A League of Our Own |  The way it’s always been | Culinary conundrum

Light up the night  | All that glitters … | Worlds of Service   

Owner of one of the fairest visages around, Ellie Copperbottom lives next door to the League of S.T.E.A.M. manor and is privy to those secret powers that can transform an ordinary girl into a vision of loveliness. During her time with the League, Ellie has demonstrated she’d much rather stay at home than go out on adventures with “the guys.” Still, her penchant for all things beautiful and glittering has enticed and entrapped villainous spooks in the past who could not help but fall victim to her cunning ways.

When it comes to finding knock-‘em-dead accessories and wardrobes that create the ultimate picture of style and taste, Ellie is the expert. 

So with little more than a word by way of dispatch from Lady Ameliorette Potts, she was off—instantly engaged in a quest to check out the long list of nominees suggested by readers for Best Shopping venues in the area. 

Her search took her through the streets of Old Pasadena, Northeast Pasadena and to cities beyond, where merchants have dedicated their lives and livelihoods to meeting the ever-changing needs of their customers. 

Once she had completed her mission, Ellie Copperbottom returned to the League headquarters, resplendent in a head-to-toe wardrobe, locally procured jewelry and with her hair and nails arranged in the latest styles. More than that, she was excited to report the results of her labor to Lady Potts, as she had personally wondered who would win the titles of Best Hardware Store and Best Antiques. With members next door courting trouble on a daily basis, after all, a girl never knows when she’ll be asked to help keep the neighborhood from falling into complete chaos.

Best Antiques
Pasadena Antique Mall
309 E. Green St., Pasadena
(626) 304-9886
Tired of your old stuff? How about someone else's even older stuff? The Pasadena Antique Mall has the best gently used, magnificently restored items in Pasadena, according to readers. Located in Paseo Colorado, shoppers who pass through the unassuming store front find a labyrinth full of furniture, clothing, accessories, books, costumes and decor that can't be found anywhere else. Look for them on facebook.

Reader Recommended:
Novotny's
2552 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626)577-9660 | www.novotnysantiques.com

Pink Plum
2580 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626)584-0046


Best Art/Framing Store
United Picture & Frame Co.
2295 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 796-0970 | www.unitedpictureframe.com 
Whether you've got to take care of your Mona Lisa or your beloved "Hang in there, Baby!" kitten poster, custom framing can cost a pretty penny, especially if you aren't conscientious about the styles you choose. Luckily, the staff at United can help you select a design and frame that will keep you within your budget and suit your personal tastes. Founded in 1959, United Picture & Frame Co. prides itself on good service and unbeatable craftsmanship.

Reader Recommended:
El Molino Gallery
1037 E. Green St., Pasadena
(626)795-4295

Best Auto Dealer
Rusnak Auto Group, Headquarters
25072 Redlands Blvd., Loma Linda
(909) 796-1600 | www.rusnakautogroup.com 
Owner Paul Rusnak opened his first store in 1966 because he loved European sports cars and wanted to expand the American market for classy automobiles. Even then, he recognized the incredible potential in the Southern California auto market and has since offered more than 32 different makes of vehicles, foreign and domestic. Today, Rusnak Auto Group consists of 11 locations offering nine different makes.

Reader Recommended:
Honda of Pasadena
1965 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena
(888) 829-4089 | www.hondaofpasadena.com

Symes Automotive Group
3475 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 689-4386 | www.symespasadena.com

Thorson Motor Center
3456 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 795-8851 | www.thorsonmotorcenter.com


Best Bicycle Shop
Pasadena Cyclery
1670 E. Walnut St., Pasadena
(626) 795-2866 | www.pasadenacyclery.com 
Have you ever gone into a bike shop looking for one particular part, in one particular size, and walked away empty-handed? This is not a likely scenario at Pasadena Cyclery, a store that includes all that you'd ever need in addition to a service department. On the company's Web site, you will find not only information on classes and products, from bikes to parts to tubes, but also different buyer's guides and a list of local bike trails, complete with maps - a cyclist's dream!

Reader Recommended:
Velo
2562 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 304-0064 | www.velopasadena.com

Steve's Bike Shop
859 E. Mariposa St., Altadena
(626) 798-8703 | www.stevesbikeshopaltadena.com


Best Bridal/Tux Shop
Mary Linn's Bridal
82 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena
(626) 585-8200 | www.marylinn.com 
Dresses - wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses, mother of the bride dresses, evening and prom dresses-this is the bread and butter of Mary Linn's Bridal, where friendly staff members help see you through the sometimes perilous journey of selecting a style that will sing on that special day. Here, expert alterations are provided on site, although purchases can be made over the phone, email or in person. Hint: Go online to get the 411 on trunk sales and designer shows in the area.


