently referred to him as "Martha Stewart, only hairier and angrier." Thankfully Amy our rep was there to save me.
A pic of some of the delicious food available...notice that both Amy and Aubrey are hiding their hands? That's because they're double fisted full of pita chips, eggplant dip and hummus.
Silk...not just for breakfast anymore. Wait a minute...that's crazy talk. Let me try again... Silk...not just for ties anymore. Ok that's a little better, still kinda lame as a marketing slogan though, might explain why I sell eyeglasses for a living.
Anyway, crazy seems to be a theme for me recently. Continuing that trend are the new handmade silk collection frames from Italian design house Okki. Fortunately this is crazy in a GOOD way. As opposed to the crazy from my personal life. As Jack Nicholson once said "Go sell crazy somewhere else, we're all stocked up here".
And what we're stocked up with are absolutely beautiful handmade Italian acetate frames with beautiful Italian silk embedded in them. Yes...inside of them. Each item is handmade and each one is unique. Kind of like snowflakes without the annoying melting part.
I apologize for the lack of new updates on the blog as I've been distracted by October baseball and my hometown teams' quest to end 28 CRAZY years of frustration and disappointment. (sounds like my love life but I don't want to go off on a tangent here).
The bottom line is that neither rain, nor bitter cold, nor Bud Selig (and his hideously bad eyeglasses), nor the cinderella Tampa Rays could stop Charlie Manuel and the 2008 Philadelphia Phillies.
Congratulations again to the entire Phillies roster, the city of Philadelphia and my Dad... who I think has seen each and every one of the Phillies record 10,000 losses. Speaking of upgrades... mention this blog post when you come in the shop and we will upgrade your purchase for free. (free Crizal anti reflective or transitions lenses at no charge). Hurry...this offer ends Saturday November 8th. Must mention offer at time of sale.
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