Gotta Love it!
The wedding magazine, The Knot Southern California, recently asked me to give them some info regarding LA's fashion district. They wanted to know how people who are in the middle of planning their wedding could benefit from shopping downtown. I thought I'd share with you wonderful blog readers what I shared with them.
There are a couple of benefits to shopping downtown:
1. Nostalgia, you may not, but I get a sense of wow, I am in the heart of it all.
2. Prices, competition is stiff from door to door. Plus, the prices are unbeatable to chain stores in town. Here is where the chain stores obtain their merchandise & jack up the prices to pay for their lighting, employees, marketing, etc…
3. Variety- It would take weeks to explore every nook & cranny. Your selection is limitless; it’s a little unsettling for me to think that because I like to see all my options before making a purchase, lol.
4. It really is a small community. During my second visit, most store owners & employees remembered my face. That is astonishing; I’m not a huge spender either. Now I bring my daughter with me & they all know her. Fabric, notions, what not, this industry is these peoples’ lives. They are not a kid forced to be at their after school job. At first, a few may be a little brash because they want a big sale. Just open up & ask a question & 99% of the workers will be incredibly helpful, resourceful, insightful & even send you to a competitor to help you find what you are in search for.
Tips:
Parking: I never pay for parking. Yes, there are a zillion lots & sometimes you’re lucky to find a meter (if you have the change) or a friendly homeless person who will trigger the meter for you with his paper clip. The best place to park is on the east side of
Negotiate!: Don’t ever settle on the first price a merchant quotes you. Tell him what you want to pay (within reason). If he says no, walk out. 9 times out of 10 he/she will follow you & agree on your price. They most likely want your business more than you want that item.
Restrooms: It never fails, I park my car, begin my trek (usually with my child in tow) & I realize I must find a restroom. Let’s be real, the bathrooms at these shops are old & scary. Here is what to do- Go to the California Mart. It is impossible to miss. The mart is takes up a block from 9th to Olympic & Los Angeles St. to
Bring a list: This sounds juvenile but I’m telling you, it is so easy to get side tracked. There is so much to look at. New ideas constantly pop into your mind. “I know I can find a use for this!” will play repeat in your head.
Over view:
When referring to shopping in the district, most people mention Michael Levine’s. These people are not really in the know. Michael Levine is, by far, the most popular store. I mean, it has everything but it’s also the most expensive place. It is basically a Joanne’s times 10. I visit there as a last resort.
The fashion District is a rectangle: 9th & Olympic make up the long sides & Main & San Julian being the short sides. Besides, 9th & Olympic, the only cross streets you need, for material & notion shopping, are Wall & Maple. All the other streets are either for apparel shopping, furniture fabric, or people in the fashion design & production industry. Actually, the district is more of a square. Be sure to visit the cross streets North, past 9th for trims & to make your way to the flower mart.
For wedding purposes, Olympic Blvd. is where you will find all your flower girl & ring bearer needs. These shops carry adorable dresses & suits along with the essentials like pillows, flower baskets, parasols. You name it. One store particularly stands out, La Bella by Carmen Creation. The styles featured here Victorian inspired. The apparel & accessories are just darling, very one of a kind. Also along 10th, you can find amazing deals on bird cages, cake sets, stands, champagne flutes, & other misc. items.
Trims, trims, ....& more trims!!
Most stores will special order any color you need if you are ordering a significant amount. My favorite fabric shops for higher end goods are Tex Carmel & Fabrics & Fabrics. At
As for trims & notions, most of those merchants are located on
Three doors down from Levy’s, is L.A. Linen Lacey’s Fabrics. This is the place to go to for table linens, chair covers, sashes, overlays, table runners, table skirts & napkins! Any style you imagine & any color you crave, they have it & with a very nice price tag. Lacey’s has embroidered or beaded organza, crepe back or shiny satins, pin tucked or pin cushioned taffeta's, the list goes on! It’s a great “go-to” place. I love their slogan, “yes, everything is possible. The impossible just takes a bit longer and cost more to make”.
I believe this is a good start for the
List of Merchants mentioned:
Fabrics & Fabrics –
Kashcool, inc. –
La Bella by Carmen Creation – 321 ½ E. Olympic Blvd.,
Levy’s Trimming Co. –
BTW, this article will be in the upcoming Spring/Summer 2010 issue. I'm not sure what (if any) info they will use of mine, but I'm excited because I think one of the weddings I coordinated will be featured!
