I Shopped the LA Wholesale Fashion District on a $200 Budget
- Jan 22, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Every Saturday morning between 6 and 10 a.m., the LA Wholesale Fashion District quietly opens up to the public. Vendors who normally sell only to boutique buyers set up in the alleys around 12th and Crocker and put out their samples, overstock, and last season's pieces, often for a fraction of retail. In my most watched video yet, I gave myself a strict $200 budget and spent a morning digging through it all. Here's where to go, what to expect if you have never been, and exactly what I walked away with.
Watch the full video here.
Where This Is and When to Go
The wholesale action happens in the alleys and side streets around 12th and Crocker, in the LA Wholesale Fashion District, with vendors open Saturday mornings from about 6 to 10 a.m. Some vendors open Fridays too, but fewer stores participate. It is never the same vendors every week, so plan to park and walk around to see who is open that day.
The Ground Rules for Wholesale Shopping
Go early. Doors open around 6 a.m., and boutique owners buying in bulk get first pick, especially of larger sizes, which sell out fast.
There is no trying things on. If you are not comfortable buying blind and sizing it up later, this is not the shopping trip for you.
Bring cash and park smart. Street parking near the district is free for the first hour, but it gets ticketed after that, so a parking garage is worth it if you are staying longer.
Learn to skim, not dig. Not every rack is worth your time. Part of shopping like a pro here is knowing which piles to skip entirely.
The Haul: Everything I Bought for Under $200
Here is the full tally from the trip.
Item | Price |
Two piece sweater set | $20 |
TFY Collection dress | $35 |
Dress, sized up from medium to large | $18 |
Pink feather trim hat | $25 |
Printed dress | $20 |
Dress and skirt set | $20 |
Two soft sweaters, incl. one black | $10 |
Cardigan | $5 |
Socks | $5 |
Cozy at home dress | $10 |
Tacos and a drink | $7 |
Parking | $5 |
Total: right around $180, leaving about $13 to spare on a strict $200 budget.
Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely, and I already have, plenty of times. If you are thinking about your own trip: go early, bring cash, have a rough idea of what you actually need before you start since it is easy to get distracted by everything being so cheap, and do not be afraid to politely negotiate since vendors expect it.
Not everything from a haul like this ends up in regular rotation, so if you want first pick of what I do not end up wearing, I list a lot of it on my
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