A GUIDE TO INDEPENDENT BOUTIQUES

FROM SAN DIEGO TO SANTA BARBARA, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IS HOME TO SOME OF THE BEST CLOTHING BOUTIQUES IN THE WORLD. MANY ARE WIDELY KNOWN, EITHER AS EXTENSIONS OF LARGE FASHION HOUSES OR SECTIONS OF POPULAR DEPARTMENT STORES. THE FOLLOWING IS A SAMPLING OF SMALLER, INDEPENDENT BOUTIQUES THAT AREN’T AS FAMOUS BUT WHOSE CLOTHING IS EVERY BIT AS FASHIONABLE.

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A. Mason features feminine clothing with a French flair. An eclectic array ranging from gauzy corseted tops to embellished vintage Chanel jackets fuses romantic retro with current trends. Designers: Cynthia Rose, Amy Mitton, Edward An. 134 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles; (310) 205-6900.--Heather John

Aero & Co. is the brainchild of designer Cynthia Vincent and Alisa Loftin. This is the place to find the latest in Los Angeles designers, with one-of-a-kind pieces from Magda Berliner and Alicia Lawhon, and offerings from up-and-comers. Designers: Brian Lichtenberg, Rami Kashou, Grey Ant. 8403 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles; (323) 653-4651.--H.J.

American Rag & Cie., the flagship store of what began in 1985 as a hipster vintage clothing boutique, has since expanded to include current trends from Marc by Marc Jacobs, Comme des Garcons and other pricey youth-oriented designers. Designers: Lacoste, Levi’s Premium, Twinkle. 150 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles; (323) 935-3154.--H.J.

Angel is for the young and body-conscious. The strappy tees and low-rise pants are spare and sexy, and there’s oodles of the requisite Juicy Couture and form-fitting wear from Blue Cult. This is the newest outlet in the Wendy Foster empire; the longtime Santa Barbaran also has two stores in Montecito and another in downtown Santa Barbara. Designers: Three Dots, Rebecca Beeson, Susana Monaco. 1221 Coast Village Road, Santa Barbara; (805) 565-1599.--Ann Herold

Beige is the place to go for a first look at contemporary Los Angeles designers, with many one-of-a-kind offerings. The staff is approachable and friendly, and chatty regulars make themselves at home in Le Corbusier chairs. Designers: Michelle Mason, Loy & Ford, Gary Graham, Tree. 7274 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles; (323) 549-0064.--H.J.

B.Luu means there’s no need to drive into L.A. to find cutting-edge fashion anymore. For two years it has been a Pasadena source for Marc by Marc Jacobs separates, as well as for other hot young contemporary lines. Designers: Tyler, Mason, Blue Cult, Shoshanna. Paseo Colorado, 340 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 135, Pasadena; (626) 792-4140.--Booth Moore

Bryan Lee has been carrying edgy, unconventional clothes for women and men since 1982. Ruffled fuchsia shirts for him, corsets with cargo pockets for her, baroque denim skirts with bustles and trains: These lines are guaranteed to create that jaw-dropping, head-turning effect. Designers: J. Lindeberg, Frederick Holmes, Cover. 802 State St., Santa Barbara; (805) 963-0206.--Lisa Palac

Cherry West, the sister of the venerable West Village institution, opened earlier this year. With an emphasis on vintage American sportswear, selections range from structured and mod to disco and ‘80s glam, with an impressive collection of rock T-shirts and Joseph LaRose shoes. Designers: Bonnie Cashin, Anne Klein, Courreges, Balenciaga. 8250 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood; (323) 650-4698.--H.J.

Curve features wispy tops, cotton skirts and feminine tailored trousers from lesser-known designers whom its stylish proprietors, Nevena Borissova and Delia Seaman, seek out. Sizes seem to be geared toward the impossibly waifish, and your luck will increase dramatically the smaller your waistline. Designers: Martine Sitbon, Megan Park, Michelle Mason, Jiwon Park. 154 N. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles; (310) 360-8008.--H.J.

Dari is a destination for Valley hipsters looking for the latest in feminine chic. Owner Melanie Shatner, daughter of actor William, has an eye for the next trend, particularly in denim. Designers: Paper Denim & Cloth, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Alicia Lawhon. 12184 Ventura Blvd., Studio City; (818) 762-3274.--H.J.

