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Venice Beach, California

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Long an enclave for artists drawn to the west coast by its easy seaside living, Los Angeles' Venice Beach now counts less-creative types with more capital among its residents. Luring cash from the acquisitive arrivals is a bevy of art galleries, cafes and boutiques along Abbot Kinney Boulevard.

Behind the electric blue facade at Surfing Cowboys (below right; 1624 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, tel: 1 310 450 4891; www.surfingcowboys.

com) everyone seems high on life. Rare psychedelic surf posters and vintage photographs (from US$200) line the walls while mid-century modern furniture by Frank Lloyd Wright and unsung Californian designers (from US$145) fills the floor. The shop's 'Charlie Don't Surf' T-shirts (US$22) and hoodies (US$45) have a cult following.

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Metrosexual men can realise their linen and silk-lined dreams at shabby chic Kevin Simon (1358 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, tel: 1 310 392 4630; www.kevinsimonclothing.

com). Lightweight poet coats (US$530) and tuxedo shirts (US$345) feel barely there. Brides can mix and match from Simon's existing couture designs (from US$2,500). Singletons can don linen Saunter skirts (US$388).

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Hollywood starlets such as Jennifer Garner choose their Catherine Malandrino ruffle blouses (US$145) and feminine skirts (US$375), along with embellished bags by Isabella Fiore (US$500 and up), at Claudia Milan (1350 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, tel:1 310 581 2964; www.claudiamilan.
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