Best Costume Shop
StarMakers
Costumes & Vintage
1380 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena
(626) 797-6384 | www.starmakerscostumes.com 
If you want to live on the edge this Halloween, hit up Wal-Mart at 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 30, pick through the thoroughly pawed wigs and scraps of fishnets and spend the night explaining just what you are. If you're smart, go to StarMakers Costumes & Vintage, where you will find a grab bag of unique and fairly affordable costumes, clothing and props for sale or rent. Watch heads turn when you show those 15 sexy witches who's boss! Note: The shop is open year-round to supply those, ahem, kinkier needs.

Reader Recommended:
Pok A Dots Costumes
115 E. Huntington Drive, Arcadia
(626) 445-0254 | www.pokadotscostumes.com


Best Electronics/Cameras
Samy's Camera
41 E. Walnut St., Pasadena
(805) 963-7269 | www.samys.com 
Have you picked up a newspaper in the past year, or watched TV? If so, you've likely encountered Samy's Camera, eager to share news of its amazing weekly specials. If you're in need of electronics - they've got much more than just cameras - consider Samy's, which recently celebrated its 35th anniversary. In addition to solid deals on equipment, camcorders, printers and studio lighting, some locations hold classes, including "Shoot soccer like a pro," "Beauty & portrait retouching and "Album cover production start to finish."



Best Eyewear
Linden Optometry
477 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 796-1191 | www.lindenoptometry.com 
With more than 10,000 frames in stock, including high-end names like Coach, Cartier and Versace, Linden Optometry brokers in chic, not geek. They accept all major kinds of insurance and will help you find a pair in the plan that will look so hot, sighted folks will run amok trying to bite your style. You can get an eye exam seven days a week (though you'll likely stop after the first) and until 8 p.m. on weeknights.

Reader Recommended:
Specstacular
13 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena
(626) 584-5859

Old Focals
45 W. Green St., Pasadena
(626) 793-7073 | www.facebook.com/OldFocals


Best Farmers' Market
Pasadena Farmers' Market
Various locations, Pasadena
(626) 449-0179
www.pasadenafarmersmarket.org 
This market is a rotating cornucopia of all that is fresh, juicy, crisp and right about California. From 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays sniff fuzzy peaches at Villa Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St. Sometime on a Wednesday between 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. de-stress from a long day by shucking corn at Shoppers Lane/South Lake off Del Mar Boulevard. If you're hungover on a Saturday morning between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., fortify yourself with some pomegranate juice at the market on the corner of Sierra Madre Boulevard and Paloma Street next to Pasadena High.

Reader Recommended
South Pasadena Farmers' Market
1121 Mission St., South Pasadena
(626) 403-2820
www.southpasadenafarmersmarket.org


Best Flea Market
Rose Bowl Flea Market
1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena
(323) 560-7469 | www.rgcshows.com 
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second Sunday of every month the bucolic Rose Bowl morphs into haggler's heaven, as thousands of deal-hungry locals do business with vendors selling vintage, used and/or new items. Admission is $8, but if you walk out without having bought a single item, you won't feel cheated in the least - you'll have gotten in a walk, done some major people watching and looked at and pawed OPB (other people's belongings) to your heart's content.

Reader Recommended:
PCC Flea Market
1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 585-7906 | www.pasadena.edu/fleamarket


Best Flower Shop
Jacob Maarse Florist
655 E. Green St., Pasadena
(626) 449-0246 | www.jacobmaarse.com 
Located in Pasadena's historic Playhouse District, Jacob Maarse Florist has been helping locals congratulate, comfort and celebrate one another with plants and flowers for every occasion since 1966. A preferred florist of the Tournament of Roses, this shop is the place to go when you want to get a sentiment just right or you don't happen have the requisite scissors, vase and baby's breath needed to make a plastic-wrapped store bouquet gift ready.

Reader Recommended:
Mr. Flowerman
2450 Foothill Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 795-1508 | www.theflowerman.net


Best Furniture/Accessories Store
Fedde's Fine Homefurnishings
2350 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 796-7103 | www.fedde.com 
Since 1937, three generations of this family-owned establishment have been helping Pasadenans turn houses into homes with high-quality furnishings and multiple brands and lines. With two 20,000-square-foot warehouses (the second store is at 32 N. Sierra Madre Blvd., just off Colorado) Fedde's has a good selection for those customers who detest the delayed gratification of ordering furnishings they need and want today, though specialty orders are always an option.

