Fabulous Fanny’s

This place is incredible. I love cat eye glasses and they have drawers full of different pairs ranging from vintage 50s to their own brand. They’re super reasonable at about 90 – 150 each; compare that to the generic glasses you get anywhere else that cost 3x as much. The sales associates are incredibly helpful and honest. If they don’t like the way something looks, they’ll tell you, then find a better pair. I came in twice and left with 3 pairs. I was nervous about my eye doctor (Moscot) breaking the lenses because they were vintage but there was no issue whatsoever. Don’t hesitate to visit!

I came in looking for a new pair of frames and was ignored the whole time. the sales people were more than happy to help their male customers but I didn’t even get a hello or a welcome. in fact the only person who was nice was the one who took my money. they do have great vintage frames though.

MY FAVORITE OPTICAL STORE!
I absolutely love Fab Fanny’s. I stumbled in late the other night and asked when they closed, (I hate to be the customer that keeps everyone late) and they assured me even though they would normally close in 5 minutes, I had more than enough time to look around. So welcoming, and to top it off the employee s are always so helpful. Their selection is so extensive, I couldn’t ask for more in an optical store.
I have bought about 5 pairs from them already and I keep going back for more! They make the shopping experience fun, and recommended a great place to get my lenses done. Cheap!

I went there to get my sunglasses fixed and Steve was extremely helpful and very generous! I’ve never been to a place like this in my life with such kindness, helpfulness and great customer service. Thanks Steve!

Every experience I’ve ever had buying glasses was emotionally draining and discouraging…
I came to FF in a panic with broken frames but unharmed lenses. I believe the clerk was Andrew and he spent a good 1.5 hours with me one-​on-​one listening carefully to my concerns and really surprising me with all sorts of options I never had the guts to consider. I’m telling you, I dread purchasing frames, it’s always a source of so much frustration and always made me feel ugly… until this experience. My frames were so flattering I stopped considering laser! All thanks to him… He really got how to think about aesthetics of the face, the ratio and balance of features. He’s like an artist for lenses!
The greatest part was that I got the whole pair fixed and wearable that same day; after my visit with Andrew he sent me to Chinatown where they shaved my lenses for $ 15 in less than an hour! Hands down the best day ever buying glasses!

I have previously purchased new frames from Fanny’s (modern cat eyes that are subtle enough to wear to my job as a psychiatrist) and knew I had to go there to get vintage frames for my wedding. They helped me pick out some amazing bejweled olive green tura frames that are cat eye shaped and art deco at the same time. They are a huge hit at the wedding and I can’t wait to wear them again. I am also hoping to go back and purchase more as they have the best selection I have come across and are really helpful at finding a frame that suits your face and personality.

The only place I will ever go for glasses again.

Popped in after reading about this shop online and I am sooo glad I did. There are hundreds of frames to choose from ranging from affordable authentic vintage to designer vintage to vintage inspired, as well as an attached vintage clothing store.
The staff is very friendly, helpful and knowledgable– especially Damien! He was very patient and honest about all of the frames I tried on and helped me pick a great pair. I also walked into the clothing section and in less than 2 minutes walked out with an amazing belt. I will definitely be back and will tell everyone about this place!!!

I never write reviews, but this place deserves all of my online love and gratitude, and you (who are considering shopping here, but wanted to read a few reviews first) will be glad you went to Fabulous Fanny’s!
By far the best optical in the world! Well, the best in my world. They have an amazing and eclectic frame selection. Definitely something for everyone! Fabulous Fanny’s offered the largest selection of true vintage frames, in very good condition. They also have their own line of eyeglasses, Spectaculars, which are (as the name implies) absolutely spectacular!
The frame selection and diversity is next to NONE! They have wooden, round, octagonal, 1920’s, 1960’s, cat eye, colorful, black and white, rhinestone (not for me though), anything you can think of! They had a pair of glasses shaped like a bicycle! Like, what?! They also have very trendy, more toned down frames if you’re looking for something a little more bread and butter, but still Fabulous.
Most importantly, the service was epic! (I keep wanting to say Fabulous, but they already know they’re fabulous!) The opticians on staff weren’t just trying to sell me something, they wanted to help me look amazing, and I could really feel that. They said «no» to frames that didn’t look that great on me, which I was thankful for because it’s easy to get carried away in there since they have such an incredible selection. They were very helpful, courteous and tolerant! I must have made them look at over 50 frames on me, but they never acted like they were tired of helping me (even if they were), which was great!
What’s the best thing about Fabulous Fanny’s service? I took the frame I bought to my eye doctor, and I live out of state. They tried to put the lenses in, and they broke the frame! I was CRUSHED! I emailed Fabulous Fanny’s with high hopes, but low expectations. We hadn’t discussed any warranty, or return policy or anything when I had originally bought the frame, so I wasn’t going to hold it against them if they said «too bad.» Not only was it not «too bad,» but after I emailed them, i got a response that they were going to mail me a whole new frame! (I was fortunate enough to have bought a newer frame, so they had more than one and could replace it) I’m so grateful to Ken at Fabulous Fanny’s, I don’t even know what to do, except write this review!.. and shop there every time I visit New York City!

