Part I – Welcome to Venice, California

Venice, California

''No beauty shines brighter than that of a beautiful heart.'' - Unknown

Does the idea of Venice beach in California conjure up images of hippie surfer dudes with a weed shop on every corner? Well, that’s definitely one side of Venice. If you happen to have a bit of boho in you like me, you will absolutely love the quirkiness of this beach town. With it’s quaint canals built in the early 1900’s by Abbot Kinney, street performers galore on the Boardwalk, the famous Muscle Beach, outdoor cafes, endless shopping and some of the finest dining in the LA area, it’s a must stop destination.

A walk down Abbot Kinney the street, is boutique heaven for any fashion blogger. With shops like Kit and Ace and Current/Elliott, to Satine and Principessa, brimming with unique gifts and fashion finds, the boutiques must be at the top of the list. Abbot Kinney is a funky mix of the best coffee shops, restaurants, shopping and gift shops in the area. Some of the most popular restaurants are Gjelina and The Tasting Kitchen. Known for a very creative and ever changing menu and it’s charming outdoor courtyard, Gjelina is one of my favs for fine dining at it’s best. I love hanging out with my girlfriends, trying out lots of little plates and sharing awesome conversation. The ambience is one of the best around. Right down the street is the well known Tasting Kitchen. With a menu filled with fresh organic fare, it’s the perfect place to perch after a day of shopping and sightseeing, while tasting the many offerings on the menu. I will always defer to fresh grilled salmon with one of their delicious grilled artichokes on the side. Fresh pastas galore, the menu has something for absolutely everyone on your list. The best part about dining in LA is the freshest seafood and organic produce easily found from the local Farmers Markets. Growing up in Chicago, moving to LA has definitely spoiled this girl with the wide array of organic produce at every turn.

Rose Ave is right around the corner with a little quieter pace and one of my absolute top places to hang in LA, Cafe Gratitude. With several locations throughout LA, Cafe Gratitude is a favorite among locals. Known for it’s wide range of vegan and vegetarian selections on the menu, it’s perfect for that healthy eater in the family. I love their bowls teaming with warm quinoa, fresh lentils and avocado. Or, if you have a special night out or maybe a first date, head on down to Venice Beach Wines, a cozy wine bar to finish your day off with a little nightcap.

When it comes to gift shops, Burro is at the top of the list. Filled with the latest books, gift cards, jewelry, hats and Cali style gifts, it’s a bright and colorful shop to get lost and play around. A little bit of history, I grew up playing librarian as I had a significant passion for the written word. Burro always pulls me in with their awesome selection of books, often witty and such fun. The shopkeepers are a delight and always welcome you with open arms. That’s pretty much the Cali way; salt air, bohostyle, fine dining and the best shopping around.

I found this fun outfit at one of my favorite and yet, very affordable brands, Zara. I absolutely love the look of pattern upon pattern. Experimenting with patterns and colors is one my favorite ways to create a look. Particularly, unusual combinations, as it pleases the eye and brings a bit of the unexpected into fashion. Like many women, I always accentuate the waist, and have amassed a collection of belts over the years for every look. This beauty is from a sale quite awhile ago at Intermix. I adore Intermix. I like to hit their sale rack as they have phenomenal values on gorgeous designer brands. I’m a huge sale shopper with an eye for special treasures. I tend to load up when it’s sale time. Peplum, to me, is classic. It lends itself to naturally giving you a lovely shape. I’m wearing one of my favorite pairs of Stuart Weitzman sandals which I found on one of the special sales at Neiman Marcus Last Call. Outlet shopping is an amazing way to find incredible styles at bargain prices. It’s such a fun look and covers just about every demographic from the millennials to women my age at midlife

Let me know your favorite haunts in Venice. Where do you like to shop and hang out? What’s your favorite coffee shop? Your favorite boutique? I absolutely love hearing from you!