During our stay in the land of sunshine, beaches, and too much traffic, we began to feel the same, and found a quartet of stellar boutiques to consummate the affair. Here are four L.A. boutiques we don't mind hitting when we're burning air miles.

1. Clare Vivier
3339 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026
This sunny Parisian-inspired shop in Silver Lake is all about handmade accessories: brilliantly colored top handle totes, minimally-designed iPad cases, and foldover striped clutches line the shelves—and p.s. everything can be monogrammed. CV is also the only shop in L.A. that sells fancy Chateau Marmont candles, aside from the upscale hotel itself, so make a note of it.

2. DNA Clothing
Venice, 411 Rose Avenue, Venice, CA 90291
Hollywood location, 8000 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90046
Quirky, boho-hippie Venice is at the tipping point of yuppie these days. Nonetheless, the casual beach/surfer vibe rules here. For the last two decades, DNA Clothing has been the go-to shop where locals stock up on beach essentials like printed ponchos, T-shirts, hoodies, and sunnies. On trend and on the cheap.

3. Dream Collective
1404 Michetorena, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Another gem in Silver Lake is Dream Collective, a boutique recently opened by local jewelry maker Kathryn Bentley. Stained glass windows set the stage for Bentley’s intricate, affordable costume jewelry collection. Other local artists sell wares like tote bags, art, and footwear at the shop, too. But we went for the jewels: a slender brass and enamel cuff in a multi-colored chevron print looks simple, but really pops against a plain white tee. And the turquoise-hued, oversized triangle ring in brass? We’re suckers for a chic statement ring.

4. Left Bank

2479 Fletcher Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90039
This quaint little thrift store/art gallery is located in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Atwater Village. Jacqueline Goodman, who runs the shop with her mom and sister, stocks the French-inspired boutique with a curated collection of apparel and footwear (both new and vintage), as well as housewares and accessories—some locally made, others imported from France. It’s a bit like raiding a tiny flea market or your cool aunt’s closets—trinkets and treasures are everywhere.