So I want new glasses. I am funkifying my image in general now that I have a funky job, and new glasses are a must. I found these in my local eyeglass store, and they look fantastic on. Exactly what I was looking for, and they look great on my wierd little face. Unfortunately, my local eyeglass store wants $190 for them. Seeing as how I am po’, I hopped on the net and found the same frames at the site above. Reasons to be wary: [ul] [li]$190 opposed to $89? Mother of God! Something’s not right. [] The company is Italian. PoppaRiddles brought up the issue of copywrite infringement. Maybe they’re not Calvin Kleins, maybe the hinges are inferior and the plastic is crap. []According to their return policy, I would have to pay the shipping BACK to Italy AND the return shipping if the color sucks or something. [/ul][/li]
My credit card (CapitalOne) has online fraud protection, so I’m not worried about losing my $89 if the company turns out to be a total fake. Any thoughts? Should I go ahead and order the frames? Guide me, wise Dopers.
Well, here’s my $.02.
Is there a Costco or Sam’s Club near you? If so, go there and check for glasses first. You could probably get similar prices, and it would be local. I’ve gotten my glasses from them for 5 years now, and I’ve NEVER had a problem.
If not…personally, I wouldn’t order glasses from Italy. However, I almost never wear glasses, so what they look like doesn’t bother me. YMMV. 
Have you been to any other online retailers that sell these same glasses? I’m always a bit skeptical when it comes to companies not operating in the US. Find other retailers (perferably in the US) and see if their prices are similar to Giarre’s.
My two cents if this. I was in Italy last year. My SO was looking for a pair of good (expensive) sunglasses and had been pricing several italian brands at home. The same glasses were even more expense in Italy then they were in the United States. Sometimes as much as $75 more. That makes me doubt they are the real thing.
But, they are very cool looking! And, even if they aren’t the real thing a good rip off might be worth saving $100. And if they are the real thing what a deal. You will be taking a chance ordering them, but isn’t life about taking risks?
Let us know what you do.