Reader Recommended:
The Sofa Co.
100 S. Green st., Pasadena
(888) 778-7632 | www.thesofaco.com


Maude Woods
55 Holly St., Pasadena
(626) 577-3400 | www.maudewoods.com

Best Gift Boutique
Lula Mae
100 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena
(626) 304-9996 | www.lulamae.com 
Owner Marci Toombs' great-great grandmother, Lula Mae Whitfield, is the namesake of this unique retail store. In addition to making and mending clothes and handling household needs, Whitfield wielded a shotgun to shoo trouble off her property. Today, Toombs' embraces a similar spirit, offering "gifts of wit and whimsy" for gift givers who really want to go the extra mile. Ever the entrepreneur, she advises visitors to her Web site, "When life gives you lemons, add vodka. For the cocktail shaker and the glasses, visit Lula Mae."

Reader Recommended:
Simply Fresh
2628 Mission St., San Marino
(626) 441-7250

Marz
1512 Mission St., South Pasadena
(626) 799-4032 | www.missiontomarz.com

Fancy That
2575 Mission St., San Marino
(626) 403-2577

The Gold Bug
22 E. Union St., Pasadena
(626) 744-9963 | www.goldbugpasadena.com


Best Hardware Store
Crown City Hardware
1047 N. Allen Ave., Pasadena
(626) 794-1188 | www.restoration.com
For the past 95 years, Crown City Hardware has evolved to meet the needs of an ever-changing city. In 1916, it opened for business in a wine cellar built by Lucky Baldwin and nearly three decades later changed its name to pay homage to its hometown. In the '80s, before the restoration of Craftsman homes came into vogue, the store was already ordering knobs, glass and hardware of the era that couldn't be found anywhere else. So if you go there searching for a doohickey or a thingamabob, rest assured they'll have it in stock.

Reader Recommended:
OSH
3425 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 395-7115 | www.osh.com

Pasadena True Value Hardware
409 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena
(626) 792-2196 | www.pasadenatruevalue.com


Best Jewelry
Wayne Jason
Jewelry Designs
105 W. California Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 795-9215 | www.wjasondesigns.com 
When jewelry designer Wayne Jason first opened for business in Pasadena in 1987, he chose a modest storefront that would allow him to pass the savings on to customers. He then decided to manufacture and design his original pieces on site, eliminating the middleman. This sleek business plan has allowed him to develop a line of equestrian-related jewelry that speaks to his passion for horses. And if you have any gold pieces you're willing to part with, Wayne Jason Jewelry Designs is sure to give you more for your ore than the other guys.

Reader Recommended:
Tiffany & Co.
68 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 793-7424 | www.tiffany.com

Arnold's Jewelry
350 S. Lake Ave., Ste. 110
(626) 795-8647 | www.arnoldsfinejewelry.com


Best Local Bookstore/Newsstand
Vroman's Bookstore
695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 449-5320

Vroman's Hastings Ranch
3729 E. Foothill Blvd, Pasadena
(626) 351-0828
www.vromansbookstore.com 
Southern California's oldest and largest independent bookstore remains strong, even after the competition has called it quits. Why? Maybe it's because it's so much more than a bookstore. Want to hear what actress Dyan Cannon has to say about her marriage to Cary Grant? Go to Vroman's. Want to learn to write calligraphy with pen and ink? Go to Vroman's. Dying for the latest issue of Vogue? Go to Vroman's. Why are you still reading this? Go to Vroman's.

Reader Recommended:
Cliff's Books
630 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 449-9541


Best LocalKid's Clothing
Jumping Jellyfish
34 Hugus Alley, Pasadena
(626) 578-1838 | www.jumpingjellyfishkids.com 
Purchasing clothes for children can be a risky business. Once you factor in food, grass stains, spills, tears and snags or spitup, you may wonder why you even bother with the concept of outfits. But when you first see your daughter in a hooded onesie from Munster Kids, or your son looking like a tiny, hip dude, you'll run for a camera. Then you'll be glad you dressed them in comfortable and fun, child-friendly attire created by super cool labels, like Kumquat Outlet in Eagle Rock.


Best Local Men's Clothing
PM Jacoy Menswear
2650 Mission St., # 104, San Marino
(626) 799-4600 | www.pmjacoy.com 
PM Jacoy puts the M in Metrosexual, outfitting some of the hottest looks in modern menswear. If you want to put a little zing in your presentation but find you lack the courage (or aplomb) to pull it off, stop into the San Marino store, where friendly staff members will drag your jeans-wearing self into the 21st century. Perhaps you'll opt to pair a bold gingham patterned dress shirt with a striped tie - an eye-catching power combo!

