July 4th Weekend Hours

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.

Now in Stock: Etnia Barcelona

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.

Etnia Barcelona: More Pics

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.

Coming Soon: Volte Face

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.

As we move forward we have a bunch of cool arrivals making their way in stock...one of them...Volte Face from France will be here next week. I promise to post some shots once the goods are here (really...I will) but if you're curious check out their website : Volteface.com.

Oliver Peoples and Paul Smith Trunk Show: This Friday and Saturday

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.)

not to be forgotten: Mosley Tribes

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.)

Coming Soon: Alek Paul and Jono Hennessy

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.

Now Playing @ ParisWest: Silversun Pickups - "Lazy Eye"

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.

more about "Now Playing @ ParisWest: Silversun Pi...", posted with vodpod

New Arrival: Kirk Originals

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.

Oliver Peoples and Paul Smith Trunk Show: June 12 and 13

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).

Follow us on Twitter

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.

New Arrival: 2009 John Varvatos

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??)

Pictured above we have Rudy-Poo in the V120 in ShinyDarkGunMetal, Miss K in the V323 in Tobacco/Horn and yours truly, Uncle Fathead in the V310 in Tortoise/Horn.
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.

The Many faces of Miss K

Much has made of our resident pocket-sized supermodel Kendall. Pretty much every customer has mentioned her... and her happy cute smile when they stop by. Kendall wants it known however that she's more than just another cute face...she's a dynamic performer...capable of a full range of emotions. In respect of her wishes we present the many faces of Miss K. (Letter S Edition)w/ cameo appearances from the NEW 2009 John Varvatos collection.

"Sleepy."

"Sad."

"Surprised."
Amazing. You will note, however, that my face never changes... I'm "Stupid" in every pic...some things can't be changed.

Now Playing @ ParisWest: The Ting Tings - That’s Not My Name

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.

more about "Now Playing @ ParisWest: The Ting Tin...", posted with vodpod

Coming Soon: Etnia Barcelona

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...

New Arrival: J.F Rey and Boz

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 finally the 2266 in Noir... it's the one that I'm wearing in the fist pic...don't worry the frame does not add 20 lbs to your appearance...that's my poor diet and bad genetics.

New Arrival: J.F Rey and Boz part 2

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.

Traction Productions...continued.

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??)

New Arrival: Traction Productions

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.

ParisWest Mondays

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".

Glanz FX - Tanzpartner: featuring Ic! Berlin sunglasses

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.

ic!berlin: temple re-attachment

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.

Now Playing @ ParisWest: K'Naan -"ABC's"

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.

more about "Now Playing @ ParisWest: K'Naan -"ABC's"", posted with vodpod

New Arrival: Gold&Wood

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).

New Arrival: Gold&Wood ...continued

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)

Coming Soon: New J.F. Rey and Boz

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.

Now Playing @ ParisWest: Rise Against - Prayer of the Refugee

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.

more about "Now Playing @ ParisWest: Rise Against...", posted with vodpod

New Arrival: Freudenhaus

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.

Holiday/Dr. Larry Hours

Now that we're less than 48 hours from Christmas, I guess I should post what will be the "Official Paris West Optical Holiday Hours" for 2008. First the shop will be open the following days/hours:

Tuesday 12/23: 10-6
Wednesday 12/24: 10-4 (closing early for Christmas Eve, gift certificates available for you last minute shoppers)
Thursday 12/25: CLOSED (Merry Christmas)
Friday 12/26: 10-6
Saturday 12/27: 10-5
Sunday 12/28: CLOSED
Monday 12/29: CLOSED
Tuesday 12/30: 10-6
Wednesday 12/31: 10-6 Don't forget to spend your flexible spending dollars.
Thursday 1/1/09: CLOSED (Happy New Year!)
Friday 1/2: 10-6
Saturday 1/3: 10-5



No, that's not a 6th grader with a beard... that's the world famous, greatest, bestest, eye doctor in the whole world. (decked out in full winter regalia)... Dr. Larry Rubin.

Dr Larry will be IN the following days/hours:

Tuesday 12/23: 10-2
Friday 12/26: 10-6
Tuesday 12/30: 10-2
Friday 1/2: 10-6

The entire staff wishes everyone Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

New Arrival: Sama, Badgley Mischka, Loree Rodkin

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.