Decades is a favorite with fashionistas and red carpet divas for pristine vintage frocks and Hermes bags from the 1960s and ‘70s. Owner Cameron Silver has an uncanny eye for retro-chic; in addition to classics from Pucci and Halston, he has uncovered harder-to-find pieces from John Anthony, Rudi Gernreich and Koos. Designers: Gucci, Hermes, Courreges. 8214 1/2 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; (323) 655-0223.--H.J.

Diane Merrick mixes bohemian chic with a hipster edge. Shelves of cut-to-kill T-shirts keep company with an eclectic array of cashmere, silk skirts, leather pants and must-have accessories at prices that run the gamut. Designers: Michael Stars, Autumn Cashmere, James Perse. 8588 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood; (310) 657-5115.--H.J.

Elisa B. owner Elisa Bruley has been dressing Pasadena’s girlie-girls in sundresses, peplum blazers and pleated miniskirts by Anna Sui, Beth Rowley and Nanette Lepore for more than a decade. Also look for ladylike pumps from Hollywould and fragrances from Calypso and Tocca. Designers: Tracy Reese, Rebecca Taylor, Mint. 12 Douglas Alley at One Colorado, Pasadena; (626) 792-4746.--B.M.

Ethel stands out for its refined metropolitan chic. Its austere interior is packed with offerings that aim to please the sophisticated grown-up woman, from tweed retro-style coats to pleated minis and corduroy skirts. Designers: Dessous Dessus, Beautiful People, Rachel Mara, Edward An, Erica Tanov. 8235 1/2 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles; (323) 658-8602.--Sorina Diaconescu

Fetneh Blake is one of the more progressive boutiques in Southern California. Owner Blake has an eye for up-and-coming French and British designers such as Boudicca and Matthew Williamson, while carrying a chic selection from established names such as Sonia Rykiel. Designers: Rick Owens, Adam Jones, Yoshiki Hishinuma, Ann Demeulemeester. 427 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach; (949) 494-3787.--H.J.

Fred Segal is just as much about the fashion scene as it is about being seen. Both the Santa Monica and Melrose locations house a cluster of clothing and accessories boutiques that stock everything from jeans and T-shirts to uber-pricey designers. Designers: Chloe, Missoni, Diane von Furstenberg, Joie. Fred Segal Santa Monica, 500 Broadway, Santa Monica; (310) 458-8100; Fred Segal Melrose, 8100 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; (323) 655-3734.--H.J.

Gisele Tune travels from Morocco to Italy for inspiration for her Studio City boutique, a favorite with young Hollywood. Cargo pants and clogs mix with cashmere tanks and ethnic jewelry. Designers: Riley, James Perse, Theory, Danang. 12660 Ventura Blvd., Studio City; (818) 980-1196.--H.J.

Govinda’s International Imports, next door to the New Dvaraka Hare Krishna Temple, is the place to find affordable embroidered cotton or silk tunic tops in a rainbow of colors. Wrap skirts, chandelier earrings and mirrored bangle bracelets also are imported from India, Tibet, Thailand and Bali. 3764 Watseka Ave., Los Angeles; (310) 204-3263.--B.M.

Habit is a trendy, youthful boutique tucked inside the Lab Antimall. You’ll find the latest in denim and T-shirt lines, as well as a good selection of hipster sneakers, silky dresses and cotton skirts. Designers: Irregular Choice, Frenzii, Puma, Paper Denim & Cloth. 2930 Bristol Ave., Costa Mesa; (714) 556-9141.--H.J.

JEP Boutique, with concrete floors and floating garment racks, is loft-like and spare with a mix of clothing that is hip, elegant and classic. Designers: Chaiken, Mason, Dirty Laundry, Paper Denim & Cloth, Von Dutch, Lacoste. 5701 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla; (858) 551-0600.--Carolynn Carreno

Jill Roberts designed her Beverly Hills atelier and smaller Montana Avenue store to resemble her closet, with a spirited selection of separates for women and children. Designers: Lacoste, Theory, Development. 417 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills; (310) 860-1617; 920 Montana Ave., Santa Monica; (310) 260-1966.--H.J.

Kitson doesn’t disappoint when it comes to monogrammed wearables--from cotton dolphin shorts and cashmere sweatshirts to totes and sandals. Sassy slogan T-shirts abound, with satin cargo pants and trendy accessories rounding out the mix. Designers: Von Dutch, Lacoste, Trina Turk. 115 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles; (310) 859-2652.--H.J.

