I can't remember where or how I first came across silhouette brand glasses frames, but I fell in…read morelove. While they offer a variety of styles, my favorites are the frameless with titanium sides. These are comfortable, diminutive, and stand up to accidents like sitting on them (they bend but do not break). They also are pricey. I had a pair a couple of years ago, and when my prescription changed, I decided to go to Costco and find some attractive frames for a good price. The problem is that these more traditional frames BOTHER me EVERY DAY. Plastic gathers sweat and grime at the nose. Metal is particularly rigid and more uncomfortable. I can see the edges of the frames in my view, which doesn't really impact my vision so much, but it makes the world less real. So, when I finally had the opportunity to get another new set of glasses with a new prescription, I went on the hunt for Silhouettes. It is not easy to find a place that deals with Silhouettes, but I knew that Aspen Eyewear sold them. As it is difficult to comparison shop eyeglasses, or even shop around, really, I noted the expected high price of a frame I liked at Aspen, enlisted the help of a knowledgeable assistant, and decided on a gorgeous frame. When we sat down to pull together the necessary additions--anti-glare, anti-scratch, transitions, etc., they put a quote in front of me. More than double the high cost of the frame! Yes, I did a double-take, my jaw dropped, I took a large GULP. I guess he could read my reaction, because the assistant asked if that price was OK, and if not, maybe we could consider dropping some of the add-ons. I asked him if there were any silhouettes on the clearance table, or if they ever go on sale, and the answer was "no". I know what I want, and this is apparently what it costs, so on we went with the purchase.
After reading Aspen Eyewear's Yelp reviews, where many talk about their high cost, I started to wonder if it would have been worth my time to comparison shop the one other place nearby that I found that carries Silhouettes. But, you know what? This frame is an expensive frame. The lenses are definitely quality lenses, and I've been wearing the glasses now for two months, and I LOVE them. I got what I wanted, and I'm happy I did it.
The people that helped me at Aspen Eyewear were very nice. They were knowledgable about the product(s) and how they fit different people, spent the time with me that was necessary, and no inappropriately long wait times. My only suggestion is that they provide a bit more detail with regard to glasses care when you pick up your purchase from them. I think there are some special instructions and care required for Silhouettes, which I kind of expected them to go through with me. Also, how do I get a lens completely shiny new clean? I have always struggled with this, and I found some Zeiss lens cleaners that I thought must be perfect, given that Zeiss is a prominent lens maker for premium products. Upon further research, it seems that they have alcohol in them which can damage the coatings I paid so much money for on these lenses. Also, I have no warranty information, although one associate mentioned to me in passing something about a 60-day lens replacement (I think). I have no documentation of this, and nothing is mentioned online, so if I damage my lenses in the first 60 days, due to ignorance, do I have the opportunity to try again? I don't know.
Conclusion: Aspen Eyewear is not the budget eyeglass vendor, but they do offer a premium product with premium lines that are difficult to find elsewhere. If you want a premium eyeglasses product, Aspen Eyewear is worth a visit.
