Selima Optique

Really good eyeglasses shop. Frames are interesting but not garish, well made, and branding/​frippery-​free. And they have buffalo horn! The shop is reasonably spacious. You have to ask to handle the frames, but the staff hang back and leave you alone if that’s what you want.

I entered this store without a single thought of buying anything and, lo and behold, I walked out with a shiny new pair of sunglasses. I just love them to death!
The salesperson (I forgot her name) was very sweet. She was helpful and she treated me like a VIP customer. She helped me look for the perfect pair of sunglasses and shared a lot of fun stories. Apparently Ryan Gosling purchased sunglasses from this branch and wore them in two movies! Insane!
The prices are a bit steep, but this is to be expected with great service and impeccable quality.
I’d recommend Selima Optique to anyone searching for an awesome pair of sunnies!

great selection of glasses and very helpful, friendly staff. Amanda was awesome — great personality, knowledgeable, and accommodating! good range of prices too.

The hype is warranted. This place is gold. There are hundreds — maybe thousands — of eyeglasses stores in the city, which can be quite overwhelming for someone who doesn’t do too well in the decision-​making arena (i.e. me). After perusing Google a bit, I found a pretty substantial body of evidence recommending Selima. For good reason. I’ve never been completely comfortable with my glasses, but times are a-​changin’. I can’t get enough of my new pair, and I have this gem of a store to thank for it.
So, I had my old pair of glasses for a good four or five years before finally treating myself to a new pair. After opting for Selima, I told myself I must find new glasses here, lest I start inviting too much choice into the mix. Selima has quite the impressive variety of frames but it’s thankfully not overwhelming. It helps that the store itself has a charming, old-​timey feel to it. The frames here are anything but dated, but the vibe is quite vintage — all of the décor is wooden and beautiful, just lovely.
Going to give a huge shout out now to the wonderful sales associate, Lacey (sorry if I spelled your name wrong… if you’re even reading this…), who is helpful, knowledgeable, personable, sweet, and way cooler than I could ever be. I showed her my current frames (I found it helpful to bring my old pair with me for comparison’s sake) and told her I wanted something in the same family but that I’d like to be a bit more daring this time. The power was pretty much out of my hands at that point — she gave options that were very similar to my old pair, as well as ones that were riskier in one direction or another. About 30 – 45 minutes later, I settled on the pair that I’m currently wearing. It typically takes me an egregiously long time to choose a pair of glasses — I’ve spent hours in stores before — but this process went shockingly smoothly. Teamwork!
Notes on what’s in stock:
–Selima carries their own frames as well as your more typical name brands (Tom Ford, etc.). I honestly like Selima’s frames better, but that’s just me. If you want the label (no judgment if you do), Oliver People’s is in the neighborhood. But I fully endorse Selima.
–While I’m not that well-​versed in relative pricing of glasses, I’m confident in saying that Selima is a higher-​end spot. As is the case with most eyewear stores, there’s a good range of prices here — you certainly don’t need to shell out 500 bucks if you want to stay on the conservative side.
–Overall, I was quite impressed with the selection, style-​wise. They’ve got plenty of your more standard frames, but you can find unique/​funky/​quirky/​all of the above here too. They’ve got enough variety here that you can pretty well delineate what’s in your comfort zone and what’s not.
After you choose a pair of frames, the rest is pretty standard. They take your measurements and your prescription and then you’ll just need to wait for them to put lenses in. Once your frames are ready, more standard adjustments, and then… new glasses!

For years this was my go-​to place for glasses, and even though it’s on the high end price wise, the selection and service were incredible. I replace my frames about every three years and going to Selima was an important ritual. The last pair of frames I bought were the stores own brand, about three years back and I still like them. After noticing that my plastic frames were developing a white film (a common thing), I went to the store and they fixed them like new a day later. Now, a year later the film was back, so I went to Selima and asked if they could work their magic again on the frames which had otherwise held up great and that I wanted to continue wearing. The sales associate said «yeah that guy doesn’t work here anymore so we can’t fix it». I was somewhat surprised because I can’t imagine no one at this incredibly venerable store knew how to fix this common issue, especially considering they were Selima’s OWN BRAND. I was like, «ok…so…», and he just repeated his explanation and said no. I was going to buy another pair from Selima this year, but I guess I’m on the hunt for a new store. I’ll never recommend Selima again.

