Fashionable Offerings : Sandi Kent Studio offers romantic apparel. Two-day cashmere sale promises big savings.

By GERI COOK

Nov. 18, 1994 12 AM PT

A new wholesale showroom has just opened to the public on a limited basis. An Australian woman, Sandi Kent, designs a line of women’s apparel that is becoming to teen-agers as well as to those long past their teens. It’s flowing and romantic, ladylike or sexy. It’s layered if you like, but each piece will hold its own. The main point is that it’s very today and the prices are just a tad over wholesale.

Picture georgette crepes and crushed velvets, lace and pleated tops, pants or skirts. If you love to run wild in a warehouse showroom, you’ll have a fine time rummaging through the crowded racks in this small facility in Venice. The sizes are “one size almost fits all” for many garments, and most items would fit up to Size 18. This is not a store, though; don’t expect any amenities. When I visited, they were contemplating putting in a dressing room, but it’s not there yet, so wear a leotard.

A chevron-pleated skirt that retails for about $140 is $75 here. A poet blouse that looks great with it is $55, instead of its $100 retail price.

Equally appealing are the accessory touches that Kent has come up with: Lace or pleated cuffs (held in place by a wide elastic band) go for $25, and a frilly jabot for $20.

It’s time again for the one sale of the year that I never miss. It’s the annual William Kasper Cashmere Sale, and it’s just about the only time that top-quality cashmere is affordable for many of us.

For women, there are the basic styles, all in two-ply. Crew neck, mock turtle-neck sweaters and skirts start at $49. Retail on this group would be around $100. Then there are fashion novelties (such as capes or ponchos) that normally retail from $250 to $500 and start here at $99.

Men’s styles include the standard V-neck, crew neck and polo styles, all two-ply or better, priced from $99 to $150. Regularly these would sell for $175 to $300.

Sharp bargain shoppers are waiting at the door when the place opens and it’s packed on both days of the sale. Large quantities of cashmere sweaters for women and men are shipped from the distribution center so that the second day of the sale will have fresh stock.

Don’t miss this one.

Geri Cook’s Bargains column runs every Friday in Valley Life!

Geri Cook can be heard from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays on KIEV 870-AM.

WHERE TO SHOP

What: Sandi Kent Studio.

Location: 612-A Venice Blvd., Venice Beach.

Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, or by appointment.

Cards: None. Cash or check only.

Call: (310) 574-3164.

What: William Kasper Cashmere Sale.

Location: Presidential Ballroom, Westwood Plaza Hotel, 10740 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.