Eye Spy with My Little Eye

Customer of the Week!!!

2011-12-18T13:54:00.000-08:00

Our Customer of the Week is Elizabeth!

Elizabeth looks adorable in her fun, new Anne et Valentin frames. The bold crimson color compliments her big brown eyes and dark hair. She works as a professional actress appearing in Chicago's theatres and independent films...so its no wonder that she wanted glasses as expressive as she is!

Fun Fact: Elizabeth and her husband, Gilbert Langlois, own the yummiest restaurant, Chalkboard, in Lincoln Square. Its such a comfortable, elegant space and the they incorporate the influences of so many different cuisines. mmmmmh...http://www.chalkboardrestaurant.com/default.asp

I don't want to eat this piece of art from Chalkboard, but...

...my mouth is watering uncontrollably!

Congrats, Elizabeth, you are our Customer of the Week!

A Health Moment with Dr. Brad Newton

2011-12-16T11:59:00.000-08:00

Have you looked at your contact lens storage case lately?

Go ahead and get it...I'll wait.

Alright, take a good look. How long have you been using this one? Can you even remember? No?! It was white at point, wasn't it?

What are those greenish-brown deposits on the caps? And what are those fuzzy spots growing on the bottom?

Your contact lens case may be contaminated with bacteria, fungi, yeasts or even amoebae! Whoa... The bacteria can then spread to your contacts causing serious eye infections or even blindness!!!

So...before you open up a new sterile bubble pack and pull out a fresh contact, take a look at its home. Stop in to see me and I will give you a new storage case. Or better yet, go green by submerging it in boiling water to disinfect the case.

Cheers,

Dr. Brad

Wondering why there hasn't been as many posting as usual? We have been busy updating our brand new website.

Stay tuned for details about our spectacular January Sale, with prices starting at only $75. Yay!!!

Wonderglasses are Here!!!

2011-12-06T16:15:00.000-08:00

We just received a divine German eyewear collection...

It kinda feels like a gift from heaven...or maybe just a fab present for the holidays;-)

Blutgeschwister is an awesome German apparel line with kitschy styles and patterns. They asked a local German optician (and DJ!) to design and line of eyewear with the same philosophy...and voila! Inspired by the 70′s and 80′s, Wonderglasses mixes top-quality metals and acetate with fresh colors and designs. This line is brand-spanking new and only has one other account in the whole entire U.S.!

Here is a little taste to get you in the mood...

Wonderglasses Soron & Florida Scrub Jay

Wonderglasses Rollergirl & Lass Mich Kussen

Wonderglasses Expedition Everest & Private Eye

Check out the Wonderglass website at

http://www.wonderglasses.com/blutsgeschwister-wonderglasses/

Too many flex dollars, not enough time? At Eye Spy, we accept flex dollars and will make sure that you find quality handmade glasses as well as the best possible lenses for your prescription. Just ask and we'll be happy to help you find an *awesome* new pair of specs!

Vote For Eye Spy Optical for Best Eyewear Shop!!

2011-12-05T20:05:00.000-08:00

Somehow, we *just* noticed that

NewCity Magazine is having a "Best of 2011" contest...

and it ends tomorrow (yes, that is Tuesday) at midnight!!

Yes, that's right folks, you only have 24 hours, as of right now, to vote for us!

Here is the all-important link:

http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/728653/Best-of-Chicago-2011

Please vote for us ASAP before it is too late! Thanks so much. We heart you!!

xox, alissa, serina, patsy, and sonia

Customer of the Week!!!

2011-12-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

Our Customer of the Week is Roger!

We are so sad to see Roger go. He is moving to Spain in one month and Eye Spy is going to miss him!!! He is a load of fun and an eyeglass fanatic. He just purchased this Theo Ockers frame in blue with black pinstripes. He just had to get one more pair before he left and these glasses were calling to him.

Roger we are gonna miss being entertained by you! You are the best.

Too many flex dollars, not enough time? At Eye Spy, we accept flex dollars and will make sure that you find quality handmade glasses as well as the best possible lenses for your prescription. Just ask and we'll be happy to help you find an *awesome* new pair of specs!

