THE ALLEY, LOS ANGELES: I’m sure by now you’ve heard of the great steals to be had at garment districts. We’re not talking about knock-off bags, (GROSS, YUCK, NEVER!), we’re talking about small-label (but very trendy) bags, scarves, hats, jewelry, tops, and sometimes shoes, all at too-good-to-be-true prices.

Just the idea of such a place got me all pumped up. I pictured myself buying an armful of goodies at dirt-cheap prices and then floating away like a happy balloon.

That bubble was quickly popped after my first visit; instead of leaving with cute accessories, I left feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and worse, empty-handed.

I realized that once surrounded by the hundreds of scarves, bags, and tons of ghetto gold, I couldn’t even remember what I like. The clutter just all blended together and for some reason nothing seemed that cute anymore and I just wanted to go home.

And just when I think, I’ve completely written-off the garment district, my friend Jessica sports an adorable accessory she found at, guess where? Where else? The garment district.

She does it every time! It’s not fair.

I asked Jess how she finds these diamonds in the rough visit after visit. What’s her secret? Does she have some trick or method I’m unaware of, WHAT?

Determined to figure it out, I asked her if I could join her the next time she went hunting.

We headed out early one Saturday morning to downtown L.A.’s Santee Alley, which is located between Olympic Blvd. and Eleventh St. It’s only 10:00 a.m. and the streets are already buzzing as we make our way through the maze of one-way streets looking for parking.

We searched for meter parking, but couldn’t find any, so we finally found a paid lot that offered all-day parking for $6. (It’s located on the corner of Los Angeles St. and Olympic Blvd.)

Jessica confesses that getting to The Alley is half the battle; so don’t set yourself up for failure. Here are some suggestions:

1. Get a map and directions beforehand
2. Wear comfortable shoes
3. Bring cash (you’ll need singles for parking)
4. Eat before you go
5. Gather some ideas of what you’re looking for

Below is my interview with Jess, where she spills some of her secrets.  Thanks Jess, you’re a master at this!

Q: How do you not get lost in all the “things” and find those gems?
A: “I usually go with someone, so I don’t get overwhelmed. I also limit myself to 4 or 5 things. If I want more, then I tell myself to wait for the next visit. If I still like it then, I buy it.”
Q: Do you come with a plan in mind?
A: “Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t. If I have an event I need something specific for, then I’ll come and look for just that, but when I have extra time I figure, I’m here…why not look?”

Q: Do you have specific items in your head that you’re looking for?
A: “Always jewelry. The alley is known for its jewelry, but now I look for tops, accessories, and sometimes-even shoes. Once in awhile I’ll look for a cheapy throw-around purse.”

Q: Where does your inspiration come from?
A: “I’m always flipping through magazines so I have an idea about where the style is going and I keep that in mind when I’m here because it helps me stay focused on what I came here for.”

Q: How often do you shop at things like this?
A: “I would probably have to say once a month”

Q: Can you still find things if you don’t come very often?
A: “Of course you can, but you’re likely to either buy more or get overwhelmed. I feel like the more times I come, the more comfortable I feel because I’m more familiar with everything now”

Q: Do you find things every time?
A: “I always find things, but I have the tendency to overbuy. Which is why I always limit myself. There are times I come and buy stuff that I don’t even wear, but that’s the great thing about these places, you can afford to do that. So you’re free to experiment a little more and sometimes it works with something you already have and sometimes it doesn’t.”

Q: How do you pick the stores you go into?
A: “I first came here with one of my roommates from college. She kind of showed me the ropes, but mostly…I go into every store because I don’t want to miss anything. You never know where you can find something.”

Q: Any general guidelines, for instance…”Avoid corner stores, etc.”
A: “I would say don’t just limit yourself to just the alley because the neighboring streets have great stuff too. Sometimes they’re a bit more expensive, but definitely worth the look and they have trendier things. Also, don’t be afraid to haggle in the alley or tell them that you’ll buy more if they give you a better price because a lot of times they’ll give you a lower price if you buy two.”

Hmmm, kinda makes me want to give it another go. What about you?

If you have any tips or questions you’d like to share, just leave a comment either below this post or in our guestbook.

Oh yeah, BTW, Santee Alley is open 365 days a year. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Here’s a map of the area and here’s a map of parking lots, SCORE!

Yours Truly,
Lady Lex