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Categories: Eyewear & Opticians, Used, Vintage & Consignment
Neighborhood: Wicker ParkDamen (Blue)
Mon-Fri. 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sat. 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
"Torn between telling and not telling. Telling because its fab, not telling because I don't want it to become that place where I can't go…" read more »
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Just got back from Eye Want. Walking in I got tingles all over! Annette's selection of frames are amazing & I was really impressed to learn she crafts frames herself. She helped me pick out the perfect frames by offering a ton of suggestions, i can't wait to pick them up, this place is truly one of a kind, u won't find made in china junk here.
Picked up the glasses and i cant wait to get a another new pair, theyre pricey here but worth it.
Another great thing, a week after I had my new pair i sat on them !!!! i was all panicky but anette fixed em in a jiffy, excellent customer service
5 stars for eyeglass selection. Eye want all of them.
0 stars for service. The woman working there is unnecessarily rude.
You know it's expensive when there's no price tag on anything in the store. I looked around for about 15 minutes without her offering me help which was fine because I was only looking. After asking her for the price of a specific pair, her only response was "we don't accept insurance", and walked away from me.
Thanks, woman.
interesting frames. worst service i have ever experienced. the woman working there (annette i'm assuming, after reading other reviews) is the rudest person i have ever encountered in wicker park. i wouldn't pay a dime for the crap she makes, even if it is the most amazing pair of glasses i had ever seen. i will never set foot in that store again. if you want unique eyewear at an astronomical price, as well as help from an elitist b**** who thinks she's hot sh** because she is "the only vintage eyewear seller in chicago," then go here.
Lots of glasses here, especially fun and unique frames. I was looking for something specific and although they did have what I wanted they still didn't fit. The owner was slightly more helpful w/information although it was a good thing I knew what I was talking about because she didn't really offer much above and beyond what I already knew. She did offer to order something for me albeit w/lackluster enthusiasm. Super expensive though, that I agree with. A so-so experience, but at least it wasn't as bad as all the others on here.
Bad-ass glasses with as much (or little) touch as you want from a quirky little shop in Wicker Park. If you crave French style, retro-cool or an individual look and you are willing to shell out, Eye Wants you, baby!
I'm a "in a hurry" girl. And Eye Want works with that. They rounded up a dozen or so recommendations from their awe-inspiring collection of high-end frames and I picked from those. In and out, happy, in 30 minutes. I saw others who wanted to linger and browse and get lots of help and that seemed to work here, too. So service is top notch.
The fact that this place doesn't do insurance claims (you can do it yourself you know) also speeds things up. Not a bargain hunt, but then who the hell wants Wal-Mart glasses any way???
All hail Eye Want.
When you massively overpay for something, you should at least be able to expect decent service. But I guess that's too much to expect.
I called a week ago to check on my order, and they said it would be in on Monday. They called back ten minutes later to say, "oops! I said that without looking at your file. Actually we didn't get your prescription yet." Called the Dr and guess what? Eye Want hadn't even faxed the request, a full week after I ordered.
I came to work 30 min early today so that during my lunch hour I could trek to Eye Want from the loop and pick up my glasses... only to stand outside for 30 minutes because they opened half an hour late. And didn't apologize, and weren't even nice about it.
Had some $ to spend in the HSA account before I quit my job. Needed new glasses. Went to 5 different stores, found Eye Want. They have the most incredible frame selection I've ever seen in the city. From vintage to the newest styles, they have it all.
The lady behind the counter has great eyeglass instincts. She helped me navigate the hundreds of frames in the shop to find "the one". Most importantly she was honest when I put on a frame that didn't work with my face. She doesn't fall all over herself to please you... so if that's what you require you'll be disappointed... she simply helps you find great frames.
My boyfriend and I both got new glasses from Eye Want - totally different styles - and we get tons of compliments on them.
Bottom line: if you're looking for a new best friend, try somewhere else, but if you have some $ to spend on glasses and you're looking for an amazing selection of great frames and honest advice then you might want to check out Eye Want.
After visiting the usual suspects (Pearle and LensCrafters), I stumbled upon this great shop. I explained to Annette, the proprietor (actually, her technical title, according to her business card is "master optician, owner & eyewear dominatrix") what I was looking for, and she immediately led me to their vintage section.
I'm thinking, yeah, sounds good. Then she explains that that's not just a name--these really are vintage frames, lovingly brought back to life by a company called RetroSpecs. Now, as you might imagine, I started to get excited.
She showed me some excellent choices--she probably showed me a half-dozen that I would have bought were I in any other store, so good they were. I was amazed. I had been wanting silver-colored circular metal frames, but she showed me a bunch of options that were even better than what I had gone in wanting.
But then I also inquired about the other possibility--I whipped out my grandfather's old glasses from the '30s to see if they could be refitted with new lenses. She said they could, and for only $80--which was a lot less than the $150 that Pearle quoted me.
