April 1st, 2011 | Posted in: fashion
There are some companies that are so amazing that you can’t help but wonder how they do it. Warby Parker is one of these for sure.
Warby Parker is an online eyewear store, selling awesome designs that most of the big brands would be jealous of. But instead of $300 + for a frame, all frames cost $95,- including prescription lenses up to + or – 4.00. Just $95,-!! Amazing, right?
A collaboration between four close friends, Warby Parker was conceived as an alternative to the overpriced and bland eyewear available today. The believe that prescription eyewear simply should not cost $300+. The industry is controlled by a few large companies that have kept prices artificially high, reaping huge profits from consumers who have no other options. By circumventing traditional channels and engaging with their customers directly through their website, Warby Parker is able to provide higher-quality, better looking prescription eyewear for under $100.
They meticulously crafted their first collection of 27 limited run styles, plus one monocle, using only the finest custom acetates and materials. The Warby Parker aesthetic is vintage-inspired, with a fashion forward twist – and every pair is custom fit with anti-reflective, polycarbonate prescription lenses.
Even better, for each pair sold they donate a pair of glasses to people in third world countries. Amazing isn’t it?
So all you spectacle wearers out there, go check it out, browse the collection and try them on virtually.
May 14th, 2010 | Posted in: travel
Round 2 of my New York city places to see. East Side, here we go!
Tokio 7
First up is Tokio 7. This place looks like your average vintage store, the only difference being that it is packed with only designer products. Marc Jacobs, Margiela, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, you name it, they’ve got it. And at good prices. As it is all real deal designer products it is more expensive, but still a bargain for those beauties you can fiend there.
83 east 7th street.
Fabulous Fanny’s
Fabulous Fanny’s has the greatest vintage eye- and sunglasses collection I have ever seen. Really. Browse around the racks and don’t forget the little drawers (yes, you may open them yourself!) to find that one frame that you have been looking for forever. The beauty is, the prices are very friendly too. A must see store.
335 East 9th street.
Cobblestones
Right across the road from Fabulous Fanny’s is Cobblestones. This small little vintage store is a must see too. Besides the large collection of womens vintage clothing, hats and shoes, there always are interesting bags to be found there which makes it worthwhile for guys like me. Even if you’re not going to buy anything, just have a look and chat with the always friendly owner Delanee Koppersmith. She nows everything and everyone in fashion New York.
314 East 9th street.
Dave’s Quality Meat (DQM)
Moving back into the sneaker realm, has quickly become one of my favorites. The collection is heavily influenced by skateboarding, so expect a lot of Nike SB, Vans and Adidas. Their collection of apparel is awesome too. Those chino’s and seersucker shorts where an instant classic in my wardrobe.
7 East 3rd street.
CBGB/ John Varvatos
CBGB, the legendary club where the Ramones started, along with Blondie, Talking Heads and Sonic Youth closed down in 2006. When the club closed down, John Varvatos got hold of the property and turned it into a store. Ever since, it has there has been a discussion going on whether this was a good thing or not. Varvatos has kept the walls and the stage intact, to keep some of the authenticity of the club. Trying to see through the expensive apparel, it offers just a glimpse into the place it once was but it still offers that glimpse. It could have been lost forever, never to be seen again. You decide what would have been better.
315 Bowery
Self Edge
If you are in to jeans, Self Edge is the only place you need to go in NYC. Only the finest denim combined with traditional production methods is good enough for these guys. Every garment has a story. And they are more than happy to share these stories with you.
157 Orchard street.
Kim’s Video and Music
So much for the clothing and shoes. This one is somewhat of a loner in these posts, but a must see nevertheless. Kim’s is the best movie store I have ever seen. If you have ever seen the movie High Fidelity, these guys are the same but on movies. All movies are arranged exactly the way you can recognize a good store: by director and country. Just go in and have a look. You won’t be disappointed. The fact that these guys are still alive in the era of Amazon and downloading says enough if you ask me.
124 1st Avenue.
Only one piece of food advice for this part of the city, but you won’t need anything else after you have been there. Trust me.
Katz’s Delicatessen
One word: Wow. Katz’s Delicatessen has been around since 1888, and will be there forever I guess. This is the place where you can buy the best sandwiches in town, if you are not a vegetarian that is. Don’t be scared by the gigantic crowds inside. There is always another spot to sit, and those pastrami sandwiches are to good to miss: I have never seen that much meat on one sandwich. Just make sure you are famished when you go in, because on of these babies will last you the rest of the day.
205 E. Houston street.
More NYC tips? Also see:
Nolita, Soho and West Village
Williamsburg & Brooklyn
tags: apparel, CBGB, cobblestones, dave's quality meat, Delanee Koppersmith, delicatessen, denim, DQM, fabulous fanny's, glasses, john varvatos, katz's deli, kim's video and music, new york, ny, NYC, restaurant, self edge, shoes, shopping, sneakers, tokio 7, vintage
