BARGAINS : BIG SAVINGS ON SMALL-FRY'S ATTIRE.

Byline: Trisha King & Deborah Newmark

Anyone who shops at high-end department stores and specialty boutiques for children's clothing knows how expensive popular labels can be. If you're tired of paying high retail prices on exclusive American and European designer labels, you can save 25 percent to 60 percent on casual to special-occasion clothing at For Kids Only.

For Kids Only has boys' suits in 100 percent wool and wool blends for $99 to $199 instead of $200 to $400 retail. The selection runs in slim, regular and husky. Other special-occasion items include shirts, slacks, ties and Italian shoes.

On the more casual side, boys' Hawaiian shirts that normally retail for $45 to $47 can be found at For Kids Only at $25.99, cargo shorts start at $9.99 ($15 to $25 retail), and painter's jeans by Tres Tres are $22.99 ($35 to $38 retail).

For Kids Only specializes in upscale children's clothing in sizes infant to 22 husky for boys, and infant to 14 and preteen sizes for girls. Designs from at least 60 manufacturers run traditional to trendy, and even at 25 percent to 60 percent below retail, shoppers should know that some items can be expensive. For example, sheath dresses with a matching coat in preteen sizes are $179 rather than $250 or more retail.

With summer just around the corner, For Kids Only recently has brought in a large selection of swimsuits and summer clothing. A one-piece toddler's bathing suit in a metallic fabric was $16.99 ($29 retail), and boy's trunks that retail for $35 and up were $14.99. For girls, a two-piece boy-short swimsuit in a retro floral print was $21, and a one-piece swimsuit in a Hawaiian print was $21 ($38 to $40 retail).

In addition to clothing, For Kids Only carries plenty of children's accessories, as well as Italian shoes (sandals to dress shoes) at discounted prices.

For Kids Only is at 18155 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, [phone]; and at 746 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, [phone]. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa are accepted.

Inside info

Great for people who love to garden and don't have a green thumb, Home Depot stores offer a one-year, unconditional warranty on all perennials and house plants. If your plants die within that time, you can return them for a full refund, but only if you have the receipt and don't mind digging up the dead plants. Check the white pages for the Home Depot in your neighborhood. Hours may vary from store to store.

Linea (Ligne Roset), a modern European furniture, lighting and accessory store, is having its once-a-year, three-day sale starting today. Savings are 25 percent to 55 percent off the store's regular prices for items such as sofas; chairs; stereo units; coffee, dining and conference tables; wall units; sideboards; chests; nightstands; table bases; desks; floor and table lamps; trolleys; and rugs. Linea (Ligne Roset) is at 8843 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood; [phone]. The sale is today, Sunday and Monday with hours from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day.