Designer Deals

Samira Sayegh might well have named her store the Cutting Edge to describe the apparel on the racks, but instead she chose Last Chance to let the shopper know that it’s a “going, going, gone” situation, one that almost always makes for terrific deals.

The fashion mode here is contemporary and aimed toward the under-30 crowd. Sayegh buys first-quality liquidated stock from local manufacturers, many of whom she knows from her years in the Los Angeles garment industry.

When they notify her of leftovers, she snaps them up. Quite a few of the labels have been removed, but sharp shoppers will recognize many of L.A.’s hottest young designers, such as Trina Turk, William B., Adriana Caras, Inca, Theory and Kenzo.

Sayegh promises that designs from international fashion leaders such as Hugo Boss, Gucci and Fendi will be coming soon. The price tags reflect a reduction of 60% to 90% below retail. A women’s leather dress from Versus that retails for $950 was tagged at an almost unbelievable $75, and a beaded skirt from Inca that sold for $350 was a dazzling $30. Most of the inventory is one of a kind, and sizes run from 2 to 10.

Shoes for women are also offered at huge discounts. A pair of Manolo Blahnik zebra print pumps were $150. If that sounds high, you should know the retail price is $650.

There also is couture for little girls from top designers such as Missoni, Parrot, Simonetta, Kenzo and Paul Smith. A charming dress by Charabia at $50 once sold for $193. The sizes in this category run from 0 to 16.

You’ll find bargains for boys as well. One very sculptured and detailed suit from Bill Tonade sells in the stores for $383; the Last Chance price is $95.

At the time of our visit, the men’s merchandise was limited to one size, medium, and all carried the DKNY label. One sport jacket at $60 was reduced from $150 and some very nice $150 shirts were offered at $60.

The store is about 1,100 square feet and has an industrial feel to it. All sales are final, and there are no returns or exchanges.

Last Chance, 8712 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Major credit cards, no checks. (310) 287-2333.

WEEKEND SUPERSALE

While you’re on the Westside, stop by the Cinema Glamour Shop and check out its monthly blowout sale Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Their sales are half-off half-off, and the prices are great to begin with. All merchandise, apparel and furniture is donated by members of the motion picture industry, and proceeds go to the Motion Picture & Television Fund.

Cinema Glamour Shop, 343 N. LaBrea, Los Angeles. (323) 933-5289.