Japanese wood art in Tortoise. 1208 Abbot Kinney, Venice.

Bedroom harmony at The Apartment by The Line. 8463 Melrose Place.

In N'ice Cream all ice cream flavors are made fresh every morning. 1410 Abbot Kinney, Venice.

I spy the gorgeous 'Paimio' bentwood chair designed by Alvar Aalto (1931-1932). The vintage piece is displayed casually next to the bathtub at The Apartment by The Line.

6 / 10 / 16

Shopping L.A.

For shopping – both actual and dream purchases – my favorite spots in Los Angeles are relatively small and compact.

Fred Segal
8100 Melrose Avenue
Fred Segal opened as a jeans-only store in 1961. Today, it carries a well-curated mix of American and international brands focused on casual style and still, great denim. Mauro’s Café, nested in the backside of the building next to the parking lot, is great for a quick bite or a long lunch while you are shopping.

The Apartment by The Line
8463 Melrose Place, 2nd Floor
There are few stores still around that master the shopping experience like The Line. Style in context, as they put it. Just like in their SoHo store, you will find a versatile yet well thought-of selection of fashion, beauty, books and homeware items displayed in a beautiful home-like setting.

So there is the bedroom, and the living and bathing areas, and the perfect closet – all there for you to browse and shop. Displayed selection ranges from affordable cosmetics and homeware items into more precious fashion and art pieces and design furniture.

+ Walking around the area you will find more nice shops to visit: the space at The Row is like a dream, just like the collections. Bookmarc is always fun, and if you are in search of gifts, you can always find something there. For coffee or snacks, there is Alfred.

Abbot Kinney
Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291
This a different type of Los Angeles. I really like how this area has developed. For half of our stay in L.A. this time, we rented a cute eco cottage in Venice. It was great. The mood of the neighborhood is calm and down-to-earth. I enjoyed living in a peaceful area with lots of fresh air yet close to all the nice cafés, restaurants and indie shops.

So before or after your Gjelina meal, explore the selection of small shops down the street. My favorites include Tortoise General Store that is focused on every-day use products such as kitchenware, stationery and books – all Japan related. I found beautiful additions to our crockery collection in Tortoise, the shop and exhibition space located in the building behind TGS. Heist carries a lush selection of casual womenswear and a lot of American brands formerly unknown to me.

Brentwood Country Mart
225 26th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90402
A typical way to shop all around the States is an outdoor mall. I have a secret crush for them, the ones that feel somewhat small and independent.

Brentwood Country Mart has something for the whole family: clothing and lifestyle boutiques, books, toys and games, restaurants. For a wholesome, delicious California meal, try Farmshop. Their avocado hummus is the best in the world. Or the second best, coming right after the avocado hummus you make yourself.