Holly Street Retreat

By Mary Jane Horton

Just around the corner—and yet so very, very far—from the milling masses on Colorado Boulevard is a gem of a shopping street just made for the holidays. On tree-lined, brick-fronted Holly Street, between Fair Oaks and Arroyo Parkway, you’ll find the new heart of Old Pasadena’s funky, bohemian core, which used to live on Colorado until Victoria’s Secret and its pals came along.

This re-emergence is quite evident at the Courtyard, which links Fair Oaks and Holly. Back there you’ll find the Majestical Roof, part art gallery, part purveyor of locally made eclectic art and one-of-a-kind items. Among them: dog apparel from Fleabag (that’s right, dog apparel, revamped from people apparel); traditional Mayan hand-loomed wallets, belts and scarves from the Colibri family; lotions, soaps, candles and other all-soy products from Obia, a Highland Park company; delicate jewelry of 24-karat-gold wire and Swarovski crystals from Michelle Scoggins, a bartender at the nearby 35er; jewelry made from Czech glass, bead cord and oxidized silver by co-owner Yvonne Russo; and DVDs, books and CDs from local talent. Says Russo, “A woman bought some jewelry here the other day and found out it was made by her neighbor.” And that’s just the kind of hometown place the Majestical Roof is.

Nearby, Lula Mae (100 N. Fair Oaks, on the corner of Holly) is fully stocked for the holidays with a huge selection of candles from Pacifica, Trapp, Votivo and Volespa.

You’ll also find bath and beauty products, accessories, handbags from Hobo International, wrapping paper, decorations and even a five-foot snowman. “My favorite gift is the Wish Necklace,” says owner Marci Toombs. “You put it on, make a wish, and in eight months to a year the necklace wears off and your wish comes true.”

Across the street, Greyone (16 E. Holly) is the place to find radical streetwear with attitude. This store has exclusive items from Vans and Puma; Crooks and Castles men’s t-shirts, hats, hoodies and polo shirts; men’s shoes in all colors and styles from A Life New York City; the cutest baby Pendleton-plaid Vans; trendy clock leggings from Tsubi; and womenswear from Stussy and Hysteric Glamour.

Next, duck into Violet’s Cakes (21 E. Holly) for sustenance. Its to-die-for cupcakes include french toast with maple syrup, lemon with lemon cream cheese, chocolate with peanut butter frosting, apple streusel and more.

Once sated, cross the street to Dreams of Tibet (20 E. Holly), a treat for the rest of your senses. Traditional Tibetan music plays, incense burns, and the sights—bright traditional clothing and art from Tibet and Nepal, jewelry, gongs, statues—are most appealing.

Finally, check out Adesso Eclectic Imports (38 E. Holly) for the perfect vase, Murano glass piece or Louis XIV chair. Proclaimed the 2006 Best Furniture Store by Pasadena Weekly, this year-old showroom carries European pieces from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and owner Selma Cisic says A-list L.A. and New York designers are regular shoppers. I believe her—I was dazzled by Italian art deco chairs reupholstered in white leather; a ‘50s reproduction of René Herbst’s “Lady’s Desk” made of burled bay wood and stainless steel; and a Karl Springer bone lacquered dining table from the ‘60s.