L.A.'s Best Places to Shop for Folklorico Materials by Maestra Kareli
Hello Dancers and Teachers!
Here are my top 7 favorite stores in Downtown Los Angeles to shop for folklorico costume materials. These stores are hidden gems that you should definitely consider visiting when you’re in town. Be careful not to spend all your money like I do! 😂 - Maestra Kareli
Trim 2000 Plus
820 Maple Ave. Unit 9, Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 489-1223
Trim 2000 Plus is one of my favorite stores in Downtown LA. It’s like walking into a candy store! They have a huge variety of buttons, cameos, zippers, appliqués, trim, lace, elastic, hair combs, ribbon, and sooo much more. This store has the best prices for ribbons and lace. You can purchase by the yard or in bulk. The vendors are friendly and won’t charge you tax if you present your sellers permit.
2. Sal Tex Fabrics
432 E. 9th St. - Suite 4, Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 623-1447
Sal Tex Fabrics is my favorite place to buy fabric to make practice skirts, Jalisco dresses, Veracruz dresses and so much more. You can buy by the yard or by the roll. They have the best prices and a good variety of colors, especially for practice skirts and Jalisco dresses. The vendor is very nice and gives you discounts if you’re a regular customer.
3. Leo’s Trimming
823 Maple Ave., #C, Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 805-1934
I love Leo’s Trimming for so many reasons. It’s a very clean an organized store with a large variety of trims and appliqués. They sell by the yard and by bulk at very generous prices (especially if you purchase by bulk). I love their rolls of flower trim that can be used for Veracruz aprons. The vendors are friendly and very helpful. I guarantee you’ll keep coming back to this place.
4. Button & Trim Expo
828 Maple Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 622-2323
Button & Trim Expo has so much stuff that it’s overwhelming sometimes. This store has sooo many different laces, sooo much trim, and tons of appliqués. They also sell rhinestones and bridal laces for veils and gowns. This is where I’ve purchased multicolored lace for our Veracruz dresses and trim for our Coco dresses. They always have deals on everything that they display outside.
5. The Bead Factory
810 Maple Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 627-9553
https://www.beadsfactory.com
I don’t even know where to begin describing this fabulous place. If you’re looking to buy beads, Swarovski crystals, rosaries, jewelry and bling bling, THIS IS YOUR STORE! It’s a beautiful, organized place with great prices. They have so many beads in so many different colors, shapes and sizes. Check out their website!
6. Fabric Hotel
848 S. Wall St., Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 623-8081
The Fabric Hotel is one of the only places in Downtown LA that sells flower prints in poly-cotton fabric. They have a large variety and a huge clearance section towards the back. It’s definitely a place worth visiting. I’ve purchase a lot of fabric for Colima, Jaraberos, Coco, and Flor de Piña dresses here.
7. Lucky Lingerie Plus
816 Maple Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 623-3510
I had to add this store to my list because I’ve been shopping here since I was a teen. They sell Capezio and Bloch fishnet stockings as well as body suits, leotards and undergarments for dance. If you buy more than one pair of anything, the vendor usually gives you a discount.
Suggestions from the Folklorico Community!
“For the lace and trim I always get a good deal at Leo’s Trimming. For ribbons, the best price by far is at Peng’s Craft Co. and for Poly-Cotton/Popelina I go to L.A. Alex Inc., but the colors are limited.” - Liz Hernandez
“ Natan Fabrics is one of my faves. The vendor is nice and patient while making your decision and asking questions. I also shop at LA 99 Cnet Fabric Store. Very small hole in the wall. Not a large variety, but very economic prices.” - Virginia Galindo
“The FIDM College has a student store that sells material, ribbons, textiles etc. Rolls of material at times $5 to $10. They also have a 20% off end of month sale. All sales go to student scholarships. They have great prices , oh, and lots of jewelry and name brand clothing. Win win! Students get money and we get good prices.”
-Leticia