STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

The Strip

The most eclectic mix of boutiques on the Strip is found in this corridor linking the pyramid-shaped Luxor and its somewhat more understated sister, the tropical-themed Mandalay Bay. 3930 Las Vegas Blvd. South Mandalay Place 55° Wine + Design Named for the ideal temperature at which to store wine, 55º sells everything from Chilean merlots to Australian shirazes, all in a futuristic environment (the bottles rest in pods within the walls). 702-632-9355 Blank Space This home-furnishings favorite is packed with inventive pieces, like tentacle-ish plastic branches that can be linked together to create customized wall art. 702-632-9399 Look Done up in a sherbet color scheme and stocked with dark-wash AG jeans and distressed Project E polos, Look has a certain urban-preppy appeal. 702-632-9372 Lush Puppy A stop here is worthwhile for pet accoutrements that are indulgent without being eye-rollingly precious, like millefiori-glass food bowls and tiny, water-repellent parkas. 702-740-2254 Nora Blue There's no shortage of rhinestone-embellished stuff here-belts, bags, tank tops-but keep digging until you get down to the real finds, like ethereal Rebecca Taylor dresses and thick leather Gustto bags. 702-932-9025 Samantha Chang Lingerie designer Chang's first-ever stand-alone shop-done up in a slick chartreuse-and-jet-black color scheme-is full of her signature printed-mesh underpinnings. 702-262-9114 True Tea Check out True Tea for gourmet loose-leaf blends, and the coolest-ever outpost-it's white, curvy, and space-agey-of the Italian streetwear-inspired label Fornarina (702-215-9300). Desert Passage Think of this mall as a wildly overblown Moroccan bazaar, complete with minarets, murals of windswept desert oases, and mosaic-tiled halls. 3663 Las Vegas Blvd. S (inside the Aladdin Casino & Resort) Pat Areias This is essentially a make-your-own-belt-bar: First pick one of silversmith Areias' bold handmade buckles- they come in styles ranging from retro butterflies to sleek equestrian bits-then select a leather strap (there are endless colors to choose from). 702-794-2800 Jacqueline Jarrot This West Coast accessories chainlet is densely packed with purses and jewelry-but it's the bags that are the main attraction. Look for croissant-shaped Bliss Lau hobos and studded Deux Lux satchels. 702-731-3200 World of Charms Those who don't think charms extend beyond the predictable hearts and horseshoes need to check out this place: We found ourselves amazed by its excellent, hyperspecific selection of sterling and 14-karat gold options-stethoscopes, chainsaws, corncobs, and even teeny-tiny hinged caskets. 702-734-1502 Modern Watch Co. Barely larger than a bathroom, this minimalist store presents a comprehensive selection of well-made watches, from the classic (a Burberry chain-link style) to the modern (a Philippe Starck design with digital hands). 702-737-5505 Also check out... Stash(702-794-0003) for party attire, Hilo Hattie (702-733-6900) for plumeria-scented lotion and other Hawaiian goods, and Betsey Johnson (702-731-0286). Le Boulevard We spotted a French tourist at this shopping area—it's designed to resemble a quaint Parisian neighborhood—and asked her what she thought. "Eeeets like Disneyland!" she exclaimed. 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. S (inside Paris Las Vegas) La Cave Here's our ideal night in Vegas: We head to this cellarlike grocer, owned by a Bordeaux-born gourmand, pick up a mini champagne bottle and wedge of Pont l'Évêque, then hide out in our hotel room and enjoy them over a bad movie. 702-946-4339 Les Memories For antique reproductions so convincing they seem straight from a French flea market, like patinaed candlesticks and mercury glass dishes, this über-femmey spot is a mandatory stop. 702-946-4329 La Vogue This sliver of a shop does a swift business in items that would look right at home on a vanity table: crystal perfume bottles, etched-mirror picture frames, and delicate voile hankies. 702-946-4383 Bellagio Hotel and Casino Upscale retailers are the specialty in this superposh, Italian-themed hotel, known for its miniaturized, fountain-heavy replica of Lake Como. 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S Capri This resortwear outfitter is definitely worth a browse for its Diane von Furstenberg vintage wrap dresses and slinky M Missoni tanks. 702-693-7925 The Intimate Collection Though it's sandwiched in a corridor with heavy-hitters like Chanel and Hermès (see below), don't overlook this lone independent boutique-it's an elegant source for exquisite European lingerie. 