See Eyewear
Category: Eyewear & Opticians [Edit]
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow2100 Union St
(between Fillmore St & Webster St)
San Francisco, CA 94123 (415) 561-9948
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sun 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
37 Reviews for See Eyewear
One of See Eyewear's Favorite Reviews
After brunch at Jovino, I wanted to do some walking and just kinda walked in here to window shop. I've been meaning to get a new pair of frames, but was planning on going to Optical Underground, where I bought my original pair.
As I looked at the frames, I was deeply intrigued in trying on pair after pair. The colors were so bright and fun and the frames were modern and stylish. Just what I was looking for. After about a minute, I was greeted by both women in the store. One was already helping a customer so the unoccupied woman approached me. Her name was Kym and I told her what I was looking for and she started taking frames off the shelves and gave them to me in a box to try on. She pulled different frames, some square, some round and in all different colors. Even after trying on the ones in the box, Kym gave me more to try on because she was curious to see what they would look like on me. After about 10 frames, I had narrowed it down to two and even then, she was still pulling out frames for me to model! I was finally sold on a very chic pair, distinctly different than any other frames I have seen before.
Because I did not have my prescription on me, I started the paperwork to purchase them. Kym was so great and really devotes her time in finding the right pair of frames for you. She listens to what you want and will "experiment" in the frames she pulls off the shelves for you. She is very knowledgeable on the type of frames she sells (it turns out she's the manager!) and will give you honest feedback on how the frame looks on you.
I can't wait to see my optometrist and be one step closer in owning my new pair of glasses!
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Bought glasses from See last month. The frames they have are fairly good quality, and they have a wide variety of choice. Their main selling point seems to be price. Don't expect good service however. I gave my email address to the sales person so they could notify me that my order was in. I was very specific that ir not be put on a spam list. They did anyway, and I'm still trying to get my email off their list. Ironically, they wrote down the wrong phone number to let me know that my glasses were in, and when I followed-up myself as it had been over 2 weeks, found out they never even tried to contact me by email, knowing the phone number they had was wrong. Not the sharpest knives in the drawer.
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See sells only their own brand of glasses, so don't expect to see anything by Prada or Oliver Peoples here. That being said, the glasses are amazing. They have a wealth of different styles from classic to modern to simply funky. I once tried on a pair that were blue and red and could have been worn by a superhero. Another fellow saw me and immediately bought them, even though he had just bought another pair. They also have a great range of sunglasses and readers, cases and cleaners, pretty much anything you'll ever need.
The prices are more than reasonable too. The price, usually $200-300, includes basic lenses. And if you want anti-reflective coating or any of the other add-ons, the super helpful sales folks will be glad to go over your options. It never feels like an up-sell, just informative. They have clearance sales too where everything is absurdly cheap, so make sure to get on their mailing list.
Anyway, I love my glasses. They're a perfect fit, and, even though, unlike some people, I don't care what other people think, I get compliments on them all the time. I'm a little biased, too, because I have a huge crush on the brunette with the cute dog who sold me the glasses, but whatever. I've heard she's married. He's the luckiest of all guys.
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Apparently I have become blinder than I used to be. My current frames don't fit my face right so I heard good things about this place...
The pressure oh the pressure. I must have tried on ever frame in the store. I was detoured from the frames that I really wanted because apparently I was trying to hard to look like a dork. "Boys don't make passes at girls who wear glasses"... its just a saying.
I'm trying to go for that sexy Librarian thing, I always have. Why is this guy trying to make me buy metal frames. I was so confused and annoyed that I just finally settled on somethings; which totally didn't fit my face. They also felt cheap, oh wait they where, but I guess that's a good thing.
Luckily See Eyewear has a 30 day guarantee. If you don't like your glasses then you can exchange them for something else. I totally went back and got something closer to what I wanted.
Bigger frames. Screw you dude. I'm not trying too hard. I felt like the sales people here need to take a class. They don't really know much about face shape. As far as style, please?
