Alley in the Valley sale

Just checked out the Alley in the Valley, a small collection of mid to upscale discount shops in Tarzana. The Valley Alley recalls the LA Fashion District magnet Santee Alley only in name. Alley in the Valley is much smaller, nowhere near as crowded, and the merchandise is not sketchy. Sulma's Handbags and Accessories had a large table of leather purses between 50% and 70% off, including a small carmel-colored leather satchel priced at $130 before the discount. Bejeweled evening purses were half off. (818) 344-0442.

Next door at My Fair Lady brightly colored cotton pullovers were $12, thick wool sweaters perfect for this crummy weather were $44 (orig $178), and Spanx tops (tanks and strapless) were $38. Leather jackets, the kind with ribbed cotton in the back, were $39 to $89. (818) 881-1651.

Across the alley was Dressed Up!, a dress shop with all kinds of styles, cuts, lengths and sizes. A golden brown taffeta strapless dress by Jessica McClintock was $112.50 (orig $225). A strapless Sue Wong dress with a cream-colored silk underlayer and a black lace out was $160 (orig $320). Fuzzy chinchilla wraps were $247 (orig $330) and so soft I would have dug my face into it had the sales lady not been at my side touting its charms. Seriously, I am still thinking about how the fur seemed to melt on my skin. I may have to take the budget route and buy a chinchilla. All sales are final. (818) 708-7238.

Visit them at 6000 Reseda Blvd. in Tarzana, on the east side of the street just south of Oxnard and the Orange line. Call individual stores for hours.