I had purchased two frames, prescription glasses and sunglasses. Upon consulting with Facial Index — a reliable eyeglass brand/​store nearby, they said I was sold glasses where the nose ridge is way too large for my nose. As a result, my glasses slips down when I wear them, and my eye lashes hit the lenses. This shouldn’t happen. Same with my sunglasses — they rest on my cheeks. Both pairs were meant for a larger nose ridge.
Lesson learned: most eye glass boutiques are trying to sell you shape and color. The workers don’t know or refuse to admit that the glasses won’t fit you. They are trying to make money, and they don’t want to lose customers. Nonetheless — the brand’s glasses are still considered good. The service sucks. Being overly «helpful» with oohs and aaahs does nothing.

My friend and I had the best experience at Selima. SO many fun pairs of sunglasses. We would know. We tried on basically every pair. The customer service was wonderful. Their frames are super fun and original (many are vintage). I got a pair and my friend got two pairs. Will definitely be back!

I have had nothing but good experiences here. Both my husband and I have regular glasses from here and had a good experience in shopping and purchasing from them. This summer I went in with a pair of sunglasses we bought from Saks and was told by Saks customer service that they could do nothing about the twisted hinge, that it would break if they touched it and told me I would have to re-​buy my $ 300+ pair. I took them to Selima a few months ago and was greeted graciously by Amanda who quickly fixed them, free of charge, and re-​fitted them as well. Last month, it happend again to the other arm of the glasses. I went back in this week and once again, saw Amanda, who right away recognized me and offered to help again. Howard, took them and fixed them this time. He also re-​adjusted them to fit my face again, and told me to come back anytime for repairs. Again, they did this free of charge on a pair of sunglasses they don’t even sell. While I have bought glasses there before, I had not met either of these employees prior to my 2 visits they helped me free of charge. I will DEFINITELY go back for future purchases or even if these glasses break and need to be totally repaired, which would have a cost. I totally trust their workmanship and would love to give them more business for being so kind and helpful. This is definitely a unique boutique experience!

I’m shocked to see any negative reviews for Selima Optique– I had nothing but a wonderful experience here. I’ve been into probably every eyewear store in NYC in search of the perfect pair – you name it, big or small, I graced it – and S.O. was seriously the best in terms of style, price, and helpfulness.
It seems like some people found the staff to be unfriendly because they didn’t bombard you, but that’s exactly what I hate about most eyewar stores– they follow you around and get pushy and try to convince you to like something you may not feel inclinded toward. I found the staff at S.O. to be super friendly and helpful when I needed them, but they also gave me space and time to shop on my own and they weren’t the least bit pushy.
I LOVVVVE my new pair of frames, and I’ve gotten tons of compliments so far. I don’t think they are expensive compared to any other eyewear stores (I’m speaking of designer frames), and I’m not supporting Luxottica, so I was extremely happy to find S.O. The selection is great, and for smaller people such as myself who don’t want to wear massive frames, they have a nice collection of smaller/​proportional frames that no other shops seemed to cater toward.
Also, when I went to pick up my frames, they were so meticulous with getting the frame fit just perfect and really took their time to make me happy, even though they were just about to close.
A great selection of stylish, somewhat off-​beat, but very tasteful eyewear. I couldn’t be happier!

I’ve been coming here for my sunglasses (and glasses because I’m blind) since I moved to NYC. They have the best selection of interesting glasses and sunglasses in the city, hands down. They have everything from rare vintage finds to well known designers and more obscure up-​and-​coming brands. Their own «Selima Optique» line is really beautiful and they even offer custom made frames!

We went here yesterday (June 1, 2013) with money to spend on a new pair of frames. We walked in to find two employees helping one customer. We said «hello» while entering the store and were flatly ignored by the employees (younger woman, middle-​aged man). That was a little off-​putting, but we decided to browse the selection anyway. After about 10 minutes the male employee begrudgingly comes over and let’s us try on a pair of frames, says nothing, then puts the frames back and walks away. Shortly thereafter we left, but while walking out we said «thank you.» BLANK STARES from the two employees. We left thinking «what the fuck?»
Then we walked across the street and bought a new pair of glasses from Oliver Peoples, where at least the employees were happy to help us without giving an attitude.
I really don’t understand why we were treated like shit at Selima. The other customers in the store were well received, and when another woman walked in after us the sales guy immediately came over and asked how he could help her. On the other hand, we were treated like fucking lepers. Never again.

