Farmer's Markets are my favorite places to shop in LA. For everything.

This one is my personal favorite, and one I try to make it to often. Melrose Trading Post (Sundays only) - I've gotten everything from a gorgeous fur coat for $60 (haggled him down from $120) to jewelry to dresses to furniture for my apartment. Happy hunting :)

Abbot Kinney is the place to shop like a local on the Westside. There you can find unique boutiques carrying all the hot an upcoming LA brands as well as LA staples, like TOMS Flagship. At Tom's, you can try on the latest kicks and sunglasses while sipping on an iced coffee brewed from Tom's own blend.

Third Street Promenade has all the brand name stores you'll know.  At the end of Third Street you'll find Santa Monica Place, which was design by renowned architect (and local resident) Frank Gehry. Up the street on Broadway you'll find Fred Segal which is worth a visit for their famous sales and cafe - Chicken Pear Salad + Chocolate Chip Cookie is awesome! 

If you are around on a Sunday head to Melrose Trading Post for local vendors and consignment items from all over LA. 

If you are looking for high-end goods then Rodeo Drive drive is a must. You'll find CHANEL FASHION BEVERLY HILLS, Burberry, Gucci and all the most well-known fashion houses. The people watching is probably the best part! 

Try Montana Avenue which is one of my all-time most favorite shopping streets. Tons of really cute little boutiques and restaurants that are perfect for a girls' day of shopping. There's a store called Palmetto that must have every bath and beauty product under the sun--I don't think I've ever spent less than an hour there. Weathervane is a good designer store there. I'm also a big fan of Stacia which is a bit more affordable. I'm a big Indian food fan and there's a pretty decent Indian restaurant there called PRADEEPS Indian Cuisine Restaurant.

You might also want to try the Third Street Promenade. It's a bit touristy but fun--AllSaints is there which is one of my most favorite stores in the world as is an Anthropologie and a weird little store I like called Angl where I've gotten some really cute little dresses. Those streets are definitely worth a day of shopping!

Hey Nicole! 

I love heading over to Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach. GREAT area for shopping and even though some shops may be a little expensive, there are others that won't burn a hole in your pocket.

Main St in Santa Monica has some cute boutiques as well. I love shopping at Planet Blue, definitely worth making a stop.

Local tip: if you're here the second sunday of the month, you have to head to the Rose Bowl Stadium for the flea market! One of the most unique and fun shopping experiences I've had. I seriously spent an entire day there. Got there at 10am and didn't leave till 4pm. That's how awesome and vast it is. 

Have fun!

Fred Segal in Santa Monica has a collection of local boutiques and many local designers. My favorite part is being able to grab a beer and noteworthy burger at Umami Burger which is attached. Many people think its one of the better burgers in LA, so even though it's a girls trip, it's worth trying ;)

Nicole, 

I would second suggestions for Main St, Montana Avenue and Abbot Kinney BLVD Shopping.  Also on the streets surrounding Rodeo like Little Santa Monica Boulevard and Beverly Drive, there are boutique shops. 

Enjoy shopping!

I don't know when you're going to be here, but if you'll be here on the last Friday of the month, that's when all the sample sales happen in the Fashion District downtown. Go to the Cooper Design Space and the California Market Center: Management & Leasing Offices (that should just say California Market Center, but this is a little janky), start at the top, and work your way down. Many famous designers will sell their stuff for $10 or less. There's also the FIDM Scholarship Store; designers donate their previous-season merchandise to the store in order to raise scholarship money for fashion students. I have scored some designer formal evening gowns that were listed for $1000+ for only $50.

Rodeo Drive for fun. Venice Beach Boardwalk for quite an eye opening experience and there is an awesome shopping mall near the Mann's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd.

Has anyone mentioned shopping on S Robertson Blvd? Great place for shopping, Instragammable pics and food. I also really like 3rd st between Fairfax and La Cienega - once you're done boutique shopping you can walk right over to the Beverly Center.

Sunset Junction Neighborhood abounds with cool local shops: Dean Leather Accessories, Matrushka Construction and Recess are some of my favorites in that area.

Abbot Kinney is where you'll find some things unique to LA.

You can always find all that stuff Santee Alley just beware of parking if you park on the street.

Melrose Ave Shopping you can find all kinds of unique stores but will cost you more than in downtown but they do have things there you will not find at Santee Alley.

Abbot Kinney Street in Venice Beach would be perfect.

Being in Los Angeles for only 24 is the limiter here.  However, North of LAX is Santa Monica is close on the west side.  Few minutes north of LAX, you will be in one of the hottest trending markets at 3rd Street Promenade.  Great boutique shops with a mix of commercial stores and great eateries abound.  If the feet or the wallet are getting tired, there is always the pier and beach. Can't go wrong.
Another plus, weekends at Abbot and Kinney for food trucks and a few more boutiques

Head South you have a better mix of eateries and boutiques in El Segundo (Plazza at El Segundo) and Manhattan Beach or Hermosa Beach.  Less traffic and easier going.

Hope this helps.... Enjoy SoCal