Now Playing @ ParisWest: Alkaline trio--MERCY ME

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.

Alkaline Trio: Stupid Kid

As promised an older song for you.

New Arrival: Infinity collection 2.0

For those old school blog readers you'll remember one of the 1st products we featured was the cutting edge collection from Swedish designer Staffan Preutz. (For those of you who don't, you can scroll down and edjumacate yourselves). Don't worry...I'll wait. I have all day.


These super lightweight, yet supremely durable futuristic specs are now available in bolder shapes, more vibrant colors and a wider range of sizes.


It's hard to see, but check out the frame at the top...its got a faux corrugated metal finish, which has to be seen to be fully appreciated. The 1st collection was a big hit for us (and a total sell out) and we expect this one to be even better. Stop in and try one on...they'll make a great investment of those flexible spending dollars that are burning a hole in your pocket. (or a great Holiday gift...ask my Dad. But not until after the holidays it might spoil the surprise.)

Happy 30th Aubrey

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).

Black Friday

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.

For the rest of you we just wanted to let you know that, YES, we will be open both today and tomorrow. Dr. Larry even has a few spots left on his schedule today for those of you in need of an eye exam. For the rest of you, I hear that Costco has heated socks- buy 2 get 1 free. Line forms to the left.

Bevel/OrgreenTrunk Show Pics

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.


The winner for best of show was the "Muck" from Bevel...pictured below...I think we sold almost 1 of every 6 colors available. Yes...the frame is called "Muck"...feel free to make your own jokes, it's just too easy. If you missed the festivites we'll be having another frame-a-palooza in the spring. Thanks again to Amy and Steve and all of our customers who stopped by.

Bevel and Orgreen Trunk Show: TODAY and TOMORROW

(please read in the voice of that annoying dude from the monster truck radio commercials)

TODAY and TOMORROW!!! (thats's Friday 11/14 10-6 and Saturday 11/15 10-5 for those of you scoring at home).

ParisWest Optical is proud to present....


The FIRST EVER Bevel and Orgreen Trunk Show!!! (in the Baltimore market).

As we speak (or type in this instance), Mista Steve is in his kitchen, slaving away, preparing a bevy of culinary delights for your snacking pleasure. Amy is braving the elements, transporting the precious cargo from far far away (Philadelphia actually). And I...well, I'm not actually doing much of anything... other than sitting on my backside and writing this crap.

So, if you need eyewear, if you might need eyewear in the future, or if you have no clue what in the world I'm talking about....stop in and see the ENTIRE 2008 collections from 2 of the greatest optical design houses on the planet.

The fate of the free world depends on it! (or something).

(You can now resume reading in your regular inside voice, thank you.)

New Arrival: Okki "silk collection"

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.

World Series Upgrade Sale!

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.

Big thanks to Cade and his brother at TicketStock, who after a few mis-steps getting the tickets to us, hooked my brother (the better looking , younger one above) and I up with an upgrade for the festivities. I just hope it takes me less than 28 years to pay off these tickets.

No, that's not a tomato...that's my fat head...cool "Fightin' Phils" rally towel though.

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.

We now return you to regular optical related blog posts.

BEVEL & ORGREEN Trunk Show Nov. 14th and 15th!

We are proud to announce that on Friday November 14th from 10-6 and Saturday November 15th from 10 -5, we will host the FIRST EVER trunk show for Bevel and Orgreen in the Baltimore market.
Stop in and view the entire collection from these 2 great design houses including the brand new offerings for fall.
We'll even have have some food and drinks for all those in attendance...and go-go dancers.
Ok, maybe I lied about the go-go dancers part, but maybe we can convince Aubrey to debut a new hairstyle.

Now Playing @ ParisWest: The Gaslight Anthem

Check out the cool shades, rumor has it that an unnamed shop in town stocks them...but that's just the word on the street. This is off their previous album "Sink or Swim". Check out their new album "The '59 Sound" too.

more about "Now Playing @ ParisWest: The Gaslight...", posted with vodpod

New Arrival: URBAND

Here at Paris West we spend most of our available free time searching for cool new products. (Actually Aubrey spends most of her free time researching new hairstyles, Steve is looking for the perfect martini, Rudy is searching for a spot to take a nap, and Kendall is searching for fruit snacks, but why nitpick?) After yet another exhaustive search (and a tip from Amy, our intrepid Bevel sales rep) we are proud to introduce you to Urband from France.

