The Santee Alley

12/22/2015

I love the Santee alley NOW. I'm not much of a dtla shopper but early mornings I will shop there. Can't do large crowds too much so this is perfect for me. Few shops won't open til 10 but most are open by 8 where you can bargain a few dollars cheaper on some items. There are a few food places to eat. I'm not a huge fast food eater as it may seem but I do like a turkey burger or a chicken taco and some fries to share.  There are many street food vendors and healthy restaurants if you walk a few blocks from santee alley. Also there are many stores on other streets nearby not just in the alley.

Many store are wholesale not retail. So If you don't have license look for retail merchants.

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  Isn't this the cutest thing is on the ground in the garment district, reminds me of me.

  Isn't this the cutest thing is on the ground in the garment district, reminds me of me.
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  Street food... yum. Mulitas special with drink & choice of chips.

  Street food... yum. Mulitas special with drink & choice of chips.

12/2/2015

The Santee Alley is similar to Hong Kong Night Market, the Nanjing Road in Shanghai, or Paranaque in Manila.  Similar I say, not exactly because it does not have that organized elbow to elbow chaos that most of the international Asian markets have.  What Santee does have are items such as clothing, makeup, toys, lots of women shoes, imported from Asia, at dirt cheap cost!  I even managed to find a nice shoes for me for less than $20.  Though I didn't buy, I was tempted. There's also a ton of mom and pops restaurant mostly Mexican and a few Chinese. The Santee Alley is a an intersection of about 4 blocks alley, all within walking distance from each other.

What I like most about The Santee Alley is how respectful and very nice the vendors and small business owners were.  They were not pushy in sales, and in fact, they were more intersted in making sure, we bought the right item, and that we were happy with them.  

Until then, Cheers! ~ :p

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• See all photos from Edwin R. for The Santee Alley

11/7/2015

I love coming down here when I need a quick fix to shop I can come down and not buy anything.  I have favorite shops that I keep their names and cards. I came down here looking for some Indian Dresses and Tops I found Rose N Style Santee St....great got 2 dresses and 3 tops I was a happy camper  

Also picked up a pair of sandals that I can wear around the house.

I don't even try to use the bathrooms just don't.  Try not to drink too much liquid as some places charge and they are really funky.

9/8/2015

If you are a native of LA you know about 90 blocks of the fashion district! Santee  Alley is  one of the popular shopping sprees.  What we have here is pointless knock off shit you don't need, but for some reason I'm always spending tons of cash here on knock off Mac make up! My friends swear it's going to eat my skin!  So far My face is still in tact.  When Ed Hardy liked to Party this was the spot to get it!  

You need to know someone for the quality underground knock off (look for walkie talkies) & don't dress like a cop!  Be street smart assholes are everywhere...and eat a street dog I've survived like 3 of them over the years

Also this is where all the LA dip shits that want to be ballers buy there tailored suits (those are the guys I ended up sleeping with)

12/23/2015

Santee Alley is in the LA Fashion District and is similar to the flea market. There are a bunch of stores selling apparel, accessories, toys, perfume, etc. Many of the stores seem to carry the same things. Bargain prices, but quality is low for the most part. Some vendors accept credit cards but many are cash only- various ATMs are located throughout the alley. The main store worth checking out was Perfume Los Angeles. My friends dropped a chunk of money here.

7/10/2015

Talk about a GREAT bargain!! Mannnnnnn....Count me in!!

First time coming here this summer and I was in awe! I would have to describe it as little garages that people are selling their products in. Clothes, luggage, Jewelry, purses, shoes, makeup...You name it best believe they got it. It's a LONGGG alleyway full of different cheap deals. I noticed that some people were advertising the same price but I played the game and used my mouth-peace:

Me: How much does this cost?
Owner of store: $35 dolla
Me: The ol' man next door will give me this same product for $5 less than what you will give me so I'll just go over there".
Owner of the store: I give to you for $30 then okay..

HAHA naa they didn't like that, they instantly brought there price down to beat the next competitor! HAHA Talk about a BARGAIN! I'm the one hunny!

They had tons of parking garages to park in because parking is crazy but I was lucky to find parking on the street.