Holiday Open House on Thursday!

2011-11-30T14:20:00.000-08:00

We will be serving peppermint hot chocolate & home made gingerbread cookies. mmmm.

We will also have drawings for prizes, such as free anti-reflective coating, discounts on frames, and giveaways:-)

See you soon!!

Customer of the Week!!!

2011-11-27T14:49:00.000-08:00

Our Customer of the Week is Matthew !

Matt's very first pair from Eye Spy....

the Anne et Valentin Fiction Frame

Matt's second fabulous pair of specs from Eye Spy...

the Theo Aphrodite frame

Matt's third pair of specs...the Anne et Valentin Factory Two :-)

...and Matt's newest pair of simply spectacular Theo Moser specs!

Matthew is a return customer who knows what he likes...color! So, when he found out about our annual Theo trunk show in November, he was ready for a simply spectacular new pair. He set his sights on these awesome Theo Moser frames and didn't look back. His eyes are perfectly centered in these glasses for a great fit. The Tokyo tortoise, accented by a pop of tangerine, beautifully contrasts his dark hair...and his *big* grin tells it all!!!

Congrats, Matthew...you are our Customer of the Week!

Don't forget that Eye Spy Optical accepts flex

dollars! We are more than happy to help you

find an awesome new pair of specs.

Come in before time runs out!!!

Lafont Trunk Show this Saturday!

2011-11-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

For all you Lafont fanatics...the Lafont trunk show is finally here! Saturday, November 26th you will be able to view and try on hundreds of Lafont frames.
Lafont was created by Phillipe and Laurence Lafont in 1972. It was so successful that it was distributed world-wide only seven years later. Their goal was to create a timeless line of quality eyewear that was still considered high fashion. Lafont has repeatedly won prizes and been nominated at exhibitions in Paris, New York, and Tokyo. The brand is known for its unique colors and patterns and 70% are exclusive to Lafont!

ooh...so smart

...so funky

...so bold

...so different!

Trunk shows are the only way to see the 2012 collections before anyone else! You will get a sneak peek of all of new styles that were shown at the trade show in Paris last month. If you cannot make it into Eye Spy on Saturday, we are having private viewings of the Lafont frames on Sunday...just call for an appointment.

We are officially open on Mondays from 11am-7pm, now through the end of January. No need for an appointment...just stop on in!!!

Customer of the Week!!!

2011-11-21T13:22:00.000-08:00

Our Customer of the Week is Chris!!!

Chris was not too happy that he needed to start wearing glasses. To the surprise of his parents...his eyes lit up when he tried these blue Lafont frames. The frame model is Rock and its easy to see why. They really do rock!

Chris is so handsome wearing the iridescent blue frame, which is such a contrast against his dark hair and big brown eyes. We love that these frames fit him like a glove since fit is so important with children. Kids are rough on their frames so they can't be slipping and sliding around.

Congrats Chris, you are our Customer of the Week!

Stay tuned for a posting about the Lafont trunk show on Saturday, November 26th. Phillipe and Laurence Lafont started their company in Paris in 1972 with the goal of creating a line that was timeless. They have a great eye for balancing shape and color and are known for their exquisite patterns.

We are officially open on Mondays from 11am-7pm, now through the end of January. No need for an appointment...just stop on in!!!

Bugs VS. Popeye

2011-11-18T13:09:00.000-08:00

As promised, Dr. Brad Newton is

sharing his eye health wisdom

every week. This week we asked doc...

Are carrots good for your eyes??? Carrots do have Vitamin A, which is necessary for retinal function but they are also right up there with potatoes as one of the starchiest veggies. They can cause a spike in your blood sugar that is not good for your eyes or any other organ in your body. Spinach or other dark green leafy vegetables contain the vitamins your eyes need including lutein, which is very important for retinal health. So when the dust settles, Popeye wins! Thats all Folks!!!

Do you have any eye health questions? Post any questions and Brad will do his best to answer them. Don't forget to eat your greens!!! Yum :)

Anne et Valentin Trunk Show this Saturday!!!

