At's an exciting time to be in the business," says Resurrection co-owner Katy Rodriguez. "Clothing before has never retained its value, and now it's starting to." And how. Both noted designers and models looking for inspiration tear through the racks at her store (217 Mott Street, 625-1374; and 123 East 7th Street, 228-0063), where vintage couture starts at $50 (Pucci) and runs to $2,500 (Paco Rabanne). The inventory is unlike any other store's, with near-mint-condition North Beach Leather and "forgotten" labels like sixties Britain's Granny Takes a Trip. But if you want to rediscover the joy of finding cool old clothes at whim-ready prices, you can feel it at Honeymoon Antiques (105 Avenue B; 477-8768). Owner David Brockman -- who collected his stash on his many trips to his hometown, Kansas City -- has the unique stuff you associate with your favorite college thrift store. T-shirts start at $7, cocktail dresses are priced around $90, and, for the true collector, designer couture by names like Yves Saint Laurent and Halston is in the back (you have to ask for it). Ironically, the store's Avenue B location prevents it from being picked over by the Lower East Side's fashion crowd, says Brockman. "Celebrities and model-y folks don't come this far east."