The store is set up nice though.
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I'm closer to Chestnut St., but because of good Yelp reviews, went here to get those little pads on my prescription glasses replaced.
Yelpers were right. They quickly and expertly replaced them. When I asked how much, they replied "its free, its just something we do. " Even though I didn't buy my glasses there, and in fact had never been a customer.
The people who work here are genuinely helpful and friendly. I'll go back when I need new glasses.
Great selection and nice people who let me poke around forever. I didn't buy anything because I haven't been at my job long enough to get the vision coverage, but I will be back here when I do. If you want really cool frames, something different, this is the place.
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After searching high and low for new pair of prescription glasses, including various SF locations and online, I came across See and was immediately drawn in by their great designs and even better prices. (If you shop here you will learn that See designs & manufactures their own frames and lenses, so there is no middleman. Therefore they are able to pass the savings onto the customer.) I found the sales people to be friendly and quite helpful. In fact, the frames that I wanted were sold out in SF, so they called other stores to get exactly what I wanted. I only had to wait about one week to receive the order.
I would highly recommend making a trip to See if you are in the market for a new pair of glasses, especially if you are style conscious without needing to show off a brand name and want to save a buck or two.
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This review has been a loooong time coming. Overall, I'm finally pleased with my new glasses, though I wish the experience had been a bit better. This will be a lengthy review, but I hope it will help you in your quest for glasses:
I first visited SEE on June 15, 2008 based on the amazing reviews from other Yelpers. I live in the South Bay, so this was a special trip into the city just to pick out new glasses from SEE. I had an employee help me (who kept looking at other potential customers entering the store and who apologized for being distracted due to a recent bad interaction with a previous customer), and I told her what I was looking for: something interesting, not too flashy, not too plain, not too geeky, etc. She kept showing me frames that didn't meet my criteria. We finally stumbled upon a frame that was a bit outside of what I thought I wanted, and I initially got that "ah, these are my new glasses" feeling. You know -- the feeling you get when they just feel like they fit right....the "click." In my gut, however, I thought they were a little too busy for my face and hair, but I bought them anyway because I had been in the store for about an hour. The other employees and a random customer said they looked good on me. SOLD.
Since I live 45 min. away, I asked them to send them to my home, and I would get them adjusted at a local place in the South Bay recommended by a SEE employee. They took 11 days to arrive. And I got them adjusted at the local place. Good.
I wore them for a couple weeks, but something wasn't right. The "click" disappeared, and I no longer felt that I was meant to wear these glasses. The kicker was when a woman wearing a knitted American flag sweater told me how much she liked my glasses. Um, if you knew me personally, you would know that that clothing item couldn't be further from what I would ever wear (please know that I have nothing against America or displaying the flag proudly.....but I do not choose to incorporate it into my wardrobe).
SO, I was outside of my return period, but I called SEE anyway to see if there was something they could do. I paid a lot of money for the glasses, and I have to wear them every day. They said I could come by asap, pick out another pair, and use the money I had already paid for the other glasses toward a new pair. YAY! So I made another special trip up to San Francisco on July 13, 2008. (I definitely applaud their customer service in making an exception so that I would be fully satisfied with my choice.)
The same employee worked with me again, and again, she apologized for being distracted, as she was dealing with a personal problem. (Personal day, anyone?) I felt like I had to keep apologizing for taking up so much of her time, but at the same time, I was a paying customer, so I expected her to be enthusiastic about helping me. I again told her what I didn't like about those glasses and told her what I was looking for. She kept recommending styles that did not meet my criteria, and I must have tried on every pair in the store. Maybe I misinterpreted her, but I got the feeling that she couldn't wait for me to leave. I was earnestly trying to find another pair that "clicked," and I didn't want to rush it and make the wrong decision as I had last time. The VERY LAST PAIR that she suggested I try was brand new since the last time I was there. Wha? Why didn't she suggest I try all of the new glasses before re-trying ones I had already tried??