2011-11-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

The Anne et Valentin trunk show is finally here! Saturday, November 19th you will be able to view and try on hundreds of Anne et Valentin frames.

Anne et Valentin is known for their colorful, and playful glasses. A french label, Anne et Valentin uses bold and vibrant colors in many flattering shapes. They are for the person who enjoys wearing their glasses and wants an individualistic look. As their tagline states, "Delighted to be yourself!" The collection has a large variety of plastic and metal frames for men and women...so let us help you find the pair that fits your personality :) Below is a sneak peek of some snazzy new shapes...

Trunk shows are the only way to see the 2012 collections before anyone else! You will get a sneak peek of all of new styles that were shown at the trade show in Paris last month. If you cannot make it into Eye Spy on Saturday, we are having private viewings of the Anne et Valentin frames on Sunday...just call for an appointment.

We are officially open on Mondays from 11am-7pm, now through the end of January. No need for an appointment...just stop on in!!!

Wednesdays with Dr. Brad Newton!!!

2011-11-15T11:10:00.000-08:00

Just a few weeks ago...we received our new Anne et Valentin frames from the trade show in Paris. This Factory One model in a gorgeous royal blue was one of the many frames we received. Although this model has been around before this season...this is a brand new color and we love it!!!

Dr. Brad will be posting his own tidbits of knowledge starting next week. Did you know that carrots are not as good for your vision as most people perceive?! Stay tuned for details!

Come in tomorrow, get your eyes checked, see Dr. Newton's next fabulous shirt and check out his specs:)

Check back tomorrow for more info on Anne et Valentin trunk show this Saturday, November 19th from 11-5 PM. Anne et Valentin is known for their colorful, and playful glasses. They are for the person who enjoys wearing their glasses and wants an individualistic look. As their tagline states, "Delighted to be yourself!" The collection has a large variety of plastic and metal frames for men and women....from tortoise to red to blue.

We are officially open on Mondays from 11am-7pm, now through the end of January. No need for an appointment...just stop on in!!!

Customer of the Week!!!

2011-11-14T14:59:00.000-08:00

Our Customer of the Week is Lisa!!!

Doesn't Lisa look dreamy in her new Lafont frames? She was planning on purchasing the same frame in a conservative brushed tortoise hue...but we couldn't let her when the purple was so much more flattering! Her eyes pop behind the gorgeous translucent color. We also love that the fun cat-eye shape gives her so much area to see out of.

Don't forget...the Lafont trunk show is on Saturday, November 26th from 11am-5pm. Come out and see all the new Lafont frames and try on every color!

Also, stay tuned for a posting about the Anne et Valentin trunk show on Saturday, November 19th. Anne et Valentin is known for their colorful, and playful glasses. They are for the person who enjoys wearing their glasses and wants an individualistic look. As their tagline states, "Delighted to be yourself!" The collection has a large variety of plastic and metal frames for men and women....from tortoise to red to blue.

We are officially open on Mondays from 11am-7pm, now through the end of January. No need for an appointment...just stop on in!!!

Mykita Trunk Show this Saturday!!!

2011-11-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

The Mykita trunk show is finally here! Saturday, November 12th you will be able to view and try on hundreds of Mykita frames.

Mykita is a small company in the heart of Berlin that has been hand-making their eye wear since 2003. They are successful due to their patented screw-less hinge design. Mykita frames are almost indestructible since they are cut out of a thin sheet of surgical stainless steel. The NO2 collection is all plastic, but just as durable with its innovative Metal Injection Moulding process.

Trunk shows are the only way to see the 2012 collections before anyone else! You will get a sneak peek of all of new styles that were shown at the trade show in Paris last month. If you cannot make it into Eye Spy on Saturday, we are having private viewings of the Mykita frames on Sunday...just call for an appointment.

Stay tuned for a posting about the Anne et Valentin trunk show on Saturday, November 19th. Anne et Valentin is known for their colorful, and playful glasses. They are for the person who enjoys wearing their glasses and wants an individualistic look. As their tagline states, "Delighted to be yourself!" The collection has a large variety of plastic and metal frames for men and women....from tortoise to red to blue.

