BARGAINS : SEE AND BE SEEN IN DESIGNER EYEWEAR.

Byline: Trisha King and Deborah Newmark

The next time you need a new pair of prescription glasses or are in the market for designer sunglasses, you may want to check out the prices at For Eyes Optical, where discounts run about 25 percent to 50 percent below retail on generic and name-brand eyeglass frames.

For example, nicely tooled, oval eyeglass frames by Calvin Klein run $280 instead of $290 elsewhere. Before you think that $10 isn't much of a savings, the price at For Eyes includes single-vision prescription lenses no matter the strength of the prescription. If desired, also included at no extra charge are tinting, over-size lenses and your choice of glass or plastic lenses. The only thing they charge extra for is combined ultraviolet and scratch-resistant protection for $20 ($30 elsewhere).

We found a pair of Perry Ellis frames at a discount boutique for $141, which was $19 less than the price at For Eyes. But, when you add in the single-vision prescription lenses for $55, the price comes to $196 instead of $160 charged at For Eyes for the same thing.

For Eyes has been around since the early 1970s and now has the buying power of more than 120 stores. In addition to generic frames (prices start at $59.95), you'll find plenty of designer names such as Georgio Armani (sunglasses that retail for $210 are $151 here), Guess, Ralph Lauren, Polo, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger and others.

If you have children that are tough on eyeglasses, For Eyes has an unconditional guarantee against breakage for one year on children's glasses. Name brands for children include Fisher-Price, Bugle Boy and Bugs Bunny.

For Eyes has professional and knowledgeable employees. Orders are faxed to the lab the same day, allowing very quick delivery. By the way, optometrists are located adjacent to all For Eyes.

For Eyes Optical is located at 18712 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, [phone]; 1927 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, [phone]; 8404 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, [phone]; and 3619 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, [phone]. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday (Westwood store is closed Sundays). American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa are accepted.

Inside info

Pamper yourself with a facial by Jenny Wheeler at Simbiotica Salon. Until March 31, purchase two one-hour facials for $90. The price includes deep cleansing alpha-hydroxy peel, oxygen serum and mask, steaming with extractions, upper body massage and Chinese aromatherapy pressure point facial massage (elsewhere one facial with an alpha-hydroxy peel usually runs $80). Jenny Wheeler is located at Simbiotica Salon, 18663 Ventura Blvd., Suite 230, Tarzana; [phone]. Call for an appointment Wednesday through Saturday. Hours are flexible.

After your facial, stop downstairs at Kimono Kids, where you'll find the sale rack featuring 50 percent off on very stylish newborn to junior girl's clothing. Many pieces are European designed, such as a velour two-piece outfit for $10.25 (normally $20.50), tuxedo suit for $20 (normally $40), lace dresses for $15 (normally $30) and a three-piece suit for $20 (normally $40). The sale is on while supply lasts. Kimono Kids also carries the hot new guitar string bracelets, 12 for $4 or colored ones 12 for $6 (some places are selling these for $1 each) and other small accessories for $1. Kimono Kids is located at 18663 Ventura Blvd., Suite 114, Tarzana; [phone]. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

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