Firefly Blog

About

Erinn

I’m Erinn. I have two exceptionally cute shops on Abbot Kinney in Venice, CA. Firefly + Kid Firefly.
This is where I catalog my inspiration, among other things.

visit us

firefly 1409 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice Beach, CA 90291
(310) 450-6288
shopfirefly.com  /  map >

Kid 1405 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice Beach, CA 90291
(310) 450-6283
kidfirefly.com  /  map >

Cotton and Flax

We recently got in the most amazing goods from Cotton and Flax at Firefly.  I cannot choose which I covet most, so I might just have to have one of everything.  I have been a long time fan of designer, Erin Dollar.  I first encountered Erin at the Renegade Craft Fair.  It seems every time I bump into her, I pretty much gawked with envy at her overabundance of creativity.  She used to make these beards out of yarn that of course, I HAD to own.  I still get chuckles at this pic.  I am so thrilled to have her be a part of Firefly.

diamond-with-radishes white-plus-with-cutting-board pink-white-mountain-postcards2 white-diamond-on-bed

 

posted 5/15/2013

Mamas So Sweet

We are loving these for all you sweet Mamas out there!  Happy Mother’s Day!

 

mom4

 

1. Raffia Floppy Hat by San Diego Hat Co. | 2. Mother’s Day greeting card by Smock | 3. Baby Prints On Canvas by Gift Republic | 4. Alta Flat Sandals by Matta | 5. Chayote Scarf by Matta | 6. I Love My Family Art Print by Gregory Beauchamp.  All available in store or online at Firefly

posted 5/08/2013

Mr. Boddington’s Studio

We just received another lovely shipment from Mr. Boddington’s Studio.  We got a ‘motherload’ of Mother’s Day cards, and I am pretty much in love each and every one of them.  In fact, when I order this line in general, I tend to go a little overboard.  Who is this Mr. Boddington?  He sure seems clever.

Screen Shot 2013-04-25 at 9.38.54 AM

MRBOD1

 

You really must drop by to see them all.

MRBOD2

Mr. Boddington owns a vintage Capri fishing yacht
and drinks Bombay gin and tonics while
eating bread with orange marmalade.

All cards by Mr. Boddington’s Studio | Available at Firefly

posted 4/25/2013

Easter Egg

We did all the fun stuff last year.  Dyed eggs, had a good old fashioned Easter egg hunt and read endless cute stories about bunnies.  Somehow I sensed that Mia had no idea what was going on.  In looking at last year’s photos, I pretty much think this pic sums it up best.  The old family strainer was WAY more enthralling.  This year is going to be so fun.  What a difference a year makes.

easter 2

E.

posted 3/28/2013

Dog Days of Dogtown

It’s hard to beat this hot summer weather we’ve been having on the westside for the past weeks (this must be when the weathermen go on vacation!), but the heat is making everyone around town a little more lethargic. I see it everywhere: people slowly strolling to lunch down Abbot Kinney instead of a quick pace; happy hours are filling up an hour later; friends take ten minutes longer to bike over than in the cooler winter months. Even my coffee buzz is taking twenty minutes longer to hit me in the mornings!  These are the dog days of summer, and here in Dogtown we only know one remedy to combat the sleepiness and take advantage of the heat: go to the beach! (Or Alaska. But the beach is much closer.)

Even in the 1920′s, the beach was the go-to place to beat the summer heat!

 

First thing’s first – you need to be prepared to spend a couple hours in the sand. You’ll need a good sunscreen, cute sunglasses, and…a comfortable (and cute) place to sit. We recommend these turkish towels – they’re easy to pack and easy to clean, plus they double as a warm wrap when the sun goes down! If a traditional towel is more up your alley, Pendleton makes fantastic patterns; try one in an easy-to-find color like orange or yellow. You’ll be able to spot it faster when you’re coming back from a wave surfing sesh. Every time I go to the beach, I like to have a notebook on hand just in case of random thoughts, making to-do lists, or getting some cute surfer’s number – this driftwood decomposition book by Michael Roger is the perfect size for purse or beach bag!

If you’ve got a little one with you, we’ve got them covered, too! Make sure they’re protected from the elements with a hat – we love the weight of this cotton sunhat! This little cotton onesie by Mixt Studio keeps your little beach bum’s bum covered, at the playa and at home. And who can resist a beach cruiser with a bell?

