I love the garment district! It’s fun to go and wander around, even if you don’t buy anything more than a hot dog. Even though it’s a grid, it’s easy to get lost and turned around in the maze of side-walk stores and warehouses. So here are some suggestions to get you on your way:

Be sure to take the metro–parking downtown is expensive, and if you take public transportation, you don’t have to worry about your car while you are walking around. Stepping out of the station, I felt like I was in NY–the buildings downtown are high and close–so much denser than anywhere else in Los Angeles. People are WALKING on the street. It’s great.

Take the Metro to 7th and Metro Station, which is at 7th and Figueroa streets downtown.

From there, I stopped for a coffee and a soft boiled egg at lovely little Bottega Louie at 700 S. Grand Avenue, on the corner of 7th and Grand. It’s a beautiful white marble jewel box of a restaurant/cafe, with a case full of french macaroons (my favorite), friendly staff, and  a sweet little breakfast menu that includes everything from quick coffees and pastries to full breakfast. Its quiet and serene for an early breakfast, but gets boistorous and loud for lunch and dinner.

Next stop, hit up Mike’s Tailor Shop at the corner of 8th and Main for all your tailoring needs. I needed my jeans hemmed, which I was wearing at the time, and they sewed them up on the spot in about five minutes while I waited in the dressing room. For only $4. They were so nice, and they did a great job.

Now onwards to the heart of The Garment District, which is centered roughly between 8th, 9th and Olympic, between Main and San Julian Streets.

You probably know Santee ally–a good spot for cheapo sunglasses and knock-off handbags, among other things. Fun to browse there.

For Fabric, Michael Levine is at 920 Maple. Great selection of fabrics, though the littler shops along 9th are a bit cheaper. Levine’s is a great place to start though.

Around the corner at 910 Wall Street is Home Fabrics. I dig their snazzy chandeliers, and their very clean, well-stocked selection of upholstery fabrics. The staff is very nice, too. If you are on a budget, head to the back of the first floor where they have remnants and rolls of fabric discounted at $2.95 a yard.

Deals on Silk and Linen can be found at the small, well-kept Tex Carmen at 432 East 8th Street.

Heading up 9th and along Maple Street, you will find all the trim shops. Beads & Trim at 741 Maple St. is my favorite, with a great selection of ribbons, lace and rhinestone trims.

I was tempted by the bacon-wrapped dogs sizzling on the street carts. But I still abide by the new york adage, “Don’t Eat the Street Meat.” But hey, people love ’em! And if you are out shopping all day long, it’s a pretty good meal for $3.

For more resources on the garment district, including a map and shop listings click here.

What are your favorite treasure troves in the Garment District?