To start with, when ordering a pair of specs from Urban Spectacles, I will need to know a few measurements of your head and facial features. The following are the measurements I require in order to create a proper fitting frame. I will need a pupillary distance (the distance between both of your pupils), the width of your bridge, the widest point at which your temples are apart and a temple length.

These measurements can be taken in numerous different ways, and yes it can be done remotely, you wouldn't actually have to travel to Chicago for me to take your measurement. Although, I would suggest it, as i am very precise when it comes to all things in millimeters. But i measure to the point that it really doesn't even matter unless one has a microscope. Back to the measurements and the different ways they can be taken. 1) send me an old pair of frames that you really like the fit of, and i can do everything from there. 2) Go find an optometrist who will take these four measurements for you and don't feel bad when they try to sell you frames before you leave. 3) Look on the inside of your temples and you should see three numbers separated by a box. These are the frame's measurements, send those to me. 4) Have a partner take these measurements, use a ruler, calipers, the temples of your glasses, anything you can get your hands on to make it accurate. Send me a high resolution head shot with a ruler pressed against your chin as a reference of scale and I can take the measurements digitally, except temple length. Oh, and send all measurements in millimeters. Inches are for house framing crews, which I used to work with and they called me Mr. 1/64th.

A head shot should be sent along regardless because I will use this to show you what your chosen design compiled with your chosen wood will look like on you before I go ahead and create it. I can make fairly accurate digital compositions so you will have a very good idea how you will be looking in your new specs. And if you are contemplating a design, send me a head shot and ask me to make a composition for you to help you decide whether or not to proceed. And please don't abuse me in my offering here. I mean if you know you don't want my product then don't ask me to compile you an image so you can go show all your friends what you would look like in wooden eyewear. Just like to everybody else, my time is valuable. But for one in contemplation, I would very readily compile an image.

As for pricing, each design has its own price. That price includes all the work for me to make the particular pair in any wood you choose. It does not include the cost of lenses, as some people may want lenses that are the same price as the frames. You will purchase your lenses at cost.

If you do decide to go into the realm of custom, you can send along images of frames you like, place certain guidelines for me to stick within when designing, tell me to give you a few options based upon my thoughts, or even design your own pair with all the schematics and hire me out as your manufacturer. Custom is all up to you, as it should be.

Another note on costs, there are certain woods as indicated in the wood packet that have an extra fee. This fee will be based on each wood but fairly speaking it will be up to 50 dollars.

If you have decided to purchase a pair of frames, then there are certain items that can immediately be sent my way in order to speed up the process of creating your frames. All materials can be sent to my address as listed on the contact page. You may send your prescription, a deposit, a head shot (send this digitally please), a pair of old frames for me to measure (ill send them back unharmed), any other information you find may be helpful.

A side note, there may be a slight wait for your frames to be made. If you are expecting to place an order and get them in three days you are pipe dreaming. All orders start from a block of wood so it will take at least three or four intense 16 hour work days for me to finish your specs, and the more intricate the more time. And there is usually a slight waiting list for me to start your frames, so that may delay the initiation anywhere from a week to a few. But you also play a big role in how timely you will receive the specs. If you do your part and send all required materials my way, I will then be able to file your order accordingly.

As for the payment plan. For me to start your frames, I will require a deposit of 250 dollars. Once received, I will begin carving your chosen wood into the design you specify. The deposit will then purchase your lenses when needed and the remaining balance will be applied to the cost of your frames.

Once your frames are completed and I have mounted the lenses into it I would ask for the remaining balance of your frame's cost.

So then your new frames will arrive at your door nicely packed, ensuring no mail accidents. And they will be yours to enjoy from then on.

If you have questions not answered in these ramblings, feel free to contact me.