Wow, this is no ordinary gift store…read more There are quite a few shops selling home wares, cards, candles and other gift-y items on Mission Street in South Pasadena. This place, however immediately stands out. When I passed by the store the first time I was struck by a collection of headwear: a beaded cap from the Congo and a hat from the Miao people of China and Southeast Asia. I'm an anthropologist, so I was hooked. This store has an incredibly curated collection: folk altars and santos from Latin America, bronze Buddhist statues and jewelry from around the world. The owner is quite a world traveler and it shows in her collection. Definitely a place for the culturally curious. Along with the numerous artifacts are small gifts: some wonderfully fragrant soaps (my favorites were rose geranium and patchouli/sandalwood), beeswax candles and some interesting kitchenware. People might find some items pricy...however, having done some research, most things are very reasonably priced for the quality. Definitely recommend.

I noticed this store as I was driving by and knew I had to go in! It is a hidden treasure near the…read moreheart of South Pasadena. Great vibe with a unique collection of items. The store owner, Sue, was such a lovely woman to talk to. Will definitely be returning.

Great store, found everything we needed for our special occasion. Since then we've been back a…read morehandful of times and each time we find something spectacular. The owner is extremely helpful and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend this place

Beautiful home decor! Everything is very much worth the price. I have received endless compliments…read morewith their Michael Aram decor around my house. Beautiful family owned business

Love this new high-end vintage boutique. Nice to have it in Pasadena! It's a bit tricky to find bc…read moreGPS puts you in an alley, but just go to the right and it's in the parking lot. I bought a beautiful bracelet that I'm obsessed with. The store was full of unique finds and the customer service was refreshing. I'll def be back, especially for holiday gifting!

Amazing hard to find treasures you can't get anywhere else. If you want to wear something nobody…read moreelse has and look amazing, this is the place to shop. They also have great gift and jewelry options. Such a warm and inviting feel and that's just the upstairs. Downstairs is another great find of men's pieces with city inspired one of a kind items. Don't miss out and make sure you stop by this gem.

Salutations Home is a rather upscale and upmarket gift shop with a diverse selection of merchandise…read morefor sale. Firstly, Salutations Home is off Lake Avenue, where the bulk of shops are. So it is very easy to miss. You have to turn onto Granite to get there. Luckily there was ample parking. When I first entered I was greeted, first by one of the clerks and secondly by a lovely, but difficult to describe, floral fragrance. Very beautiful, though. When I asked about it I was told it was basically a mixtures of fragrances from the candles, perfumes and other scented products. Regardless, it smelled very luxurious. And luxury abounded! Everything here is very well made and really says "understated wealth." They have a nice collection of children's toys and gifts, home wares, an enormous collection of candles and fragrances (as already mentioned), jewelry and a large collection of cards. All the ladies that worked there were kind, personable and helpful. And while I wasn't actively searching for a gift today, it is definitely a place I would return to the next time I am.

Salutations Home is a metaphor for old Pasadena. It is cozily tucked away on a side street off…read moreLake Avenue, (across from the old Chronicle Restaurant if you go way back). Similar to The city of Pasadena in relationship to L. A., in need not be boastful of it's subdued elegance. It's very YKIYK. And like Pasadena, there's something for every budget and age range. The decor is thoughtfully curated as one could imagine visiting an eccentric aunt that has spent a life collecting items that delight the senses, be it sight, scent, taste or touch. It's a tactile experience picking up items for closer inspection, the jewelry, linens, and candles entice customers to indulge. If that wasn't enough of a motivator, the complimentary signature gift wrap makes every purchase special. And it's bow wow friendly, I noticed a few well behaved cherished canines in tow during my shopping experience.

A Slice of Shopping Heaven in San Marino…read more Serafina is less of a boutique and more of a retail paradise where the fashion angels sing and the decor whispers, "Go on, treat yourself." Nestled in the heart of San Marino, just a stone's throw from Pasadena, it's the kind of place that makes you feel like royalty--no tiara required. Upon entering, it's clear this is no ordinary clothing emporium. The mix of designers is so carefully curated, I half expected to find a gallery label next to the Nili Lotan display. And with threads by Sea NY and Helmut Lang hanging around, you're not just shopping; you're adding to your art collection. The handbags? They've got more personality than a reality TV star. Shoes that make Cinderella's glass slipper look like a flip-flop. Fine jewelry that has you sparkling brighter than the twinkle in your eye. And let's not forget the gift items--because who doesn't love presents? But wait, there's more! A children's boutique so adorable, even your little ones will want to extend playtime to dress-up time. With names like Splendid and Ella Moss, your kids are walking out of there runway-ready for the sandbox catwalk. Sipping on Pellegrino while the staff, who are more like your personal fashion consultants, cater to your every need? Check. Enjoying a cappuccino as you peruse luxury labels? Double check. Feeling as comfortable as if you were lounging in your own living room? Well, if your living room was a casually chic sanctuary of style, then yes--triple check! If Serafina were a song, it'd be a symphony of style, luxury, and comfort. So next time you're in San Marino and need a dose of retail therapy, float on into Serafina and float out like the fashion deity you truly are.