The 3 stooges above almost looked professional once we tried on a new pair of Urband specs. ( I said almost, and no my double chin is NOT included with purchase...that takes years of hard work)


Pictured above we have the following models: Cohesion in Gunmetal, Pouvoir in Copper and Position in Black.
Here is Cohesion in Black, Equilibre in Burnt Orange, and Allure in Red Metallic.
To make up for the prior photo, here we have the lovely Heidi (taking a break from her latest crossword puzzle) wearing the Allure in Red Metallic.


Below we have model Sense in Brown, Affinity in Black and Parole in Brown. Parole??? Don't ask me, I'm not French (or on parole for that matter). All Urband frames are 100% milled titanium with beautiful acetate temples- free from any screws or solder. Check out their website at urband.com

Gail Spence: Update NOW IN STOCK!

After many months and many emails, and many phone calls (and lots of begging) we are FINALLY able to say the words that we've been longing to say...Come and get em! We finally have filled all backorders and have EVERY single model and color of the new and improved Gail Spence collection NOW IN STOCK! Until my immediate family reads this, then all bets are off. (I'm turning my cell phone off as I type this)
Here we have the 9902 in copper, silver, black and red.
And the lovely 9903 in gold, brown, black and grey.
don't forget the stunning 9901 in turquoise, copper, red and grey.
Also, as an extra added treat, we are happy to announce that we even have the BRAND SPANKING NEW 9904 which is a direct replica of the larger scale original. We have 2 of these (pictured above in turquoise and red)...first come, first served...no bribes accepted (unless they involve homemade chocolate chip cookies.)

For more info email us at pariswestoptical@yahoo.com or call (410)528-1877.

KIRK ORIGINALS FILM 2 (ENGLISH) 'GRAB AN EIFFEL'

Grab an Eiffel...or is that an eyeful? The latest from the genius of Jason Kirk and Kirk Originals.

The Future

The future is screwless, hypo allergenic, environmentally friendly and fun.
The future is sexy, unique, and flexible.
The future is free of the restrictions of solder and screws...looking like something but feeling like nothing.
The future is handmade, the finest quality, respectful of the past but not limited by it.
The future is laser cut, vibrant, with even the tiniest details accounted for.

The Future

The future is bridging fashion with function.

The future is daring to take a chance.
The future is great design from great companies and great people.
At ParisWest Optical the future is the best products, the best service, provided by the best staff in the industry. At ParisWest Optical the future is now.

New Arrival: Ronit Furst

Straight outta Israel we just received a bunch of handpainted acetate frames from designer Ronit Furst.
Kendall likes them, but of course she thinks they're candy and wants to eat them.
Nice petite sizes for adults and kids in unique color combinations as well as some unique readers.

Kendall modeling a style in grape...er I mean purple. Stop in and check them out.

Now Playing at ParisWest: The Black Keys "Your Touch"

First the "White Stripes", now the "Black Keys", these 2 man er...2 person bands (apologies to Meg White) have inspired Rudy and I to start our own. Calling ourselves the "Red States" it'll feature me on kazoo and Rudy on tambourine. Look for songs about BBQ, Nascar, and firearms. Or not.

more about "Now Playing at ParisWest: The Black K...", posted with vodpod

New Arrival: Bellinger

Now that summer is almost over, it can mean only one thing. No, not back to school...no, not football...no, not that my mom goes into a depressed state. (actually that does happen, but she self medicates with chocolate so it's all good.) It means that all of our suppliers and factories return from taking the entire month of August off and start sending us cool new frames.
I know I used to # the new arrivals, but I think we got to 20 and I ran out of digits to count...since I wasn't raised next to a nuclear reactor we're going to have to deal with it. Anyway, we just got a bunch of cool new specs from the Danish design team at Bellinger. Check out the cool colors and wild temple treatments.
Actually they are already finding new homes...above we have longtime customer Margie and her new pair: model Galaxy in Olive/Bronze.

video explosion/Dr. Rubins schedule

We apologize for this weekends cavalcade of music videos...looks like YouTube exploded all over our blog. Things should return back to normal now... ok maybe normal isn't the best choice of words. In other news, Dr. Rubin (AKA Dr. Larry) will be away at a conference this week. He'll return on Tuesday August 26th and Friday August 30th. Appointments are available.