Thread: Best shopping in LA or Honolulu

L.A.
When you say “better shopping” I’m not sure if you mean high-end stores, factory outlet stores or bargain-flea market style designer knock-off shopping. So I’ll give you info on all three. *wink*
High-end stores-
Rodeo Drive Rodeo Drive (where Pretty Woman/Julie Roberts had her shopping spree) If it’s designer it’s there - take your “black” AE card.
Location - Santa Monica Blvd, Wilshire Blvd and Canon Drive.
Melrose Avenue - “quirky couture”
Location - Between San Vicente and La Brea Ave.

Factory outlet stores -
In L.A. there’s the Citadel Outlet Citadel Outlets If you want to go a little further a field there’s the Cabazon Outlet Center Welcome to Cabazon Outlets near Palm Springs (about a 90 minute drive from LAX-with good traffic) Both outlets offer good bargains. See the links for store directions and directory

Bargain shopping -
Santee Alley (fashion district) - a three block “alley” of knock-off (some good some just plain awful) designer stuff. If you want- fake Rolex, Coach, Prada this is the place. (I wouldn't advise buying electronics down there) It's crowded on weekdays and a madhouse on the week-ends. Many vendors only take cash and you can haggle.
Tip - check the spelling - “Luis Vuitton” isn’t going to fool anybody.
Location- Between Santee and Maple and Olympic & 12th St.

My recommendation - shop the outlets.

And the big Christmas shopping season starts the day after Thanksgiving, this year Nov. 26.

I'll give you the flight to Hawaii is shorter, but the weather in LA is pretty nice too (although it is raining at the moment) *wink* Waikele Factory Outlet has some great bargains-See link for directions and directory of stores. Waikele Premium Outlets

Also, it's worth browsing around the flea market that goes on at the Aloha Stadium. If I remember correctly, it's held every Wednesday and Saturday, but don't quote me on that.