As she was looking at my grandfather's glasses, she said, "These are quite nice; they're gold."
"Is that good?" I inquired.
"Oh, yes, precious metals are always good," she said.
"Oh--you mean they're *gold* gold?" I said.
"Yes. 14 karat. If you like these, we also have some kind of like this you might want to see," she said. She then pulled out some others that were more rounded than my grandfather's, and completely rimless. I tried on the first pair and they instantly felt great. Unlike most, they didn't have those little plastic bits that sit on either side of the nose (and end up feeling all greasy and gross); they support themselves just by sitting on the nose.
I looked in the mirror and suddenly I saw myself, instead of "myself wearing glasses." I knew we had found the winner.
These glasses, like my grandfather's, were made with real gold, so they weren't cheap. But I've been putting off new glasses ever since I went back to school in 2002, so I figured it was worth it.
My advice is to take Annette's advice--she knows her stuff, and she knows what will look good on you.
After visiting pretty much every eyeglass boutique in Chicago, I finally arrived at a decision at Eye Want. They were kind enough to indulge me as I browsed for frames there 2 or 3 times. Each time trying on some 15 or so frames.
I found a pair of beautiful Beausoleil frames and they did a splendid job of cutting the lenses. Very heavy prescription (-10 or so) turned out thinner than the frame, which was quite nice. Also ordered some custom clip-on shades, made to fit/match the frames, that also turned out beautifully.
Couldn't have asked for more.
Kudos to Eye Want for carrying such a stylish assortment of frames. Well worth the investment, and a most excellent shopping experience.
I didn't not feel comfortable walking in this shop. Personally, I like when you are free to handle the frames and try on as many as you like on your own time. The frames were just a little too funky for me, but I think a more traditional style. If you are looking for something really different and aren't concerned about price, then this place is worth checking out.
I just took a once around through the shop and didn't try anything on. Like I said, I personally did not feel welcome here. But I don't think I would have bought any of their frames anyway- maybe they were ahead of the game and could already tell that about me!
Cool glasses served with a side of attitude. The woman with the jet black hair and funky glasses is just plain old rude! I would not recommend this place to my worst enemy - ok maybe but if you are looking to spend way too much money on a pair of glasses, be ignored and treated like an interuption - then try it.
Funky eye frames, but a tad bit too funky for me. Not an ounce of customer service, but it's a neat place to stop by to look at their different types of frames. Oh, and did I say pricey for cheap plastic?
This place was able to re-lens my rimless frames (which every other place told me they wouldn't do). So I gotta give this place high marks for can-do attitude. The owner has some personality, but I received very good, BS free service. This place doesn't take my insurance, so I had to pay a pretty penny, but the prices for what I wanted were quite fair. I would not hesitate to recommend this place to anybody. But especially for people who have very exact ideas of what they want, Eye Want will go out of their way to get that for you. Frame selection is also huge, so if you are looking for something different or original this is a great place to find it.
Yes, they're expensive. No, they don't take insurance. However, they'll give you an itemized bill if you want to submit on your own. Plus, they've got an awesome selection of frames and very helpful staff. I didn't end up with anything super-funky, just something that's a little different and definitely me.
I was looking for a pair of glasses that I liked for over six months before I ended up here on a whim one day. The staff offered me many different frames to try on, and even talked me out of one funkier pair that I loved in theory, but wasn't necessarily that great for my face. They were willing to take my prescription from another doctor with no problem. Everybody was friendly and helpful. I also looked online afterward, and found my frames for up to twice as much as I paid. So, the prices aren't nearly as bad as they could be...
In short, I'm more than happy. I knocked a star off because I wish that not every frame was behind glass. I do like the browsing and playing on my own. Other than that, this place is excellent if you're looking for a pair of glasses that's not just boring and blah, as well as great assistance in finding what you're looking for.
I can't believe I bought glasses from this place. I can't believe I spent so much on a pair of glasses. I really didn't mean to...especially after having read the other reviews here on Yelp. Not that the reviews were negative, just that the shi-shi fah-fah boutiquie-tique schtick is really not my thing.
Upon walking in I was definitely overwhelmed. The selection in this place is incredible, but everything is in closed cases so it's impossible to browse independently (in fact, for this reason it reminded me of that Gold Coast bridal boutique I walked out of once). Luckily it seems Annette knows what she's doing. I explained that it was my first time getting glasses, that I really didn't know what I was doing, what they were for and what I thought I wanted. She presented me with about a dozen pairs to try on and, while this selection seemed really small compared to the vast selection in the store, it really seemed each was picked for a specific quality appropriate to my needs. I kept gravitating back to a pair I'd NEVER have picked up on my own but was one that Annette suggested. They were a bit pricier than I'd expected to pay for frames so I decided to check out some other stores.