I personally didn't trust there jewelry so I wasn't going to buy it but it looked nice and pretty from far.

ONLY CON:
The nasty bathrooms!! UGHH! After all the long hours of shopping I REALLY had to go potty and I felt that they bathrooms were going to be somewhat presentable but little did I know! HA It was so dang smelly and to top it off they had the nerve to put the food stands right next to the bathrooms...Now come on...do you REALLY expect me to eat the damn food that was made next to smelly bathrooms...REALLY? I'll pass son..

I now know that if I want a steal deal on products where to come and get the good stuff! I will definitely be back to the Alleys when in the LA area and know to bring more cash on me because some of their products on things you will NOT find in the Bay Area!

Until next time Santee Alley!

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  My new loves!

  My new loves!
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9/26/2015

I will forwarn you, you will need a shower after visiting Santee Alley! There's heaps of people, food vendors, car exhaust, shouting fashionistas, sly characters selling fake louis V and MAC makeup on the side of the road and much much more! If you are in a hurry or aren't in the mood to put up with the chaos, skip Santee Alley.

On the flip side, if you have an open afternoon and are ready to shop, negotiate and charge through crowds in the heart of DTLA's fashion district, Santee Alley will have more deals than you can even begin to fathom.  I made out like a bandit the two times I went.  

So, if you have the time and the patience, you should totally go! It's great to live in one of the major fashion hubs in the world! Sample sales, inexpensive clothing.... sign me up!!! Just get me home stat after to wash off the musty grim and grit that comes with trudging through Santee Alley!

11/8/2015

Hold on to ur children... Hide ur wallets...never take the first deal...its always cheaper somewhere else :)

7/22/2015

2.5 stars rounded up. Santee Alley is really a hit or miss. I usually end up getting a cheap pair of sunglasses, cellphone accessories, and a sweater (if I'm lucky).  Do shop around because prices can vary from store to store and most stores you can haggle on the price.
Parking can be tough... there are meters (make sure you keep track of your time because you will get a ticket if you are late) or you can opt to park in the lots (make sure you read the small print at the bottom and don't get fooled by the $3 parking sign.

11/18/2015

If you need cheap gifts or clothes, this is the place to shop. It's difficult to find cheap parking, but there are lots around for less than $10 if you hunt them down. Meter parking nearby was $4/hour. Most of the shops have cheap stuff...not great quality inexpensive stuff...cheap. However I picked up some plain t-shirts that seem sturdy for an arts and crafts project I'm doing for $3/each. I found some hats that were actually the same brands and styles as a store on Hollywood Blvd but for 1/3 of the price. I got a MAC makeup powder for $7. Most of the dresses I looked at would fall apart by the second or third wear, same with many of the pants and shoes. There were a few higher end products and even a store that sold several varieties of leather wear. We wandered off on the surrounding blocks too so I apologize if I'm confusing any of the stores. Most places I shopped took card but preferred cash. I hate haggling prices so of they were too high I'd just walk away and a few salespeople followed up with lower prices trying to sell me as I walked away. There is a gross bathroom on the 3rd level of the parking lot nearby that is free. Otherwise places like the food court and McDonalds down the street have pay bathrooms.

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• See all photos from Christine L. for The Santee Alley

7/8/2015

This is clearly the place to find it all. If you want a good bargain on shoes, luggage, cell phone cases, fashion jewelry, clothes, just about everything this is the place. Oh, dont forget about the bacon wrapped hot dogs, yum! With the Alley being in downtown la, parking is crazy so just find a $5 lot and you will be fine there. Most lots close at 7 and make sure you bring cash.

Most places will cut you a deal depending on how much you buy and they will keep lowering the cost. I would say be careful with a few things like makeup and handbags. If you like cheap bags some are great but not all. The luggage is a good deal and so are the clothes and variety of cell phone cases an selfie sticks. Just bring cash and be prepared for lots of bargains!

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  Yummmmm

  Yummmmm

11/17/2015

1059 maple ave; j g accessories
Tons of iPhone cases!

11/6/2015

Really cool. Bring cash!! There are atms but a bit on the shady side.  

