Santa Monica, Shopping 3rd St. Promenade & Abbot Kinney - Sunshine Wear, Succulents, and Sinful Coffee. Los Angeles is a never ending resource for those who love to shop so no two days need ever be the same. I have always loved Venice Beach, and my daughter’s favorite 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica because it’s within walking distance of the beach.  

Recently she and I spent a few days in LA and shopping was part of our recreation. We began with coffee and pastries at the beach and then wandered Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade ducking into old favorites and discovering new places. I am sharing my notes.   

Stacia – Luxurious, eco clothing. Stacia sells eco-luxury in a shop where earth-friendly knitwear is woven from sustainable yarns (bamboo or soy) so that each garment reflects its own natural personality making no two garments the same. The inventory includes Southern California-style sunshine wear - hats, bags, legwarmers plus selected items for the house and pricey but beautiful beach towels. (808 11th Street at Montana, Santa Monica, CA 90403. (310) 393-7100 or www.ShopStacia.com)  

Johnny Was – Spunky & versatile. Patterns, textures and embroidery identify the spunky style of garments at Johnny Was. From cozy ponchos and denim shirts to colorful skirts and glamorous dresses, the racks will provide joy for anyone who likes distinctive clothing. (395 Santa Monica Place, Ste. 124, Santa Monica, CA 90401. (310) 656-0600 or www.JohnnyWas.com) 

All Saints – London meets the beach. Anchoring one end of the Promenade is the hip British boutique - All Saints. While I love shopping at All Saints Spittlesfield in London and I even like the one in Dublin, this location lacks the Bohemian energy - a hallmark of the clothing line. The staff seemed a little too disengaged from what was happening. But any All Saints is worth a look if just for a dose of Bohemian energy. (315 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401 or www.allsaints.com)

   
Desigual – Barcelona on the beach. Conversely a few steps away the lively Desigual created a party like atmosphere for shopping. It all began in Barcelona with spunky, fun loving clothing and accessories for adults and kids - sometimes using every color in the crayon box works. A combination of textures, color and architectural construction makes this line distinctive matching the spirit of Barcelona. (1457 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA (310) 657-7901 or www.desigual.com)

   
On to Abbot-Kinney - Artsy, clever, and energizing. Trendier by far and a reason to go to Venice Beach is the 12-block shopping area along Abbott Kinney Blvd. between Main street and Venice Beach North. It’s the home of Intelligentsia offering sinful coffeee and great people watching (1331 Abbott Kinney). On the same street is a delightful restaurant – Jelina with tempting Southern Califoria choices - eat in or take out. The street is made for browsing and shopping if you are able to find parking. Wait for it! Live music adds to the fun of the street on the first Friday night of every month when shopkeepers and restaurants combine efforts featuring new artists, products, and menus. 

Bountiful - Don’t miss the WOW! This trendy home wares shop engages anyone who enters. The merchandise presentation is exceptionally artful to solicit a WOW if not out louds certainly in thought. From colorful cake pedestals and sugar bowls to lights, wall art, interesting artifacts this top is not to be missed. (1335 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291 (310) 450-3620)

The Juicy Leaf – Green thumb stop. The guys at Juicy have assembled everything for an urban gardener, apartment or condo dweller. Limited space? No skills? They have beautiful succulents masterfully planted each creating a sculptural effect. They ship almost anywhere and are available for consultations once you have your plant home. (1140 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA. (310) 907-5019 or www.juicyleaf.com)

Kid Firefly – Spunky modern goodies. Firefly has a tempting inventory of modern clothing, terrific books, handmade toys, and accessories for babies, tykes and kids. I am always looking for handmade toys – one-of-a-kind items worth keeping. Firefly always has clever creations and a well assorted selection of storybooks. Bonus points: If you love the feel of this shop then checkout Firefly for Grown Ups at 1409. (1405 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291. (310) 450-6283 or  www.kidfirefly.com)

 
Ananda – Just say “namaste.” This is the spot for zenful, soft textured, clothes and accessories best described as “international funk.” Some lines are uniquely American (LAMade, and PIKO 1988) while others are from India and Asian. The eclectic merchandise mix includes books on Buddhism, scented candles, and incense as well as handbags, shawls, shoes, and jewelry.  Sometimes the bargain price means the quality craftsmanship is diminished but the sales staff is pleasantly helpful and friendly.  (1354 Abbot Kinney, Venice, CA (310) 450-2607)