Recommendations

Stylish eyeglasses and sunglasses at reasonable prices.

Guide: Actress (Jordan)
Location: West Village

Strengths

• They’ve taken a unique approach… They work with 40 of the top European eyeglass / sunglass designers, but have them design under the SEE brand. That means you get frames designed by the same people that design for Chanel, Gucci and Prada, but at very reasonable prices. You also get a broader range of design perspectives than you’ll find at a single designer brand.
• No locked cases, so you can look at all the frames yourself, at your own pace. It’s so much more pleasant than having to wait for a salesperson to unlock and re-lock every case for you.
• I like having sunglasses you don’t see on every other girl walking down the street.

Shortcomings

• My dad always uses this hokey but appropriate phrase: “if you go to the barber, you’re going to get a haircut”. Translation: if you walk into SEE, you’re probably going to make a purchase.

Insider tips

• Ask about price promotions, trunk shows and limited editions. You can get discounts and special offers if you sign up on their website.

Anecdotes

• I bought a pair of sunglasses at SEE for about $100, and I get more complements on them than I do on my $400 sunglasses.