Kids’ Wear : A new Burbank boutique offers new and gently worn children’s clothes in respected labels but far below retail prices.

Resale is the only way to shop for children’s apparel. When my children were young thirtysome years ago, I was hooked when I walked into my first resale store and found upscale fittings for my babes at dime-store prices.

Some people are fortunate to have a network of hand-me-downs for their little ones. But if you don’t, it doesn’t make sense to pay astronomical asking prices for clothes they will outgrow in two months, if they don’t tear them apart sooner.

Several years ago there were good resale stores in the San Fernando Valley, but many have disappeared. But Kids Cottage, a children’s new and resale boutique, recently debuted in Burbank.

The cottage has more than clothing. The priciest baby items--furniture, strollers, car seats--are way below retail. A hand-carved oak cradle, with bumper pads and mattress, which would total about $350 new, was $98.50. The folding Aprica stroller that is $250 in many stores was $55. Three infant Joy Ride car seats in near-perfect condition were each $20.25.

The circular racks are well-organized. Good labels show up at every turn. Esprit, Hang Ten, Calvin Klein. A Calvin Klein classic denim dress in a size 8 was $12.99 . . . and it’s been washed just enough to look cool. Some Esprit and Hang Ten shorts for little girls were only $7.25. I loved a Fashionland girl’s suit with a knife-pleated skirt and Eton jacket (size 8) that was $10.25.

Several pairs of broken-in Levi Strauss jeans for boys (all size 10) were $8.25 and $9.25. Why would anyone pay $20 and up?

Kids Cottage is many rungs above a thrift shop. It has a boutique atmosphere, the inventory has been washed and pressed, and it’s hard to tell the new merchandise from the gently worn. That’s the way it should be in a good resale store.

For special-occasion apparel, resale is the perfect answer. If little Michael has to be in a wedding, check it out. You may find a size 3T velvet blazer--never worn and still carrying a $44.95 tag--for $12.99. Should Emily require a special dress for a bar mitzvah, there was a beguiling size 6 Sarah Kind gown for $9.25. Someone originally paid about $40, and it was probably worn once.

Of course, almost everything in Kids Cottage is one of a kind. Items are sold on consignment, so if you bring clothes in you will receive 40% to 50% of the selling price.

Where to Shop

Location: The Kids Cottage, 3415 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

Credit Cards: MasterCard, Visa and Discover.

Call: (818) 562-1331.