Style-Savvy Help for the Budget
Looking sharp and current for very little money is easy when you know where to shop.
A local manufacturer of women’s casual wear has its outlet store, the Clothing Factory, in the San Fernando Valley, where the prices are just a tad above wholesale.
These garments are specifically made for private labels, meaning that you have probably seen many different labels on the company’s clothes in as many different stores. But, of course, by buying direct from the manufacturer, you are going to be saving considerably--anywhere from 40% to 60%. There just won’t be any label in the garment.
We’re not talking designer clothes, but styles range from attractive knock-around outfits, ideal for that back-yard barbecue, to ensembles that are definitely appropriate for office wear.
On my first visit, I picked up one outfit--slim-cut white pants with turquoise polka dots and a full-cut solid turquoise top with a scoop neck and long sleeves--for $25. (I added an expensive white linen jacket purchased in a resale store and a Chanel-styled handbag for a total look good enough for dinner at a trendy Beverly Hills restaurant.)
Double-stitched seams and shoulder pads are a plus, as is the fabric. The 50%-50% cotton-poly combo in an interlocked double-knit assures good washing results and no ironing.
I sent both pieces to a commercial laundry where no specific care is given, and they came out just fine and wrinkle-free after hanging overnight on a hanger. All of which says this stuff is perfect for traveling.
These are modular pieces that can be put together to achieve various outfits. You can be as creative as your imagination or your time allow when you mix and/or match many different styles in 42 colors with coordinating prints or polka dots.
Pants range in price from $7 to $11, tops from $6 to $15. The highest-priced item in the store was a duster for $25. A tulip skirt was tagged at $16, a matching jacket at $19 and a nice sun dress (you could also get a matching jacket for it) came in at $12.
The apparel here is not just for women. For little girls, sizes range from 2 to 14. Some cute ruffled skirts are $7 and matching tops $5. The colors coordinate and/or match with Mom’s outfits, so if you’re into mother-daughter dress-alikes, here’s an inexpensive way to do it.
Adult sizes are from petite to extra large, and there’s a selection of designs appropriate for all age groups and body types. There are figure-revealing crop tops or tank tops and full, flowing styles that camouflage, which is probably why I saw teen-agers along with senior citizens plowing through the racks. These are very affordable comfort clothes in a no-frills shopping atmosphere.
The Clothing Factory, 6831 Tampa Ave., Reseda, is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. (818) 609-7219. Visa and MasterCard accepted.
