A Date with the District

If the state of today's economy has you pinching pennies more than usual and cleaning dust mites off your treadmill is an everyday occurrence, this rage is for you.

I’ve found the perfect combination: bargain shopping and exercise. I invite you to make a date with the district – the LA Fashion District, that is. No matter what you are looking for, the LA Fashion District is bound to have it. The “Hot Spot” however, is definitely Santee Alley. This haven is located between Santee and Maple street, and Olympic and 12th Street. Santee Alley, while a part of the Fashion District, is like its own little fashion universe. Bargain hunters beware: you might have a heart attack due to the overwhelming low price tags. Santee Alley offers dozens of designer knockoffs and the first Friday of every month is home to many sample sales. Men, women, children, etc. will benefit from this spot. The Alley is open every day, and offers a very “festival” like atmosphere. Get there early though, crowds tend to grow towards the afternoon hours.

Here are a couple helpful hints to make your date with the district extra special:

1. Wear comfortable shoes. I wasn’t kidding when I said it was a combination of shopping and exercise. 90 blocks, and that doesn’t count the standing while you’re in the shops.



2. Bring cash. Although ATM’s are located all throughout the District, you don’t want to be in line at a store and have the embarrassment of putting everything back because that particular store doesn’t take credit cards.


3. Leave your modesty at home. Some stores only offer one large room for try-on’s, so you’ll be changing in front of others.



4. Don’t make rash decisions. A lot of stores do not offer exchanges or refunds.



5. Download an LA Fashion District Map from the website before you go. That way, you know where all the bathrooms are located in case of an emergency. (They are located sporadically throughout the 90 block radius). You don't want to have a "Charolotte" moment...



Happy Shopping!