Tag Archive for 'minneapolis'

Summer @ Specs Optical

Published on April 7, 2010 in SPECS NEWS. Closed Tags: Anne et Valentine, bevy, Dita, eye health, ic! berlin, minneapolis, Specs Optical, summer style, sunglasses, uptown, uv protection.

Summer’s a comin’…

Bahhh…it’s already here as far as we’re concerned. We’ve had a taste of 80 degrees already, now give it to us Mother Nature! Bring it on crazy lady, we are ready and armed with a whole bevy (when is this word ever used otherwise?) of stunning new sunglasses.

Check ‘em out, yo:

Anne et Valentin SIERRA

The 70's inspired Dita Solitaire

ic! berlin ashiya

Come on by anytime to try these babies on. (They’re not actually babies, they’re sunglasses, silly.) These are just a few of the many super fun, stylish, and most importantly, UV-protective, pieces of new sunwear.

As certified opticians, all of us at Specs Optical are constantly in discussion with our two on-site Optometrists about how to best serve our clients. And now, more than ever, Dr. Madhok and Dr. Buchli are stressing the importance of wearing proper-fitting sunglasses (prescription or not) as a preventative for a bevy (here it is again!) of potential eye health issues.

So give us a call, or stop in, schedule an eye exam appointment, and let one of us fit you up with a striking new pair of sunglasses so you can enjoy this summer right.

He’s coming…..

Published on February 11, 2010 in SPECS NEWS. Closed Tags: eyeglasses, glitter, jason kirk, kirk originals, london, march, minneapolis, Specs Optical, trunk show, uptown.

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Fun day with Gabriel of Anne et Valentin

Published on February 8, 2010 in SPECS NEWS. Closed Tags: Anne et Valentine, elizabeth faraut, eyeglasses, gabriel gestin, laloop, minneapolis, smoked ham, Specs Optical, thank you, trunk show, uptown.

THANK YOU to all who came to see the Anne et Valentin and LaLoop collections on Wednesday, February 3rd. Gabriel Gestin had a blast meeting and playing with our super cool clientele.

Below are a few pictures from the day. Check out the fancy spread of croissants, breads, wine and cheeses that John put together. Will we ever forget that imported smoked hand-carved ham? Not anytime soon…

Gabriel shootin' the breeze with Joe Dicker.

Ms. Kelly modeling next to the LaLoop collection.

The Spread!

TRUNK SHOW LaLoop and Anne et Valentin 2/3/10

Published on January 25, 2010 in SPECS NEWS. Closed Tags: anne et valentin, elizabeth faraut, eyeglasses, february 3rd, gabriel gestin, jewelry, laloop, minneapolis, necklace, rare occasion, Specs Optical, trunk show, uptown.

TRUNK SHOW

—Wednesday February 3rd, 2010— Noon to 7pm

All of us at Specs Optical are excited to announce that Elizabeth Faraut of LaLoop and Gabriel Gestin of Anne et Valentin will be here with their entire collections on display!

It is an extremely rare occasion that the entire Anne et Valentin collection will be available for viewing outside their own family run shop in Toulouse, South of France. Anne et Valentin frames are all-at-once clean, colorful, sculptural, vibrant, and unique. It is not uncommon to hear us describe them as “show-stoppers.” The right Anne et Valentin piece will compliment and accentuate your identity…a style all your own.

AV 4 AV 6 AV 2 AV 9

And after you pick out your beautiful new Anne et Valentin specs, why not compliment them with a handmade LaLoop. Designer Elizabeth Faraut created LaLoop out of necessity as an alternate to old-fashioned granny leashes (you know…the ones the dangle to either side of the face). LaLoop, worn as a necklace, is a must-have for anybody wearing sunglasses, multiple pairs, readers, etc.. If there is always a place for your specs, you won’t lose them, right? Sterling silver, gold, and bronze loops are paired with leather, shell, horn and tortoise acetates, semi-precious stones, and wood. Styles range from clean and simple to downright couture and have been prominently featured in Cosmo, Allure, Instyle, and Elle…to name a few.

LaLoop LaLoop 3 LaLoop 4 LaLoop 2

Elizabeth and Gabriel are looking forward to meeting and playing with all of you. If you’d like to make an appointment to sit with one or both of them, please give us a call @ 612.374.2114 or drop us an email. Otherwise, stop by anytime between Noon and 7pm!

hand made, full page, on the stage

Published on January 9, 2010 in SPECS NEWS. Closed Tags: Alvin Ailey, Beauty and the Beast, costumes, Dayton's, Grey Gardens, handmade, James Sewel Ballet, Juliette Huber, lyle jackson, Macy's, Marshal Fields, McKnight Theatre, Mel Rapp, minneapolis, Neighborhood, Ordway Theatre, rapp, Rocky Horror Show, Specs Optical, Terace Hair Neon Beach, theater, tulle and dye, tutu, uptown, Zenon Dance Company.