Reader Recommended:
Carroll & Co.
146 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena
(626) 396-7060 | www.carrollandco.com

Mark Piscitelli
589 E. Green St., Pasadena
(626) 578-7382


Best Local Pet Store
My Pet Garden
2245 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 449-1600 | www.mypetgarden.com 
If the love you feel for your pet is so unabashed you consider it worthy of "domestic partner" status, get thee immediately to My Pet Garden. Here you will find items that not only accommodate Fifi and Spike's basic needs, but let them express the deeper, subtler aspects of their personalities. Among clothing options, you'll find Ed Hardy-inspired looks and hoodies confessing, "What happens in the dog park stays in the dog park." Also, check out the company's Web site, which deserves an award for originality and user engagement!

Reader Recommended:
Steve's Pet Store
2395 N. Lake Ave., Altadena
(626) 797-4247 | www.stevespetstore.com

Centinela Feed & Pet Supplies
3120 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626)795-9858 | www.centinelafeed.com


Best Local Record Store
Canterbury Records
805 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 792-7184 | www.canterburyrecords.com 
With a self-proclaimed "hundreds of thousands of titles on hand," Canterbury aims to please music lovers of many different stripes, although much of its stock is made up of CDs and DVDs. Still, "vinylophiles" will enjoy pawing through LPs in pursuit of a soundtrack for a Sunday afternoon. The locally owned and operated store is open seven days a week and staff members are happy to help you identify the band who performed the song you know only as "the one with all the cowbell."

Reader Recommended:
Poo Bah Records
2636 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 449-3359 | www.poobah.com


Best Local Shoe Store
Run With Us
235 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena
(626) 568-3331 | www.clubrunwithus.com 
In 2000, Pasadena welcomed its first shoe and apparel store dedicated solely to running. At first, the customer base consisted mainly of diehard runners and school teams, but now pavement pounders from all levels come here to find a quality shoe that will last. The staff boasts a combined 110 years of experience, including the head track and field and cross country coach from Pasadena City College and the head track and field coach from South Pasadena High School. Bring in your used running shoes to be donated to Pasadena's Union Station Homeless Services.

Reader Recommended:
Rangoni
400 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena
(626) 792-7191


Best Sporting Goods
Sport Chalet
400 S. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia
(626) 446-8955 | www.sportchalet.com 
Norbert and Irene Olberz opened the first Sport Chalet in La Cañada Flintridge in 1959 with a $5,000 loan from relatives and friends for ski equipment. Eventually, scuba and mountain-climbing gear was added to the inventory. Today, with more than 50 stores nationwide, Sport Chalet is likely the first place one thinks of when in need of camping supplies, bike equipment, recreational sports items or a license plate that states what one would rather be doing besides driving.


Reader Recommended:
Dick's
3359 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 351-1843 | www.dickssportinggoods.com

Big 5
3719 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 795-3111 | www.big5sportinggoods.com


Best Local Toy Store
Dinosaur Farm
1510 Mission St., South Pasadena
(626) 441-2767 | www.dinosaurfarm.com 
Walk into this neighborhood gem and you'll find a variety of books and toys made to tempt and delight children of all ages. Go online and you'll find a portal where dinosaur freaks and would-be paleontologists can sit for a good hour without once looking up from the screen. Whether it is shoes, fossil model kits and masks or costumes, books and "My First Remote-Controlled Dinosaur," this place caters to nascent thunder lizard enthusiasts everywhere.

Reader Recommended:
San Marino Toy and Book Shoppe
2424 Huntington Drive, San Marino
(626) 309-0222 | www.toysandbooks.com


Best Local Video Store
Star Video
1456 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 791-9708
If you don't own a VCR, that's OK - Star Video's stock is mainly DVDs. But if you yearn for a bit of the '80s, when you didn't know what you were going to watch until you went into the store, perused through the titles and chanced upon an unknown gem, consider Star Video. There's a lot of scuttlebutt these days about Netflix's brand reconfiguration and RedBox's market share. Wouldn't it be nice to give all that the middle finger and let fortune dictate your movie-watching habits for a bit?

