BY KAREN YOUNG
There seems to be all kinds of shops popping up declaring to be “vintage.” Indeed some do have real vintage goods, but oftentimes it just means there’s lots of ‘old’ stuff. It’s rare to find a shop that truly mirrors the essence of vintage with its classic style and a nod to whimsy. When you do find that shop, the difference is obvious — and that difference is what makes up High Low Vintage (HLV) in Pasadena — and why it is so worth the drive to visit.
A homage to Sophia Loren graces the window display of High Low Vintage.
Owner Carolyn Gray has creative fun with her eclectic inventory displaying it with monthly themes. This month, HLV is featuring a homage to Sophia Loren from the 50s and 60s, so in addition to apropos outfits, there is a vintage map of Rome, vintage Italian postcards, song lyrics to a Dean Martin song (on the chalk board feature wall) and a 1880s ‘immigrant cart’ that was used by immigrants to carry their belongings. And the perfect final touch? Sophia Loren’s 1963 film, “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” is playing on the vintage TV on a loop.
Gray, a former Fox executive and co-president of Filmaka, lays the foundation of HLV by drawing from her two passions— her love for beautiful vintage fashion and her love of antique and vintage furniture. As the name suggests, the shop’s underlying philosophy is the mixing of high-end with the everyday to create a unique and individualized look for both wardrobe and home.
Located amidst historical architecture and giant shade trees of Pasadena’s Green St. (where Albert Einstein had an office), HLV is a one-of-a-kind store blending handpicked vintage clothing, jewelry, posters, accessories, as well as a wide selection of antique and collectible furniture.
HLV specializes in curated, wearable fashion from the 1950s through the 1980s – mainly for women, but with select items for men. While the store carries antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries, the main focus for furnishings is on mid-century modern, industrial age and post-modern. In addition, HLV carries a wide selection of art and collectibles from the same eras.
High Low Vintage is located on historic Green St. in Pasadena.
HLV is also the exclusive Pasadena retailer of Caterina dè Medici® perfume and other scents from the coveted i Profumi di Firenze® perfumers from Italy. They’re difficult to find, but HLV has them.
Also, be sure to check out the HLV Facebook page for all the latest collections, sales, special events and more — there’s always unique and simply amazing “finds” to be found.
High Low Vintage, 1031 E. Green St. Pasadena, CA 91106 626.356-0402 http://www.facebook.com/HighLowVintage. Hours: Monday through Saturday 11:30p.m. -7:30 p.m.
Karen Young is the Founder/Editor of MY DAILY FIND. Got news? Email karen@mydailyfind.com
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