Boutiquing in Old Pasadena
My parents, hubby and I headed up to L.A. recently to pick up some furniture from my Grandma's to bring home for our house. Grandma's house is not in Pasadena, but it is also not too far so my mom and I went for a drive and a quick shop on Colorado Blvd., the heart of Old Pasadena. The area is gorgeous, somewhat eclectic and an oh so wonderful place to shop til you drop! I could have spent at least 2 full days shopping every store, boutique and gallery in the area. If I lived anywhere near, this is where I would do a very large majority of all my shopping!
Discover treasures Shop in the
AROUND EVERY CORNER SUNSHINE
A little background on Old Pasadena ~ excerpt taken from www.oldpasadena.com
"Historic Old Town Pasadena California is located just minutes from downtown Los Angeles in the beautiful San Gabriel Valley. Bordered by Marengo Ave. on the East and Pasadena Avenue on the West, Old Pasadena stretches from Holly Street on the North to Green Street on the South. Shown below in a photo circa 1928 and to the left as it appears today, is Colorado Boulevard. Better known as the street on which the major portion of the annual Rose Parade takes place, Colorado Boulevard has become the main strip of Old Pasadena and is packed with pedestrians and vehicles nightly. A mecca of entertainment, dining and shopping, Old Pasadena and bordering areas including South Lake Avenue have become increasingly popular as tourist attractions and night spots."
Burlington Arcade - View from the street
Burlington Arcade - Inside view
This adorable arcade reminds me of the historic and lovely passageways in Paris. Called "passages couverts" in French, meaning covered passageways between buildings, there are always wonderful boutiques, antique treasure-troves and delicious delights to be found hiding in a passage couvert.
Dwell Floor Five Furniture
As we were stopped at a light, I snapped this quick picture of Dwell. This wonderful home store offers an eclectic array of furniture, lighting and accessories ranging from modern contemporary to Hollywood regency.
No, this is not Madison Avenue, New York. We are in LA, baby!
Looking north towards the Angeles National Forest
Le Bijou
I loved the name of this jewelers, literally translated it means "the jewel". I didn't have time to stop in but it is probably better that way or else I might have seen my savings depleted in one fell swoop of the debit card! YIKES!
I don't remember where this was exactly but it is a small alley off the main strip. I love the red brick and the mystery of what lies down this little alleyway.
Chico's
One of the many mainstream stores located on Colorado Blvd. Just to list a few others; H&M, Tiffany's, J.Crew, Diesel, Restoration Hardware, Crate & Barrel & Lush... and ladies, this short list is just the tip of the iceberg! {There is a mall further down on Colorado as well!!}
Ella Bella
I enjoyed browsing around this accessory laden boutique. I haven't seen an Ella Bella in San Diego so it was a new find for me. They had loads of everything; jewelry, handbags, clutches, sunglass, hats, scarves, shoes and more. An inexpensive way to add some fun, fashion and color to your wardrobe.
Oh, come on! I had to throw in a palm tree for all of you who do not call Cali home!
Adorable pumps hanging "ballet slipper style" at J. Crew.
Lather
Fun store! All you need to pamper yourself!
Diesel
Boutiques abound on Colorado! Here we see the window display at Diesel's boutique on the main drag.
The Flower Garden
Gorgeous florist we passed on the way south off of Colorado Blvd. I loved the rustic look of the outside of the shop along with the store front lined with pumpkins and beautiful fall flowers.
A little map to give you an idea of where you are
A few restaurant recommendations in Old Pasadena:
* Le Pain Quotidien ~ One of my absolute favorites for breakfast and/or lunch. My hubby and I loved the communal-style seating in Paris and were delighted to find there are quite a few sprinkled locations throughout LA {and NYC if you happen to be there}. Organic breads, delicious spreads, healthy salads, mouth watering tartines, yummy coffee and more! Be sure to spend a lazy morning here enjoying breakfast with a friend or loved one. The people watching isn't bad either!
* Mi Piace ~ Italian bakery, kitchen and lounge. My cousin recently ate there with some friends and said it was delicious.
* The Crêpevine ~ We enjoyed crêpes and coffee for dessert on Saturday night. The ambiance was fabulous in this Parisian-esque bistro and wine bar, complete with a great 2 man band playing lovely instrumental music. Romantic, delicious and lively... the perfect place! I would spend every weekend there if I lived in town.
* Jake's Burger and Billiards ~ This place is right on the corner and can't be missed. I haven't personally had a meal here but I know that this is one of the must-try joints on my dad's list.
Until next time...
Enjoy boutiquing in Old Pasadena {whether in person or virtually}, hug a palm tree and take in some Southern California rays!
Kelli
Enjoying a day au soleil!
Discover treasures Shop in the
AROUND EVERY CORNER SUNSHINE
A little background on Old Pasadena ~ excerpt taken from www.oldpasadena.com
"Historic Old Town Pasadena California is located just minutes from downtown Los Angeles in the beautiful San Gabriel Valley. Bordered by Marengo Ave. on the East and Pasadena Avenue on the West, Old Pasadena stretches from Holly Street on the North to Green Street on the South. Shown below in a photo circa 1928 and to the left as it appears today, is Colorado Boulevard. Better known as the street on which the major portion of the annual Rose Parade takes place, Colorado Boulevard has become the main strip of Old Pasadena and is packed with pedestrians and vehicles nightly. A mecca of entertainment, dining and shopping, Old Pasadena and bordering areas including South Lake Avenue have become increasingly popular as tourist attractions and night spots."