We are officially open on Mondays from 11am-7pm, now through the end of January. No need for an appointment...just stop on in!!!

NeW Rapp FraMes!!!

2011-11-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

Ooooh...we are so excited, our new Rapp frames are here!

24 years ago, Mel Rapp opened up a tiny dispensary at the back of his mother's hat shop. A crazy idea at the time, it has grown into one of the most unique and avant-garde optical shops in the world.

Rapp, a company out of Toronto, combines old-fashioned work ethics with modern technology. Most of the frames are a combination of titanium and Italian acetate. Only 30 sets consisting of 32 pieces are sold of each collection worldwide, so when you buy a Rapp frame...you can truly be an individual.

Aren't they breathtaking?!

Stay tuned for a posting about the Mykita trunk show on Saturday, November 12th. Mykita frames are known for their flexible, lightweight design and patented screwless hinge concept.

We are officially open on Mondays from 11am-7pm, now through the end of January. No need for an appointment...just stop on in!!!

CustomerS of the Week!!!

2011-11-06T15:10:00.000-08:00

Our Customers of the Week are Maria & Pam! We could not pick one customer this week:) Ironically, during our Theo trunk show, two of our favorite customers picked up their new Theo frames.

Maria looks like a movie star in her new red glasses. The frames follow her brow line and the large lenses show off her pretty peepers.

It was hard to find Pam a pair of glasses that fit her large personality, but when she tried on these blue Eyewitness frames...we knew they were perfect. The bare titanium details give the frame an industrial, modern feel....and the asymmetry of the frame catches just the right amount of attention:-) We love these frames and are sad to see them leave the store, but they have definitely found a good home! Yay.

Congrats, Maria & Pam, you are our CustomerS of the Week!!!

Theo Trunk Show this Saturday!!!

2011-11-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

The Theo trunk show is finally here!!! Saturday, November 5th you will be able to view and try on hundreds of Theo frames. If you like funky shapes and tend to be a trend-setter...Theo is the perfect frame line for you. The Theo wearer wants quality, originality, and exclusivity.

In 1989, Theo introduced its ground breaking collection in Antwerp, Belgium to offer the public frames that were not typically seen in the mainstream. The designers wanted a collection that appealed to the individualist, frames worn not only as a necessity but as a unique art piece . Theo also introduced the Eyewitness Collection in 1995 which is an asymmetrical line designed to be in harmony with your individual face!

Trunk shows are a good way to see 2011 collections in 2012. Below is a sneak peek of some new styles that were shown at the trade show in Paris last month and will be here on Saturday. Don't forget - if you would like to view the Theo frames on Sunday just call for an appointment!

Our customers love Theo frames, the lower photo is Barbara wearing a frame from the Eyewitness line:)

Stay tuned for a posting about the Mykita trunk show on Saturday, November 12th. Mykita frames are known for their flexible, lightweight design and patented screwless hinge concept.

We are officially open on Mondays from 11am-7pm, now through the end of January. No need for an appointment...just stop on in!!!

Customer of the Week!!!

2011-10-31T11:23:00.000-07:00

Our Customer of the Week is Natalie!

Natalie looks so happy in her new Theo frames. The mosaic-style texture is unique and the pink hue is gorgeous against her skin. Natalie's parents have been coming to Eye Spy for almost ten years, so when Natalie grew out of her old pair they knew exactly where to take her. She was on the search for large retro-inspired glasses that had some flair...and these were the perfect match!

Don't forget that the Theo Trunk Show is this Saturday. Come and see the newly-released Theo collection and try on every color available!!! Stay tuned...I will be posting a blog specifically about Theos with more exciting photos and information :)

Wednesdays with Dr. Brad Newton!!!

2011-10-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

Wow...this Mykita frame looks so retro on Brad! The warm yellow hue as well as the softly curved shape are super flattering. The glasses are big enough to give him a large viewing area, but do not overwhelm his face. His button-down shirt is awesome as usual with its western style embroidery. The turquoise bolo tie stands out against the neutral colors of Brad's outfit...although the newly grown mustache is what completes the look!

