BARGAINS : WONDER OF RESALE STRETCHES YOUR BUCK.

Byline: Trisha King & Deborah Newmark

Anyone on a shoestring budget might try shopping for clothing in resale stores. Back on the Rack has gently worn and brand-new articles of clothing for a fraction of the original retail price.

For example, you can often find Levi's jackets at Back on the Rack for less than $30 instead of $70 or more retail. Not only can you save about $40, the jacket already has that soft, broken-in look that's so important.

Back on the Rack is different from many resale stores in that it carries clothing for men, women (misses and large sizes) and children. Most inventory consists of middle-of-the road brands such as dresses from L'Express for $12 ($50 to $60 retail).

We were surprised at the variety of clothing for men. Several brands of long-sleeve flannel shirts ran $4 to $9 (up to $35 retail), Ralph Lauren polo shirts were $8 ($40 plus retail), Chaps button-down oxford dress shirts were $10, and a $65 Members Only jacket was $8.

Women's clothing included spring and summer dresses for under $30 instead of over $100 retail, $200 (Anne Klein) and $300 (Tahari) blazers were $10 and $30, and $100 (Ellen Tracy) silk blouses were $15. We also spotted three Nina Piccalino dresses, with retail tags still attached, selling for $25 each instead of $70 and up retail.

Other buys included Elizabeth dresses for $10 to $15, children's Gap sweat shirts for $8 to $10 ($22 retail), men's and women's suits for $25 to $65 and several pairs of Dr. Marten shoes for $25 to $45.

Back on the Rack also has vintage clothing from the '50s through the '70s at about half of what specialty stores charge. Ugly then and still ugly now, men's double-knit polyester pants from the '70s were $10 instead of $45 elsewhere.

Back on the Rack is located at 21506 Sherman Way, Canoga Park; [phone]. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Exchanges only, no returns.

Inside info

You'll be seeing savings when you purchase glasses at Eyewear Optical Co. Prices start at $49 which includes the frame, lens, and ultraviolet protection (elsewhere $100). Eyewear Optical Co. is located at 13622 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks; [phone]. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Here's a deal you can enjoy the entire year. Until Feb. 28, the Los Angeles Zoo is offering a $10 discount on yearly memberships for new members. There are three levels: Zoo Two at $29 (regularly $39) includes free admission all year for two adults; Zoo Two Plus at $39 (regularly $49) includes free admission for two adults and their children or grandchildren under 18, plus two complimentary passes; and the Keeper's Club at $65 (regularly $75) includes Zoo Two Plus benefits, two complimentary passes and an additional adult name on your yearly membership.

When you become a member, you'll also receive free admission to over 120 zoos nationwide, a 10 percent discount to the L.A. Zoo's gift shop and restaurants, a subscription to the zoo's monthly and quarterly newsletter and discounts on lectures. You can send a check to the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, Calif. 90027 or pay with a credit card by calling [phone], Ext. 320. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

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Photo

Photo: Assia Gonen shows off a corduroy jacket and shirt at Back on the Rack, where designer-label men's, women's and children's resale clothing is available at deep discounts.

Bob Halvorsen/Daily News