This Street Car Flames Desires

It would be worth it just for the ride. Every Saturday for the month of December, the Los Angeles Fashion District operates its free Trolley Tour for shoppers and history buffs. The quaint red and green trolley car winds through the nation's largest concentration of retail and wholesale shops.

With 56 blocks of shopping, it's not for the faint of heart. But the district's colorful collection of indoor malls and storefront boutiques greet stop-and-shop trolley passengers with bargains not easily found in department stores.

Antique-style shawls for $5. Funky shoes for $10. Fleece jogging suits for $5.99. Half off many famous perfumes. Nike shoes 40% off. Oscar de la Renta lingerie for under $15. Vintage fabrics at rummage sale prices.

If you buy enough, some Fashion District merchants offer quantity discounts.

The narrated tours depart every Saturday at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. from the trolley stop in front of the billboard on Olympic Boulevard between Los Angeles and Main streets.

For reservations, call (213) 488-1153. Tickets are free.