Lyle Jackson and Ellen Roeder of Tulle and Dye, as seen in the Star Tribune. Article by Kim Ode photo by Tom Wallace.

This caption from the article celebrates people still doing custom hand made goods. Lyle is connected to SPECS OPTICAL in oh, so many ways. Tulle and Dye’s work has been out there, notably for several years in the form of the costumes for Daytons/Marshal Fields/Macy’s holiday displays, theater and dance in Minneapolis and New York, including James Sewall Ballet, Zenon Dance Company, and Alvin Ailey. Tulle and Dye also did the costuming for Grey Gardens and Rocky Horror Show for the McKnight Theater, and you can see their work in “Beauty and the Beast” at the Ordway this December. OK… I have to brag, because I did a little teeny tiny part of a costume for the show. And…as one might guess…it is sparkly.

Lyle is wearing one of my favorite brands, Mel Rapp. Mel, a Toronto designer, also embraces the art of hand made crafts. Unlike the above tutu, it should not cause chafing!

It’s always exciting and humbling for us to see our work out there, like the cool Specs on Juliette, just up the street at the Terrace Hair Neon Beach and so many others in the neighborhood. It gives us goose bumps to see “hand made” thrive in the Twin Cities. In our small way, we try to emulate those same values here at SPECS OPTICAL .

Carry on friends!

Steven

Nick Of Lindberg Coming to Specs Optical

Published on December 1, 2009 in SPECS NEWS. Closed Tags: buffalo horn, diamonds, gold, jewelry, lindberg eyewear, minneapolis, nick allegri, optical shop, platinum, Specs Optical, uptown.

Nick Allegri

Rep for LINDBERG Eyewear of Denmark

is coming to Specs Optical

Tuesday, December 8th, from 10am to 6pm.

Many of our clients already know about the spectacular titanium rimless eyewear LINDBERG has been creating for the last two decades. But, did you know that they also handcraft many of their pieces out of 18-carat gold, platinum, diamonds, and buffalo horn? They are called LINDBERG PRECIOUS!

LINDBERG Precious is one of the most prestigious international eyewear collections. The frames are handmade and individually crafted to fit the wearer’s face. Frames are available in 18-carat (750) Greenlandic yellow gold, white gold, red gold, as well as platinum (950), and can be finished with a high polish, matted, or brushed surface. A special hardening process developed by LINDBERG allows the precious metals the right degree of flexibility without compromising resilience or strength.

LINDBERG uses only the highest quality Top Wesselton VVS Diamonds known for their beautiful clarity and colour. Diamonds are brilliant-cut and custom mounted by a LINDBERG goldsmith. Size, quantity, and positioning of the diamonds can vary, allowing each piece to be it’s own work of art.

Natural Water Buffalo Horn temples are connected by 18-carat gold and platinum inlays. Each horn temple boasts variation in depth of colour and markings. Every pair is truly unique.

Come see this collection in person as they are not just eyewear, but pieces of jewelry. Nick will be bringing several designs that we would not ordinarily show in the shop. He will assist you in customizing your very own LINDBERG creation, whether it be from the precious or titanium collection.

Call us at 612.374.2114 if you’d like to reserve some time with Nick.

Otherwise, stop in any time!

Gift Certificates – Specs Optical

Published on November 30, 2009 in SPECS NEWS. Closed Tags: anniversary, birthday, eyewear shop, gift certificate, graduation, holiday gift, minneapolis, Specs Optical.

Tis not only a season of ginger and spice, but one of thoughtful gift giving. What better way to show a loved one you are thinking of their well-being and sense of style but with a gift certificate to Specs Optical? Kill two birds with one stone (at least knock ‘em outta that pear tree).

Specs Optical gift certificates are created in any denomination (have they been naughty or nice?) and available to purchase in store, over the phone, or via email. A beautifully designed gift card and accompanying envelope are provided.

Gift certificates are actually available year-round which makes them perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and just about every holiday (St. Patty’s Day?). And the best part is…they never expire, so there’s no pressure to use it or lose it (like your flex spending dollars!)

Fabulous new frames at Specs Optical Minneapolis

Published on November 23, 2009 in SPECS NEWS. Closed Tags: Anne et Valentine, Bevel, Francis Klein, Michael Jackson, minneapolis, minnesota, Orgreen, Specs Optical, uptown.

Hello friends of Specs Optical. Here is the latest and greatest of the season.

