BLACKBURN AND SWEETZER

Last week, while hanging at Little Next Door with a fellow ‘hoodie, we talked about how much we liked Venice, and how we wished it wasn’t such a deal getting there. My friend literally packs a bag for the night when he’s visiting a friend who lives there. Only, what, ten miles away and the place is a friggin’ weekend getaway? Alas, this is L.A., and you don’t just skip from one ‘hood to the next without serious pain-in-the-ass traffic-parking consideration. The trick is to go early and preferably on an overcast day, which I did. Here are my findings:

Finally got over to Ecookie, accessories editor-turned-boutique-owner Elaine Francisco’s sweet creation. Bathed in sea foam and stocked with Tracy Reese, Rachel Pally, Corey Lynn Calter, Nanette Lepore, and more, the boutique is the first place I would stop on the strip for serious shopping. Of course, the accessories are significant here with baubles by Elizabeth Cole, Draugsvold, Citrine by the Stones, and Alexis Bittar, bags by Cynthia Rowley and Bulga, plus a pretty selection of unmentionables worth mentioning - Cosabella, Hanky Panky, Honeydew.

I began to despair when I walked into French 50s-60s and got wind of talk of closing. Not that I’ve ever been in a position to buy anything in this haven of mid-century modern furnishings, but still, I want it to exist for me to peruse when I’m in Venice, and, hopefully, one day, I can buy a sleek Danish desk in walnut where genius prose will surely manifest… The bad news is that French 50s-60s on Abbot Kinney will be downsizing to make room for a restaurant of some sort; the good news is that owner Michele Sommerlath has expanded to a expansive spot at 9608 Venice Boulevard in Culver City called Galerie Sommerlath, which means even more desks and credenzas and low lounge-y chairs to lust after.

Years ago, as an editor at Angeleno magazine, we featured furniture designer extraordinaire Elizabeth Paige Smith. I remember her stuff was amazing - furniture as art - and how frustrated I was that the art department didn’t include more images. So, I guess, here’s my chance - check out the designer and her work in her less-than-a-year old atelier. The gallery is filled with Smith’s architectural furniture, along with ceramics and a little bit of this and that from other designers. You’ll also notice Smith’s earthly photos, as she’s gotten behind the lens (still and moving) in the last few years. In fact, she’s teaming up with Quicksilver to shoot Fiji underwater. How can you not appreciate a super-creative whose idea of going with the flow is to become incredibly accomplished in entire new arena?

Equator Books is awesome. I’m sure Equator Vinyl will be too!

Two new spots coming: Neighborhood and El Vino.