Collectors Spotlight - December 2007 - oogie
Age: 39 / Seattle, WA
oogie: paul mcj





Fifteen years. My first Oakley eyewear purchase came seventeen years ago … but I would guess it's actually my second pair of eyewear that started the ‘collector' status.







I would say it pretty much grew over time. My first pair was followed up by a second a couple years later – at which point you realize, "Why not a third, fourth or fifth after that?" Once you have broken through the "Why do you need more than one pair of sunglasses" barrier, there is really no reason to stop. But my roots in purchasing more pairs of Oakley are in the late Blade, mid M-Frame, Zero and Eye Jacket eras (circa early 90's). In the beginning, my world of Oakley was pretty much limited to the eyewear.

I think the other contributing factor to getting into collecting Oakley is some sub-conscience personality issue. I would say I'm a very entertaining fellow to those that know me well. But I'm an otherwise pretty reserved and shy guy socially. So the Oakley obsession provides me with an outlet to display a little loud individuality without having to say anything.








First pair was a Black/Orange Iridium Blade purchased in July of 1990 at Cleanline Surf Shop on the Oregon Coast. It was one of those vacation self-indulgent splurge sort of purchases. However, I was quickly pulled into the unique Oakley marketing verbiage on the box and warranty card. I really thought those High Definition Optics would allow me to see better – so I spent much of the rest of vacation peering into the forests as we drove along, convinced I could somehow see something more in the shadows.







I don't know if I have any looming Oakley regret. There has certainly been a bit of a learning curve to my world of Oakley collecting and certain events that I regret. I regret losing (due to theft) the Art Chantry Hijinx two weeks after I was given them during the launch party. I regret not working it out with Bill to ensure he ended up with his Brown Juliet when I was lucky enough to come across a pair. There are plenty of eBay regrets (or maybe just frustrating annoyances) when I consider bids that didn't make it on time or were too low.







This Q4 of 2007 has been fast and furious for me – particularly compared to a relatively subdued first part of the year. I have a FOOSE, Soviet Hijinx and chromy Supreme Frogskin on order. And something tells me there will be more in the way of the Artist Series or Limited Editions by the end of the year. I haven't seen it, but I'm sure that London Police happy condom figures will be a lovely next Artist Series purchase in the near future.







Hmm, I don't really have a prized jewel in my collection. I am definitely the worst ‘collector' as far as a collection goes. I consider each and every pair in my collection on the block wearable – so nothing is really reserved just for show in a display. To that end, I would say most of my prized Oakley items would fall under those Artist Series, Limited Editions, and classic vintage or unique colorways. I certainly joined the Total_O fan club in the heyday of factory customs and ended up with what I would consider my fair share of custom Spike, Bottlecap, Gascan, Ruby Clear and Oil Drum customs.







I started off with just a simple Ikea wall unit that had three glass shelves. That offered plenty of room until I found this site. Shortly thereafter I added a larger ten-shelf Ikea display – one that has been popular with a few others here on the review. Over the past twelve months or so, I have been lucky enough to ‘score' a few towers either from Craigslist or personal connections. As it stands now, the collection resides in one Double-wide and two Single Towers.







I give special consideration to Cleanline Surf Shop in Seaside, Oregon. Besides being where I purchased my first pair seventeen years ago, they have always been great about getting any of the Bloc or Limited Editions for me (plus, they always toss candy in the box!). In addition to Cleanline, I have been lucky enough that Oakley has put in 2 O-Stores and a Vault within decent driving distance over the past three years. My other fav would be Sunglass Club, which is one of the outlet Icon stores – they tend to get in some unique DE items from time to time and give me a call when shipments come in.







Yes, but nowhere near the caliber of many on the review. I like to think that I was among some of the early customizers – but my skills have remained awfully marginal and I haven't done nearly as many pieces as others. I think I'm more comfortable in trying to cut lenses to fit then to play with switching icons or painting icons and frames. I quickly found that I just didn't have enough spare lenses and frames lying around to start chopping them all up.







I have a fairly decent shoe collection at about thirty pairs. I HAD a decent watch collection at seven watches until so many of you went watch crazy – and now I'm hardly a spec on the Oakley watch collection radar. Wallets, lanyards, flight decks, card holders, key chains …. I think I enjoy just about all Oakley products. Probably the golf, snow and electronic product lines are ones I have just never delved into much.







Oh boy, I'm so one-dimensional! Oakley Oakley Oakley. I guess I love my family and all – wife and kid hold their own. I enjoy the sport of ice hockey – and often curse myself out that I started so late in life (just the past six years or so). But that's it. See, boooooring.







I would say to let your own passion, whatever form that might take, drive your Oakley collection. You don't have to get a Ruby Juliet if you don't want to! Don't run yourself into debt and financial ruin with this Oakley thing – you'll only end up selling the stuff to help recoup the costs … and where has that left you? Share your passion for Oakley with those around you – it's fun. Giving respect and kindness to those on the O-Review is your best bet for future love and happiness in your Oakley endeavors. Be nice to staff at retail stores – no need to be snobby about who knows more about Oakley.







I'm pretty sure we all share this as a similar experience. People think you're crazy. But, a good kind of crazy. You are quickly known as "The Oakley Guy". People learn to identify you with the Oakley brand. Co-workers play with it and tell those not in the know, "Guess how many pairs of sunglasses Paul has?" The only folks that really stump me are those that follow up with "Why?" I know there isn't a way to explain it to them, so I just say that everyone has to have something!







