AUGUST, 2010

Eye Candy Begins Local Model Scout: Professional hotties need not apply

by Kari-Lynn O'Neil

It’s easy to look amazing when you spend thousands a week on personal trainers, have make-up artists and hairdressers doting on you and photographers photoshopping inches off your thighs before going to press. Us ‘regular Joe’s’ can’t possibly compete with celebrity images. Or can we?

Paula Hornbeck thinks so. Hornbeck witnesses personal transformations each day, and notes the role confidence plays in attractiveness. “I’ll meet a customer for the first time and by their own accord, they seem to blend in with the crowd. By the time he or she comes in for a second or third pair of frames you can tell something inside them has changed. People try to tell me they have an addiction to eyewear, but what they really love is being recognized for what makes them special.”

It goes something like this: If you’re into music and you choose a killer Chrome Hearts to give off a rocker vibe, people will notice your sense of style, fun and approachability. They may even strike up a conversation about your unusual frames. (The other Eye Candy mantra: she never sells the same pair twice!) So there you are, talking with someone you’ve just met who finds you fascinating. You continue to wow them with your endless knowledge of something you are passionate about and have a great time finally talking with someone who gets you! You feel great. Happy. Confident.

That is impossibly attractive, don’t you think? Yep, you’ve become bonafide Eye Candy. And there in lies the true addiction. That’s the premise for the new “Are You Eye Candy?” campaign.

Each month Eye Candy will have an open call for ‘non-models.’ It’s not about age, it’s about attitude. We’re looking for people with all sorts of fashion styles to show up dressed in what they feel best in. Their hottest jeans, funky hat, leather jacket or stilettos! Whatever makes you who you are! Glam, jocks, Devo devotees, rockers, hippies, artists, Harley riders -- it’s all good. We only have one rule. Professional hotties need not apply. Become a Facebook fan for updates on photo-shoot dates!

OCTOBER, 2009

Runway Report: 2009 Vision Expo East in Las Vegas

The International Vision Expo West in Las Vegas is a “to the trade only” event where eyewear buyers have the chance to review new eyewear trends from around the world. Paula and Dena selected their top picks to bring back to Eye Candy. Check out this season’s picks!

Switch Eyewear

When we saw Switch in Las Vegas, we knew we had to bring it back to Eye Candy! Switch has something for all our sports enthusiasts. The video gives you an idea, but you’ll really have to come in and see these frames in action! Check out our Switch eyewear gallery.

Dilem Eyewear

We loved the idea of being able to change the look of your eyewear in a snap! This is some seriously cool stuff. Each frame style comes with two pairs of temples--but you can create as many looks as you want! Check out our Dilem eyewear gallery.

Eye’DC Eyewear

This eyewear line stopped us in our tracks! The funky, cool, Euro-Mod style is definitely attention getting. A little retro movie star, a little future fantasy and tons of cool kept us playing dress up for a long time. You’re going to have a lot of fun with this line too!
Check out our Eye'DC eyewear gallery.

MAY 6, 2009

Runway Report: 2009 Vision Expo East in New York

Paula and Dena arrived in New York for the 2009 Vision Expo East in search of the hottest trends and designers in the world. And they found them! Stop in and see these two fabulous designer lines.

Yves Cogan
We met with Yves Cogan (pictured) and fell in love! The deep, rich and saturated colors and design details push this line a little into the unexpected without forgoing sophistication. Hip and modern hits the office with a tease of after-five style!

Iyoko Inyake
Known for it’s cutting edge look, this show stopping line of eyewear is famous for its inventive and trend setting designs. Beautiful colors and materials like metal and wood are artfully combined, producing stunning, fashion forward frames. So unique in fact, that each frame is a limited edition and available for just a short while. If you love ‘em, get ‘em, because they don’t stay in our boutique long!

AS SEEN IN NEW YORK FASHIONWEEK – FEBRUARY 13th, 2009

Runway Report: Mykita at New York Fashionweek

Hot from the Shipley and Halmos runway: dark, European style is hot this season and is dominated with all things black. High sheen dresses, motorcycle jackets were paired with subtle pattern and soft shades of camel and lavender. MYKITA’s retro GUY sunglasses completed the look. Stop in and see our line of MYKITA glasses and sunglasses and other fashion designer eyewear lines and start your own style trends!

OCTOBER 2nd - 6th, 2008

International Vision Expo and Conference in Las Vegas

The International Vision Expo/Las Vegas was held October 3rd-5th. This "For The Trade Only" expo features the latest eyewear innovations, up to date fashions, trends, and eyewear technology from over 500 companies around the world. Owner Paula Hornbeck is passionate about bringing the hottest designer eyewear to Southeast Wisconsin. Come back soon to see which eyewear designer’s made her "must have" list for 2009.