FINALLY, I got a new "click." The glasses were much more of what I wanted, and everyone in the store openly told me how great they looked on me. SOLD.
I'm definitely grateful that they took the other ones back and let me exchange them for new ones. Other Yelpers have mentioned how inexpensive glasses are at SEE, and maybe they are for those who want plain lenses and some of the less expensive frames in the store. I always get an anti-reflective coating, so my total came to around $400, which I don't think is so cheap.
I asked them to mail them to me again, and they sent them directly from the factory to me for a $10 fee.
The glasses arrived at my apartment yesterday (July 30, 2008). For those keeping track, that's exactly 17 days since I stepped into the store for the second time (and over 5.5 weeks since I first visited), which I think is entirely too long. I had called after day 10 of round 2, and they said that something went wrong with the anti-reflective coating, so they had to be re-done. It still seems like it took longer than necessary for me to receive the new frames.
I got them adjusted today, and now will be wearing these glasses exclusively. I'm highly pleased with the final result -- LOVE the new glasses -- however, I will not be returning to SEE in San Francisco based on my experience.
Now that I know there is a local place with a good selection and an optometrist on site, I'll be going there next time I'm in the market for a new pair.
Was just browsing about and friends wanted to check out some frames, apparently they are regulars as the sales recognized them. We've never been here before so we started to look too.
It's a pretty big store and there are plenty styles to choose from. The layout is good and not too busy. The sales were all very friendly. So everything is locally designed but made in Italy - prices range $99 to ~$300, which really isn't bad because the styles are current and the quality seem to be good.
I read from other Yelpers re: their 1 year guarantee - that's very helpful because I tend to be careless and find my sunglasses scratched up too.
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I really just stumbled upon this place. I needed new sunglasses because I'd scratched my brand new pair. I usually wear the big plastic ones that are so "in" for the ladies. I walked in intending to purchase a similar pair but the helpful saleswoman steered me to buy the first pair i tried on: metal with wooden temples. Weird sounding, huh? Apparently, See will repair glasses for up to a year. "Even if I scratch them because I'm careless?" "Yes." Whoopee.
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Fantastic, huge selection of high-end looking glasses for low-end prices. The Tib and I totally each own a pair so I can speak to their excellent quality too. Unfortch for me (and you if you have VSP), See isn't a provider, and the not-covered portion can bend you over and hurt you. But you can totes buy the frames and get lenses either somewhere else cheaper or where your insurance does cover.
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LOVE my new glasses. Super friendly and super helpful service (Kristen more specifically). These were my first pair of glasses, but based on a little research, I feel they were reasonably priced (10% discount if you work on Union st). Good music to shop to and best of all, I can SEE man......highly recommended :-)
I just stumbled upon this place when I was walking. I decided to go in and check out the place because I had been looking for some designer frames. They have an excellent selection. I purchased a pair made by Chanel that were beautiful. Great service and I would highly recommend it to everyone!
Revised 2/7/8 on Chinese New Year
I finally picked up my glasses and the lady was really nice and told me I should wear one out the door. She helped adjust them and also cleaned them up and also packed them in nice boxes and carry bag.
I have bumped them up to 5 STARS.
Will revise again if and when I have problems with these glasses
********************** Original Review *************************
You SEE, I needed some glasses, I was LOOKing for something unique. So!, I drove 40+ miles to this shop take a closer LOOK.
They have a good selection of unique frames in Plastic and Metal frames. You can see most of them on their website.
Prices are marked on each frame and that includes single prescription lenses and NO TAX (or it is included).
The woman helping me was Christina. She picked a pair of frames for me and I actually liked what she picked. It was tough to make a decision but I did pick what she suggested.
So, for those who are wondering if she is cute: From what I could SEE, Yes. She is also very smart.
Ok! To the point.
