Want to dress like a star? Better yet, want to wear a star's dress? Well, you can find spectacular gowns created for celebrities by famous designers - and actually worn by movie actresses - for a fraction of their original cost at a little place called “The Address” in Santa Monica.

“The Address” is a boutique on Wilshire Boulevard which gives part of its profits to a children's charity. Owner Maureen Clavin goes into stars’ homes (by invitation, of course) and picks up clothes, then puts them on sale to the discerning public at “The Address”.

What's available? Well, here's a sample from 1997:

• A glittery gold dress made by Versace especially for actress Melanie Griffith; It originally cost $10,000. “The Address” priced it at only $850.

• A black velvet & white silk designer gown made for Victoria Principal. Originally $4,000. Just $348 at “The Address” .
  
  
• A long red gown from Jennifer Tilly. Was $4,000, now $595.
  
  
• A black, sequined dress custom-made for Sally Field. Was $4,000, now just $185.
  

“The Address” is open daily. The store specializes in “slightly worn” clothes, but not everything in the store is from Hollywood stars. There are also simply many designer gowns at discount prices, from designers such as Chanel, Versace, Adolpho and Bob Mackie. Bob Mackie, all at a fraction of their original cost. Just ask the sales people to show you what's available from their celebrity contributors.

 Getting there: “The Address” is located on Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica, between 11th Street and 12th Street, just a few blocks from Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade.