(Credit: Austin Young)
Why shop the Fashion District?
The Fashion District has everything you would ever want to buy, including really trashy stuff—you know, for days when you want to look like you’re in a reggaeton video.
Have you saved much money there?
Yes! I had gotten really sick of paying so much for so little in high-end boutiques. Now every couple of months I’ll go and see what is at Fred Segal, buy one thing, and then go Downtown and pick up copies of whatever I saw.
How do you know where to go?
At first it can be overwhelming. There are stores that change, and some of them don’t really have names. You just have to discover it.
What’s your favorite thing to buy?
The accessories are amazing. Go around Santee Alley—not actually in the Alley, but on Los Angeles St. and on Olympic—for tons of rhinestone jewelry, belts and long string necklaces. The craftsmanship isn’t always great though. One time I bought a purse and the rhinestones were set so roughly that they made millions of little cuts all over my hand.
What other hidden treasures have you found?
There is a place on Los Angeles St. that has great monogrammed stockings. There are these crazy "Dream Girls"-like prom gowns that you can get for pretty cheap on Olympic just across from Santee Alley. A lot of the lingerie is on Santee Alley. There are two really good belt buckle sellers on Santee Alley too.
What about the quality?
Much of the stuff is factory seconds, so the seams aren’t so great or it isn’t a completely finished garment. But there are great things to be found in the right places. Next to the Cooper Building on Los Angeles St., you’ll find five or six stores that are higher-end. It’s like the Robertson Blvd. of Downtown.
What about denim?
You can buy jeans like drugs. On Olympic going towards Santee Alley , there are these guys who have big bags and a couple pairs displayed out. Forty dollars a pair—and they fit great! They don’t have specialized brands like Hudson, but they do have Rock and Republic and True Religion. If you can find a little place in the Alley to try them on, they will let you.
When is the best time to go?
Weekends are nuts, but that’s when all the denim guys are there. Sunday is like a huge festival day. There are lots of street vendors with food. I love to get mango in a bag with chili, salt and lime.
Any insider tips?
Don't drink any fluids before you go. Seriously, no bathrooms! Many stores do not have dressing rooms. And carry cash. That way you won’t have to pay sales tax or bargain so much for things. Credit cards are usually accepted—but not from people selling blue jeans on the street, of course.
Check out our guide to shopping the Fashion District