I am giving this place 4 STARS for a good shopping experience. I got $30 off each pair for one pet food/toy and yes I knew that before I got there.
Recommend: So far, YES
Will I go back: Yes
Romantic: Yes. I got to SEE into her eyes, she asked me to LOOK at the bridge of her glasses for some technical reasons. I was not paying attention to the bridge and I am sure I will pay for it with something funny (center of LENSE will be off) with my glasses.
I think this place is worth a LOOK and I am sure you will SEE something you like.
Tell them I sent you, they might throw in a carrying case for your glasses ;-)
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After my horrifying experience at City Optix on Chestnut (see review), I was thisclose to swearing off glasses and being resigned to wandering around town feeling things up due to my lack of sight.
However, the manager of See, Kym, restored my faith (and vision). I had been walking down Union Street window shopping (though everything was blurry and I think I ran into a few dogs and post boxes through the course of the stroll), when like an oasis before me, See appeared.
After about a nanosecond in the shop I felt completely at ease and could swear my vision was getting better already (maybe). While I was poking about, Kym came up and greeted me and asked if I needed any help - and yes, I desperately did. I described to her what I was looking for and she went to work pulling about 10 different frames for me. And you know what? I LOVED every single frame she suggested. Spot on, ding ding ding, we have a winner.
I ended up seriously stuck between two pairs, and Kym rallied the troops (ie the rest of the employees) to each give their opinions of them for me, and I eventually went with some stunners that get non-stop compliments.
Amazing service aside, did I mention their prices are dirt cheap? Hell, the people and glasses there are so great I'd pay double what I threw down that day.
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Of the 5 eyewear stores I visited yesterday, this one had:
--friendly but aggressive sales people (I don't need constant feedback on how the glasses look on me unless I ask for it. I need a little quiet, alone time to decide and choose and shouldn't have to ask the sales person to leave me alone.)
--some variety of styles, but overall, I'll bet most of the frames come from the same factory
--high prices
The bottom line is: Don't waste your time and money. Go to Optical Underground. I wouldn't return to this shop.
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1. I buy SEE frames in Washington DC and sit on them in my Jeep after a week and never wear them again in public as i look like I'm doing the RCA dog head-tilt.
2. 5 years later, they adjust them for me for free here in SF and i wear them again!
3. I buy a pair of vintage frames on ebay. they put my perscription lenses in for a very reasonable price of $140
4. My dad gives me his vintage Rayban Wafarers. I drop them off to have perscription lenses (non sunglasses put in), but I get home and change my mind and call up and say, "put in sunglasses."
5. I get a message, "Sorry, the vintage Raybans broke..but we've sent them out for repair."
(Oh well, i think...i couldnt have worn them with my dad's old perscription in there.)
6. Get a message, "They are fixed and ready."
7. Pick them up, but i wish the lenses were darker.
8. So, they've darkened them for me, they fixed them for me, and they do it all for FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PLUS, they say, "We will put you in the system, for your next pair...to be 1/2 off."
WHAT THE F?!!!!!!! If you don't go here for vintage, you are mad.
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After going to several opticians to try dozens of frames (no secret, you need to try in order to find), we think we found a little gem here.
- the frames are very fashionable, look high-end but stay around $200-$250
- the guy who advised us, Jeremy, was very helpful, giving very good insights, knowing very well all the frames he sells -and he was also super nice, taking his time, not pushing you out for a new customer (it's well staffed there, I guess it helps for availability)
Anyway, each one of us found a nice frame that could work. We're still trying new frames elsewhere just to be sure.
They adjust your glasses for FREE whether you've bought them there or not. GO to the pretty girl with red half-rim glasses. Not only is she easy on the eyes, she's super sweet too.
This place does have a good selection of glasses and sun protection, and no attitude evah.