I recently moved to the area from Brentwood and was excited…read moreto see a cute shop with a nicely curated selection of some of my favorite brands like Xirena and Saloni, they also have a nice selection of home items like candles and hostess gifts. I hate giving 2 stars, but in this instance my two stars go for the low level of customer service. No one greets you when you walk in (I've been a few times), no one asks to hold your items at the counter when they see you holding an armful of items, when I ask for a size they say that's all they have and can't be bothered to say they can order it for you or provide alternatives. This store seems to cater to the white and 60+ set (that's all there was at the store both times I've visited) and if you don't fit that demographic, they don't care you'll be dropping $5-600. I wanted to support a local business but I rather make the drive back to the country mart than give my money to a shop that does not value all of their shoppers. Perhaps I expect too much out of my shopping experience, but now more than ever (pandemic) I want my limited entries to shops to be memorable. I don't want to think "oh, I had a shitty time when I bought this $400 dress".

Beautiful shop with the best staff and an incredible selection of artworks - from international to…read moreregionally renowned artists! It's also a massive treasure trove of tchotchkes - a must see if you haven't been. Love coming here after stopping by Mike and Anne's for brunch.

Great location and lovely shop. Lots of eye candy and unique finds for self or as gifts. The owner…read morewas present but failed to greet me. Seemed like he was preoccupied with merchandising. His shop assistant was sweeping and kind enough to say hello. There was one other person in the shop and seemed to be a personal acquaintance or friend as the owner and she spoke often to one another. Meanwhile, I buzzed around and thoroughly enjoyed both the many trinkets and decorative displays. Even the outside entry was cute and inviting. I'd pop in again if ever you n the area. I think if Carmine would have engaged a bit, I would have been more apt to browse a bit more and make a purchase. There's some adorable retro-style magnetic timers and gorgeous gold goldfish I was eyeballing. Maybe next time. Five stars for Vibe and unique finds. 2 stars for friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Super cute little shop with well thought-out gifts, greeting cards, and clothes. The ladies who run…read morethe shop are friendly and knowledgeable. I always find something I want to buy, whether I'm looking or not.

They have cute stuff but the staff is very unfriendly and unprofessional. They don't acknowledge…read moreyou for minutes on end while they just chat freely up the front of the store. Feels like friends just catching up. They have made me feel like an inconvenience on MULTIPLE occasions for asking basic customer service questions or requests - like, can i have a receipt even though I'm paying with cash?? Oh you want me to do my job? Ethically run a business?? Ugh I guess I can...talk about making people feel difficult. Sorry it's such an inconvenience for me to hand over my hard earned money to support YOUR business. They have even made side comments while looking at items like wow I could have sold that to someone else while you were looking at that. Honestly feels like getting bullied shopping here. Seems like you genuinely don't want to run a business or need to take running a business 101.

I've been trying to refresh my wardrobe especially with the weather being cold one minute and hot…read morethe next. And I'm tired of wearing jeans and a sweater every day. I loved the layout of the store, there's so many options and colors. And I pulled an item from the sale rack. A cute cerulean blouse that fit too well not to buy. The sales associate Audrey was so kind and helpful when I asked for suggestions on jeans. She recommended a few and I loved the comfy Jean light culottes. It's hard for me to find wide legged pants that don't make me look shorter or rounder. But these really fit me in the right places. I'm so happy with my purchase and I'll be back to get more styling tips!

This boutique was my last shot of getting a dress for a wedding event the next day. (Majorly…read moreprocrastinated) Audrey was amazing in helping me pick a suitable dress. She was very detailed in considering fabric and silhouette. Even bringing additional dresses for suggestions. The best customer service!!!!! She definitely saved me in finding a perfect dress that also covered up all my tattoos too. I really appreciate it so much! Will definitely return!