702-693-7922 La Scarpa It's not every day you see a padded leather ceiling, but at anything-but-understated shoe purveyor La Scarpa-where big-marquee names are the order of the day-it seems just right. 702-693-7921 Also check out.... Chanel (702-765-5505), Hermes (702-893-8900), Prada (702-866-6886), and Tiffany & Co. (702-697-5400). The Forum Shops Part of Caesar's Palace, this ever-growing center looks like a gloriously campy version of early Rome— replete with moving statuary. 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. S Elysium by Ancient Creations In keeping with the theme of the Forum Shops, this collectibles store specializes in jewelry embedded with antique (like, 2,000-years-old antique) Italian and Greek coinage. 702-369-1888 Corsa Collections There's no lack of handbags here; styles from lines as diverse as Luella and LeSportsac are crammed onto floor-to-ceiling shelves. 702-733-9442 Nanette Lepore A perfect place to take refuge from the crowds: The spacious, milky pink interior is relaxing and purposely understated-all the better to show off Lepore's signature '50s-influenced feminine clothing. 702-893-9704 Victoria's Secret Our favorite-ever branch of this retailer is done up in a slick retro-bordello style (patent leather settees, curlicue-script neon signs) and divided into little boutiques within the store, including a high-roller "adults only" area. 702-893-0903, victoriassecret.com Also check out.... Kate Spade (702-515-6075), Marc Jacobs (702-369-2007), and Agent Provocateur (702-696-7174). The Grand Canal Shoppes Discover an atmospheric cluster of stores within a facsimile of Venice, complete with an artificially blue waterway plied by straw-hatted gondoliers. 3377 Las Vegas Blvd. S (inside the Venetian Hotel) Amoré This lingerie shop attends to everyday underpinning needs by offering T-shirt bras and a genius, entirely seam-free thong-fused together with lasers-by Italian brand Ritratti. 702-731-4660 G.G. Santi Venezia More kiosk than store, and easy to overlook, G.G. is a peerless source for incredible imported chocolates, some in the shape of poker chips. No phone Ripa de Monti When it comes to Venetian glass, Ripa de Monti is the real deal: Its Italian proprietors have relationships with a dozen families in Murano, many of whom make jewelry, vases, and figurines exclusively for the store. 702-733-1004 Also check out.... Canyon Ranch Living Essentials (702-414-3636) for grooming products and candles, and Jimmy Choo (702-733-1802). Fashion Show Hundreds of chains comprise this sprawling mall-and there are, in fact, fashion shows presented throughout the week-but it's the lesser-known places that provide the main draw. 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. S Deetour This is not the place to go if you're a fan of understatement: Deetour has an affinity for anything-but-sedate labels that favor wild color and heavy embellishment-Heatherette and Lee Riot are two lines they stock that sum up the aesthetic perfectly. 702-894-9898 Metropark Though part of a burgeoning chain, this streetwear-themed shop has the unique feel of a one-off boutique. Its mix includes the traditional (Union Denim jeans) and the offbeat (Harajuku Lovers banana-print briefs, Drifter tees). 702-734-5001 Still Striking in look and unpretentious in feel, Still is notable for a number of reasons: The sales help is outstanding, the range of sizes is realistic, and, unlike at many other Vegas retailers, there's an appreciation here for the simple and unadorned-basic jeans, pretty tops. 702-696-1209 Talulah G It's safe to say that Talulah G is Vegas' best-known clothing boutique: Its blend of on-trend picks from labels both emerging (Karen Zambos, Crimes and Misdemeanors) and established (Chloé, Sonia Rykiel) is unmatched by anyone else in town. 702-737-6000 Also check out... Bloomingdale's Home (702-784-5400), Neiman Marcus (702-731-3636), and Saks Fifth Avenue (702_733-8300). Wynn Las Vegas The most luxe resort on the Strip-it cost an astonishing $2.7 billion to build-is home to suitably elegant shops. 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S Apothecary This is kind of place that could only exist in Vegas-not just because you can shop for Lafco soaps and Vie Luxe candles with the dinging of slot machines in the background, but because you can buy said items 24 hours a day. 702-770-3535 Bags, Belts & Baubles If we were ever to win big at the blackjack tables, we'd immediately cash in our chips and beeline to this marble-floored accessories shop to blow it all on a Bottega Veneta bag or Anthony Nak necklace. 702-770-3555 La Flirt The sampling stations at this studiolike makeup spot are a big draw-try out a Bobbi Brown lipstick on your way to the casino, or dust on some shimmery Stila body powder. 702-770-3450