Did you know that even when it gets cold and gray outside this winter, you will still need sunglasses to protect your eyes? UV rays from the sun are always there...and can cause early development of cataracts and a host of other vision-hampering problems. Sunglasses protect you from wind exposure, which is a must in Chicago!
Check out the awesome photoshoot in Z Magazine (Switzerland Edition)...the model is wearing Mykita frames. Stop in at Eye Spy to see them in person!!!

New Anne et Valentin Frames from Silmo!!!

2011-10-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

We were so excited when our frames came in from France only a few weeks after the Queen of Specs picked them out at Silmo. Just as promised...here are a few snapshots:

We are obsessed with the one on the right below!

And don't forget about our trunk shows every Saturday in November! Looking for the perfect pair of specs? Come to Eye Spy to preview the 2012 collections in 2011...and try-on hundreds of new styles and colors to find the perfect one for you!!!

Saturdays in November

11/5 - Theo

11/12 - Mykita

11/19 - Anne et Valentin

11/26 - Lafont

Customer of the Week!!!

2011-10-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

Our Customer of the Week is Elena!

Elena looks absolutely gorgeous in her new Anne et Valentin crimson frames. The modern cat-eye shape is a classy touch, while the ivory hinges gives them dimension. We love how the top of the glasses follow Elena's brow line! Although the frames are a bold color, they look natural and don't overpower Elena's beautiful features.

Drop on by to see our new Anne et Valentin frames, our order is in from the Silmo Trade Show in Paris!!! Or stay tuned for our next blog...there will be new pics posted :)

Congrats, Elena, you are our Customer of the Week!

Do you have Double VisiOn???

2011-10-18T16:44:00.000-07:00

It's so much fun when our customers buy the same frames that we personally own! Barbara just picked up these retro Theo frames in beautiful green texture which Serina currently has in luscious plum/periwinkle.

Susie and Alissa have been friends since they were in fourth grade and BFFs must have the same glasses! Since Francis Klein frames are customizable...they both picked out the same model with totally different colors/decorations. It matches each of their personalities perfectly!!!

Zenia is attracted to bold colors and is always willing to take risks. I got a pair of matte geranium red Theos only a couple of months ago...and I was so excited when Zenia decided on the same pair. It is surprising that two different people with polar opposite hair color can pull off the same glasses so well.

New Lafont and Etnia Kids Frames!!!

2011-10-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

We just got in a new line of kids frames...designed in Spain! Etnia Barcelona kids frames are so innovative with their vibrant colors and awesome textures. What kid would fuss about wearing glasses with fun frames like these?

Below are some new additions to our Lafont family. The classic shapes combined with funky patterns are bold without being overwhelming!

Drop on in to Eye Spy Optical to see some more newcomers and stay tuned...tons of frames will be on their way in the next couple of months!!!

Customer of the Week!!!

2011-10-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

Our Customer of the Week is John :)

John is sooooo adorable in his new 2.5 Italee frames...he captured our hearts with his gentleman-like mannerisms and his shy smile. Italee frames are perfect for children because of their flexibility. The temples can be trimmed to the perfect adjustment and the ends are curved so they stay put!

2.5 frames are Swiss made and also come in adult sizes. 2.5 frames are made from a high performance, lightweight, and hypo-allergenic plastic while weighing only 2.5 grams! You can mix and match lens shapes and colors to make them your own.

Congrats, John, you are our Customer of the Week!

Guess Who is Turning 13?

2011-10-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

Eye Spy Optical is turning 13 on Saturday the 15th...yay! Come join us for some yummy cupcakes and homemade spiked punch. There will be giveaways, a flash sale, and LIVE MUSIC!!! You can even snatch a gift certificate for a free haircut from Spoil Me Salon.

We are so excited that singer/songwriter, Matthew Santos, will be performing from 12-3pm. He is best known for his grammy-winning collaboration "Superstar" with hip hop artist, Lupe Fiasco. Come join the fun!!!