Reader Recommended:
Videotheque
1020 Mission St., South Pasadena
(626) 403-6621 | www.vidtheque.com


Best Local Women's Clothing
Elisa B
12 Douglas Alley, Pasadena
(626) 792-4746 | www.elisab.com 
As an artist, actress and art history major, Elisa Bruley had a thing for beauty and personal expression that didn't stop when she got a job in the LA Phil's public relations office. But soon, the thrill of jaunting off to Beverly Hills or New York for treasures to complete her wardrobe wore off, and Bruley decided to bring her keen eye and fashion sense to Pasadena. The shop she founded showcases everything from Helmut Lang to Elizabeth and James and Citizens of Humanity to Alexander Wang, and many other must-have brands.

Reader Recommended:
Drapers & Damons
396 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena
(626) 449-4410 | www.drapers.com


Best Nursery
Armstrong
Garden Center
352 E. Glenarm St., Pasadena
(626) 799-7139 | www.armstronggarden.com 
If you're house proud but don't have the budget for a landscaper, you're in luck. Armstrong Garden center has a huge selection of plants, trees and shrubs, along with all the garden tools and supplies you need to get them in the ground. Even if you don't know the exact look and feel you want, helpful staff members are on hand to point you in the right direction and give you tips to make your thumb as green as it can be.

Reader Recommended:
Bellefontaine Nursery
838 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena
(626)796-0747 | www.bellefontainenursery.com

Burkard Nurseries
690 N. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 796-4355 | www.burkardnurseries.com


Best Resale/ Consignment Store
Huntington Collection
766 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena
(626) 535-2468
www.thehuntingtoncollection.com 
This 12,000-square-foot resale shop, operated by the Huntington Hospital, sells consignments and donations to benefit the hospital's Senior Care Network, a program that helps older and disabled adults live independently. If you go there the morning of the last Saturday of each month, you'll get a 50 percent discount on all regular clothing and a 20 percent discount on boutique clothing. An annex section houses donated sofas, dining sets, armoires and rugs.

Reader Recommended:
Out of the Closet
1726 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 440-1719 | www.outofthecloset.org

Style on Green
1136 E. Green St., Pasadena
(626) 796-9924

Crossroads Trading Co.
104 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 793-2000 | www.crossroadstrading.com


Best Smoke/Tobacco Shop
Mission Wine and Spirits/Mission Tobacco
1785 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 794-7026 | www.missionwineandspirits.com 
Don't let the storefront fool you - this place is much more than a kickass destination for beer, wine and spirits. In addition to a dizzying selection of hookahs, and the assorted candy flavors that the smoking tobacco comes in, Mission has an on-site humidor and an impressive array of cigars and cigarettes. They've got the cloves kids smoked in high school and stogies made for aficionados, new dads and inexperienced bachelors who want to look legit but don't have the mettle for the hard stuff.

Reader Recommended:
Cigars by Chivas
58 S. De Lacey Ave., Pasadena
(626) 395-7505 | www.cigarsbychivas.com


Best Specialty Food Store
Beyond the Olive
10 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena
(626) 844-3866 | beyondtheolive.com
Once you make it past the rows of smoked olive oils (reminiscent of bacon flavor) and the pour-your-own canisters, where customers can sip varieties pressed that week, you will discover an impressive assortment of vinegars, gourmet foods and beauty products. Hint: This is a great go-to store if you're trying to think of a gift for a man or woman! 

Reader Recommended:
Whole Foods
465 S. Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena
(626) 204-2266 | wholefoodsmarket.com

Trader Joe's
traderjoes.com


Best Stationery
Vroman's Fine Writing, Gifts & Stationery
695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 449-5320 | www.vromansbookstore.com   
In a world gone digital, what's an analog soul to do? Leave it to Pasadena book peddlers Vroman's to create a retreat for the email weary - Vroman's Fine Writing, Gifts & Stationery. This store sells amazing pens and personalizes stationery for weddings for that special throwback you know and love.

Reader Recommended:
Papyrus
20 Hugus Alley, Pasadena
(626) 796-1406 | www.papyrusonline.com

Paper Source
163 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 577-3825 | www.paper-source.com


Best Thrift Shop
Out of the Closet
1726 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 440-1719 | www.outofthecloset.org 
You've probably admired the funky ensembles of the window mannequins, but did you know Out of the Closet is owned and operated by AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which provides medicine and advocacy to patients throughout the state? So when you go in for that orange, faux fur vest and walk out with a ukulele and an art print from the '70s, rest assured that you've also done your good deed for the day.

Reader Recommended:
Salvation Army
56 W. Del Mar Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 795-8075 | www.salvationarmyusa.org

Goodwill
183 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena
(626) 564-0335 | www.goodwillsocal.org