The best part of living in Venice? It’s easy to transition into evening mode straight from a day at the ocean – especially with these options! Try this mint tunic dress by Free People, with a pair of comfy yet classy flip flops; we love Tkees. It’s an outfit that looks at home at the boardwalk juice bar and at Gjelina! Make sure to pair it with a couple pieces of jewelry – my favorite is this sea urchin necklace by Alkemie. Nothing ruins a good time like a wet swimsuit, however, so make SURE you store your wet suit in this waterproof bag before you head off to dinner!

 

Need some beach tunes? We’ve been digging Pandora lately – try the Beach Boys, Vampire Weekend, or Beach House for some good stations. For bonus points, get some music by local favorites MK & the Gentlemen :) Enjoy!

Posted by: Nora

posted 8/23/2012

Olympic Essentials

I doubt this is a newsflash for anyone out there, but the Summer Olympics are here!  Most of you have probably caught at least a little of the coverage, from opening ceremonies to newsworthy victories.  If you’re like me, you vow to watch as much as possible (even the unusual sports)…and then wind up only watching diving and gymnastics.  After all, who can say no to speedos and sparkly costumes?

Whatever country you pledge allegiance to, there is much more excitement to come in the next week and a half – especially if you’re lucky enough to be on your way to London to see the games in person.  To make the trip ahead easier, we’ve gathered some essential Olympic items at Firefly for you.  Safe travels!

 

First thing’s first – the plane trip to London!  Make sure your passport is protected for the long trip to London town with Barbara Wiggins’ classic and durable passport protector.  Then, why not relax on your long flight by getting into the spirit of the games?  Try perusing the The Olympic Games Through a Lens. It contains 230 photos from Getty Images of both iconic and unusual athletes, moments, and sports.  For the superstitious fan, we suggest using BlueQ’s “Knock on Wood” bag for small personal items – you can’t be too cautious when a gold medal’s in the balance!

 

Now you’ve landed in London Town, and are ready to go find your favorite events! You might be a tourist, but who says you need to look the part? The voyager compass necklace helps you get your bearings without resorting to a cumbersome map, so you’ll never miss a meet! Show off your American Olympic pride while spectating in a classy and discreet way with Kinetix’s USA tank top (looks even better on women!). When the night gets chilly, channeling your Usain Bolt has never been easier than when wearing La La Land’s printed cardigan – you’ll be cheering faster than a cheetah!

 

London gets hot in the summer, and nothing is worse than a cold beverage warming up. Stay hydrated (& keep your liquids cool) with a S’well bottle that’s functional as well as stylin’. Now, if you must sniffle during an equestrian event, you should use a cotton hanky – remember, our English cousins are quite proper! Try these three soft cotton handkerchiefs from Izola. Throughout your time at the Games, you’ll probably meet buckets of world travelers. Keep track of these interesting new friends from around the globe with this journal.

 

 

The games are over – time to celebrate. Don’t forget to congratulate your favorite athlete!  Feeling a little jealous of their victory?  Grab one of these gold medal bottle openers, and you’ll feel like a winner every time you help a friend out opening their bottle!

 

Posted by: Nora

posted 8/02/2012

Boy George, Neon is In

When I caught wind that neon was going to be all the rage, I didn’t expect the magnitude it was going to hit Abbot Kinney nor did I expect I would be drooling and fawning over so much of it.  I figured it was just a phase…that the next generation had discovered the 80′s, and was trying it on for size, but Boy George, it is everywhere, and I really can’t get enough.

Two things about neon: it is fun, and it is ageless. It doesn’t matter if you’re eight or eighty.  Everyone can add some neon flare to their outfit. Here are just a couple of suggestions from the store, ranging from a hint of neon on your wrist, to a glow-stick worthy ensemble. Take your pick!

If you are still a neon virgin, the easiest way to incorporate bright colors is to start slow. Don’t startle friends and family with a head-to-toe color palette swap. Add a bright bracelet for your beach outings from Gamine.  Maybe try using a neon grocery bag – you can impress your grocer and your fellow Whole Fooders. Or be bold – pair a neon Tracey Tanner zip bag or elephant tote with your outfit to really up the ante.

 
Once you’ve mastered the art of subtle neon, you’re ready to make it an outfit. Free People has cornered the market on adorable, functional neon-wear – try either of these cute tops with a pair of jeans; they’re perfect for a westside evening. If you’d rather keep it to a pinch of neon, they also have this adorable maxi dress with just a hint of bright orange at the bottom. And if you’re really not ready to take neon to outfit level, try these boy shorts from Cosabella - even though no one else can see them, I promise they’ll still light up your day.
 
