Allyn Scura Eyewear
Category: Shopping Eyewear & Opticians Eyewear & Opticians [Edit]
Sebastopol, CA 95472(707) 829-2020
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
9 reviews for Allyn Scura Eyewear
9 reviews in English
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Review from J M.
Diamond Bar, CA
2/10/2012
Just searching for an optician offering more than 4 plastic frames is a chore, and I've been doing this since the 3rd grade. A few years ago, I discovered Allyn Scura at the Long Beach Antique Faire and finding frames was a positive rebirth of what used to be my yearly plight. The selection was huge, and offered classic looks along with vintage styles. These fashionable frames were priced lower than what my eye doctor offered in his "dirt cheap" section of misfit frames.
I had them make my -9 lenses at a great price. The results were the best I've ever had with the thinnest roll & polish job I'd ever seen on my glasses. I need to add that my first pair of glasses from them were purchased 5 years ago. They had been through a tour with a rock band across the U.S. for 2 months, falling asleep in them repeatedly in college, and the frames are now still in great shape. My eye doctor warned that they would not last very long being new/old stock and would probably shatter quickly, but I have learned that they were made better back then and have endured for me much longer than modern plastic glasses I purchased in the past.
Now, I buy from them multiple times a year, and have shared my experiences with friends who've also become converted believers in Allyn Scura. I have been able to wear my glasses as fashion accessories, and my collection keeps growing. Thanks, Scott & Allyn for allowing me to enjoy wearing glasses every day! -
Review from Mark M.
Brisbane, CA
7/28/2008
I first bought frames from Allyn (and her husband, Scott) at Viva Las Vegas (a Vegas Rockabilly Convention) years ago. Since then, every pair of glasses I have worn have been purchased through Allyn. I love the variety and the distinctive looks you can get with the vintage frames. I always get complements on my glasses and people asking me where I got those unique / great looking frames.
The service is fantastic as well. When I wanted to get a specific pair of frames (the kind Kevin Costner wore in JFK), I got an answer the same day with the specific make (Shuron) along with an offer to bring the frames to the next show by me. I bought them on the spot. Also, at a another show, my other Scura frames were in need of some TLC. Scott offered to have them cleaned up and adjusted and sent to me withing a couple of days for free. That was done with no charge for shipping; rockin'! (They want their frames to keep looking good.) They have a great sense of style and work with you a lot to find exactly what you want, even if your description of style elements you are looking for are kinda vague. As a complicating factor I have a nasty astigmatism in both my eyes and they work with that as well (using high index lenses).
Insofar as pricing is concerned, I can get a fantastic value. I get more distinctive, interesting and fashionable frames at a better price than I can get at any old optician's office with the sameaseveryoneelseiswearingnowsoyoushouldwantthemt oo. Why would I go anywhere else?
The only reason I didn't give 5 glowing stars rather than the 4 gave them is their stock is pretty much available only on the web and glasses are really an in person, on your face thing to me. I have to see them on my kisser to really see if they work and look good. Thus, with only web availability, I have to meet up with them via e-mail requests and in person at shows with examples of the product there. Inconvenient, but understandable given the market niche and business model (and well worth the work around).Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Mutant O.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 5/26/2010
Two pairs of prescription glasses later....
One frame is retro and one frame is an Allyn Scura design. Both frames are well designed and solidly constructed, excellent joints and screws, a satisfying fit. And roughly two weeks from order and payment to receiving my glasses in the mail !1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/11/2010
I was in the habit of crashing my sunglasses on the ski slopes, and that would be my trigger to shop… Read more »
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Review from Elder Z.
Claremont, CA
7/24/2010
I've been wearing glasses since the 9th grade, and have since then become really, really picky in regards to eyewear. I usually resort to sorting through ebay in order to find good, sturdy vintage frames in my size (I have a big ol' head), or usually buy them from vintage frame dealers. Allyn Scura is one of the best.
Their site is pretty easy to use, and if you contact them directly with questions customer service is really friendly and prompt. I ended up ordering a pair of brown, squarish vintage frames made in France. Pretty hip, comfortable, and a pretty sweet deal at $100 even. Shipping is super fast too. I'm probably gonna order another frame from them soon. Wish the selection was a bit wider, but all in all a great eyeglass dealer. -
Review from Miss Information X.
San Francisco, CA
3/23/2011
I love allyn scura eyewear!! They have the best selection of vintage frames and they even fill your lens prescription. Thier prices on lenses and frames are so reasonable that I have several pair. Because they are used to working with old plastic and metal, I have even had them install my prescription in frames I've found at thrift stores and yard sales. Love allyn scura. They make being a four-eyes fun and fashionable!
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Review from Jill k.
9/4/2006
if you want vintage frames, this designer is the best! they don't have stores yet, but they do show up at random shows and you can order online. great prices to boot!
check out http://allynscura.com for more information!Listed in: jeepers, creepers!
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Review from Sam S.
Long Beach, CA
2/2/2007
Absolutely the best. I buy all my glasses from her. Tons of vintage frames as well as some really cool original designs all for reasonable prices. Best way to see her stuff is to go to one of her shows at the Rose Bowl flea market or an expo. Her website has dates.
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Review from Anne A.
San Francisco, CA
4/14/2010
Absolutely the best vendor for vintage and retro frames. We've purchased multiple frames from their booth at local SF bay area flea markets. Always a great selection, even with lots of new old stock frames! Prices are competitive, and way cheaper than buying modern frames from your optometrist. They stand behind their products, and go the extra mile to make sure you are satisfied. Yay for Allyn Scura!!!
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Review from K S.
San Francisco, CA
9/19/2009
Today I just bought my fourth pair of frames from the Allyn Scura booth at the San Francisco Vintage Fashion Expo. I was delighted to find Allyn Scura for the first time at the same expo a few years ago. I have a difficult time finding frames to fit my narrow face and they had plenty of options that fit me. I also love vintage frames (especially the slightly cateye style) and they have loads of new (unworn) old stock. Allyn Scura arranges for your choice of lenses to be put into the frames you select. So the lenses can be sunglasses (various shade/color options) or prescription eyeglasses (you provide the prescription and specifics about extra features such as scratch resistance, UV, etc.).
I adore the first frames I bought from them and when I left them in a Manhattan hotel room, I was devastated. Fortunately, when I contaced Allyn Scura, they still had a pair of the same frames and were able to replace my prescription lenses into a replacement set. Yay!
I ran into an Allyn Scura booth again at the Alameda Flea market and bought my second pair of frames. My prescription hadn't changed, they had it on file and I received my new eyeglasses two weeks later.
Before I found Allyn Scura, I only had one pair of wire frames which was all I could find to fit my small noggin. When my fabulous newly selected frames arrive in about two weeks, I will have three pairs and can actually treat them like an accessory! This is only possible because the prices are extremely reasonable. I have a fairly basic prescription and have paid about $150 each time (including frames and prescription lenses) which is much more affordable than most eyeglass frame shops that I've ever browsed. Almost every time I wear my glasses, someone asks me where I bought such cool and/or unique frames.
My husband has also bought several frames from Allyn Scura including a pair of sunglasses - so their selection is not limited to women's frames - and he gets just as many compliments on his glasses as I do.