I had a very good experience here. The store is stylish, the frames are modern and classic, the staff is friendly — not pushy.
On the follow I have taken my frames for adjustment and cleaning — they always are happy to help.
Yes. It’s expensive.

Yes! as good as it gets. More than once, I’ve had an incredible experience shopping at Selima. The quality of their glasses, the range of choice, the professionalism and quality of their service! Thank you to Cherie and Sabrina! you are the best. I’m referring specifically to the Madison Avenue location, although i suspect Wooster St. is just as good.

I brought a pair of plastic glasses in here to have nose pads installed a couple of years ago and the process wasn’t the greatest, although I am pleased with the outcome. First, I was told it would take less than a week and that they would call me when the glasses were completed. After a week and a half, they still hadn’t called me, so I called them and was informed that they had run out of the plastic nosepads we had agreed upon, and would metal be ok? I had to go into the store again to check out the metal type and let them know if it would be ok. Then finally, 9 days later, they called me in to pick up my glasses. Installing the nosepads ended up costing me more than I had expected, as well.
That being said, 2 years later, my glasses and their installed nosepads are still going strong. I’m very happy with their installation and they way they have held up and functioned. I wouldn’t mind continuing to wear the same glasses/​nose pads for a 3^rd year and perhaps longer if I could. I most likely would come back to Selima if I had a new pair of glasses to add nose pads too, though not if I was in a rush and needed the glasses immediately.

I’ve not been in store since I’m not local, but these folks have amazing customer service for ordering online. And the frames are gorgeous!

Note this review is for the FW11 sample sale only. Stopped in after work and was slightly disappointed with the selection. Lots of nice Cutler and Gross (excluded from the sale) and a couple Tom Ford gems spread among second string Selima originals. The sample prices were good, but I found the salespeople to be overly helpful. Please chill and curtail those aggressive oohs and aahs.
Want to come back and try again since Selima has been highly recommended by friends and coworkers. Update to come.

In retrospect two stars is too harsh given that I would say the glasses themselves are 5 stars, I really do love them. Management at Selima brought it to my attention that the increase to $ 400 was an IT error, but the two prior increases weren’t, including one that was put in place after a wait list had already began at an earlier price.
I think they have great frames and employees who seem to care, there are just a few points that I had previously mentioned which I did not agree with, and those remain.
But lets call it what it is, if you want great glasses, and you are willing to shell out the dough, you are going to get what you came for. I suspect as Selima grows they will become better at responding and coordinating with their IT department, which is really the only thing lacking, because the products definitely aren’t.
Selima, now that you guys have hit the jackpot by getting on-​screen exposure (even if unintended), don’t sacrifice your great attention to detail and quality in order to meet increased demand like so many others in the past have done!

Manolo Blahnik girls perhaps think that I sound crazy. I would choose eyeglasses over Christian Louboutin shoes. That is how crazy I can be when I see cool glasses.
I’ve read Selima Optique reviews on Unilocal and always wanted to try this place. I finally took my Mykita frame to this place today to get new lenses.
It took only 20 min for them to get me new lenses for my frame. Not just that, I found this amazing vIntage Cazal eye glasses from 80’s. The glasses certainly doesn’t make my world look more beautiful than it already is but it did made my day. :)
Their buying and selection were impressive. From Modern ‘Cutler and Gross’, Mykita, Salt, Alain Mikli… to Viintage Duhill, vintage C. dior, vintage Cazal.
Note: The staff were fantastic, helpful and so friendly.

artisans of eyes
tortoise shell titanium
you are in good hands

Huge selection of interesting/​vintage/​unique/​vintage inspired glasses/​sunglasses
Couldn’t find what I wanted at Moscot’s. Found it here.
Staff is extremely helpful and knowledgeable.
No need to go anywhere else.