And so it also goes with my experience with the Flower District, which is literally down the street on Wall Street. She would shop, I would bring flowers and other packages back to our car (often dodging Skid Row residents offering to watch our van for money). My mom frequented certain wholesalers, so she always got a deal from them.

Patience is definitely key. I don’t go to the Fashion District much at all anymore and instead use my patience to paw through the racks at discounters like Burlington, Ross or Marshall’s.

I really think you have to approach it as an urban safari.

Re. haggling, I like to browse and overhear the owner quoting prices to other people who come in. Then I have an idea of the prices and usually shoot them a lowball. Start low. Bring cash–small bills–so you can say to them, “Look, this is all I have,” and produce a sad, lonely $10 bill from your wallet. This works pretty well.

Stores: OK, there’s more to the Fashion District than fabric! There are ready made clothes. Unfortunately, unless you are very familiar with brands and pricing, it can be very intimidating. And there are lots of problems with knockoffs and counterfeit product in downtown. When I saw this article I thought “Goodie! Finally a true guide to the Fashion District!” But, that’s not what this was – bummer.

Does anyone know of a guide, directory, website – whatever – that will give the lowdown on the stores, lines, etc.?

I buy a lot (or have bought a lot) of fabric at thrift stores so now I only go downtown if I need something specific (matching colors, etc), otherwise I go into sensory overload and want to buy it all. I am a fabric junkie I confess.
St Vincent de Paul’s main store, 210 N. Avenue 21 (www.svdpla.org) sometimes has rolls of fabric and incredibly low prices. I bought a roll of two tone striped green silk that has made curtains for two rooms and several other projects and there’s still enough left for—other things.
I also got a bolt of a blue green batiked cotton fabric–only problem was (and why it was donated), the color didn’t sent, and continues to leach out when washed. (lesson: you don’t always know what you’re getting). Most of their fabrics (cut pieces on hangers in another room with bedding stuff) is 99cts a yard or so.
If your sewing skills are up to making a simple jacket and you want something special, consider using a light upholstery fabric. If it’s predominantly cotton, you can wash it to preshrink and then treat as any other fabric. Some upholstery fabrics can be used on both sides, which if you use plain trim to finish the edges gives you a reversible jacket, or just one with a great look.
Same thing if you find a small piece for a good price, you can make placemats which are both more colorful and durable than what can be found in stores.
Keep your needles sharp and happy sewing!