Pros:
Great selection of vintage frames.
Open and close drawers to your heart’s content and try on as much as you want.
Non-​pushy, friendly sales staff.
Cons:
I purchased multiple frames and after getting home, decided that I just did not like how one of them looked on me (different lighting at home vs. in store really made a difference in this case). They have a 30 days return policy, so 5 days after the purchase, I went to return. My frames cost on the high end and to return, I had to pay a 10% restocking fee on the whole price (including tax!). Now, the sign for the restocking fee is right there in plain view if you look up over the register, so I’m not complaining about that specifically, BUT I think it is poor business practice to charge a restocking fee on a fashion item that is virtually brand new, and include the tax in the restocking price fee! (Does it really cost that much to wipe the frames down with alcohol?! And why would the fee be different for different frames??) Seems like they are really trying to nickel and dime here.
Bottom line, if you think you might want to change your mind about your purchase, keep in mind that when you return your frames, you might lose up to $ 20 or less/​more (depending on the cost of your frames) from your original purchase even if you return right away. So just be prepared to live with that idea once you walk out of the store with your new frames. Personally, I think it would be good business practice to at least put up the «10% restocking fee off total price, including tax» sign in at least one or two other places throughout the store and not just right at the register where you’ve already made the decision to buy.

Fabulous Fanny’s really stood out to me in the sense that the staff at FF helps you find the frames that not only flatter your face, but also suite your aesthetics and the vibe you’re trying to exude. Academic, artistic, biting wit — Fabulous Fanny’s got the glasses for you.
I’ve gotten frames at Moscot, Selima, and Warby Parker in the past, which have all been great experiences, however; Fabulous Fanny’s offers a more unconventional selection of frames. There’s a greater chance you won’t spot someone else with the same frames as you, since most of their frames (save their Kala frames) are unused vintage frames. The staff at FF are incredibly patient, helpful, and are often responsible for customizing and hand dying some of frames themselves.
After a lot of help from Drew I settled on cat-​eye frames that make me feel like I’m channeling Yuri Kochiyama — oh yes.

A rare treasure of a glasses shop with an incredible selection of current and vintage frames. Equally impressive was the staff, especially the man who assisted me select my frames. It was as though he had some deep seated understanding of the logic of the human face. His instinct was spot on, his taste impeccable. He found the perfect place to start and brought me on a journey of glasses selection that ended with a pair that I’ve never been more excited about. I whole heartedly recommend you visit them.

I started going to Fabulous Fanny’s a few years ago, when I caved in to popular opinion among friends and relatives clamoring for a makeover in my eyewear. I did find a pair of 70’s-type frames that fit me like a glove, and have been buying the same model from Fanny’s since.
So far so good. But what really seduced me was when I took my girlfriend there last week. Her old glasses were scratched; she needed new lenses and, like me, had decided to try something new style-​wise. We spent over an hour at the store, all the while getting knowledgeable, introspective advice from the staff who, as has been pointed out in this forum, are the opposite of commercial peddlers. They are friendly and empathic without over-​flattering the customer, oozing a sober sense of authenticity and good judgment.
The other thing that’s amazing about this place is that it’s small and appears to be crammed at first. But once inside you totally forget about space and become isolated in your own little bubble of aesthetic adventure and self-​discovery as you try an endless amount of frames, each more flattering and better-​looking than the one before, until a member of the staff hits the jackpot and comes up with the Rosetta stone of eyewear… The «Wow» moment, the frame that makes you look really good, ready to walk out as the New You. This is what happened to me the first time I went there, and it happened to my girlfriend too. Now everyone around her is commending her on her new look.
The price? More than reasonable.
True, they don’t do lenses, but here’s the thing: They sent my girlfriend, new frames in hand, to a wonderful old-​world optician and gentleman on 34^th St who made her progressives, UV-​coated, anti-​scratch Zeiss (yes, Zeiss!) for $ 200 less than I paid for mine in «one of the best [and most expensive] places in NYC» a couple of years ago. BTW, mine had to be re-​done a twice at said «best place,» as progressives are tricky and they didn’t get them right the first couple of times. No such problem with the Fanny’s-recommended optician.
In all, this store is a NYC gem and one of the remaining testaments to what the East Village was once and may not be much longer: A creative, relaxed, effortlessly cool and, yes, affordable place. Long life to the Fannies!

The staff at F.F. were nothing but helpful and friendly, and the prices were right. I found a great pair of glasses, to boot! Head here if you’re looking for a unique pair of specs to set you apart from the crowd.

