Pasadena Shopping

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Nothing but sunglasses, well, also a few reading glasses. All the designer brands ie. Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Gucci, Burberry, Oakley, Ray Bans and more. Sunglasses can run $50 up to $300. Not bad compared to prices in Paris where designer sunglasses can cost you $2,000 at the Galeries Lafayette.

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I thought this is unique, why? How many city halls have a souvenir shops? Not many and you get to walk into the building to see more.

Located on the second floor in room S228, they have T-shirts, posters, mugs, puzzles, tiles, postcards, tote bags and holiday ornaments. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted.

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If you need stuff for the kitchen, this is a wonderful store to check out. They don't have everything but what they do have is very good quality. Dishes, linens, glasses, serving dishes, etc. They also have furniture but I'm not so crazy about it. Crate and Barrel can be found in various cities through SoCal and the rest of the United States.

Here is a book and unique gift shop lover paradise. Even if you don't like to read, you'll enjoy the ambience of the place as a great place to meet up with friends or for a date.) The indie Vroman's has a rather sizeable collection of books, often featuring rare and eccentric titles. If you can't find what you're looking for here, they probably just had it or have the capability to order it. If books aren't your thing, how about a calendar, decorative coffee mug or fancy lotion bottle? There is such a variety of quirky and dainty elegant gift items are for sale here. You must come in to see all it has to offer.
Note:
Vroman's is a 2 story building.
bargain area
See general tip for more on Vroman's

I'm not too fond of this particular jewelry store (myself) but I see lots of people shopping here. I go in every once in a while to check out what they have. Sometimes, they have something very nice but it usually cost way too much!

A Virtual Tourist fave shop in Pasadena is Distant Lands. This is a huge shop that makes me feel as if I am traveling on a fabulous tripwithout moving. This is place has wall-to-wall gorgeous and info-packed books on world destinations, culture and customs. If visiting Pasadena, you may want to drop by and check out local books of interest or get some item needed during your trip (map, travel kit, etc). Often, there are authors coming in the shop to discuss their books or about general travel-related topics. Check the elaborate website of the shop below with an updated schedule of events.

Other info:

Monday - Thursday
10:30 am - 8:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday
10:30 am - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday
11:00 am - 6:00 p.m.

What to buy: travel books of world and local destinations, various travel gear from detailed maps, backpacks, luggage, stationary, clothing and much MUCH more

What to pay: a few dollars to a hundred

Just love this store! Not only do they carry fashionable women's clothing, they also sell kitchen ware, bedding, books, candles, bathing goodies, perfume and jewelry. They don't sell purses. I know because this particular day I was shopping for one and didn't see ANY.

It's a neat store with unique items that you probably would find at most stores. There are several Anthropologies throughout the USA but not so many that you have one in every city. Twenty-three of them in the entire state of California.

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Chocolate Store and Coffee Bar, this is not the best I ever had but it certainly is better than anything else in the Los Angeles area when it comes to chocolate. The marzipan is a disappointment so don't have that. But the truffles are wonderful and some of the chocolate hazelnut morsels are fantastic!

Buying any chocolate from this store will set you back a pretty penny! It's not cheap. Six pieces will cost you about $8.