In keeping with last week’s theme of shopping local this holiday season, here are some more shops around town for you to visit in the coming days and weeks while you search for the perfect gift.
So, here we go again. And this time we’ll start with …
THE GIFT OF JEWELRY AND WATCHES
Vana Watch and Jewelry, at 1401 Mission St., is offering 50 percent off on pre-owned vintage clocks, some from the 19th century. You may know Vana’s as a place to get your watch or clock fixed or to buy a new one, but they also have an impressive display of jewelry including a rainbow sapphire necklace; and a lovely five-carat sapphire necklace. They sell pre-owned Rolex, Cartier and Patek Phillipe watches; and new Hamilton, Tissot, Movado, Seiko and Citizen watches. There is also discounted pricing on many other watch brands.
Jeweled Universe is actually the name of the store at 1017 Mission St., but it does feature jewelry, much of it designed by the store’s owner, Diana March. The handmade jewelry uses rare stones, fossils and meteorites in settings made of precious metals such as gold and sterling silver. March said that she has tried this year to include more items less than $100. Most of the pieces are necklaces.
The store offers its own universe of gifts including clothing — much of which is by local designers; and a new line of beautiful headbands and tiaras from two sisters, who are local.
For Hanukkah, the store has a Judaica section which offer menorahs, mezuzahs; crystal dreidels, candle sticks and Judaica jewelry.
And don’t forget, at the back of the Jeweled Universe is a cabaret with evening shows from Thursday through Saturday. For further information, go to jeweleduniverse.com or @jeweleduniverse.
THE GIFT OF CLOTHES
At Rue de Mimo, at 1514 Mission, and Camille DePedrini, next door at 1516 Mission, you won’t find ugly Christmas sweaters, but both women’s clothing stores do have wonderful selections of blouses, jackets, scarves, jewelry, handbags and all sorts of other gifts. Both women’s stores are longtime merchants in South Pasadena.
And for shoes to go with that new outfit, try Lucha’s Comfort Footwear, at 921 Fair Oaks Ave., which gives shoppers a chance to match those fashionable outfits with some fashionable and well-fitting shoes. Lucha’s is the place for someone like me who needs to pay special attention to how a shoe fits for health concerns. When you consider whether to shop here consider the knowledgeable service which factors your needs into your selection of men’s and women’s shoes. The family-owned business in South Pasadena since 1985 also has bedroom slippers, walking shoes and accessories such as handbags.
THE GIFT OF WINE
I wrote last week that owner Chris Meeske at Mission Wines at 1114 Mission St. said he’s grateful for the loyalty of his regular clientele as he battles against what he calls “one-stop shops” such as Trader Joe’s.
Meeske’s thinking outside the box with three wine-of-the month club options which can be found at missionwines.com. He’s also got gift certificates and fine wines from all over the world and you’ll be waited on by experts in the field.
He’s got lots of options in the $25 a bottle range that can be enhanced with packaging in wooden boxes with golden bows or placed in special gift bags.
Meeske said that champagne, sparkling and natural wines — which have nothing added — have been popular this year, and he said that customers might take a special look at sparkling wines outside the Champagne region of France such as Spanish Cava and Burgundy sparkling wines, which provide a lot of value.
Meeske wanted to note an upcoming special occasion: Champagne Bollinger Event on Dec. 9, by reservation only at a cost of $100 per person. More details and reservations can be made on the store’s website.
GOING TO THE DOGS … AND CATS
Urban Pet, at 900 Fair Oaks Ave., is the place where you can get your dog a sweater to match the one you are wearing for Christmas. You can also get a Christmas dog harness and matching collar to put your favorite pooch in the mood to bark “Jingle Bells.” There are also a variety of dog and cat toys for their stockings. I loved the rawhide bone with a covering that says: “Naughty” on one side and “Nice” on the other.
TAROT AND SKATEBOARDS
If you are getting on a skateboard for the first time, you might want to have someone read your future. Well, luckily you can have your tarot cards read and then decide to get on a skateboard all on the same block.
TarotArts, at 1017 Mission St. Unit A , offers tarot and oracle card readings, plus a wide selection of tarot cards — both historical reproductions and limited editions with prices ranging from $15-$150. You can have your tarot cards read or participate in a crystal bath. I got a sample and it is done by playing tones on crystal bowls of various sizes. I found it pretty soothing. Come in and ask co-owners Phillip Gibson and William Toro to explain the shop to you or go to the shop’s website at tarotarts.com.
The shop is holding an introduction to tarot class on Dec. 13 from 7-11 p.m.
Stix SGV at 101 Mission St. is the place for all things skateboard. Stix has gift certificates and lessons for $60 for one group lesson and $200 for four group lessons and you get to keep the skateboard, which seems like a pretty good deal to me.
The store can customize a board for your favorite skateboarder and they have boards — both professional and signature models for men and women, some signed by the designer.
If you want to look good on your board, or you want someone to think you’re into skateboarding, there are all sorts of apparel options from hats to jackets.
I understand some people come in just to buy the clothes.
Raices, at 906 Meridian Ave., offers lots of stocking stuffer ideas including all sorts of wonderfully smelling soaps. I particularly liked the travel-sized three-pack of soap, conditioner and shampoo and the customer can pick what combination and fragrance he or she wants. That’s $14, and comes in its own pouch for travel. There’s also a small car air freshener using natural oils stored in a glass capsule. There are solid lotion bars for $7, or a host of soap varieties at $11 per bar. Raices also carries crocheted body scrubbers and some gifts for men such as after-shave lotion. Don’t miss out trying out the various kinds of hand lotion.
I didn’t get to every store in town, so I’ll leave it to you to find and make your own shopping bliss during this holiday season.
In case you were wondering, despite being an inveterate shopper, not much money was spent in the writing of this column.
Editor’s Note: I’ll go around town showcasing the many good places to eat in the new year.
First published in the December 8 print issue of the South Pasadena Review.
