L.A. Fashion (Los Angeles)

Authentic $25 Chuck Taylors, a bacon wrapped hot dog and faux Coach purses for less than it costs to fill up your gas tank are just part of what draws so many students to the junction of Santee Street and 12th Street in Downtown Los Angeles. The Santee Alley, a much talked about venue, is packed every weekend for many reasons. On any given Saturday, this section of downtown Los Angeles is sure to be packed with people, the air humming with vendors calling out their wares, and cars honking in an attempt to stop the constant pedestrian flow of the LA Fashion District? Aside from the insanely cheap prices, there is an added energy, a life that can never be felt in a mall.

No row of recognizable store fronts will ever appear, so don't look for familiar shopping sites. Only row after row of objects, some obviously real stolen items, some cheap knock- offs and some just plain funny. In one tent, a man can constantly be heard proclaiming that every single thing in it is $5; bracelets, dresses and purses alike. Along the wall is a rack holding fake Coach and Fendi bags, sold for $40- less if you can haggle well. Amidst the maze is almost every commodity imaginable, sunglasses, knock-off iPods, perfume, wallets and belts. For those of us who don't like to spend thousands of dollars but still appreciate the look of designer brands, everything is cheap. (Story is continued)