LaborFruit is operated by an artist collective, with a heady selection of righteous, deconstructed chic from local designers. Skateboard tees and ethnic jewelry are also offered. Designers: Kaotic, Hypersight.net, Orchid Velasquez, Araceli Silva. 1200 N. Alvarado St., Los Angeles; (213) 483-3500.--S.D.

Lisa Kline, whose awnings feature mud-flap girls, stocks standard-issue Westside-wear, from sporty cashmere separates to trendy denim and girlie tops. Designers: Ella Moss, Rebecca Taylor, Mon Petit Oiseau, Juicy Couture. 136 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles; (310) 246-0907.--H.J.

Lost & Found etc. has a sophisticated hippie-chic vibe: gorgeous patterns and delicious fabrics that flatter your curves. Tiny yet amazingly diverse, the store also carries toys, custom bedding, towels and art books; its hip kids’ clothing is just a few doors down. Designers: Antik Batik, C&C; California, Alpana Bawa, Ya-Ya, Orla Kiely. 6320 Yucca St., Hollywood; (323) 856-5872.--L.P.

Madison features the kind of effortless blending of styles that’s pure L.A. Balloon tops and ponchos mix with luxury cargo pants, filmy T-shirts and sophisticated knits. Designers: Sonia Rykiel, Tree, Jill Stuart. 106 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles; (310) 275-1930.--H.J.

Matti d, with its urban, sophisticated mix of clothes and designers, is a welcome addition to a strip mall containing a chain coffee bar and postal service store. Designers: Poleci, Betsy Johnson, Development, Catherine Malandrino, Emanuel Ungaro, Louis Verdad, Rebecca Taylor. 2689 Via De La Valle, Del Mar; (858) 523-0693.--C.C.

Maxfield is an elite, arty emporium for high fashion with prices to match. Though service can be sterile, the selection is choice with key pieces from important designers. There’s also an impressive collection of vintage Cartier watches, custom-made humidors and Lalique crystal. Designers: Gucci, Dries Van Noten, Yohji Yamamoto, John Galliano. 8825 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; (310) 274-8800.--H.J.

Monkie is one of the few places where you’ll find local designer Rebecca Roozrokh’s reconstructed vintage pieces. Offering a handpicked selection of street and evening wear from the U.S. and Europe, one stop covers everything from rock star to red carpet cravings. Designers: Fornarina, Gsus, Renee Bardot, Anja Flint. 2665 Main St., Suite B, Santa Monica; (310) 450-4512.--L.P.

Noni focuses on local independent artists who serve up a funky/classy/basics blend. The shop also hosts live DJs on weekends and doubles as an art gallery with new shows every few months. Designers: Louis Verdad, Liya Cynamone, Tiffany Alana, American Apparel, Mon Petit Oiseau. 225 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles; (323) 469-3239.--L.P.

On Beverly is where co-owners Shauna Stein and actress Lauralee Bell (“The Young and the Restless”) fill their spacious store with duds for both hip mamas and teenage daughters. A seasoned L.A. retailer, Stein hosts fashion chats for clients on some Saturdays, while Bell models the latest styles. Designers: Jean Paul Gaultier, Roberto Cavalli, Blumarine, Bluegirl. 8601 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles; (310) 300-8601.--B.M.

Patty Faye, which is tucked inside a baby-blue bungalow in Silver Lake, keeps fashion secrets traded only among best friends: Cali-cool dresses, Patch vinyl clutches shaped like wiener dogs, and charming staffers who occasionally entice customers with doughnuts and champagne. Designers: Kerry Cassill, Alvin Valley, Tibi, Danang, Development. 2910 Rowena Ave., Los Angeles; (323) 667-1954.--S.D.

Pearl, which is owned by Jennifer Nicholson, daughter of Jack, brings high fashion to the Westside, with selections from John Galliano, Narciso Rodriguez and Stella McCartney. Nicholson’s own line, which reflects her self-described “1950s debutante on acid” style, is also stocked alongside handpicked vintage pieces. Designers: Emanuel Ungaro, Magda Berliner, Imitation of Christ. 1311 B Montana Ave., Santa Monica; (310) 576-7116.--B.M.

Pickett Fences & Petticoats combines the cozy ambience of an old-fashioned general store with the latest looks for women, men and babies. Girlie dresses, vintage prints, unique textures and classic lines are sprinkled on top of a great selection of jeans and shirts. Designers: Joie, Ella Moss, Splendid, Citizens of Humanity, Juicy Couture. 214 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles; (323) 467-2140.--L.P.

