Los Angeles Shopping Guide

Louis Vuitton

The futuristic Rodeo Drive branch of this iconic fashion house commands the most traffic, but we prefer the slightly more obscure Century City location. It's exclusively devoted to accessories, which means there's ample room for the raspberry-hued Epi leather Speedy bags.
10250 Santa Monica Blvd., 310-551-0090

Madewell

Slightly less preppy silhouettes are mainstays at this J.Crew spin-off, like skinny jeans in tons of colorful washes; super-long, paper-thin cardigans; and kookily patterned tanks and scarves.
10250 Santa Monica Blvd., 310-772-0428,
madewell1937.com

Maison Martin Margiela

One of the pioneers behind deconstructed, challenging clothing, Martin Margiela focuses on expertly tailored pieces in a monochromatic palette. He has more than 10 gallery-like freestanding shops around the world, including his space in Beverly Hills, which is coolly bare and industrial.
9970 S. Santa Monica Blvd., 310-284-8093,
maisonmartinmargiela.com

Miu Miu

Prada's sister store is slightly more moderately priced, and just a touch more offbeat, than the original line. Expect cap-sleeved gowns in acid green, tops crafted from orange neoprene, and loads of cool ruched leather bags.
317 N. Rodeo Dr., 310-247-2227

Neiman Marcus

At five floors and 180,000 square feet, Neiman Marcus is a mecca for those in search of a huge array of designers (from Derek Lam to Rag & Bone). There is also an unparalleled shoe department, featuring elegant Manolo Blahnik stilettos and a slew of Chanel flats.
9700 Wilshire Blvd., 310-550-5900,
neimanmarcus.com

Neiman Marcus

It's almost as much about the Scheeren Ole and Rem Koolhaas-designed building (its exterior walls undulate in a way that makes them look like sails) as it is about the goods. But these are equally impressive, from the so-nerdy-they're-cool eyeglasses to flower-festooned skirts.
343 N. Rodeo Dr., 310-278-8661,
neimanmarcus.com

Saks Fifth Avenue

A tony Beverly Hills address is a fitting backdrop for this beautifully appointed flagship: All the fashion essentials (and nonessentials) are here, including lush evening gowns from Pucci, beach-appropriate Shoshanna caftans, and tons of denim.
9600 Wilshire Blvd., 310-275-4211,
saks.com

Switch

Beverly Hills might be known more for über-luxe shopping than small, independent brands, but this space is adding loads of up-and-comers to the neighborhood. Choose from delicately crafted Rodnik blouses and chiffon dresses from Hanii Y.
238 S. Beverly Dr., 310-860-1650

YSL

Overseen by designer Stefano Pilati, the accessories at this renowned French label are as spot-on and sexy as ever (think teetering platform heels and wide crocodile belts), and they're well represented at this lavishly appointed location—along with the complete collection of clothing.
326 N. Rodeo Dr., 310-271-4110,
ysl.com

Anthropologie

The Beverly Hills outpost of Anthropologie has the best selection of exquisite flea-market-esque home goods, as well as picks from its exclusive collaborations, including vintage-inspired slipdresses from Some Odd Rubies and Anna Sui's decadently printed blouses.
320 N. Beverly Dr., 310-385-7390,
anthropologie.com; plus other locations