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Stunner of the Month Sunglasses in South Africa
Swell your shades collection with the help of SA’s latest virtual subscription-based store
With the February 2013 launch of online subscription-based sunglasses company Stunner of the Month in South Africa, fly Capetonians can now look forward to stuntin’ (rapper terminology for ‘flaunting’) a different pair of flashy shades every 30 days.
Started back in 2009 in the US by a group of San Francisco-based friends, the virtual business sends all fashion-forward fans who’ve enrolled on their website (Stunnerofthemonth.com) a new set of swag eyewear every month for a highly affordable fee (roughly R140 a month, including shipping).
Though it began rather organically as a way to simply swap and share uber-funky specs amongst mates, the venture now supplies thousands of eager members around the globe with a dozen carefully selected one-of-a-kind sunglasses a year, all conveniently and timeously delivered to your doorstep.
And now, with the project officially set up in Cape Town, a city that co-founder Ari Heavner says “vibrates on [his] frequency” and is “definition stunner”, Mother City dwellers too have easy access to their vast collection, which boasts over 400 (and counting) distinct styles.
The founding friends have travelled the world to slowly build their inventory, sourcing bling sunglasses from as far and wide as China, Mexico, South America and Europe, so those who sign up can rest assured they’ll receive unique pairs that are nothing like anything available on Mzansi shores (every set also comes with its own quirky story). What’s more, as the company uses a ‘secret’ algorithm to determine exactly which specs to send members every cycle, new owners can look forward to arrivals bound to be strikingly different in colour and style from those delivered before.
While anyone can benefit from a constant flow of showy shades to keep things fresh, express their inner fashionista and turn heads out on the streets, part of the appeal also lies in the sheer pleasure that comes with regularly receiving a surprise parcel in the post.
“No one gets anything fun in the mail anymore, just boring bills,” asserts Ari, who’s one of the few lucky people in this world to have successfully turned a passion into a profession, “so it also adds a bit of excitement every month.”
Needless to say, a short-term subscription to the company also makes for a fab present for that special someone, and the company does offer a 3-month, 6-month or 12-month gift option (simply register on their website).
Though, with the wide range of OTT eye-catching gems available in their collection, with top-notch customer service and with the convenience, novelty and affordability of their offering, Stunner of the Month is certainly something you’ll want to invest in for yourself too (especially if you consider yourself a member of Cape Town’s cool community).
Tip: While shades are certainly their speciality, the company also sells a few other stunner-related products – think T-shirts, sunglasses racks, beer koozies and slap bracelets. Though not available on an open-ended subscription basis like the shades, these items can be bought from their online store at Stunmo.com.
The Bill: While all their shades are flashy and funky, Stunner of the Month specialises in cheap eyewear. Prices are quoted in dollars on their site but shouldn’t amount to more than about R140 a month, delivery to SA included. Only credit cards are accepted for payment.
www.stunnerofthemonth.com
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Eager to learn about other virtual shopping options available in Cape Town? Have a look at our overview of top online stores in South Africa.
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