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My friend Joanna had some flex dollars that she needed to spend before the end of the year and I agreed to go shopping for glasses with her. After an awful experience at San Francisco Optics (review to follow, once I calm down a bit) we walked up to SEE. Even though it was nearing the end of the day we were treated like royalty by Jeremy and Kym...they both took their time to go through dozens (or was it hundreds?) of frames with Jo.
I started to feel a little bit of shopping envy so decided that maybe I needed a new pair of glasses, too. In no time Kym had found me some great options, including one pair that I bought on the spot and two more that I'm going back for (including one pair that will be made into sunglasses)
Oh, did I mention the prices? Frames and lenses combined cost less than most frames at other stores...you can easily get out of the store with a stylie new pair of glasses for $250.
Five stars for the selection.
Five stars for the prices.
And five big ass stars for the awesome customer service.
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Out of control amazing. I don't even know what to say, except that I was skeptical and suspicious of their proprietary frames (nary a designer name in sight), but today I picked up my 2 pairs of amazingly fabulous glasses from See, and they are unequivocally the best I've ever owned. All for less than the cost of 1 pair of designer frames.
See... it's a whole new me. OMG did I actually just say that.
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I haven't bought new glasses in a couple years, but as I've been thinking about it more and more lately, I've popped into eyewear shops here and there. I was walking by at work one day peddling my wares and decided to take a peek. I was pretty much the only patron the entire time I looked around and the cute hipster chica manning the store was more than friendly and helpful.
I have to say I think I like their styles a hair better than I liked Bjorn's and their all-inclusive pricing put almost every pair in the place under $300.
As soon as I'm ready to buy, I'll be back.
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I was devastated when my 6 month old puppy chewed up my Alain Mikli frames this Saturday. These were frames I had purchased twice because I loved them so much. Unfortunately, the style is no longer available, which sent me on a jaded quest for new Frames.
I spent an entire day around town with no luck until I looked for recommendations on Yelp and found SEE.
This store is full of high quality European designed & made frames, from funky to classic, they have it all and most are under $300.
The best part is that if you have a fairly mild prescription, your lenses are included with purchase of frames.
I bought prescription sunglasses AND eyeglasses for $500, which I consider a deal.
The service was awesome too, attentive, but not pretentious or annoying. I highly recommend SEE.
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You know what I absolutely won't do? I refuse to pay to wear some designer's or brand's advertising. Whether it's on a shirt, jeans, sunglasses--wherever. So, I've been looking for a nice pair of sunglasses that will actually feel like they're protecting my eyes instead of just hindering my vision. I haven't looked at too many places, but where I have been only stocked designer labels with a logo on the side. Egh!
SEE has a good selection of stylish, decent quality eyewear with NO logos and fantastic service & support. They come with a warranty, a nice case, and some lense wipes & cloth.
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UMMMM....please.... no one throw sand at the four eyed kid named JayChan!
I wear SEE and people always complement me on them....not on my shirt, pants or smashing good looks...just my damn SEE glasses.
Oh, I have them on in a few of my profile pictures. I'm not a fake review; the truth is Bjorn, YES that Bjorn, was the guy that sold me my last 6 pair while he was managing SEE in WeHo. Go figure!
I bent my glasses (sat on them) while working in SF. The SEE store in SF fixed them for free, no problems. I don't know what the new Bjorn store looks like but I do like my SEE glasses and the service I have received. I can give a true four star rating, five if they would stop raising the prices every time I go back.
I rate their value in the number of times I get hit on and the pick up line starts with....I love your glasses!
Dammit...I just realized...given my dismal dating record, those may not be pick up lines after all!
OK I'm going leave the sand box for a while.....
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I originally discovered See in Tampa last year. The store only carries their own brand. These specs and shades are quality and you can find almost any style.
The one noticeable thing I like about See is you don't have to wait for someone open a display case to try on a pair of frames. Walk in and pick one, two or three off the shelf.
The service is great. Kim, who I believe is the store manager helped me with my first pair. I spent about an 45 minutes in See making a decision. Kim was fantastic in providing numerous recommendations and an honest opinion.
