Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Hoopla!

The first time I visited Hoopla I forgot to look up and I didn't see this sign. It's a trace, a vestige, of the old store on North Lake Avenue in Altadena. That store was Webster's Fine Stationers. Before that it was simply the Stationery part of Webster's, an Altadena institution, where you could buy padded envelopes, browse greeting cards, pick up some liquor and fill your prescriptions all in one trip. If memory serves, you could buy underwear and mail a package, too.

I just found out that it's pronounced Al-tadena, (as in the first name "Al"). All this time I've been pronouncing it All-tadena (as in "all this time").

At Hoopla you can be on a first-name basis with the owners, Altadena residents Scott and Lori Webster, who have made their store into THE place to purchase local crafts, foods, and books. (Scott Webster, who has lived in Altadena all his life, confirms the Al over All thing).

Today I was focused on the pottery. 



But you could focus on the foods. Or the handmade soaps. Or the toys. You can't believe how much eclectic stuff they cram into this small "emporium of good things." If you want to buy a gift, it's here. So is the card.

All this by way of telling you I was forced, forced, to go to Hoopla today to restock Camelot & Vine because they were sold out. How I suffer. They carry Act As If, too, as well as books by many other local authors.

While you're there book shopping, be sure to peek into every corner to find the weird, the wonderful, and the fine stationery, too. And don't forget to look up.

21 comments:

William Kendall said...

The not so little mug with the wolf on it catches my eye!

Petrea Burchard said...

That wouldn't be my pick. I like the lidded bowl next to it. See? Something for everyone.

Kalei's Best Friend said...

@Petrea: u r right, I like the two tone one above yours!.

Petrea Burchard said...

If I could, I'd buy them all for my blog friends. The wolf for william, the two-tone for you. I'd buy all the ones with lids for me. I especially like the smooth brown one in the upper left of the second pottery photo. Another woman who was shopping preferred the ones with yellow and orange petals. They're small bowls inside larger bowls.

The cool thing is that because they're handmade, once they're sold they won't be replaced with new stock exactly like them. One of a kind.

Kalei's Best Friend said...

Since they're one of a kind, I am surprised u didn't get one.. I know I would have.. can't resist a one of a kind!.

Unknown said...

Thanks, Petrea, we love it when you stop by!

Petrea Burchard said...

Finally got the pics I wanted!

LOLfromPasa said...

Phew! I've been pronouncing Altadena properly :). This looks a darling shop from every angle.

Petrea Burchard said...

Lauren, I even lived there for two years and I still got it wrong. I never even noticed the difference!

Anonymous said...

Hoopla is an Altadena jewel. So are the owners.

Anonymous said...

Looks like the kind of store one could spend a l o n g time browsing through!

Petrea Burchard said...

Next time I'm there I'll check out Lailah's Loft across the street. Have you been in there, Karin? I haven't been in but it looks cute. These two stores and Pizza of Venice are bettering that stretch of Fair Oaks.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lailahs-loft-altadena

I'll bet you could, Geoff. And there's a very good pizza place just a couple of doors down for when you need a break.

Gunn said...

I could have spent time and money here.

Margaret said...

It is a gem of a place. And you are a gem too.

Petrea Burchard said...

You certainly could, Gunn!

Thank, Margemet.

Bellis said...

It's so good that that stretch of Fair Oaks is improving. I just wish I could spot it when I drive by. Good luck with that treasure of a store!

Petrea Burchard said...

It's easy to spot! Just on the west side, in a very cute building, across from Lailah's Loft.

Pasadena Adjacent said...

I have to drop by one of these days.

Petrea Burchard said...

Yeah, stop in and say hi. I'll bet they'd love your bezuzas.

Anne Louise Bannon said...

Hey, Petrea -

Loved the goodies in Laylah's Loft, but they don't fit my big ol' you-know-what. And next time you have to re-stock, give me a call. I'm only around the corner. I'll bring Clyde to say hi.

Petrea Burchard said...

Yes! I often see pooches when I visit.