BEST BAZAAR
South Pas shop Marz is a one stop shop for your gifting needs. Discover rare treasures curated by style mongers, apothecaries, inventors, artists, and mischief makers of all things curious—including cases of organic, hand milled French soaps, artisan crafted scents and oils, daily and seasonal paper goods, to handmade pottery, jewelry dishes, baby gifts, and worldly textiles.
BEST EAST COAST STYLE IN THE WEST
The Bloke fills a void in Pasadena’s retail scene, with its curated selection of Anglo-Ivy and mod-centric wares for men (think ready-to-wear, bespoke suits, jackets, and shirts, bench-made shoes from the U.K., accessories, and even records, books, and novelty items). Among the many brands gracing the racks and shelves are Alden shoes, Drake’s ties, Rowing Blazers, Fred Perry classics, and much more. 380 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena
BEST GIFTING GO-TO
San Marino’s Port O’Call is a one-stop shop for gifts of all kinds, from luxury homewares and jewelry to bath products, fine stationery, and a menagerie of eclectic goodies from nearly 50 brands and designers, including Shinola (watches), Baccarat (crystal tableware and accessories), and Cire Trudon (candles). We certainly wouldn’t mind picking up a present or two for ourselves. 2650 Mission St., San Marino
BEST GREEN-THUMB INSPIRATION
Folia Collective is a modern nursery with Instagram-worthy wares. The gorgeous greenery throughout the store is enough to inspire horticulturists and would-be gardeners alike. Shop a wide range of indoor plants, tools, and accessories, including ceramic pots and luxe watering cans. Even if gardening isn’t your thing, the blackest of thumbs can still appreciate a cheeky “best fronds” pun—er, pin set. 5117 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles
BEST WAY TO SEE CLEARLY AND STYLISHLY
For more than 30 years, South Pasadena’s Old Focals optical boutique has been providing vintage, new, and custom-made eyewear to the top prop masters and costumers in film, television, and stage. With experience and knowledge earned from working with Hollywood film and TV productions, founder Russ Campbell designs sought-after eyewear for men and women that combines high quality, vintage style, and affordability. 1110 Mission St., South Pasadena
BEST NOT-YOUR-NONNA’S PASTA
Pasadenans don’t have to venture far for a taste of Italy. Semolina Artisanal Pasta, owned and operated by founder Leah Ferrazzani, specializes in traditional handcrafting of organic dried pastas, from classics like rigatoni and fusilli to harder-to-find shapes like ditalini and strozzapreti. Small batches using certified U.S.-grown organic durum semolina and water are bronze-cut, then slow-dried at low temperatures to preserve the natural flavor of the wheat. 1976 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena
BEST NEW OLD STYLE
The women’s fashions at north Pasadena’s colorful Sidecca boutique are retro, whimsical, and 100 percent wearable. From vintage-inspired to fun, contemporary styles of clothing, shoes, and accessories at attainable prices, Sidecca’s offerings are coveted by Bettie Page and Zooey Deschanel types alike. Look for cute Retrolicious mommy-and-me dresses and irreverent Blue Q gifts, too. 1389 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena
BEST HOME FURNISHINGS
Cozy Stylish Chic is a full-service design firm and boutique owned by luxury interior designer Jeanne Chung, who’s known for her eclectic aesthetic that bridges classic design principles with a modern twist. The shop is a reflection of Chung’s take on design, so you can score from her mix of vintage finds, fabrics, and wallcoverings, and furniture/accessories that are trending in the home furnishings market. 89 W. Dayton St., Pasadena
BEST PLACE TO STOCK UP FOR AN IN-HOME SPA DAY
Ideal for gifting or self-pampering, the collection of soaps and scents available at Lather are perfect for an in-home spa day. Made without synthetic perfumes or artificial ingredients, all the products at this modern apothecary have become synonymous with wellness and holistic, natural skin- and hair-care solutions. There’s also a custom blending bar where you can create a personalized blend of essential oils. 17 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
BEST CHANCE TO REVIVE SNAIL MAIL
