Shopping in Venice

 

More beguiling than ever before, Venice’s historic downtown is becoming a shopping mecca with much more than standard tourist fare. We’ve ferreted out the best home stores and fashion boutiques and discovered world-class taste and brands.

 

Family Portrait

 

Everyone knows award-winning photographer Clyde Butcher is the Ansel Adams of the Everglades. But you’ll also discover hauntingly beautiful hand-tinted photos like Dixie Fish Company by his wife, Niki, from $125 at Clyde Butcher Venice Gallery & Studio, 237 Warfield Ave., (941) 486-0811.

 

 

 

 

Fashion Plates love this elegant tabletop boutique with high fashion and contemporary classics, from tie-dyed washable crinkle taffeta outdoor tablecloths ($169) to a chic portable salad bowl ($139) with rubber top that converts to a stand. The Tabletop, 205 W. Venice Ave., (941) 485-0319. 

 

 

Beach Bliss

A new bridal department is brimming with shell-adorned photo frames (large, $165), goblets ($36 to $42), and everything (even the photographer) you need for a dreamy beach wedding. Sirene Coastal Interiors, 237 W. Venice Ave., (941) 488-3830.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barefoot and Beautiful

Contessa Couture, an offshoot of Barefoot Contessa, has just sprouted on Venice Avenue with elegant bridal and evening dresses by Su Wong, like this ballgown with vintage beading applique ($624; embellished shawl, $174). Contessa Couture, 121 W. Venice Ave.; Barefoot Contessa, 305 W. Venice Ave., (941) 484-1898.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pillow Talk

 

Designer Janice Riordan is creating a buzz with linen pillows (from $249) hand-embroidered by a secret source—two crewel artists in Chile. No one minds the 18-week wait for these beauties at Seaside Chic, 217 W. Venice Ave., (941) 483-1177.

 

 

 

 

 

Beach Blanket Bling-Oh!

 

Outshine the sun with Trina Turk’s iconic prints in swimsuits (bras adorned with golden ornaments, from $85) and cover-up dresses (from $149).The designer has enjoyed best-seller status since the line debuted at Sun Bug, 141 W. Venice Ave., (941) 485-7946.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kiss and Make-up

Husbands, rejoice: You can sip wine while your wife shops for make-up, skincare and hard-to-find fragrances like Cher’s Uninhibited ($55). For a unique cosmetics-wine store with bistro and secret garden, try Bonnell’s Boutique & Winery, 317B W. Venice Ave., (941) 480-0011.

 

 

 

don’t forget to...

 

Mind your table manners with reversible placemats ($8.95) and napkins ($4.25) in coral, magnolia and Colonial Williamsburg patterns at Fraser’s Island Gift Nook, 227 W. Venice Ave., (941) 488-6161.

Try the best-selling white balsamic vinegar made from Trebbiano grapes ($14.95 for 8.5 ounces); your salad tomatoes will never turn brown again. The Olive Grove, 248 Tampa Ave. W., (941) 375-8888.

Savor the best lunch deal in town at Cassariano: soup (the pasta fagioli is amazing) and half a sandwich or panini for $9.95. Cassariano, 305 W. Venice Ave., (941) 485-0507.