Asked... about Los Angeles, CA

Abbott Kinney Boulevard in Venice is a perfect contrast to Rodeo Drive and about as counterculture as LA consumerism gets. There are no franchises in the neighborhood, and you'll find quirky cafes, clothing stores, and perfume shops, to name a few!

Definitely be sure to hit up Melrose Avenue. Robertson Blvd is also great if you are looking for boutiques and specialty shops. I'd also recommend The Grove (www.thegrovela.com) for trendy shops and tasty eats. It's a beautiful tree-lined shopping district which can be a ton of fun even if you're just window shopping!

Head to the beaches! Santa Monica and Venice Beach are two of my favorite shopping destinations in Los Angeles. While Santa Monica has a mall, skip that and head to the Third Street Promenade for the best shops. This pedestrian-only stretch is also lined with fantastic restaurants, many of which have outdoor seating to enjoy the fresh ocean air. The Venice Beach boardwalk has a very eclectic mix of shops, from fashion boutiques to souvenir shops. It runs right along the beach for several blocks and is probably the only place on the planet where you can shop while being serenaded by a dude on rollerblades playing an electric guitar and other colorful characters.