Planet Blue is a destination for relaxed, beach bum style, including comfy track suits, cashmere sweaters and the jeans of the moment, now from Australian label Tsubi. Planet Blue Essentials, the beauty emporium next door, is also worth checking out. Designers: Juicy Couture, Ya-Ya, Foley, C&C; Tees. Malibu Country Mart, 3835 Cross Creek Road, Malibu; (310) 317-9975.--B.M.

Show Pony, Kimme Buzzelli’s conceptual boutique, feels like something out of Edie Sedgwick’s closet. Eye-catching plastic jewelry, tops and toys are scattered throughout, while rickety armoires hold the magpie creations she co-designs with Niki Livingston. Designers: Fancy Pony Land, Jackson Johnston & Roe, Mongrel, Madley. 1543 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles; (213) 482-7676.--S.D.

Sorella, which means “sister” in Italian, is named for sister proprietors Tracey and Kerry McReynolds. Located in San Diego’s newly gentrified Little Italy, Sorella stocks staples and lines from up-and-coming designers whose names are not yet department store brands. Designers: Renee Bardot, The Ballroom, Jill Michelle, Anja Flint. 619 W. Fir St., San Diego; (619) 232-9322.--C.C.

Suss Design bears the name of its creator, Suss Cousin, who hand-knits fashionable designs in her native Swedish tradition. Mohair ponchos, multihued sweaters and delicate separates are offered along with exotic yarns and weekly classes should you wish to create your own. 7350 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles; (323) 954-9637.--H.J.

Therapy is where casual comfort is the name of the game. Shoppers can stock up on Joie cargo pants, Danang camouflage pants and C&C; T-shirts. Finish off the look with belts by Hollywood Trading Co. and Birkenstock clogs. Designers: Theory, Loy & Ford, Sanctuary, Paper Denim & Cloth. 316 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena; (626) 568-9905.--B.M.

Tracey Ross, a doyenne of L.A. style, has been catering to the Hollywood set at her Sunset Plaza store since 1996, and it’s not uncommon to see pals such as Kate Hudson and Julianne Moore stopping in to say “hi.” As you’d expect, clothes here are designed to flatter the world’s best bods. Designers: Chloe, DSquared, Juicy Couture. 8595 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; (310) 854-1996.--B.M.

Traffic Women, one of the last independent boutiques in the Beverly Center, is famous as L.A.’s venue for Vivienne Westwood’s Red Label. Whether you’re going to the Grammys or the grocery store, its commingling of casual and couture will get you there in style. Designers: Moschino, Rozae Nichols, Great China Wall, Loy & Ford. Beverly Center, 8500 Beverly Blvd., Suite 648, Los Angeles; (310) 659-3438.--L.P.

Uroborus Mode Atelier showcases the work of owner/designer Gigi Clark, who uses silk and oriental brocade to create colorful, elegant mix-n-match corsets, jackets, skirts and pants. Hemlines range from mini to floor length, providing choices for all occasions. Designers: Vivienne Tam, Save the Queen, Custo, Heidi Hess. 2407 Main St., Santa Monica; (310) 581-9399.--L.P.

Vionnet is a jewel box of a boutique with boudoir-like fitting rooms. Offerings include brushed cotton pants from co-owner and designer Delia Seaman, mixed in with a few key designer pieces and lacy camisoles, soft tees and candy-colored cashmere. Designers: Delia, Ungaro Fuchsia, Samantha Chang. 158 N. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles; (310) 289-9202.--H.J.

Wendy Foster in Montecito is actually two stores flanking Pierre LaFond’s emporium. One side features sportswear with flair, and the other carries figure-flattering dress-up styles for the well-established. Foster also has a store on State Street in downtown Santa Barbara for the even younger at heart. Designers: John Patrick, Piazza Sempione, Martin Margiela 6. 516 San Ysidro Road, Santa Barbara; (805) 565-1506.--A.H.

Yellow is all about color. In this trend-setting two-story boutique, racks are arranged by hue, creating a rainbow effect around the store’s perimeters. Stacks of Paper Denim & Cloth jeans, James Perse T-shirts and the odd pair of slinky shoes fill the center. Designers: See by Chloe, Paul and Joe, Imitation of Christ. 605 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles; (323) 525-0362.--H.J.