Rose Ave's Grooviest Bungalow Boutique Says Peace Out

After six years on Rose Ave., ME & Blue is packing up its paisley prints and drapey dresses and hitting the road. It's Asheville, North Carolina or bust for the boho bungalow boutique that pioneered this gritty stretch of Venice once lined with dusty campers and transformed it into the destination walk street that it is today.

ME & Blue owner and designer M.E. Ster-Molnar, who splits her time between Venice and Asheville, considered relocating to another spot in Venice, possibly on Lincoln Blvd. someplace close to her former Rose Ave. neighbor Stephanie Stuart, a good friend and owner of The Golden State Store, but decided to switch things up, spend more time and do more traveling with her husband David and their little girl Bonnie-Blue Sunshine. She's also planning to build out her online shop and wholesale distribution, so stay tuned as ME & Blue originals get stocked up at local shops on the Westside.

This Saturday, May 30 is the last full day to shop the colorful collection of summer staples. Sunday, May 31 will be open part of the day as the last goods are packed up, and Thursday night, May 28, from 6 to 10 p.m. ME & Blue will be hosting a soiree as it bids farewell to Rose Ave.

The Golden State Store made its new home on Lincoln Blvd. after all. The bright space is located just next door to Superba Food & Bread, and plans are in the works for an outdoor event space with camp-style activities for kids coming this summer. A salon and gift shop, Cabin West, took over Golden State's spot on Rose Ave. Peek inside here.

Taking over the ME & Blue bungalow will be Lily Ashwell, a local artist and designer, bringing in feminine floral dresses and a solid mix of vintage that will make an easy transition for ME & Blue loyalists. If the name sounds familiar, you've likely shopped at one of her mom's famous Shabby Chic boutiques. Designer Rachel Ashwell opened her first store in 1989 in Santa Monica and the brand quickly expanded with locations as far reaching as London. Today there are five Shabby Chic Couture locations, with one on Montana Ave., as well as The Prairie by Rachel Ashwell, a B&B and event space in Round Top, Texas.

ME & Blue // 566 Rose Ave., Venice 90291