Designer Looks With a Continental Flair
“Designer Labels” or “Major Designer Brands” or some other vague description are lines we often read in advertisements. Often the consumer doesn’t understand why the specific designer labels don’t appear in print.
Many times an off-price retailer will ask me not to mention the labels, and I always respect this request because to publish them might jeopardize the relationship between the manufacturer and the retailer. If that happens, the manufacturer may stop selling to the store, and we all lose.
So I’m not going to tell you the designer names you’ll find on the racks at Sara’s Designer Outlet in Reseda. You’ll find out what they are when you visit the store, where there’s a good selection of women’s apparel from 40% to 60% off suggested retail prices.
The concentration at Sara’s is on career clothes and after-5 apparel. If you notice a European flair in the designs, that’s probably because owner Sara Rubinstein spent several years in Switzerland absorbing the European influence. Though her inventory has almost all been made in the U.S.A., there’s a decided Continental touch.
For special evenings, we liked the off-the-shoulder portrait-collared evening suit of textured lace over satin. This classic style, very in right now, comes in a variety of fabrics. The suggested retail is $298.95, but the tag here reads $95.95. A paisley and chiffon costume with an underdress and a hip-length jacket looks as if it should cost about $200, and indeed the retail price is $190.95. On Sara’s rack, however, it’s $89.95.
For the professional woman, we went for the rayon suit with a shoulder cape and a straight skirt. There’s a jaunty look to this outfit and a wonderful price of $39.95, instead of $98.95.
I particularly like the casuals from a local manufacturer specializing in washable silks and 100% cotton separates. These are color-coordinated and can be mixed or matched. One forest green silk quilted cardigan was $49.95 with a matching cotton skirt for $16.95. Silk jean-style trousers, fully lined, are a good buy for $49.95, considering that they have been retailing around town for $120.95.
This has proved to be a very popular line, so Rubinstein stocks all the pieces quite heavily. Tops, skirts, jackets, blouses, pants, vests make for some creative combinations and a well-based wardrobe . . . all at 60% to 70% less than the suggested retail prices.
Sara Rubinstein is excellent at putting together the whole look, an unusual service for an off-price retailer, and she stages fashion shows for various organizations. April 9 she will be presenting a fashion show at the Reseda Women’s Club luncheon at 7901 Lindley Ave. in Reseda. But if you can’t wait until then, check out the excellent deals at the store.
Sara’s Designer Outlet is at 18562 Sherman Way in Reseda, (818) 609-1200. Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, ; 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Visa and MasterCard accepted.
Geri Cook’s Bargains column runs every Thursday in Valley View. Questions about shopping may be sent to her, in care of Valley View, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth, CA 91311. Letters will not be answered individually, but topics of general interest will be discussed in future columns.
