Old Focals

A bunch of really cool and hip people work here who find not have the time of day for you. Good luck.

Okay, we are living in an age of unique glasses. Some may say it's the worst time with all the 18 year olds wearing fake ones from H&M but I like it because clunky is in and clunky is a bit sturdier and society wants something more daring on your face. For those who have to wear glasses for truly functional reasons but tend to walk out of 7 of 10 glasses stores because finding the right pair of glasses is almost like dating--it's hard to find the right one--then take a jaunt over to this great but easy to miss place on Green Street

The store stock here is basically what they call "new old stock" or NOS, taking old frames from other stores, old stock or stock just considered too daring.

Old Focals advertises as a supplier of hip eyeware for TV, Film & Stage and you'll see why with the impressive collection of vintage frames - specializing in new old stock (NOS). It also also offers its own line of exclusive designs by the founder Russ Campbell

Most frames are between $100 and $200 with some rare frames in the $500-$600 range (those are locked and encased).

This is the place to go to if you saw a pair of frames in a movie that you really liked. More than likely, it was provided by Old Focals (Russ Campbell) and you can walk in and say the name of the movie--and they'll know which frames you're talking about.

You might have to be a bit more specific if you're mentioning Mad Men. They provide a lot to that show.

RETURN POLICY: 30 day return policy with no questions asked. That includes exchanges.

INSURANCE: They don't take insurance. But purchases there may qualify as "out of network" with your insurance company and you may be eligible for reimbursement with their receipt.

DO THEY SELL THOSE GLASSES THAT JOHNNY DEPP WEARS? They will matter-of-factly reply yes and ask you to be specific and name the movie. If you reference The Astronaut, however, you'll be hung, drawn and quartered in the center of Paseo Mall like the days of old.

PARKING: It's on Green street and Green street is a parking nightmare. Street parking is rare and parking garages are like those scenes in Tokyo Drift (The Fast and Furious Film That Never Happened). It's right by Dog Haus and Copa Vida.

AMBIENCE: Well, this isn't a restaurant or cute café but I liked the small, cluttered feel of this place. It had the type of vintage clutter of a garage sale in Eagle Rock or your hip hoarder friend's closet. It's an exciting scattering of all kinds of frame all over the place--with a comfortable vibe that encourages people to try them on. So many lense places have that pretense and the ornate display cases that make you feel guilty for even asking to try on a frame.

I don't know how it happened but lenses shops became as snobby and delicate as stores selling fine china or jewelry. And then optometrists simply became moody and berated you for damaging your frames even though you're happily paying them to repair it.

This place will sometimes not even charge you for quick fixes on your frames. It's real, it's small, it's stylish, it's genuine--and the frames are downright Kool Kat Kool.

Thank you so much for doing the special orders for the AC Reds! When they arrived I was annoyed (at myself) that they weren't sunnies. I forgot to check 'tinted'. They were quick to respond when I asked how I can fix it, and I was able to find a shop in my area to dye the lenses. In the end all is well, and the glasses are stunning!
I did actually go to the shop in June and its full of so many beautiful lenses! The guy working there was really nice too. I'd gladly purchase from them again!

Great independently owned shop that sells classic-styled and new old stock/ vintage frames. Staff is friendly and helpful but not overbearing. A great place to come to get your next pair of eyewear. Glasses are expensive by nature, but with a selection like this (and fast turnaround) you leave without feeling ripped off. Will definitely be returning when I need some new sunglasses.

(((The following is a 100%, FIVE stars,, Yelp comment/review.)))

Hi Old Focals and *Peter M., Los Angeles, about one year ago, June 2015

I sincerely hope you, *Peter M., did go back for a second time and experienced the true AMAZING-NESS of Old Focals.

My urge to comment comes from years (27 or so) of familiarity with the **unique business of "Old Focals" and the entrepreneurial proprietor, and the some of the wonderful and ever learning staff. The Old Focals staff, uncountable colleagues, and the wonderful owner/proprietor, have a personal, intellectual, and passionate knowledge regarding the fashion history of eyewear. EYEWEAR, "***Focals," in particular. And they have the ability to find the style that might suit YOUR current interest and individual desired look or the trend you are seeking to follow..

**unhappy customer, Peter M.
**Count down, below, to the following ninth and tenth paragraphs...
***http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=focals

Consider your own attitude, Peter M., upon entering the shop that day in 2015...

