Bottom Line : A Sampling of Stores Offering Value and Distinction

CONSIGNMENT

2nd Look Bridal and Formal. Never worn and gently worn special occasion dresses, bridal gowns, wedding party wear and mother’s dresses from local bridal boutiques. Sized from 3 to 20 and priced from $199 to $1,000. Also offered are accessories, party and cocktail dresses for sale and rent. 434 El Camino Real, Tustin. (714) 730-4909. Open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday .

CUSTOM-MADE

Mariaelena de Estevez Ruz. Romantic, vintage-looking straw hats from $150 to $250. 2700 E. Coast Highway No. 6, Corona del Mar. (714) 759-0779. By appointment .

DISCOUNT

3 Day Suit Broker. Men’s labeled Italian suits for $335 to $599 in the VIP room (most other suits $89 to $219), sport coats $79, silk shirts $19 to $24, silk ties $9.90 to $14.90 (Brioni line for $29), plus dress shirts, dress pants, tuxedos, socks, shoes and some sportswear. 17835 Newhope St., Fountain Valley. (714) 549-3329 or 556-SUIT. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m .

HARD-TO-FIND

The Preemie Store and More. Everything for little ones who weigh 1 to 10 pounds: T-shirts, booties, hats, sleepers, christening gowns, teeny tuxedos, for $4 to $30. Also offered are books on prematurity, miniature pacifiers and special developmental toys for preemies. 17195 Newhope Street No. 105, Fountain Valley. (714) 434-3740 or (800) O-SO-TINY (mail orders) .

RENTAL

Party Fashion. Rents formal gowns and special occasion dresses, including maternity ones for $40 to $200 for four days, plus a full selection of complementary purses and accessories. 14370 Culver Drive, Irvine. (714) 551-9141. Open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Sunday .

SECONDS

Adorable Affordables. Sells used children’s clothing at 50% off original purchase price. Also sold at reduced prices are maternity clothes, including casual wear and professional attire. A small selection of new items, all handmade by local moms, are also available. 812 Electric Ave., Seal Beach. (714) 493-6873. Open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday .

SPECIALTY

Electric Chair. A large alternative clothing store offering assortments of furry bra tops, black leather lace-up bustiers and rosaries (for wearing, not praying)--it’s Melrose in Orange County. 410 Main St., Huntington Beach. (714) 536-0784. Open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m .

OUTLET

Olga-Warner’s Outlet. Discounts start at 35% off retail prices on overruns of first-quality merchandise, discontinued items and, among the bras, irregulars. The prestige names include Valentino and Ungaro. 743 W. Baker St., Costa Mesa, (714) 957-1214. Open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m .