Simple Elegance : * Sara’s offers a range of affordable styles and the accessories to enhance them.
For years, Sara’s Designer Outlet in Reseda has been a good source for women’s trendy fashions at affordable prices.
Now she has opened another store in Woodland Hills simply called Sara’s, with a totally different flavor and style.
Owner Sara Rubinstein has a wonderful flair for fashion and, from the moment I walked into this charming shop, I felt that she had personally selected almost everything there just to please me. Because sizes here run from 2 to 22, almost anyone can find something.
The muted colors and the sleek, flowing designs are just the kind that beg for accessorizing, which well-dressed women have been doing for years. Rubinstein’s talent for adding just the right touch to an outfit is impeccable.
Hardly anything in the store is more than $100, which is remarkable, considering the quality of the merchandise. But don’t expect the trendy fashions featured at her other store: Here it’s all subtle and understated.
Rubinstein hand-picks everything and often buys one-of-a-kind designer samples. She selects many pieces from the manufacturer’s end-of-the-line group. In other words, after the manufacturer has completed shipping to various retailers, she picks what she likes.
Examples of this were two outfits from Paris in a ribbed cotton velvet that should have been around $200, but Rubinstein’s buy from the manufacturer allowed her to sell them for $87.95.
You’ll find a lot of the Wild Rose label, obviously one of her favorites, at healthy discounts. Bound to be popular is a crepe pantsuit with wide trousers in a subtle taupe for only $65 (about $130 retail).
Don’t expect sweat suits. The mood here is definitely professional and career-oriented. One Oriental-print jacket, Monet-inspired in glorious muted tones, comes with deep blue crinkle pants. At $98, it may be the most expensive outfit in the store.
For a more casual look, there were some ribbed cotton velvet stirrup pants in a luscious soft brown that I purchased for $17.95 (retail $39.95).
A taupe linen shirt from Russ Berens-Malibu for $19.95 (retail $45) completes the outfit, one of my favorites.
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When it comes to accessories, Rubinstein has selected them astutely and with her current inventory in mind. Costume jewelry, belts and scarves are between $12 and $50--and look like they should cost triple that.
The proprietor’s flair for fashion probably emanates from her artistic talents, many examples of which adorn the walls of this shop. Her oils range from $195 to $375, and the fired clay sculptures start at $95.
A cozy seating area for tea and cookies adds to the meeting-place ambience of this boutique. Every neighborhood should have one.
Geri Cook’s Bargains column runs every Friday in Valley Life!
WHERE TO SHOP
What: Sara’s.
Location: 21626 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills.
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays.
Cards: Discover, MasterCard, Visa.
Call: (818) 348-5828.
What: Sara’s Designer Outlet.
Location: 18562 Sherman Way, Reseda.
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.
Cards: Discover, MasterCard, Visa.
Call: (818) 609-1200.
