CULTURE SHOP : <i> Best Buys Beyond the Malls</i>

There’s a fashion revival in the making. The hippie look--straight from the rock stars of the ‘60s--is back. Pajama pants, vests, slipper shoes and hats embellished with embroidery, jewels, sequins and beads are the essential pieces of the look’s latest incarnation. Handwork on designer-style versions can be expensive, however, so here’s a cheaper alternative.

The Mina Collection, on Santee Street ( not Santee Alley), sells clothing made in Bali. Mina and Max Fard own the store, and Mina designs everything, including fabrics printed in Bali. The handwork on the large selection of vests is lavish and gorgeous. The vests start at $25. Mina’s pajama pants and matching tops in beautiful hand-printed fabric start at $59 for the two pieces. At the end of the small store is a wall display of embroidered and jeweled slippers with rubber soles that start at $22. A velvet beaded toque is $38. Here, a clever shopper can find that wonderful, witty item that sparks up a wardrobe. Prices listed are retail, but Mina Collection Inc. also sells wholesale.

*MINA COLLECTION

940 S. Santee St.

(Between Olympic and 9th)

L.A.

(213)746-3768

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday