Slipping and Sliding in a Winter Wonderland

It's this time of year that makes you love Minnesota isn't it? Or am I mistaking it for a different season? The snow is pretty, but boy does it create a lot of work!

Yesterday we had a mini holiday miracle at Art of Optiks. We opened the store at 9am expecting to have to shovel all of the snow we received this past weekend, but to our surprise it was already done! It turns out Dr. Tim stopped by the store extra early and took care of the sidewalk so the ladies wouldn't have to stand out in the cold and get our pretty shoes all wet. Thanks Dr. Tim! You're the best!

Here is Margaret enjoying the negative temperatures while sweeping off the sidewalk. If only we could all be that cheery during the winter months!

Murphy's Law

As we all know, if you drop a piece of buttered bread it will always land buttered side down (what a waste!).  The Murphy's Law phenomenon works in its own special way in the optical world.  For example, as I was adjusting someone's eyewear they asked 

'Do you ever break glasses?'

I paused for a sufficiently dramatic time, and mentioned that no matter how I answered that Murphy will come and get me.  The customer said,

'OH NO DON'T ANSWER, DON'T ANSWER!'

When I received our HUGE shipment of JF Rey frames a few weeks ago (wild colors, floral cutouts, polka dots, wild architectural details, etc) it seemed that everyone who walked through our doors wanted minimal and subtle eyewear.  

I am truly looking forward to the Lindberg trunk show on Saturday December 13th, and contemplating the simplicity of Lindberg designs.  Lindberg is what MOST people want: lightweight, lots of size options, minimal, looks that are either punchy in just the right subtle way to looks that are all business.  How much do you want to be that on Saturday when I am all geared up for Lindberg everyone walking through the door wants the most brightly colored, wild patterned, insane, wacked-out, cookoo for cocao puffs eyewear we've got?

Caution: Power Tools

This fall has been project time at Art of Optiks, I guess you can say 'fall cleaning'.  We have been very productive (and sometimes frustrated) with all of the small projects that just seem to get pushed aside.  But finally they are all done.  As you can see from the photo of Stephanie, this is the beginning of our lighting replacement project (you wouldn't want to see the end photo). 

We have new lighting, new tables, and new chairs (oh the joy of furniture assembly).  Maybe we should start Art of Optiks construction, or maybe we should just stick to what we know best, fantastic eyewear! 

It's the Holidays at Art of Optiks!

It's December and that means the holiday season has officially started at Art of Optiks!   

Stop in to see our famous untraditional peacock blue and lime green 

decorations to get into the holiday spirit!  

Every square inch is lit up and covered in glitter!

Art of Optiks won 'Best use of Materials' in the Wayzata Chamber 

Holiday window decorating contest.

Gift Certificates

An excellent gift for those addicted to good eyewear, Art of Optiks gift certificates!!!!

Gift certificates are available in any amount, and can be packed in eyeglass cases and gift wrapped, to keep the recipient guessing.

New Etnia!

Lisboa

Dubai

Kamina

Durban

Inventory

Last night was inventory day at Art of Optiks.  Everyone at Art of Optiks hates inventory.  We have come to a semi-truce with inventory by me A. buying dinner and B. supplying wine.  Hopefully 'B' does not interfere with inventory counts.

On a lighter note, we did have many laughs trying on my children's halloween costumes (Miss America and Michael Jackson).  In case anyone is wondering at this point, yes, we do work here on occasion but we do believe in fun in the workplace.  

Everyone have a great weekend.

Cheers!

The Optical Maven

Margo's Pick 10.25.08

Soup du Jour is my number one favorite Chrome Hearts frame, Rejected!!

This tasty delight is a little wrapped, and a little warped...to find out you must stop in and I will show you (I can't say it online)

Why am I so excited about this frame you ask? Because this frame is so hot it has been on back order all summer, someone will snap this up quickly! Now that's excitement!

More soon....

The Optical Princess

New Lindberg

Today at Art of Optiks we received the new shipment of Lindberg from the fall eyewear show! Very Cool.  Lindberg, a mostly rimless line, has really stepped out with this latest collection.  The new acetate (plastic) temples are incredibly inventive.  Nikki and I decided one of the colors reminds us of a cherry jolly rancher!  Lindberg, not known for its bright and bold colors has taken a turn in this direction.  We are seeing color combos like purple and green, white pearl and red, vibrant blue and green etc... But, so that our traditional Lindberg customers aren't feeling left out, there is plenty for you as well.

Any many thanks to Mr. S today who gave me many good ideas how to tackle my daughter's impending drivers license and driving issues.  I don't know what I would do without our customers!

Peace Out

The Optical Maven

Chrome Hearts Fall Trunk Show Saturday November 22nd!

Chrome Hearts will be previewing their 2008 fall collection on Saturday November 22nd.

 

Silmo d'Or 2007 Award

Boz, by JF Rey, won the Silmo d'Or award for Style & Design in 2007 for the Kaprisse frame. The Silmo d'Or is a very prestigious award given to the best design of the year by fellow eyewear designers.

 The Kaprisse is a metal, semi-rimless frame with laser cut floral design temples.  The Kaprisse is now available at Art of Optiks in two colors, dusty rose pink and a deep lipstick red. 

Beware of Dogs!

Here is a great example of why you keep your frame away from small children and dogs.


This Blinde frame was chewed and eaten by a customers dog. Luckily, we were able to replace this frame and reuse her lenses. This is a great example of why we suggest everyone has multiple pairs...imagine you were heading on vacation for two weeks to a sunny destination and this happened to your sunglasses 12 hours before your flight left!

Dogs love your glasses because they have your scent on them. So keep them in your case, and away from your pooch! Don't let this happen to your favorite pair of glasses...

The 80's are Back!

Check out the latest frame from Alain Mikli, if this doesn't remind you of the 80's I don't know what will!

New Gold & Wood Sunglasses

We just got in new sunglasses from Gold & Wood. These frames have wood temples encrusted with Swarovski crystals and semi-precious stones.

 

Each frame is a different color, featuring a different pattern of stones.

This frame is also a great fit for people with smaller faces.

Stop in and check them out, they are limited edition and won't be around long!

Chrome Hearts Trunk Show June 2008

June 28th we had our annual Chrome Hearts Trunk Show. We featured the preview fall collection of Chrome Hearts eye wear. We were also privileged to host the President of Optical Shop International, Cos Lykos.

Margaret 'the optical princess' posing with the Chrome Hearts leather dinosaur whom we nicknamed 'Barney'

Stephanie and Chrome Hearts Rep, Tim, relaxing before the crowd.

Cos, Stephanie and Tim

Chrome Hearts Teddy Bears, leather frame case and Baccarat Crystal vase.

Welcome!

Welcome to Art of Optiks very first blog entry! We are very excited to start a blog which, hopefully, should be updated on a regular basis. Check back regularly, all of our fun staff will be posting about new product, store events, industry info and just the fun crazy things that happen on a regular basis at Art of Optiks! We love to hear from our customers so please leave your comments, reviews or your stories!