I went to LensCrafters across the street and Urban Eyecare a few doors down, realized I could spend forever looking at hundreds of similarly bland frames and went back to Eye Want for...what it turns out I really wanted.
Three years ago, I came to Eye Want because my friend S got her gorgeous glasses there and I wanted the same pair. When I tried them on, Annette said, "No, not for you." Other people might find that sort of honest feedback snotty, but I love and trust a place where they tell you something isn't right for you. And I need straight talk when getting glasses as I haven't been able to see as far as the tip of my nose without assistance since I was a kid.
She suggested I try 5 pairs. I took the one she said was the best and a more conservative pair. I get compliments on both, but now agree that the pair she recommended was the best choice. These frames were the best money I ever spent. Before I got them I wore my contacts ALL the time, often making myself uncomfortable no doubt doing damage to my eyes. Finally I get why people wear glasses on purpose.
Today I came back because I got some replacement lenses. They'll replace the lenses in your frames. This is a good thing, because the Lions Club won't be getting these frames till I'm dead.
Not a place for the masses- but if you truly want to make a statement, this is your best shot. The have very original/artistic frames.
The only negative was the pretentious staff- how sad.
After shopping around at many local stores I ended up purchasing the coolest frames ever here.
Yes, they were expensive...but shit..I wear glasses almost everyday and not only are they quality but they are super original.
The owner is so sweet and I enjoyed working with her..
(some of the other staff should take some lessons though..)
All in all..Eye Want is great local business to support!
Fantastic shop for frames. Amazing selection, plus you get ABSOLUTELY SUPERIOR customer service from Annette, who has always been helpful and patient with my indecisiveness... I've bought glasses from her twice and definitely will again.
Nothing in this shop is inexpensive, but if you are looking for something unique, this is the place to go.
I love my glasses that I got here they are amazing and I know that they unique and make me feel like I am a rock star.
I think Annette was friendly from the moment I walked in and she took the time to show me lots of other glass before I found the ones I liked and she didn't get annoyed when I asked to see other pairs and I looked at a lot! Honestly, it was hard to pick because it was like being in a eyeglass candy store!
Yes they were expensive but they really didn't take that long to get. (picked out on Monday, ready on Friday Morning). They probably would cost even more if I bought them someplace else, if I could even find them someplace else...like maybe NewYork, but I think NY'ers would find the prices here more reasonable. Anyway, why would you go cheap when it comes to your vision or your health...you only live once and you should do it with class.
The woman working here was pretentious and obnoxious. When I asked if the store takes vision insurance, she made face like I had just pissed on her floor and said "Insurance companies don't pay for fine eyewear." She ignored me when I had questions because she was talking to some guy about him sticking nails and crap up his nose. I guess he was a carny or something. Poor service.
I am a collector of eye wear. I have been a customer of Eye Want for almost 10 years. I love glasses. I have been all over this country looking at eyeglasses. I just like to wear unique frames. Eye Want has by far the most distinct frames around. They are very one-of-a-kind. Yes, they are expensive, and no, they do not take insurance. However, if you want to own and wear a pair of glasses that people will notice and comment on, this is the place to shop. I am surprised to hear about the rude service. I have known Annette for many years and she has been nothing but kind and supportive. I have sent many many people to Annette, and not one has ever complained. Most fall in love with the frames and buy 2 pairs. I think this place is a true Chicago Treasure.
very nice people. phil was really helpful picking out a pair of sunglasses for the gf. a little pricey but i have no idea how they compare to other places since i've never seen these sunglasses before.
Annette has great taste! Her eye glasses are beautiful. Most are handmade and she works with really great companies. Her store is fun, filled with bright colors and art all over. I would never go anywhere else for eyewear.
The store might be a little overwhelming for some, but don't be intimidated - it's a great place. Annette, the owner, has always been incredibly helpful and patient with me and my wife and always remembers details about us that even some of our friends forget! The glasses range from way out there to pretty humble and Annette will help you find the pair that works best for you. The prices are very reasonable and Annette has always provided exceptional service, even helping adjust a pair of glasses I bought elsewhere. I wish they took my insurance, but I still given them top marks since every time I've been in there to look for glasses Annette has been great. Definitely recommended.
The fat ugly owner of this place is a bitter b++++. I have never encountered such a rude beast. Unless you like being snubbed by someone who lines ouside their lips in purple and is a wanna-be B-52's chunky midwestern frump, just go down the street to any of the other Uk-Village, Wicker Park shops. I love D Vision, they are polite and cool and won't make you feel like crap for trying to buy glasses.
Great glasses, lousy service. This store has one of the best selections of eyeglasses in Chicago. Too bad Annette is such a pretentious b*****. If you want to pay too much for a cool pair of glasses and get treated like s*** by the Betsy Johnson wannabe owner, then this is the place for you. Otherise, I say, go in, persue the selction and then find the same glasses online or at another store for a much lower price and with far less attitude.
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