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For those of us looking for something a little nicer than whatever you can pick out on the cheap rack at LensCrafters or Costco (hey, no shame), here are some (mostly) local options where you can get your prescription checked, get your broken frames lovingly fixed and find something fun, sophisticated or vintage. As always, leave your own favorite shops in the comments.
A new shipment into the York Blvd. store (Society of the Spectacle/Facebook)
Society of the Spectacle
This is a fun shop to visit even if you don't need your glasses to better read your Marxist critical theory. Sisters Amy and Katie O'Connell opened up the shop together in a cute, rehabbed bungalow in 2007 on a slightly sleepier side of York Blvd. A few years ago the sisters told LAist they worked at L.A. Eyeworks in the wholesale division for years, so they got to travel quite a bit and see how other shops were set up before opening up their own store. They've got quirky, fun selections from brands Salt, Francis Klein and Mascot. But most importantly it has great service and that neighborhood feel that people come from around the city to enjoy.
Society of the Spectacle is located at 4563 York Blvd. in Highland Park, (323) 255-4300
The selection from Old Focals (Old Focals/Facebook)
Old Focals
If you like that old-timey look, Old Focals has you covered. Their claim to fame is being the go-to place for movies and TV shows, like Mad Men or anything Johnny Depp has been in. They sell vintage frames or frames that could pass for vintage. Their founder Russ Campbell has his own line that includes $99 frames like these "Drapers." Check out their online selection here.
Old Focals has two locations: 45 W. Green St. in Pasadena, and 1110 Mission St. in South Pasadena, (626) 793-7073
Gogosha (Gogosha/Facebook)
Gogosha Optique
This isn't the place for people who love name brands emblazoned on their spectacles. Gogosha offers frames that are handmade with independent designs. You won't find logos on their glasses, but they will be devastatingly hip. All of this is going to cost you, but pro-tip: keep an eye out for sales where you can find some deep discounts.
Gogosha has two locations: 3208 1/2 Sunset Blvd in Silver Lake, and 8238 West 3rd Street in Beverly Grove, (323) 660-1122
Gentlemen's Breakfast
This shop is modeled after a gentleman's club—they even serve Scotch while you're trying to decide which frame best suits you. It specializes in vintage, never-been-used eyeglasses (like these un-shankable prison glasses!), sunglasses among other gentlemanly accessories. Van de la Plante specializes in men's frames, but he's happy to pick something out among his stock that has crossover appeal for ladies.
Gentlemen's Breakfast is located at 1101 Mohawk St. in Echo Park, (323) 306-6766
A nice selection (Hotel de Ville/Facebook)
Hotel de Ville
What can we say? Los Angeles loves their vintage frames. Hotel de Ville specializes in vintage glasses, though they also carry contemporary European glasses. They even have their own Hotel de Ville Collection that meshes with the aesthetic. LAist has long been a fan of their sunglasses, as well. The space is a kick, too, filled with vintage photographs and other accessories that appeal to the crowd looking to the past for fashion pointers.
Hotel de Ville has two locations: 4646 Hollywood Blvd. in Beverly Grove, (323) 664-1462, and 7422 Beverly Blvd in Los Feliz, (323) 634-9911
Warby Parker
It's not a locally-grown retailer, but this does stand out as a reader favorite. Warby Parker makes their chic and durable frames in-house, and with that they produce some sweet designs (for every hipster) and at a decent price for some cool-looking specs. Some even walk out with frames and lenses for $95. If the price tag is a little high for you, just know that you're doing some good when you buy a pair: for every pair you buy, they donate glasses to someone in need (kind of like TOMS but with frames).
Warby Parker is at three locations: The Standard hotel at 8300 Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood, (323) 370-6690, Alchemy Works at 826 E. 3rd St. in Arts District, (323) 695-5416, and 1422 Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice, (310) 280-2055