Came here to get 40 scarves for a vip event im doing. Made a great deal with a sweet korean shop owner. I could spend hours here... Super cute kiddo fashion shoes.. Tons of costume jewelry... .. Lots of dresses for all ages... And everything else in between.  A fun thing to do mid week with those who love to shop and dilly dAlly.   Less crowded.

Hubs or BF doesnt like to shop? Trust me... Leave them home.

Find a lot close near by... And shop shop
Shop

10/4/2015

ThiS plAce wAs crOwded and iT lookEd rundOwn ,iF I hAd to describe it,it wOuld bE anoTher 99 cEnt stOre. ThEy hAd aloT of trinkets. When nAtuRe cAlled wE hAd tO us thE reSt rOom and weRe chArged 75 cenTs  frOm thE GirL sittIng bEhinD a desk. FiRst and Last tIme hErE . Not wOrth it .

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  StAy awAy

  StAy awAy
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  FoR sAlE

  FoR sAlE
• See all photos from P J. for The Santee Alley

6/5/2015

So this place has some nostalgia for me.. My mom used to take me school shopping here every year as a kid. Now coming back as a grown up with my own money is a big difference. I think as a kid i was easier to sell but now i really dont care too much for the bargains. On the otherhand for my wife its amazing to get her some deals. I feel the fashion district is catered to women of course unless you want a suit theres a couple spots that do suits for men on the spot for cheap like $99. I will always be coming back here because i love the culture here.

Heres a tip though for people...dont get hustled you hustle and haggle the people because they need the money more than you need their stuff like seriously... i see too many people paying the pricetag here. especially here theres fabric shops where all these places make their stuff from. its like an endless business circle.
OH YEAH DONT FORGET TO GET YOUR BACON WRAPPED HOT DOG FROM ONE OF THOSE CARTS...they are so BOMB

5/26/2015

I've been coming to Santee Alley for many, many years and I think I've just about seen it all here.  There's always something new.  You come here to buy the knock-offs, the faux designer items, the "in" items and the latest and greatest in fashion, music, accessories, etc.  It is definitely quantity over quality here.  Don't be surprised when whatever you bought falls apart the next day, or even the second your bring it home.  That's just how they roll here.  It's all about the hustle.

A fond memory of this place is when they would sell fake Louis and fake Chanel right on the store fronts but they've since cracked down on this practice cause it's illegal, if ya don't know, now you know!  But it's just as easy to cop a fake Louis, fake Michael Kors, fake whatever from any guy that you walk by who mumbles, "I got that Louis, Michael Kors, Chanel..."  and you pretty much tell him what you want - the style, color, etc. and he goes and gets it for you!  So easy.  Same goes for DVDs.  Back in the day, they would just post up shop in the middle of the alley but they've cracked down on this, too.  I've seen those who are just the "look-outs" and they must have some signal or something cause all the sellers who are selling knock-offs instantly start putting their stuff away!  It's like a well-organized operation!

Some tips:  

*Good luck finding a restroom.  And if you find one, you will probably have to pay to use it.  

*We have a spot to park in that costs like $3 or so for a few hours - there's garages that wave you in but you gotta ask how much it really is cause the signs are definitely misleading!  Or you'll park in a garage where they'll keep your keys cause they do the "valeting" of your car for you throughout the day.

*Haggle.  Bargain.  Especially if you're buying more than 1 item.  Some places are also only for wholesale so be sure you read their signs.  Some sellers are overbearing.  They'll also have "hawk-eyes" on you like you're going to steal something!  Just thank them and move on... if one place won't work with prices for you, another place will.  Try, try again!

*Try bringing cash cause most joints will only take cash.  Some places charge tax, too - so just be wary of that.

*Try an LA dog.  It's an absolute must.  They are on about every corner or so.  It's basically a hot dog wrapped in bacon, topped with your choice of pico de gallo, mayo, roasted jalapeno, etc.  Don't leave without trying one.  Trust.

*If you speak Spanish... you are in the right place!  Everyone speaks Spanish here.  I need to brush up on my Spanish bargaining skills for the next time I'm here, doe!