You get what you pay for at See and that's value. My first frames set me back about $145 with prescription lens included.
I went back recently to buy a pair of sunglasses. The glasses are made to order and they take about 5 business days.
Next time you are browsing on Union stop by See you won't be disappointed.
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Yes my glasses are chic and fun. I needed a second pair. Everyone loves them. They are pink!! At first, they fucked up on my order, and I had to wait nearly 4 weeks for the glasses. I ripped them a new one, and told them that they were wasting my time. The manager handled the situation well, and compensated me partially for the frames. She understood customer service. Their space is clean, spacious, bright and well lit.
Ok, I may have had a bit too much fun here (see pic). You see (hehe), I've always had this secret dream to be the kind of guy who needs glasses, but I don't. So whenever I go to a place like this, I always try them on and think - "damn, I look great in glasses, too bad I don't need them..." That being said, if I DID need glasses, I would absolutely buy them from here. I love their designs and just the general quirkiness the place gives off. If I could afford them, I'd buy the sunglasses too. There's a sweet pair of aviators I've had my eye on since I saw them in the store in Miami. But I really like this place and their glasses, and my friend who was actually there because she needed new frames almost bought a pair - she reconsidered because of the prices. These babies don't come cheap.
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Interesting and very chic and stylish glasses and sunglasses from this place. We ran into some old friends at the store who swears by this store, the glasses to contact lens. Friendly staff eventhough the store did look a tad intimidating.
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Well, since I haven't actually purchased anything from them I can't really write an informed review. But I can write about what I saw when I visited. They had a lot of great looking frames at a really good price. The people were nice and helpful. Now, the quality of the frames and service I can't comment on since like I said.. I've never bought their frames. So, if the day ever comes where I do buy from SEE, I'll be back to update my review. But for now, based on what I saw in the store... when I do need a new pair I will definitely check them out.
i love this place, and i am not a marina person.
i expected snootiness or to be ignored, but they are the nicest folks in there, not pushy at all, and they will help you out with whatever you need. the person who helped me had straight blonde hair, and she was so so so nice and friendly. also a great return/damage policy. i had a major eyeglasses crisis, and they made me feel totally relaxed and assured.
the glasses were not cheap, but so classy and worth it - i get compliments on them all the time. also what sold me was that the whole store was their own line, which i think are all designed in italy. brand name glasses really turn me off (sorry label whores).
I love SEE! I am so excited. I have been a long time shopper at SEE. My addiction started in Michigan and now that they have moved out here! I cant wait to buy new glasses from them. I was in there on Sunday and the staff was as usual helpful, fun, and the face of great customer service. I highly recommend their glasses. In case you did not know they also design and produce all of their own frames.
Get your glasses here and you WILL save so much money. And you'll look good too. There moto is "Hip without the rip." And it is so true. A friend of mine went to another place, and spent way too much for her glasses. I got 3 pairs for the price she paid for 1, roughly. Go to See, and ask for Christina. She loves her job, and will find the perfect pair for you!
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Based on the fake reviews, they are the best ever! Based on my experience, avoid them..
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Great selection of stylish eye wear at decent prices. The people that work here have a great eye for helping you pick out frames that will flatter your face but are not aggressive in their sales approach. Staff and vibe are great!
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Every man, woman and child should buy their glasses at this place. Move over Paul Smith, Prada and Gucci ---
SEE is fabulous. Chic, quality, & stylishly cool. You could also bring your mother and she could find a pair too. Check it out.
Additionally, SEE lets customers try glasses on. You can fantasize and pretend you are Sienna Miller in huge white rimmed glasses or go the traditional route and still get your fix.
Cool spot. Great place to now about if you like specs.
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Great place for mens sunglasses. I have been looking for awhile and found what I wanted in 5 minutes. In and out in 5 minutes. Not bad for a guy who doesn't like to shop.
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