A Boon for Brides

Weddings are a subject on many minds, with spring approaching, so it was worth investigating a store whose owner had called about a large shipment of wedding gowns.

The wedding dresses--all 250 of them--are from several manufacturers and are lovely. Many would retail for much more than their $150 price tags, up to $1,100.

But at Chantilly, I found much more than bridal apparel. This tiny shop has an inventory that will appeal to any woman who loves elegant clothes but is on a tight budget. There are labels such as Platinum, Gala, Mystery, TSE and St. John.

Some simple TSE short-sleeve knits were $59 (retail $150) and there was a rack of St. John blouses sold elsewhere for $200, priced here at $69. A St. John jacket was $175, and a St. John black cocktail dress at $220 may not be there by the time you read this. But there are plenty more, and owner Cheryl Miklia can order items for you.

A lovely pair of $79 lined linen pants was the target of one shopper, while a two-piece floral suit for $129 (retail $300) intrigued another.

There’s always a weekly special, and a wardrobe closet in back is filled with $5 and $10 items.

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Weekend Super Sale

A bulletin from It’s A Wrap announced the arrival of a large shipment from ABC New York of the soap opera wardrobes from “All My Children,” “One Life To Live” and “The City”--all marked 35% to 95% off retail.

BE THERE

Chantilly, 10055 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake. (818) 980-8119. Hours: Tue., Wed. and Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thur. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

It’s A Wrap, 3315 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. (818) 567-7366.