Santa Monica Shopping Tips by marinarena Top 5 Page for this destination

Barney's at the Barker Hangar: Bring your Cash to Big Barney's Sale! Barney's Hangar Sale Review

Gigantic reductions of designer swag can be had at the historic Barker Hangar in February !!! This is a free-for-all event that attracts thousands (mostly women). Believe me, it's a crazy event every year! No scratches for me yet!

Here is some advice when attending the big Barney sale:

-arrive early

-be prepared to push or get pushed! (don't be afraid to rub elbows or derierres!)

-know your size! If not, try on whatever in the aisles or any space you can make for yourself (but note that there are no dressing rooms!)

- go for classic pieces that will never go out of style (or go for what's trendy and sell items on Ebay!)

What to buy: Designer shoes, shirts, pants, dresses, etc

I got an "A-Line" Barney navy blue skirt for $20. It should have been about $50

What to pay: a little to a lot, but at bargain prices!

Address: 3021 Airport Drive

Directions: at the Santa Monica Airport near Palms and Mar Vista area (LA) , off Lincoln Blvd. and somewhat close to fwy 10 and 405

Other Contact: office open 9AM -5 PM, store sal

Phone: (310) 390-9071

Theme: Department Store

Great Labels: Designer Fashion for Less on Wilshire Blvd.

What a great experience! I was making another trip of many to 3rd St Promenade when I decided to go for a walk just a few streets away along Wilshire Blvd. I happened to stumble on Great Labels for less. The bargain rack oustide drew me in. Outside were casual, fashionable designer label shirts and skirts. Some labels one can expect to see include Armani, Chloe, Nine West, Calvin Klein....really almost any one that comes to mind. Trendy dressed women turn in their undesireables here for fashion savvy bargain hunters to grab.

Overall, the apparel is second hand, almost like new. There are even used shoes. It is hard to find a good pair though without getting on the knees and looking inside the small boxes they are in. Thus, the search of the right shoes becomes like a scavenger hunt. The size range is about 2-12, with a good variety of choices in the 6-8 range.

What to buy: casual tops including sheer and silky blouses and semi-formal/formal dresses are particular hot here!!

What to pay: Whatever you can manage to spend is fine. You can spend as little as 5 dollars for a nice top or bottom by selcting something on the clearance/sale rack. The pricier used items can still range in the hundreds.

Address: 1126 Wilshire Blvd

Directions: just east of 3rd Street Promenade on Wilshire

Phone: (310)451-2277

Theme: Women's Clothes