Absolutely the place to go if you need new glasses. There’s an absurdly large selection of frames of all varieties and price points, «vintage» and otherwise, sorted by shape and style in drawers that you can rifle through yourself. No need to point to shit behind the counter and struggle to find the «least bad» option that just-​passably fits your style.
If you do want help though, the staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Felt more like a warm group of friends in there than a salesman isolating you and pushing upsells. There’s also integrity to be found in the fact that most of these are very high-​quality frames for fair prices. Got myself a Korea-​made pair for about $ 100 and the construction is solid, unlike most of the cheap garbage from China I’ve had in the past.
No lenses or exams here, but they can refer you to a place in Chinatown that will do it for super cheap. I paid $ 20 for my lenses since I already had a prescription ready.

Based on a recommendation by this cool hipster chick from the East Village some 6 – 7 years ago, I checked out Fabulous Fannies and they have been my go to spot for frames ever since.
For years I had been a slave to commercial optical stores which never seemed to provide enough character, uniqueness or style unlike what I’ve experienced at Fabulous Fannies.
FF is small but they offer a plethora of styles ranging from vintage to old classics to modern to ultra-​chic. My understanding is that about half of the frames on display are designed solely by them. Unique frames can be found here for a fraction of the cost of the commercial spots, in addition to helpful, truthful and in no way overbearing salesmen with great customer service skills.
To add, there is also an adjoining store that I would describe as an antique haberdashery for women, where they sell dresses, gowns, hats, accessories and more.
Fabulous Fannies provides a unique eyewear shopping experience and is an A+ establishment!

These guys are great. Sure to make you feel like a star, the Fabulous Fanny’s staff ooh-​ed and ahh-​ed over me as I entered the store, complimenting my outfit (basic trench, leggings, Tieks. Hair back in a pony and glossy lips) and look, just dying to begin putting sunglasses on my face.
I searched the drawers and asked if they were organized in any sort of way– by year or designer? This is a vintage place, so you’ll find a bit of everything, from sunglasses from the 1800’s to 1990’s. I really love HUGE sunglasses, and I could care less what any ex boyfriend or man has to say about it. I adore Karen Walker and go between my «Northern light» and «Number one» style daily. Nevertheless, on this particular day I checked out said vintage styles and tried on about 30 pair. The funny thing about Fanny’s is that many of the glasses come sans lenses– so you’re left to your own devices to go to their recommended lens place in Chinatown.
The customer service is really great. I’m the type that likes to shop in silence though. Oh, but I did accidentally spill my coffee while I was here– by spill I mean nervously squeezed the cup and the bottom fell through and I got coffee all over my black leggings. This is why I always wear black. The guys at FF were so so super nice about it and didn’t scold me at all. They even let me go in the back and clean up before I ventured off with my new glasses (which still, to this day, need lenses).

No one else does vintage and vintage-​style better than Fabulous Fanny’s. I’ve found amazing frames here at every price point starting at $ 50. Just dig through the dozens (hundreds?) of drawers and try on everything. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful about what looks good on faces, too! Over the years they’ve nudged me more and more into my glam zone («Oh, just try the blue…») and I am so grateful. There is also a delightful adjoining room of vintage clothes, hats, and other accessories that are a pure pleasure.
Tips: Go early, it’ll be less busy; try on everything even if you’re not sure; tell the awesome staff any special needs (for instance, I have a giant head that doesn’t fit a lot of wee vintage ladies’ glasses… but they found me a bunch!). And if you’re from out of town and staying for a couple of days, bring your glasses prescription, and they will send you to a terrific optical place in Chinatown that will put in lenses WAY cheaper than I was paying here in Boston. Fanny’s forever!

I went to Fabulous Fannys about three weeks ago hoping to find a pair of Pince Nez frames. I had been looking online and wanted to ensure that what I purchased would actually fit my face as each pair is unique and fits differently.
Upon entering I was warmly greeted and shown their collection. The young man that was assisting me didnt rush me and actually spent time helping me pick out frames that he thought would work for me. I spent near 30 minutes going through frames before choosing three different ones that I really liked. Their selection is great, their people are awesome, and I will definitely go back to them for any other needs.
I met the owners tonight and they were fantastic as well. We had a short talk about the frames and about styles. Its rare to find a place where people actually talk to you and treat you like a human being, and Fabulous Fannys is one of those places.

Fabulous Fanny’s is where I always go to get my sunglasses. Randolf Engineerings Gold Aviators with the gray lenses. They’re heavy duty and stylish and fit my face perfectly. I usually have to stop by every year to pick up a new pair as they keep getting stolen (or lost), but it’s at such a reasonable price that I keep coming back.
Fabulous Fanny also has a fantastic range of unique lens frames and vintage jewelry/​accessories. I’ve stopped by to pick up gifts as well as elements for a theme/​costume party. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and I also seem to see regulars in there.
If you’re looking for a fantastic or unique piece of jewelry or eyewear stop by this cute little boutique in the East Village!