Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Hidden hot spots in Downtown Los Angeles

There is so much to do in Downtown Los Angeles. 
I would like to tell you about the cheapest shopping area in Los Angeles! 
The Fashion District is the where you can shop for the wholesale price.



All these accessories are only $1, and if you buy 6 it will be $5.
"New Alley Shopping mall"
Maple Ave & Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90015






One of the stores I like is "Style in Fashion". They import all the clothing from India.

I love their long skirts.
All the Belly Dance fashion is here too. The price is about $5 up.

321 East Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213)624-9278



The main street of the Fashion District is "Santee Alley".
Santee  St, between 9th st and 12th st
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Over 150 stores are on the Santee Alley and open every day with big bargain prices.


My favorite store in the Santee Alley is "One Trading".
This is a wholesale accessory store but you can buy per item with rock bottom prices. If you want to have a dozen of same accessory it is only $8. Perfect for goody bags!
1152 Santee  Alley 
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213)742-8840









For a break during shopping, you may want to try their famous "Bacon Dog".  






Lakers to Dogers, you can find all the Los Angeles gear here.
China dresses can be a sexy party style. You can find kids sizes too.







There are over hundreds of fabric wholesalers here. However, I adore this one particular store "Journal Fabric, Inc".
There are all kinds of fabrics from all the world. They have great customer service and an organized clean store.

"Journal Fabrics, Inc"
419 E 9th St
Los Angeles CA 90015
(213)624-0524

They have big sales every day. All the outside fabrics are only 99c per yard!




After the shopping, this is a nice spot to relax.
Grand Hope Park is in the middle of downtown. 

Around this park there are many nice restaurants such as "Original Pantry Cafe".


W 9th St and S Hope St

FIDM, Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising share this park, so it is fun to check out the future of our fashion industry. 

In the FIDM, there is an interesting store.

It is worth it to spend some time here.

919 Grand Ave
Los Angeles CA 90015
(213)624-1200





Friday, September 2, 2011

Hidden hot spots in Ventura

I was looking for somewhere to go camping and found out about "Lake Casitas Campground".  This place is gorgeous and very convenient to Los Angeles.

Just go up the 101 north for about 1 hour and take the 33 straight to the lake. It will be about a 2 hour drive from LAX.









I got there Friday afternoon. My camp site was "J".

It was a lovely shady spot.


This site has a facility with clean flush toilets and coin showers!




Casitas Lake is actually used as drinking water so it's not for swimming. You can do fishing and boating.
 Little yellow fish and bunnys were everywhere.
11311 Santa Ana Rd, Ventura CA
(805)649-2233










One of my favorites was this store. They sell everything you need such as wood, beer and souvenirs! I bought ice, a frisbee, candy, ice cream and of course, coffee.

(805)649-1202






Th second day was even more hot and beautiful.  The sky was clear and lake was peaceful.


Early morning is the best time for fishing.
Ducks and swans came to tease me.






The daytime at Casitas Lake can be extremey hot. The day became over 100 degrees so I had to escape for lunch at "Marina Cafe".

Their grilled shrimp salad with avocado was refreshing and yummy!


(805)649-2514
http://www.casitaswater.org/marina-caf%E9/
*This cafe might open only Saturday and Sunday.






There is a water park inside the campground.
I loved their Lazy River. I want to try their BOOT CAMP next time.

(805)649-2233
*This place only open Saturday and Sunday and season will be finished by September 5.