After you’ve incorporated neon into your outfit and accessories, it’s time to introduce the joy of neon to friends and family. Got a party coming up? Someone’s birthday? Wrap their present in bright yellow gift wrap; make sure to finish with a hot pink mason twine. (Bonus points if the present matches your party outfit.) Try using one of these festively colored cards to tell your friend or loved one how much you care! They’ll love the sentiment a lot, and the bright tones even more.  Where to find all these goodies?  Firefly, of course!

And just as a bit of added fun, why not add some neon to your soundtrack? Neon Trees has great summer jams – have a listen here –> http://www.fameisdead.com/pictureshow/

Posted by: Nora

posted 7/19/2012

Kid Love – Crunch Time

Four french hens, three turtle doves, two peacocks and a jingle in the bell.  This is how I sing the lyrics while trying to do it all and be gracious all along.  I can’t get it all right.  Believe me, the birds are calling.  It seems crazy that at midnight a sigh of relief will come over me while I’m wrapping gifts when I learn that a major box store will be open at six am.  I try to buy very little online.  I try to support as many small stores as possible.  I try to be green when I can.  Sometimes, I need to buy legos at a chain store.  I think there is room for everyone and everyone should be supported.  Small stores are important because each of them curate a very personal story.  We need the brick and mortar because quite frankly, and I’m not trying to quote one of my favorite holiday albums, but people need people.  People who need people are the luckiest people in the world.  Right now, people, we need presents.  Sometimes, they are at Barnes and Noble.  Sometimes, they are simply down the street at your local go to…  so please support when you can make that choice.  The truth is most of us are juggling a lot of things on our plate right now.  Lucky for us, little kids feel like a cinch.  Kids are over the moon over most toys big and small.  We have such a lovely assortment this season.  Here are some nice ideas.  AND so many, many thank you’s and heartfelt gratitude goes out to each and every one of you I see!  Really!

 

1. Uncle Goose Blocks.  2.  Twoolies Handmade Bulls  3.  Paige Lauren Baby  4.  Melton Tights  5.  Oodles of Doodles  6.  International Arrivals Pencil Set  7.  Urban Infant Sidewalk Chalk  8.  Mudpuppy Magnetic Letters  9.  Hyptrochoid Art Set  10.  Silly Putty  11.  Kid O Magnatab 12.  Kid O Stacking Bath Cups  13.  Miniatura Sasquatch Raglan Tee  14.  Kid O Floating Ducks 15.  Kid O Go Car Green

posted 12/21/2011

Be the Hostess with the Mostest

It’s party time people.  Dinner parties, work parties, holiday parties and the cruelest of them all: birthday parties.  Don’t Sagittarius friends know we are too busy this month with Jesus’ birthday?  I can’t keep up.  Okay, I only have three parties to go to this year, but I can’t find a thing to wear never mind that we haven’t gotten our tree yet.  Today we have compiled our favorite hostess gifts to carry us through the New Year.

 

1. Reindeer Name Coasters from Rock Scissors Paper 8 Reindeers = 8 drinks.  Take heed: At first you may be Dashing and Donning your gay apparel but one too many may find you a Dancer or Vixen.  Worse yet leave you looking like Rudolph and cleaning the toilet with Comet.  2. Dammit Dolls.  In lieu of therapy just bang one of these.  I promise you’ll feel better.  3.  Ring in the New Year with Sparklers!  4.  Surprise balls are always a hit for kids and grown ups at the table setting!  5.  That’s right, you are a bad ass in the kitchen.  6.  Jen Pearson.  Yes, I am telling you about her matchsticks again.  I could sing it from the mountains in the Sound of Music.  I really believe everyone needs these and loves to receive them as gifts.  7.  Fortune Telling Fish.  Yes, I’ve carried these tokens since 1999.  Perfect in greeting cards.  Perfect in stockings.  Festive on table settings.  8.  Skeem candles pretty up and warm any setting PLUS you can use these beauties as drinking glasses when the candle has burned through.  9.  Shatterproof wine glasses by Govino.  Need I say more?  10.  Wine Time Conversation Game by Tops Malibu.  Impress your friends with worldly wine knowledge.  Stump those wine snob friends of yours.

posted 12/15/2011

New “Kid” on the Block

 

Wow.  Do you guys know about Babystylista?  She has so many great tips for little kiddos and moms!  Look at the cute video she made of Kid Firefly.  I love it!  Thanks DB!!  See the video here.

 

posted 12/08/2011

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