CHAD'S STORELOCATOR: DEUS EX MACHINA - VENICE, CA

What was once a gas station and later on a flower shop on the corner of Venice Boulevard has been transformed into a modern man cave—namely, surf culture, badass bikes and strong espresso. Bring your friends to marvel at Deus Ex Machina motorcycles handbuilt in-house, surfboards shaped at the Deus shop in Bali, and floor-to-ceiling art celebrating both of these noble pursuits. As I couldn’t fit a custom bike into my carry-on, I bought the book The Drive which comes in a limited edition with Deus bandana and hardcover sleeve. Grab a double shot from LA’s Handsome Coffee Roasters (they brew in the shop) and instead shop the selection of Raen Optics shades, Baxter boots, Tsovet watches or the Deus clothing line, which spans tees, sweats, board shorts and more.

1001 Venice Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291, USA

CHAD'S STORE LOCATER THE STRONGHOLD - VENICE,CA

A few months ago The Stronghold store on Abbot Kinney had some major changes. The building was more or less split in half and is now occupied by The Stronghold and next-door neighbor Shinola.

I visited the store 5 years ago but, I must say that in this new settlement the products are better presented and the store gives you a cozy feeling. The Stronghold Denim is the focal point of the store but it is surrounded with great brands like: Pendleton, Filson, Alden, Stetson, Lewis Leather and many many more. This store is a must see when you are in LA.

The Stronghold

1625 Abbot Kinney BLVD

Venice, CA

CHAD'S STORE LOCATOR: STAG PROVISIONS - VENICE,CA

It does happen now and then, that you enter a store and it feels like coming home. Stag Provisions - Venice, Ca. is one of them. This outpost of Stag Provisons Austin, TX is recently opened on Abbot Kinney Blvd. The 3,500-square-foot menswear shop is decked out with vintage leather sofas, mid-century furniture and artwork by Austin- and LA-based artists for an "inspirational yet approachable shopping experience for the modern gentleman." The store is well curated with vintage finds and great brands like RRL, Filson, Grayers, Gitman Bros., Red Wing etc. etc. The friendly staff let me shoot as many pics as I wanted and East Coast Andy told me how he was brainwashed in Austin, TX to run this great store. (Sorry Andy I did't say "Hi" to your friends in Brooklyn) In addition, the store's 450-square-foot upstairs loft will host special events and pop-up shops, starting with vintage curators Lot Stock & Barrel. 

CHAD MEETS JACK SPADE

Most of you already know that I have a weakness for Jack Spade, I love their products, the bags, the wallets and the collab. with Barbour etc. But what I like the most is the quirky way they display their stores and the use of props. The store on Abbott Kinney is displayed in the same way as I saw in the stores and showroom in New York & the store in London. Once they might open a store in Amsterdam, when I'm lucky!