...You write, and I quote, ..."I walked in and asked the owner... if he had any Shuron frames I could look at. He sneered...'yeah, but not any you have heard of.' We went from ZERO to a [in capitals for my, this commenter's affect], PISSING contest." End quote.

Pissing and zero are your words Peter M.! And the your quote of an utterance, "but not any you have heard of."

Gee whiz Peter, you sound like a real nice guy! One who is genial and gregarious in any queue or club. (My sarcasm IS a cheap shot. I apologize in advance for anyone's vexation.)

A sneer, the written word, is subjective to us, the Yelp audience. The word "sneer" probably not, I am guessing, an accurate onomatopoeia? Did you check YOUR attitude at the door and did you quote EXACTLY the person at the counter?

Somehow I doubt you regularly use the humane technique of assuming, first off that possibly the person, a fellow human, may have had a worse day than you? Of course, one cannot ever achieve absolute perfection here. I can give you, Peter. M., the benefit of my doubt and generous assumption that YOU were having a shitty day. Also? Too?

Peace man! Start with a smile and you will be gifted, 9 times out of 10, with a smile. And in that millisecond of time passing, a likely result, is relief for both of you. Then a there will be this moment--this moment generated to focus on creating the win-win result you both want in the end!

My personal experience using the technique almost daily.

Old Focals's premise is not about having every SHURON frame waiting for you, man!

There is something to the name, in case you haven't taken notice, Old Focals. The retail outlet focuses on the rare(er), the genuine, replica, and vintage design and beauty. Hence the name, Old Focals. The proprietor is one of the most knowledgeable persons on the history, fads, and eras of fashion in eyewear. This is an opinion. My opinion. But fair you will find, if you delve.

Try it. Try it again. You'll find more goodness than badness. And the badness could be good for your own "groovy" self.

Signed,

Very helpful service. Great selections and my frames or originals and look amazing on.

Highly recommend this place.

Alex

I went to my eye doctor's frame shop looking for a new pair of glasses. Every time I go into their store I ask to see the "reject bin" of glasses -- you know, the old frames that are out of style and marked down in price. I have had luck finding funky vintage frames like that before. This time their selection was lame. The guy behind the counter said, "Tell you what... I know what you want and you're not going to find it here. Trust me, you need to go see Russ at Old Focals in Pasadena."

Based on his enthusiastic recommendation, I braved the traffic from Beverly Hills to Pasadena and I'm so glad I did. I LOVE this store! I found a great pair of vintage frames for $99 -- I happily paid a hundred dollars LESS than I was planning on paying for unique frames, and I can't wait to keep going back and seeing what's in store for me next time.

My ONLY complaint was that there were just TOO many good choices that it I got frustrated at one point. ;) Oh, and I got a parking ticket while I was being indecisive. So head my warning: bring enough coins to feed the meter!

Quirky bunch. Were out for lunch last Sunday, so we had lunch. Came back and they were out again. We called their number and they were around the corner. At least they're open on Sunday :)

But the frames! The old frames are better than anything made today and the prices are amazing. Not like antique collectible prices, more like the very best of the last century at a fraction of the cost.

For the second time in two years I went in for one pair and came out with two.

I stumbled upon this place by accident...and boy am I glad for it! They have such awesome vintage frames! I have purchased two SO FAR. For this store alone, I'm determined to NEVER get Lasix. They have such great, unique frames. The pairs I bought I ALWAYS get compliments on. They can't do the prescription lenses for you there, but they can recommend you to Happy Eyes Optical in Glendale who will fill any pair of vintage glasses.
It's a REAL find. The people in there are super nice and the ambience is really warm and cozy and not intimidating. It might be a little too exciting when you first walk in...overwhelming to see so many cool glasses, but I think you can handle it.

The selection is never ending and it may get overwhelming with the choices, but an hour goes by easily of searching and trying frames on once (or twice). The gorgeous styles make glasses into accessories.

Come with a friend who knows your style. The staff is friendly without being pushy. I think the vintage frames I picked were $80-90, but worth it when you go to other places where the frames start at $150.

I took them to my optometrist and had them put in my prescription lens for $40, even though I couldn't use my vision insurance (because I used them on contacts).

Update: I lost my glasses :( That means I'll have to go back.