THE L.A. FASHION DISTRICT REPORT!

When the going gets tough the tough usually go shopping but the overall economic news has been so dire lately that most of us don't quite have fabulosity in the budget.

But Fashionistas, don't despair! Long promised, finally here, my Fashion District Report.
I plan on going Downtown again in the next few days to make my Holiday gift purchases. I went a little earlier this year with my friend Gail who consented to being photographed.
So here all the in-the-know-411 you need to get:


First of all, what is it? The Fashion District is the manufacture (yes, we do have the most manufacturing jobs in the whole U.S. garment industry right here in Los Angeles!) and import center for fashions for the Western part of the U.S.

Within a few square miles, almost 900 wholesale boutiques to chose from. Everything from cartoon character baby wear to bridal gowns, the latest fashions and tacky t-shirts. Yes, even though not quite legal, also lots of copies of designer handbags and t-shirt labels. Shoes, beauty products, perfumes, fashion jewelry, sun glasses, belts and buckles, scarves, disco fashions, formal wear with all matching accessories. In short: everything for the young and fashion forward.
Open 7 days a week from 10Am to 5PM, except a few high holidays.



Some stores sell only to licensed boutique owners but most will sell to everyone AT NEARLY WHOLESALE PRICE!!!!

Where is it? The heart of the district is along Los Angeles Street and Santee Boulevard starting at 9th Street to the North and ending at Pico Avenue to the South.
Along all the cross streets turn East and check out the boutiques along Olympic, 11th and 12th Streets going down to Wall Street.
Then, of course, there is the famous Santee Alley. Here you find mostly very inexpensive China imports. I usually skip it unless I am looking for t-shirts of sports or music idols or street fashion bling.

My favorites are a few stores that import great fashions from France and Italy.


Like Marc Laurent.
Owner Chantal and her daughter Valerie have that certain je-ne-sais-quoi about style and an eye for what works for the customer. Under Chantal's guidance I have dared try on items I would never have thought possible for myself. Always fabulous, "très fraîche" and sooooo affordable. I landed one skirt for $35, I spotted the exact same one in an expensive Newport Beach boutique for $185. That's what I paid for my whole summer wardrobe (okay, I am now confirming rumors about my "thriftiness"...)! Chantal confirmed that she sells her imports to dozens of boutiques in the Southland.



Gail lucked out here!

Address:
934-A South Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles CA 90015
Ph: (213) 489 6606







Right next door on both sides you find more great fashions for women and men, as well as wonderful fashion jewelry and watches.
Gail wanted a specific green one she could not find anywhere.
We ended up at FineTime Inc.
Check out this selection:



Gail found the round watch, selected just the right green band and they assembled it for her right then and there. Cost: $12!!! We found out on the drive home that it was missing a battery but you can get those at all watch repair places for about $7.

Address: 914 S. Los Angeles Street.
Ph: (213) 683 1028

We were too exhausted to walk all the way to the other end but I do recommend the corner of Pico and Santee Boulevards as well. There are several great Italian and French stores as well as the most extensive fashion jewelry and accessory store I have found so far.
Every style from tiaras to toe rings, evening bags, hair accessories, bracelets, necklaces, earrings in various designs from classic to ultra modern you will find here!
Accessories Zone
309 East 11th Street, Los Angeles
Ph: (213) 744 0831


We headed back to the triangle corner of Main and Spring Streets to enjoy an authentic French lunch. Angelique's always reminds me of my years in France. It's as authentic and delicious as it gets. The cafe is housed in a charming historic two-story building surrounded by skyscrapers and they have a patio. I always order the merguez sandwich with salad and I wonder how all the skinny models from the surrounding fashion companies stay so skinny eating the "pommes frites". Angelique's offers sandwiches, salads, quiches and more at affordable prices.



Address:
840 South Spring Street
Ph: (213) 623 8698
Breakfast and Lunch, Monday through Saturday
www.angeliquecafe.com

For more information, maps, directions, store directory and everything else about the Fashion District, check out their website: www.fashiondistrict.org.

Getting there:
by car, exiting at 9th Street off the 110 Freeway, or exit "Maple" off the 10. Many city parking lots, some a lot more expensive than others! Check the rates! You should be able to find parking for a flat fee of $8.
You can also take the metro to Union Station and connect via Dash.
www.metro.net


Happy Shopping!