One of the reasons I love where I live, is being so close to Santa Monica. There are many areas where you can actually WALK and find great stores with stuff you won't find in the mall.
If you are planning to visit L.A., please make Main Street one of your destinations. While there, you must check out Platform 9. They have an incredible selection of artwork, jewelry, clothing (my fave-skirts made from vintage fabric), objet d'art and on and on. You have to stop by because I can't even begin to describe everything, plus the store itself is a great space AND it's just a few blocks from the beach. If you ever stop by, tell them I sent ya, ok?