Fresh from Henrik Orgreen’s airplane hanger, aviation inspired frames harking back to the glory days of flight. Take off with the Panther, Mercury, Wolf and other sortees.

Bevel has payed homage to the Gloved One himself, Michael Jackson. You’ll be standing on your toes with Beat it, P.Y.T., Billie Jean and lets not forget Thriller. Ah ah ah ahhh.

Our Parisian friends at Francis Klein have out done themselves again by romancing us with a stellar collection that features hand – set crystals, enamel flowers colored rivets, hand etching and painting. Be sure to check out Tatia, Tina and Camille. Tres chic!

Don’t check that beret just yet, Anne et Valentine from the south of France have wowed us with Silver inlay. This just goes to show you that true love is more than skin deep. You will fall in love with the Poete, Plume and Patty.

Make sure you visit us at Specs Optical soon to get the best selection of these and many of the other fabulous frames from around the world that we carry.

Nancy Krant | Tiger Beat Questionnaire

Published on November 19, 2009 in SPECS NEWS. Closed Tags: eyewear shop, minneapolis, minnesota, nancy krant, optical shop, Specs Optical, tiger beat questionnaire, uptown minneapolis.

Nancy Krant

In 1967, the editors of Tiger Beat magazine devised a set of questions for the Monkees. Now SPECS OPTICAL puts them to you. Visit SPECS OPTICAL on Facebook to share your questionnaire answers.

1. How would your mother describe you in one word? ENTERPRISING. (I ASKED HER.)

2. What is your favorite flower?  PEONY.

3. What is the most insane question you’ve ever been asked?  DO YOU HAVE THAT IN MY SIZE?

4. What word in the English language do you wish you had invented? YIKES!

5. Where would you like to live?  COASTAL CONNECTICUT.

6. What is the first quote that comes to your mind?  “TASTES LIKE MORE.”

7. What animal best describes the kind of girl (or boy) you’d be interested in?  A CRAB.

8. What do you miss about your childhood?  THE SMELLS OF FARM LIFE.

9. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? YAMA.

10. What is the main fault in your character?  MY LACK OF FLEXIBILITY.

11. Who is your favorite historical figure?  JOAN OF ARC.

12. Describe how you kiss in one word.  SWEETLY.

13. If you met the right girl (right boy) today, would you propose tomorrow?  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

14. What in the world do you least desire?  BEING RUSHED.

15. Why do you think most girls (most boys) date you?  DID ANYONE SAY I EVER DATED?

16. Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…”  A DOG.

Andrew Losinger | Tiger Beat Questionnaire

Published on November 17, 2009 in SPECS NEWS. Closed Tags: andrew losinger, certified optician, eyewear, minneapolis, minnesota, optician, Specs Optical, uptown.

Andrew Losinger

In 1967, the editors of Tiger Beat magazine devised a set of questions for the Monkees. Now SPECS OPTICAL puts them to our staff member Andrew Losinger.

1. How would your mother describe you in one word? OVERDRAMATIC.

2. What is your favorite flower? GOLD MEDAL ALL-PURPOSE BLEACHED.

3. What is the most insane question you’ve ever been asked? “WHAT IS THAT MOVIE ‘ON TWO SCREENS’ ABOUT ?”

4. What word in the English language do you wish you had invented? BROUHAHA

5. Where would you like to live? IN A PINEAPPLE UNDER THE SEA.

6. What is the first quote that comes to your mind? “SOMETIMES YOU FEEL LIKE A NUT, SOMETIMES YOU DON’T.”

7. What animal best describes the kind of girl (or boy) you’d be interested in? A LAUGHING HYENA. THEY ALWAYS LOOK LIKE THEY’RE SMILING.

8. What do you miss about your childhood? LIVING WITHOUT A CARE IN THE WORLD.

9. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? CHARLES ZINCHARGE.

10. What is the main fault in your character? OVER-THINKING TO THE POINT OF EXHAUSTION.

11. Who is your favorite historical figure? MARIE ANTOINETTE – SHE LETS ME EAT CAKE.

12. Describe how you kiss in one word. FOCUSED.

13. If you met the right girl (right boy) today, would you propose tomorrow? PROBABLY NOT, MAYBE, I DON’T KNOW. WAIT…IT’S NOT EVEN LEGAL HERE, SO NO.

14. What in the world do you least desire? IMPATIENCE…OH, AND CROCS, UGH!

15. Why do you think most girls (most boys) date you? I’VE BEEN TOLD I HAVE A QUIET CONFIDENCE, AND MY SENSE OF HUMOR ( NOT-SO-QUIET).

16. Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…” THE GRANDE MINT MOCHA.

Visit SPECS OPTICAL on Facebook to share your questionnaire answers.