Burlington Arcade - View from the street
Burlington Arcade - Inside viewThis adorable arcade reminds me of the historic and lovely passageways in Paris. Called "passages couverts" in French, meaning covered passageways between buildings, there are always wonderful boutiques, antique treasure-troves and delicious delights to be found hiding in a passage couvert.
Dwell Floor Five Furniture
As we were stopped at a light, I snapped this quick picture of Dwell. This wonderful home store offers an eclectic array of furniture, lighting and accessories ranging from modern contemporary to Hollywood regency.
No, this is not Madison Avenue, New York. We are in LA, baby!
Looking north towards the Angeles National Forest
Le Bijou
I loved the name of this jewelers, literally translated it means "the jewel". I didn't have time to stop in but it is probably better that way or else I might have seen my savings depleted in one fell swoop of the debit card! YIKES!
I don't remember where this was exactly but it is a small alley off the main strip. I love the red brick and the mystery of what lies down this little alleyway.
Chico's
One of the many mainstream stores located on Colorado Blvd. Just to list a few others; H&M, Tiffany's, J.Crew, Diesel, Restoration Hardware, Crate & Barrel & Lush... and ladies, this short list is just the tip of the iceberg! {There is a mall further down on Colorado as well!!}
Ella Bella
I enjoyed browsing around this accessory laden boutique. I haven't seen an Ella Bella in San Diego so it was a new find for me. They had loads of everything; jewelry, handbags, clutches, sunglass, hats, scarves, shoes and more. An inexpensive way to add some fun, fashion and color to your wardrobe.
Oh, come on! I had to throw in a palm tree for all of you who do not call Cali home!
Adorable pumps hanging "ballet slipper style" at J. Crew.
Lather
Fun store! All you need to pamper yourself!
Diesel
Boutiques abound on Colorado! Here we see the window display at Diesel's boutique on the main drag.
The Flower Garden
Gorgeous florist we passed on the way south off of Colorado Blvd. I loved the rustic look of the outside of the shop along with the store front lined with pumpkins and beautiful fall flowers.
A little map to give you an idea of where you are
A few restaurant recommendations in Old Pasadena:
* Le Pain Quotidien ~ One of my absolute favorites for breakfast and/or lunch. My hubby and I loved the communal-style seating in Paris and were delighted to find there are quite a few sprinkled locations throughout LA {and NYC if you happen to be there}. Organic breads, delicious spreads, healthy salads, mouth watering tartines, yummy coffee and more! Be sure to spend a lazy morning here enjoying breakfast with a friend or loved one. The people watching isn't bad either!
* Mi Piace ~ Italian bakery, kitchen and lounge. My cousin recently ate there with some friends and said it was delicious.
* The Crêpevine ~ We enjoyed crêpes and coffee for dessert on Saturday night. The ambiance was fabulous in this Parisian-esque bistro and wine bar, complete with a great 2 man band playing lovely instrumental music. Romantic, delicious and lively... the perfect place! I would spend every weekend there if I lived in town.
* Jake's Burger and Billiards ~ This place is right on the corner and can't be missed. I haven't personally had a meal here but I know that this is one of the must-try joints on my dad's list.
Until next time...
Enjoy boutiquing in Old Pasadena {whether in person or virtually}, hug a palm tree and take in some Southern California rays!
Kelli
Enjoying a day au soleil!
Posted by Kelli Djulus at 11/13/2008 11:45 AM 
Categories: Travel, Los Angeles, California, Shopping, Apparel
Categories: Travel, Los Angeles, California, Shopping, Apparel
I also recommend Twin Palms in Old Pasadena for Sunday brunch. It's such a beautiful town.
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HI Kelli! I love Pasadena! It's one of my faves, luckily, I'm close enough to stop in every so often. Back in my college days it's where we all hung out! I love the flea market too, every 2nd Sunday of the month & South Pas has some great antique & vintage stores...FUN!!! You're going to have to visit Grandma some more to go shopping all of the time! Have a great day, Thanks for the lovely & fun post!
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Over from SITS...cute blog!
Looks like you had a great time...wish I could go there like right now, hehe! Never been to Cali but need to go & hopefully will soon.
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I love this Pasadena post! I wish we had been able to spend more time up there. Mother and daughter trip soon?
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This is great!
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'it's a long, long way to Pasadena' - especially for me!
wish i could have a look - it looks like a very cool place with so much to see and do. xv
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This looks like so much fun! I'll have to try and get there the next time we visit family in southern California.
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Hi Kelli!
I decided to visit your blog and I had so much fun! I love these pictures of Pasadena! It brought back so many wonderful memories. I lived right off of Lake Ave which is right by Colorado Blvd. Thanks for the walk down memory lane!!
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Hi Michelle, I'm so glad you stopped by! I must say you lived in a fabulous area and I am sure you miss the life, shopping and ongoing excitement in Old Pasadena. Hope to see you soon,
Kelli
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Hi Kelli...
I lived in Banker's Hill for 11 years... and before that a little all over ... I moved from L.A. to S.D. to attend UCSD in '83-- class of '89- Muir College.. I worked for years as a teacher for SanDiego Unified... I have tons of friends all over SD so it's possible we've traveled in the same circles.. I practically lived at La Jolla Pannikan (cafe') in the mid 80s to mid 90s... And I used to go to Cafe' Sevilla ALL the time- Brasilian nights, esp.... !!!!
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Wow!!! I love all the fun things you did, places you lived and now your life in France! It must be great!
I lived in SD until I moved to Paris in 2000. I studied here, worked at George's at the Cove, danced and dreamed about France!
Well, we will have to meet up next year when the hubby and I are in France... I definitely want to spend a day in Antony. I can't tell you how many times I walked from his apartment to the RER; it took 15-20 mins!!!!!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving!!
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