A Sampling of Stores Offering Value and Distinction
CONSIGNMENT
The Tightwad Consignments. New and gently worn clothing, jewelry, accessories are sold for more than half off original price. Spotted recently were a wide selection of cocktail and beaded dresses, ball gowns and evening shoes. 2002 N. Tustin Ave., Orange. (714) 921-8852 .
CUSTOM
Gildas. Designer Gildas creates custom clothing for women, including daytime blouses, skirts, suits, grand evening wear, fancy beaded cocktail dresses and wedding gowns. He also has accessories to match: hats, jewelry and purses, as well as 55 different colors of evening gloves studded with rhinestones ($55-$100). 1303 Avocado, Suite 230, Newport Beach (714) 759-5530.
DISCOUNTS
Children’s Orchard. New and resale clothes for children to size 8 are offered. Many previously worn clothes are available in brands such as Oshkosh, Mouse Feathers, Benetton and Esprit, and discounts are offered on new clothes (bought by the store from manufacturer close-out sales), such as Slap Happy, Monkey Wear and PCH. The average price of the clothing is $4.99. 28971 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel (714) 249-3736; 13771 Newport Ave., Tustin. (714) 832-737 3 ; and 22953 Ridge Route Drive, Lake Forest. (714) 951-0444 plus stores in San Dimas, Oceanside and Escondido. A store in Yorba Linda is opening soon .
SPECIALTY
Ana’s of Guatemala. Hand-woven Guatemalan fabrics ($8-$15 a yard), skirts ($40-$50), shorts ($15) and T-shirts ($36) from small Guatemalan villages. 26832 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. (714) 493-8891 .
Piecemakers Country Store. One-of-a-kind, handmade fashion items made from small U.S. manufacturers are sold, such as custom-designed fabrics, patterns, jewelry and hats. Clothing is offered in full-figure, missy and petite sizes. Woolrich clothing and Australian outback items are also available for men and women. 1720 Adams Ave., Costa Mesa. (714) 641-3112 .
LA Kings Slap Shop. Authentic Kings’ hockey jerseys that the players wear ($129) or replicas ($58), jackets ($50-$1,000), sweat shirts and pants, hats are available. 338 S. Bristol St., Santa Ana. (714) 549-0290 .
WHOLESALE
M.A.R. Babies. Sells first-quality “blank” children’s items that can be decorated with inks, paints, jewelry or embroidery. Hats, shoes, T-shirts, socks and dresses are available in infant (newborn to 24 months) and toddlers (2T, 3T and 4T) and some go up to a child’s size 7. The store manufactures most of what is sold and carries the Rabbit Skin clothing line. All are sold at wholesale prices, with more than 100 items offered for under $7.99. 23172 Alcalde Drive, Suite C, Laguna Hills. (714) 458-5088 .