I think the Art Chantry Hijinx release party in Seattle was a top notch memory. Never before had I been presented with an opportunity to attend an event specifically designed to celebrate Oakley. I was pumped to go, I was pumped to receive a free pair and it was great to receive and pass on some of the freebies to other members. I was thrilled at the opportunity to talk Oakley all night long, but the only downer was that I was certainly in the minority here, as most folks there were motivated by the free drinks, music and food.







The O-Review certainly is a catalyst for much of our drive and passion for the Oakley brand. Therefore, all the thanks and respect go out to the mods and admins of this site that make this possible on a daily basis.

I am honored at the notion of the Collector Spotlight. Personally, I think my collection is a sloppy mess of crap that interests me. There is no collecting for collections sake. There is no focus or completed product lines. I certainly admire those of you that have a niche or specific interest to focus on. Nonetheless, it's humbling to be in the Spotlight – so be kind!

Lastly, some random personal thoughts on the O-Review: There is such a great collection of people here, please do what you can to turn a good favor for one another. Doing deals with one another is good, profiting from deals with one another (directly or indirectly) is bad. The personalities and trust factor on the Review is so great – I'm continually amazed at the lengths I don't think twice before going to for a stand-up member of The Review.







posted by Dann
 
 
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jbigelow
male gigolo
Nov 12, 2013 12:12 AM
CONGRATS on the spread OOGIE!!!!!!

It was pleasure reading about ya and geting to know ya!
warwagon
Mike Bahr
Nov 12, 2013 12:12 AM
Another brilliant Spotlight. very well written Oogie with some very wise words, and a pleasure to learn more about you, even more so since you have been such an awesome help to me only recently. Most truly deserved.
ifynanceu
Nov 12, 2013 12:12 AM
Nice write up Paul...Good to see you made it in there and what a nice display of art series pair. Such awesome words of wisdom too!
crmnjst
Now go home and get your shine box.
Nov 12, 2013 12:12 AM
Nice man collection nice read man, good to see that like most of us you have also infected your family with this Oakley craze!
BronzeT
R G
Nov 12, 2013 12:12 AM
This is the first time ive seen your collection in all its glory.Very Nice and congratulations!!
TheVault
Eric Arsenault
Nov 12, 2013 12:12 AM
I loved your Spotlight Paul, well done ! I hope you can experience another lauch or special Oaley party, they are memories that saty with you for a long time.

Great to have you with us.
Rick
Rick (The Doctor) Fawcett
Nov 12, 2013 12:12 AM
Paul is one of the nicest guys I have ever met and I am glad to see him in the Spotlight for this month. I must say, he is way too humble when it comes to his collection. He claims to be a "lesser collector", but I don't know how he can justify that since his collection is loaded with amazing pieces, and his display is beyond reproach. I thoroughly enjoyed your survey responses Oogie as well as all your family pics. You have a great sense of humor and you are a true asset to the OR community.
fullback
M N
Nov 12, 2013 12:12 AM
Congrats on being this month's spotlight collector. It was nice getting to know you more through your responses.Keep on rocking dude!
BiGCoB
Francois C
Nov 12, 2013 12:12 AM
Very nice spotlight with excellent pictures of you and you're familly.
bong
Wilson Ng
Nov 12, 2013 12:12 AM
great spotlight from one of the most helpful members on the Review. congrats Josh!
bong
Wilson Ng
Nov 12, 2013 12:12 AM
wow... look at all those Chantry bags! great words, Paul, and another excellent spotlight.
american image
science wrapped in art dealer
Nov 12, 2013 12:12 AM
i enjoyed reading your story paul , and i think your collection is great , so no humble-ness for you !
great pictures, nice family ...

keep it up, and pass the virus of the O on to your children.
yelkao
Dan
Nov 12, 2013 12:12 AM
Paul you are a class act! You collection, pics, your humbleness and insight are an inspiration. It's great to see someone with such an awesome collection as yours being so down to earth. Congratulations and great work!!
O-AFX
Archer O
Nov 12, 2013 12:12 AM
A very well deserved addtion to the collectors spotlight. Thank you for sharing your collection and words with us all. Many happy oakley times in your future...
Iwan
Iwan
Nov 12, 2013 12:12 AM
Certainly one of the better written Spotlights. And I just love the picture of the little guy with the Flight Deck Helmet, hilarious. Keep up the good work!
Tick
sees you
Nov 12, 2013 12:12 AM
Great spotlight & great write-up! Congrats dude. The pic with the Medusa & your baby, however, is one of the freakiest pics I've ever seen on here
DisturbedEarth
Nik Gutscher
Nov 12, 2013 12:12 AM
Great Spotlight Paul! Oogie is well known through out the O land in Seattle!
DoctorCrip
Steve Weinraub
Nov 12, 2013 12:12 AM
Congrats on a great Collectors Spotlight. I enjoyed learning about you and your collection, as well as reading your words of wisdom on Oakley collecting. Keep up the great work and I look forward to speaking with you and hopefully learning more about you in the future. My best to you and your family.
fin7
Bryan Fin7
Nov 12, 2013 12:12 AM
Excellent stuff Paul. And so well deserved. A man who knows what's important in life and still finds time to collect Oakley. A great member. Well done!
OsmosisJones
Justin "Scorpion Zero" Jones
Nov 12, 2013 12:12 AM
I love your current set up! That looks to class with the Double-Wide in the middle and the two singles on the sides to even it out. I would kill for your collection. Great words of wisdom as well. Keep up the good work and the great modesty.
cycling-pablo
Paul Sollenberger
Nov 12, 2013 12:12 AM
Amazing spotlight, I remember a few trades back when I first came around and you helped me out, thanks for being another one of the great members/family/friends of the OR!
 
 
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