Capitola Avenue Boasts Designer Sunglasses

Until about a month ago, the sunglasses shop Vanity by the Sea was located in the old Mercantile building in Capitola Village. But in February, it not only moved to the main stretch of storefronts on Capitola Avenue, it also became the only designer sunglasses vendor in the Village, as the has shut down.

"Business has been good," said Justyna Zimkowski, who owns the store with her husband, Bo. "We're getting many more locals in than we used to get, which is really nice to see." 

The Zimkowskis said they moved from the Mercantile building, where they had been for two years, "mainly for the location," and they are excited to be in the new, more exposed space.

The couple painted the walls a vibrant yellow, which glows from the sunlight coming through the windows, and from the brightly-lit display cases which Bo installed along both walls and in the window.

Zimkowski is particularly proud of the new Ray-Ban summer collection in the store. 

"When somebody buys a pair we want to make sure they are happy. We make sure the sunglasses fit their face, and if not we can make the adjustments," said Zimkowski, who said they began selling just Ray-Bans, and are now the number one retailer in California for their selection and volume.

Although the price reads $148, they are selling for 10 percent off, along with the entire selection of Ray-Bans. You can't find Ray-Bans at this price anywhere locally, and orders made remotely get free shipping.

On top of size adjustment, customers can take their expensive glasses to get repaired at Vanity by the Sea, should they break or need a new part. Bo Zimkowski is also working on his certification to fit people with prescription glasses.

In one corner, Justyna has set up a Bellá Pierre cosmetics station, stocked with the high-end mineral powders, brushes and eyeshadows. She helps customers find the right colors for them, and also does makeup for customers's events.

"We love working with people. The best part is when customers come in and then they come back with their friends or family," she said.

Vanity by the Sea also carries sunglasses by Oakley, Coach, Maui Jim, Revo and Arnette. 

Bo and Justyna moved from Poland about six years ago, and went into the sunglasses business after learning about it from a successful friend who was doing the same. The new storefront has added an optimistic tone to their future plans. 

"It's been hard from the beginning," she said. "We want to settle down here, and now I think we'll stay longer. I think this is the place."

Vanity By the Sea is at 215 Capitola Avenue, and is open seven days a week.