Not too long ago, Abbott Kinney Boulevard in Venice was an inconsistent stretch of boarded up store fronts, small galleries and an occasional vintage store. In a true organic fashion, it has grown into one of the hottest shopping, design, dining and trendsetting streets in Los Angeles.

Colcha: With its warehouse-like space, the store has the feel of a really, really good garage sale: one-of-a-kind wood furniture, antiques from Europe and found objects with histories as interesting as the items themselves. When you find yourself in need of a decorative, moderately functional 6-foot woven basket, look no further. Colcha’s goal has always been to feature unique pieces that work in contemporary and globally influenced environments.

Digs: The Upper East Side vibe at this furniture showroom-regal foyer pieces, swanky living room sets-promises to transform a West Coast pad from drab to fab. Well-lit and dramatically staged, the store’s goods don’t come cheap, but then again, can you really put a price on what a black lacquer dining room set will do for your studio apartment?

Surfing Cowboys: Surfing Cowboys is part vintage furniture showroom, part vintage photography and art shop, and part pop culture bookstore, with a little modern-day jewelry thrown in for good measure. The owners are former commercial fashion photographers who traveled the world and started collecting pieces along the way. They wanted to share the pieces and their inspiration to reconstruct the California dream. When you walk into Surfing Cowboys, you feel like you walked into the coolest living room in Venice - since the owners used to live in the back of the store it’s not far from the truth!

Brick Lane: Dark wood floors, white antique tables, a British phone booth perched casually on the lawn, and the owner’s dog napping on the porch: the environment is quaint and the goods are chic. Ben Sherman tanks share the racks with Ted Baker’s feminine, sophisticated blouses and edgy, embellished blazers and cheeky undies for men. Glamorous Lulu Guinness sunglasses, candy-colored rain boots and beach totes round out the collection. If it’s English and a little unexpected, you just might find it here.

Turquoise:
Vaness De Vargas of Turquoise loves living in the past - the gilded glamour of former eras past. Turquoise specializes in the restoration of heirloom and vintage furniture pieces. The showroom reflects her chic innovation and it’s only natural that is set up in a Japanese bungalow/former ticket booth.

Three Square Bakery: Going back to square one is never fun, but Three Square Bakery is the exception. I can personally recommend the almond croissant and a non-fat latte to keep up your strength while navigating Abbott Kinney.

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