venice beach ~ shopping on abbot kinney

1. Looking down Abbot Kinney, 2. Outside Surfing Cowboys {mid century home decor}, 3. Sign for The Stronghold {custom made jeans, shoes and accessories}

This past weekend I flew to Southern California for a quick business trip. Fortunately, once the work was finished there was still a little time left to take in a few of the sights and enjoy the incredible weather. {Not to mention, my new camera got to make its grand debut!}

Torn over how best to spend the afternoon, my coworker and I decided to drive out to Venice Beach to check out the restaurants and shopping on Abbot Kinney. I immediately fell in love with the charm and laid back style of the neighborhood, and could have easily spent a LOT more time exploring. Instead, I settled for speed window shopping and taking too many pictures.

1. Across from Bazar {totally unique home decor, clothing, jewelry, etc.}, 2. Organic beer at 3 Square Cafe, 3. Wine tasting at El Vino {It was Sparkling Wine Sunday!}, 4. Street Art

While there were several shops I absolutely loved, my favorite shopping for the day was at the Abbot Kinney Flee Market {purses, jewelry, the works!}. As it happens, I have been looking high and low for unique chain necklaces to layer together, and the artists showing had a lot of options that fit the bill. It was really, really hard to narrow it down.

1. Erin of Mamacita Jewelry, 2. Brooke of Brooke Benson Designs

In the end, I landed on two necklaces – one from Erin of Mamacita Jewelry and the other by Brooke of Brooke Benson Designs. Both ladies are super talented, and were wonderfully helpful {and patient} while I struggled to choose just two. They’re also both based out of California, so needless to say, I was totally pumped to find out they each have an online store!

Me, giddy about my purchases {short necklace by Brooke Benson Designs, long by Mamacita}

While my venture to Venice Beach was brief at best, it was a fabulous way to spend my day off and I totally recommend hitting it if you are planning a trip to Southern California. In fact, I think a return trip is in order…