Nice--but Not New : Consignment shop offers top designer apparel for fraction of original cost.

Consignment stores pop up with surprising regularity these days--and most of them stick around for a long time. Which leads me to the conclusion that the average shopper is working with tastes that far exceed her budget.

Quality apparel outlasts the less expensive clothes, fits better and almost always looks better. So what if someone has worn it a few times? If it’s in mint condition, who’s to know?

If you can get an Evan-Picone wool jacket for $54 instead of $125, why not? Or how about a Nina Ricci wool crepe dress for $48? A-Wear in Sherman Oaks (not to be confused with a store by the same name on Laurelgrove Avenue) is a low-end designer-consignment operation. Here, you won’t find haute couture, but you will find top designer apparel for a fraction of the original price. And some of it has never been worn.

A Karen Alexander pastel wool party dress that retailed at $175 was $65. An unusual, vibrant Marianna green sleeveless dress, in raw silk and fully lined, was a steal at $28. A matching snakeskin handbag by Carlos Falchi was $14. Several Carole Little dresses were under $30. A Donna Karan black denim, studded jacket and matching skirt for $54 (size 6) was a definite bargain.

A-Wear sells, trades and takes goods on consignment, offering a 60-40 split. A-Wear, 13561 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. (818) 501-3123. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.

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Weekend Super Sale: You’ll find heavenly cashmere at the William Kasper sale where prices are about 40%-60% off. Sweaters for men and women come in many styles, and all are made from the best cashmere on the market--two-ply, of course. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Parking $4. Check, cash only. Doubletree Inn (formerly Holiday Inn Westwood Plaza), 10740 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. (310) 475-8711.