Texting and email are our go-to communication, but you’ll want to reconsider snail mail (yes, it still exists) after perusing Smitten on Paper in Monrovia, where you’ll discover darling designs for stationery and invitations, as well as paper goods and greeting cards. The shop also offers a series of creative workshops such as brush lettering and modern calligraphy. 114 E. Lemon Ave., Monrovia
BEST CHAPEAU SHOP
Altadena’s Wellema Hat Co. specializes in bespoke hats made with old-world craftsmanship and standards to ensure optimum quality. Despite having designed for Hollywood heavy hitters and musicians, there’s nothing flashy or gimmicky about owner Cody Wellema’s approach to the craft that ensures each hat is hand-stitched to perfection. 837 E. Mariposa St., Altadena
BEST OASIS
Luxury is amplified at the renowned Chuan Spa at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, an “oasis of tranquility” where guests can indulge in treatments based on the ancient traditions of the Far East. The spa’s service menu offers an ample selection of pampering opportunities, from hair and nail services to massage, scrubs, and body treatments. There’s also an entire section dedicated to soothing facial care. 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena
BEST SUSTAINABLE SPA
Cote d’Azur combines quality body work, energy therapy, and time-honored indigenous practices to create the ultimate spa retreat. It’s also a certified green facility: water usage is limited, and treatments source only natural, sustainable ingredients, many of which (rosemary, sage, lavender, and mint) come directly from an on-site herb garden. Its name alone inspires a vacation-like atmosphere, making it easy to forget that you’re just minutes away from busy Old Town. 41 W. Bellevue Drive, Pasadena
BEST VIBRATIONS
Sound healing’s origins go back thousands of years, from Australian aboriginal culture to ancient Greece and Egypt. Tibetan singing bowls are still used in meditative rituals today, as are Indian tantric traditions that stress the importance of vibration in regulating the body’s chakras. The Sound Bath Center hosts “a concert for the soul” with gongs and sound bowls vibrating in a manner that relaxes the body and calms the mind. 4688 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles
BEST BLOWOUT
For a dress-to-impress occasion, you need the right ’do. Head to Pasadena’s Drybar, so far the best-kept secret for a perfect blowout. Select your desired style from the creative menu and get ready for your close-up. Choose from looks like the Old Fashioned (Hollywood-style waves), Straight Up (Drybar’s signature straight blowout), and Dirty Martini (tousled and textured). There’s even the Shirley Temple for the 10 and under crowd. 146 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena
EASIEST WAY TO BREAK A SWEAT
At Shape House, you can work up a sweat without working out. Beds are heated to 150 degrees Fahrenheit using an infrared heat system that penetrates through skin and muscle. Most people find the first 20 minutes relaxing, but the final stretch can be quite challenging. However, it’s over that last stretch that you begin to reap the rewards—including burning up to 800 to 1,600 calories! 1169 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena
BEST KID SPA
Pamper your little princess (or prince) at The Royal Spa, an indulgent salon designed just for kids. Rest easy knowing that for its royal manicures, pedicures, and facials, the spa uses only the highest-quality organic and chemical-free products to keep your child healthy and free from chemicals and toxins. Glam packages with pink robes, music, and other goodies are great for parties and special occasions. 1854 Corson St., Pasadena
BEST PLACE TO BE ALONE
At Pasadena’s Just Float, billed as North America’s largest sensory deprivation tank facility, an hour of absolute solitude will have you feeling refreshed and reenergized. You’ll float in a soundless, pitch-black tank of Epsom salt-infused water the same temperature as your skin. Brain wave studies have confirmed that time in a sensory deprivation tank can elicit a “theta brain wave state” similar to that achieved through well-practiced meditation. 76 N. Hudson Ave., Pasadena
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