Best of Pasadena 2024: Top Spots to Shop

Vroman’s

View the original article to see embedded media.

Stop by the Playhouse Village’s flagship bookstore to sip a “Paradise Sauced” at The 1894—a literary bar named after this indie bookselling legend’s founding date—before trolling the shelves for the staff’s reading recommendations. With a second floor packed with children’s books and toys, and a wide selection of classic fiction and non-fiction, Vroman’s is a story lover’s dream. vromansbookstore.com

Gorjana

This airy One Colorado jewelry store drops dainty gold pieces at two primary price points: solid 14-karat items in the $165–$200 range, and 18-karat plated pieces for $65–$70. Both glimmer brilliantly in the SoCal sun and beg to be layered. gorjana.com

Lost Books

Journey to The Last Bookstore’s sister shop in Montrose and lose yourself in a spellbinding labyrinth of books, vinyl, and tropical plants. The handmade shelves, under a ceiling of moss, showcase new titles, old classics, and used books, which make the verdant adventure feel like a treasure hunt. @lostbooksla

Nix Marie

View the original article to see embedded media.

This Montrose boutique stocks mainly American-made finds that co-owner Amanda Nix calls “stylish, but as easy to throw on as your favorite old T-shirt.” With kindred jewelry, candles, lotions and bags also on hand, you’ll delight in treating yourself—or a friend. nixmarie.com

Gold Bug

Walking into Gold Bug is like Alice in Wonderland -ing onto the shelf of a giant curio cabinet. Natural history specimens, sparkling fine jewelry, and sui generis prints by inventive indie artists elevate the odd and reward the bold, meaning this is where you go for that wildly cool thing you won’t find anywhere else. goldbugpasadena.com

Tuck Pasadena

Mary C. Hodgen used to combat the cookie-cutter redundancy of department stores by selling haute hand-picked women’s clothing from her garage. Today, the erudite industry veteran (“Tuck” is her maiden name), does so from this more formal operation on Green Street, with unique pieces from small, very fine European and American lines. tuckpasadena.com

Serafina

View the original article to see embedded media.

At Corina Limon Madilian’s lifestyle haven in San Marino’s Mission Village, you’ll find racks of “California chic” clothes, plus jewelry, accessories, and even presents for newborns. Her staff relishes building enduring relationships with clients and are keen to flag incoming pieces they think will elevate your wardrobe. shopserafina.com

HöMAGE

Jill Pearson’s hip HöMAGE, part of the Shops on Fair Oaks Avenue, hawks eye-catching goodies crafted by prized small businesses. With colorful mushroom lamps, cute ceramic cats, a gleefully punny photobook of snails, and Pearson’s own handmade pearl lariats, you can find gifts for anyone. homagepasadena.com

Jenette Bras

These bras support D-cups and above for those “who were previously invisible to the mainstream stores,” says founder and Aliens actress Jenette Goldstein. She also refers to them as “the overdeveloped and underserved.” Head to her mid-century modern Old Pasadena spot for a fitting and a light-as-air lace blessing from France, best described as “magic.” jenettebras.com