Los Angeles

We could easily buy our entire wardrobes here. Everything from limited edition Nike Dunks to Matthew Williamson sequin-lace tops to Ligne St. Barth After-Sun lotions is all arranged in individual fun-to-shop mini boutiques. Each store location has its own vibe: The store on Melrose is more compact and high-energy, while the Santa Monica spot is sprawling, easygoing, and by-the-beach cool.
8100 Melrose Ave., 323-651-4129; 420 Broadway, Santa Monica, 310-458-8820

Products: Denim, lingerie/lougewear, swimwear, women's clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry, beauty
Type of Store: Boutique

Co-proprietors Katherine Azarmi and Sunrise Ruffalo set up this appointment-only shop (call the day before you want to visit) to sell Azarmi's delicate, organic jewelry. Equally fabulous pieces from more than 30 other designers round out the mix.
8533 W. Sunset Blvd., 310-659-8857, kaviarkind.com

Products: Jewelry
Type of Store: Boutique

So many Angelenos consistently cite this as one of their favorite boutiques and it's no wonder—there really is something for everyone. Appealing to romantic types: short billowy dresses by Thread Social and ruffle-trimmed tie-neck blouses from Marc by Marc Jacobs. More glamorous gals will appreciate the look-at-me frocks by Diane von Furstenberg, Ya-Ya, and Matthew Williamson. Also find evening-out shoes and day-worthy tank tops.
106 S. Robertson Blvd., 310-275-1930, madisonlosangeles.com

Products: Denim, swimwear, women's clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry
Type of Store: Boutique

Angelenos who crave original, ahead-of-the-curve clothing hit this neighborhood fixture, which features a stellar selection from designers rarely found elsewhere in the city (Alice McCall, Sretsis, Geren Ford, Sue Stemp, and Erikakritos).
8209 W. Third St., 323-951-0330, shopatmilk.com

Products: Denim, lingerie/loungewear, women's clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry
Type of Store: Boutique

Those who crave original, fashion-forward clothing should head to this sprawling New York City-based retailer. Owners Humberto Leon and Carol Lim are L.A. natives who take great pains to bring in the latest and greatest (Katy Rodriguez, Jasmin Shokrian), which they mix with more familiar lines (Mayle, Proenza Schouler). Most genius: the section dedicated to British High Street label Topshop. And don't forget to check out the store's just-launched collection of unstructured, effortlessly cool dresses.
451 N. La Cienega Blvd., 310-652-1120

Products: Women's clothing
Type of Store: Boutique