Abbot Kinney – named so for the developer & conservationist responsible for the area – is a small stretch of shops and restaurants a few minutes East of Venice Beach, California. With a focus on independent designers and farm to table fare the area is akin to Brooklyn’s Williamsburg – albeit with a surfer vibe. It was one of the very first areas we explored after moving to West LA and continues to be a favorite spot to wander on weekends. If you live in Southern California and haven’t been then I urge you to add it to your list and if you’re visiting from out of town it’s certainly worth a day of your trip (you can tack on the Venice canals and a visit to the nearby eclectic stretch of beach to round things out). Below a few of my favorite stops along the way.
1.
Lemonade – One of the few ‘chain’ restaurants/stores along Abbot Kinney, Lemonade is a Southern California outpost that earns a spot on my list for it’s seasonally fresh menu and relaxed cafe vibes. Don’t forget dessert.
2.
UrbanInc – one of the prettiest stationary shops I’ve ever come across, if you like beautiful cards, gift wrap and office accessories (think Rifle Paper Co. meets Kate Spade) then this is a must visit.
3.
Satine – the second outpost of this upscale boutique, perfect for window shopping (or dropping a pretty penny) you’ll find brands like Alexander Wang and Rebecca Minkoff mingling with their own signature brand
4.
Firefly – a lifestyle boutique (there’s even a Firefly Kids next door for little ones) this well curated shop offers a great selection of housewares, clothing, accessories and more – I especially love their selection of books and candles
5.
GTA – Gjelina Take Away (or GTA) offers the great taste of always packed Gjelina next door, without the formalities. Wait in line outside for a slice of wood oven baked pizza and eat it while people watching out on the street.
6.
Toms Flagship Store – even if the boardwalk friendly shoes aren’t your vibe (although you’ll find elevated styles here you may not see anywhere else), this store also boasts a full coffee bar & cafe, backyard seating area, and even monthly movie nights. A great spot to rest your feet a minute (and well, at least try on a pair of new shoes).
I think people tend to either love or hate Valentine’s Day (which is now less than 2 weeks away in case you’re counting..) but I fall somewhere in between. I like the idea of a day celebrating loved ones and a bit of extra romance – but mainly I think life is too short to celebrate that sentiment just one day a year. Significant other or not, I think you should buy yourself or someone you love flowers any old day in July. Light the good candles even if you’re only eating take-out on the couch. And wear pretty lingerie underneath jeans and a t-shirt, just because. Which is where New York based brand Adore Me comes in. They’ve got beautiful but completely affordable lingerie available in a huge range of sizes (I chose the Galatea set and love the pretty gold detailing on the lace) – and they’re offering one lucky reader a set of their choice just in time for Valentine’s Day. Or everyday for that matter. 
