BARGAINS : BE THE BEST-DRESSED FOR LESS.

Byline: Trisha King & Deborah Newmark

Although most of us can't afford the mind-boggling prices charged for Chanel, Escada or Valentino, it doesn't stop us from admiring high-end designer clothing. Believe it or not, you'll find designer labels galore at Becca's Chic Boutique, a resale clothing store, at unbelievably low prices.

For example, rather than paying hundreds of dollars for an Anne Klein suit in pink and gray silk, how does $49 sound? If Valentino is more to your liking, a Miss V suit - navy tank and skirt, creme jacket with navy accents - was tagged at $198 instead of $850 to $900 retail.

As a resale store, Becca's Chic Boutique is unique in two ways. First and most important, all proceeds from the store go to the A-T Medical Research Foundation. The foundation funds worldwide genetic research in seeking a cure for ataxia telangiectasia - a rare and progressively degenerative genetic disease. Co-owner Rebecca Smith has A-T.

The second thing that makes Becca's unique among resale stores is that all merchandise is donated by some of the best-dressed women in the Los Angeles area. Most resale stores are consignment stores, i.e., people take in their clothing to sell and split the profits with the store. Because the merchandise at Becca's is donated, most prices are lower than what similar establishments charge.

Rather than asking $200 to $400 for a silk dress by Carolina Herrera ($1,800 originally), Becca's price is $99. A fabulous evening suit by Galanos (original price $2,500), that would sell in other resale stores for $500 to $600 was $325 (the most expensive price tag in the store).

In addition to a very nice selection of clothing from casual to evening, you'll also find shoes, purses and accessories. There is a very small selection of men's clothing; it will be expanded in the near future. As with all resale stores, most items are one of a kind.

If you have clothing (dry-cleaned or freshly laundered) and accessories you'd like to donate, you can either take the goods in yourself, or call them to arrange a pickup at your home. Goods that don't fit into the scheme of the store are donated to the Midnight Mission.

Through the end of June, you'll receive an additional 20 percent discount on all purchases over $100.

Becca's Chic Boutique is located at 21048 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills; [phone]. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Saturday. American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. A flexible layaway is also available.

Inside info

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