Reminiscent of the New York garment district, but not quite as frenetic, L.A.'s downtown has dozens of small shops selling designer and name-brand apparel at heavily discounted prices. A concentration of retail women's wear bargains--many by name-brand designers--can be found at the Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles St. at 9th (tel. 213/622-1139). Men should have some luck along the upper blocks of Los Angeles Street, where mostly business attire is displayed, with deep discounts on Hugo Boss, Armani, and other current suits (mainly Italian), plus similar savings on sport coats and shirts. Ties and vests are usually less stylish.