What would Los Angeles be without its images of endless beaches, from Santa Monica to Malibu? And what about the infamous Venice Boardwalk with it's hippies, homeless and counter-culture still in full swing? Perhaps if one day you want to veer away from the Boardwalk with it's carnival food and vendors hawking second-rate goods, you may find yourself on the terribly hip, if modestly understated, Abbot Kinney. We made it our business to make sure you had a checklist of places to stop on your quest for gifts this holiday season. Check it out:
Tortoise: 208 Abbot Kinney Blvd, 310-314-8448.
Why? This shop offers a Zen approach to home furnishings. Simple, elegant and refined, perfect for that friend who always has the chicest dinner parties.
What to get? Candle holders, fine porcelain dishes, specially designed hand crafted kitchen utensils.
Why? This shop offers a Zen approach to home furnishings. Simple, elegant and refined, perfect for that friend who always has the chicest dinner parties.
What to get? Candle holders, fine porcelain dishes, specially designed hand crafted kitchen utensils.
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
Neighborhood: 1644 Abbot Kinney Blvd, 310-392-4596.
Why? Because if you live this close to the beach, chances are you aren't going to want to drop $600 on a pair of Comme des Garçons pleated shorts for your walk to Starbucks.
What to get?: Affordable, unpretentious, comfortable and stylish clothes for the ultimate beach-bum (plus killer accessories).
Why? Because if you live this close to the beach, chances are you aren't going to want to drop $600 on a pair of Comme des Garçons pleated shorts for your walk to Starbucks.
What to get?: Affordable, unpretentious, comfortable and stylish clothes for the ultimate beach-bum (plus killer accessories).
Dewey Shoes: 1108 Abbot Kinney Blvd, 310-392-2974.
Why? Because we are accessory crazy, and this place focus their attention on just that.
What to get? Shoes by Dell'Acqua, Missoni and Sergio Rossi, bags by Loeffler Randall and local jewelry designers.
Why? Because we are accessory crazy, and this place focus their attention on just that.
What to get? Shoes by Dell'Acqua, Missoni and Sergio Rossi, bags by Loeffler Randall and local jewelry designers.
Equator Books 1103 Abbot Kinney Blvd, 310-399-5544.
Why? Something with a front and back cover and a spine. It's what's inside that makes it special. Equator specializes on collectible or out-of-print books with an emphasis on the arts.
What to get? Hard to find books for the literary elitist in your life.
Why? Something with a front and back cover and a spine. It's what's inside that makes it special. Equator specializes on collectible or out-of-print books with an emphasis on the arts.
What to get? Hard to find books for the literary elitist in your life.
Surfing Cowboys: 1624 Abbot Kinney Blvd, 310-450-4891.
Why? This place is straight out of a Beach Boys song. With a nod to the prevalent surfer/skater scene in Venice, this place has the gnarly laid-back goods for anyone who loves a board, be it surf or skate.
What to get? Silly Hawaiian girl dolls, vintage surf art or groovy lighting options.
Why? This place is straight out of a Beach Boys song. With a nod to the prevalent surfer/skater scene in Venice, this place has the gnarly laid-back goods for anyone who loves a board, be it surf or skate.
What to get? Silly Hawaiian girl dolls, vintage surf art or groovy lighting options.
Above, clockwise from top left: Exterior shot of Dewey; Vintage surf books and magazines at Surfing Cowboys; Interior shot of Equator Books; Various candle holders at Tortoise; Anna Vintage Jewelry at Neighborhood; Exterior shot of Surfing Cowboys.