fashion valley is always good -san diego
south coast plaza - costa mesa (not cheap but really nice)
also when your in costa masa (its like 10 - 15 minutes away) go to newport, fashion island, the beach umm then down the 101 is laguna tons of shops clothing and tons of other things higher rent higher prices.. and then as you go up the walk lower prices of things... its also a wonderful place to go and hang out during the day, I do that when I get bored!!!
hunting beach is nice but last time I went there most of the shops were closed down and alot of work was being done within the streats.. mind that this was a month ago so dont know at the moment.
LA is wonderful if you want to make the clothing your self -mind you I know people that do this- the cloth.. or um fabric district I've been told is cheap and good, as well as the clothing district, I <3 this place only been there once an dying to go up there again, as for mac pro store up in la...
I know of just down the ally cheap but good clothing stores... but they are also out of the way if you would like me to pm me and I'll try to get the addresses to you.