Shoe In From Christian Louboutin leopard-print pumps to Jean Michel Cazabat metallic-lace heels, the selection here is so outstanding, it amazed even jaded us. 702-770-3460

Also check out... Outfit (702-770-3465) to admire any of the Zac Posen pieces, Jo Malone (702-770-3485), and Louis Vuitton (702-650-9007). Off the strip & The arts district A local legend, this shop is famed for its $1 cover charge-and spectacular vintage inventory. 1018 S. Main St., 702-388-4088 The Attic Epic Shoos Due to open this month, this starkly cool, minimalist shop will focus on limited-edition sneakers. 1209 S. Main St., 702-388-4343 The Funk House Beneath the dusty veneer of this secondhand superstore lurks an incomprehensibly large quantity of antique decor and costume jewelry. 1228 S. Casino Center Blvd., 702-678-6278 Modify Nearly every stylish type we met in Vegas urged us to visit this midcentury-modern decor emporium: They all insisted that it is unparalleled for collectible tabletop items and furniture, and they did not lie. 8 E. Charleston Blvd., 702-384-6555 Las Vegas Paperdoll The renovated Holsum Lofts, a former bread factory turned mixed-retail space, is home to this winning paper-goods resource. 231 W. Charleston Blvd., 702-385-7892 The Rainbow Feather Dyeing Co. When showgirl costumers need to stock up on feathers of all types and color—from mallard plumes to peacock tails—they head here. 1036 S. Main St., 702-598-0988 The Red Rooster Antique Mall Hit up this meandering antique source for its collectible casino paraphernalia: chips, dice, ashtrays, swizzle sticks. 307 W. Charleston Blvd., 702-382-5253 Summerlin This upscale suburb has a wealth of hip retailers, most of which are gathered in breezy, palm-fringed complexes. C Level From its ornate interior to its utter devotion to fringe designers like Desanka and Geren Ford, this shop gets our vote for the best boutique in town. 750 S. Rampart Blvd., 702-933-6867 Musette On the west side, this is the preferred go-to spot for stylish things to wear on the weekend-everything from straight-leg 1921 Silver jeans to flounced cotton Mocha skirts. 9420 W. Sahara Ave., 702-309-6873 Pure Beauty This California-based chain has made its first foray into Nevada with this clean, airy shop, well-stocked with Klorane haircare products and Apivita skin cream. 9151 W. Sahara Ave., 702-360-7335 Savvi and Sassi These sister stores are just a few doors down from each other. Savvi concentrates on trendy clothing, while Sassi provides refined jewelry and slouchy bags to go with it. 9691 Trailwood Dr. Savvi: 702-633-0300; Sassi: 702-254-6112 Stash Clothing Much larger than its Strip outpost (see page TK), this original location offers far more of what Stash is known for: slinky, body-conscious stuff begging to be worn out to a club. 9410 W. Sahara Ave., 702-804-1640 Suite 160 This spare shop is a consistently amazing source for hard-to-find, on-trend sneakers. 9350 W. Sahara Ave., 702-562-6136 Talulah G The largest outpost of this local chainlet presents a keen selection of indie labels, plus big dressing rooms done up with murals of vintage Vegas showgirls. 750 S. Rampart Blvd., 702-932-7000 Other Vegas Finds Located blocks from the airport, this 25,000-square-footer is a clearinghouse for items ranging from Victorian fainting couches to bright Blenko decanters. 6665 S. Eastern Ave., 702-307-3960 Antiques at the Market and Cafe Bonanza Gifts Visit this trinket heaven to get the best souvenir in the city: a $1 pack of decommissioned casino playing cards, from locations obscure (The Barbary Coast) and legendary (The Golden Nugget). 2460 Las Vegas Blvd. S, 702-385-7359 Boulder City Antique Mall Intrepid shoppers on their way to Hoover Dam should stop by this unsung source for its sanely priced curios. 1524 Nevada Hwy., Boulder City, 702-294-3996 Fruitition When owners Samantha Alonso and Chris Julian aren't designing for Kanye West's clothing line, they're selling the choice secondhand tees, tops, dresses, pants, and skirts they import from Japan. 4139 S. Maryland Pkwy., 702-796-4139 The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Two retail options here are not to be missed: Love Jones for its burlesque-style lingerie; and Rocks the Jewelers, a closet-size, rock-and-roll-influenced fine-jewelry resource. 4455 Paradise Rd. Love Jones: 702-693-5007; Rocks the Jewelers: 702-693-4445 Unicahome This is the premier spot for design fiends to pick up cool essentials like Fornasetti plates and Harry Allen wall hooks shaped like beckoning hands. 7540 S. Industrial Rd., 702-616-9280 Outlets proliferate in Vegas: These are the ones most worthy of your time. The highlights at the adobe-style Las Vegas Premium Outlets (875 S. Grand Central Pkwy.) are accessory-heavy Dolce & Gabbana (702-671-4268) and the mobbed yet bargain-abundant Coach (702-386-9990). Though it's a 30-minute drive from the Strip, the Fashion Outlet Las Vegas (32100 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Primm, NV) has an impressively high concentration of savings per square foot: Seek out the rewarding Burberry Factory Outlet (702-874-2244) and Michael Kors (702-874-1955), and, for markdowns of up to 75 percent, Neiman Marcus Last Call (702_874-2100). Other hot spots: Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue (7680 Las Vegas Blvd. S, 702_263-7692) and Nordstrom Rack (9851 S. Eastern Ave., 702-948-2121), where we scored a pair of Earnest Sewn jeans for $69.

bex wrote:

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thanks D!!!

i also just found that Choo is at the Venetian and MB is at Wynn.  The Wynn also has another shoe store that carries Louboutins!

i'll let you know what i come back with....

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I highlighted "Shoe In" -- lucky peeps say it amazed even them...

tis nothing - I like to do what I can do to help a girl get good shoes

If you just stay on the strip, go to Bellagio which has a bunch of high end stores - Gucci Dior, Hermes, Prada.  Also, Ceasar's has high end shops like Intermix, Marc Jacobs, Giuseppi Zanotti. 

15 minutes from the strip is an outlet mall that is aweful, except for a Off Fifth Saks Outlet.  They can have a good selection of designer shoes on sale - it's hit or miss, but I've scored some good deals there.