It's loud and crowded especially on the weekends.  But it's so much fun to see what they have and what's "in" at the moment.  But if you get overwhelmed easily with shopping, then this place might not be the place for you.  It's like a big swap meet or flea market on a whole different level!  Be safe and have fun.

10/10/2015

Always love his place. Although let's be clear I didn't technically go to santee alley where it's super commercialized I went to the alleys... Where they sell food out of shopping carts and knockoff DVDs.

10/20/2014

Foods here:
Bacon wrapped hotdog!
Mexican fruit salad with chili!
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PROS of the alley:
#Cheap bargain:
$1 earrings!
$10 for 3 shorts!
$20 for 3 pants!
#get wholesaler price
#a lot of  choices
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CONS of the alley:
#uncomfortable changing room
The dressing room are: restroom, storage room. So filthy inside. I suggest to simply wear tank top and skirt so its easier to do quick match of stuffs you want to buy.
There's a lady tried to open the restroom where I changed dress. Luckily I locked it. When I got out, she was already changing behind the dress stall, half naked. She clearly didnt aware of sign: "SMILE, YOU'RE ON CAMERA." around the store. Anyways.

#aggressive sales person
"Ladies, wanna get this beautiful Versace dress?"
"Prolly not, the dress is really long, we are petite."
"Oohhhh come on, just wear that really high heels, you will be fine."

#homeless people on the street
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The best time to bag the bargain fashion actually on Saturday morning (6am-9am), some of those stuffs sold up 50% at Forever21 stores.
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Counterfeit brands: Gucci,  Louis Vuitton, Prada etc.
The quality is not good, you could tell they're fake for sure. I heard there's some places sell A++ for these fake brands handbags. But why buy fake stuffs for almost half the price of the real one?!

A lot of fake cosmetics and sample cosmetics sold here. Be careful! Some of them already expired, e.g. I opened the mascara to find its all dried already inside!
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The best stuffs to buy in here:
#Tuxedo ($100 for full set)
#Wedding/bridesmaids stuffs/flower girls etc
#$1 earrings (it becomes $5 in the mall)
#Sunglasses: cheap and just for fun
#Plain T-shirt (wholesaler price couldn't be beaten)
#Accessorials (hair etc)
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5/5/2015

This is no doubt the best place for bargain shopping if you looking for cheap apparel, shoes, or even gift shop.  Most tourist don't know this place, but many local know it.  Everything here is dirt cheap, only like a mile away from L.A. Live and Downtown.  

This is a bit getto place just aware, best bring someone.  Don't go alone.

5/3/2015

I love this whole neck of the woods! But you just need to know where you are going!
I have my own go to places. I park at the garage right across from the brick water building cuz they allow you to keep your keys! You really have to know where you are going and just head to all the stops. Bathrooms are at McDonald's and at Starbucks but you have to buy something. Kind of scary and sad, passing all the homeless people and I had to laugh reading Lori A's review about feeling her life is in jepordy with all the knock off pushers! Too funny, but she's right, though I've seen a few stings in stores trying to get rid of the heisters, they are still out there and if you are wholesale, and reselling, you need to be very careful re-selling anything that could be pegged as a knock off, cuz you are liable once you buy it and retail it yourself! Just saying!

If you are a little new to the streets of LA, there are some great little hidden gems in all areas of downtown LA. You just need to know where to go. Though be careful because there are some very seedy areas as well and you need to know where to park or else you might find yourself walking down a sidewalk filled with homeless people... (so sad! But not where you want to end up walking!)

But if you know where you are going... it is a trip down Santee Alley that you have to experience! I learned about it when I owned my store Rose In The Woods and it has been my best kept secret. If you are a "buyer" buying on line is great, but when you can feel and touch the quality of the items you are buying (you never know on line) it is worth the trip! But if you want the wholesale prices, you have minimums you have to meet. So go through all the shops first, gathering their business cards, write what you are interested in and their prices (Wholesale prices are coded so ask)  so you can go back and find the best prices, because some may be selling the same thing for less!) I love my LA buying trips!  And I get my fix with my daughter, cuz we usually make a day of it and I get to visit her!