Viva Las Vegas: CityCenter is Here!

Long gone are the days when Las Vegas is only synonymous with gambling, fabulous cheap buffets, and Elvis (well there will always be gambling and Elvis, cheap anything in Vegas-not so much). Now, Las Vegas is hotter (and more expensive) than ever. Not only does Las Vegas boast some the hottest hotels, restaurants and nightlife, it's becoming my favorite destination for some damn good shopping. Eat your heart out New York! To add more fuel to the fire, opening this month for your shopping, eating and hotel lodging enjoyment is the $8.5 billion dollar project, CityCenter (check out the cool interactive website here). CityCenter includes a half million (yes million) square feet of shopping collectively called Crystals (opened Dec.3) that includes Tom Ford, Carolina Hererra, and Roberto Cavalli (all upscale shopper's or window shopper's dream) to name a few. Photo above left: courtesy of Vdara.com

rendering of Crystals courtesy of crystalscitycenter.com

Expect to be accommodated in style at one of the five new property's: Vdara (opened Dec. 1), Mandarin Oriental (opening today), Aria Resort & Casino (opening Jan. 16) and Veer Towers (for purchase only, opening mid January) and Harmon Hotel (opening late 2010). Time to get your travel plans ready. I'm both excited and little annoyed that I just left Las Vegas the day before the openings. Oh well, looks like another road trip is on the horizon.

Oh, and I told you Elvis isn't going anywhere...

Cirque Du Soleil is unveiling their tribute to Elvis at the Aria Hotel and Casino. Wouldn't it be great if Cirque did a tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson?

Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend!

Destination Style: The Cayman Islands

All those who love a sandy beach and a beautiful sunset raise your hand? Now, who wants to go on a relaxing Caribbean vacation surrounded by cool waters, endless luxury and some of the warmest people you'll ever meet (ooh, ooh...pick me, pick me)? Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands of the Cayman Islands and it's not your stereotypical Caribbean island. Don't expect to buy coconut off the side of the road here, but you can plan on bringing your best designer bags (the island is no stranger to living in the lap of luxury). The main activities here include diving, snorkeling, yachting and doing some serious relaxing. I live for Sundays when those that have yachts (someone is going to know someone with a boat and you better make it your business to get on one) sail out to Rum Point, park and party all day in the shallow water.

above photo: Beach area @ The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman



One thing's for sure this small island is a safe haven for locals are travelers alike. Everywhere you go you'll think Is this bag okay to leave here while I walk around on the beach? you'll hear, girl please,"This is Cayman". Aren't you going to lock that car door while we go in this store?...(strange look) "This is Cayman." I'm certainly not used to that but, this is Cayman.


Locals get down during karaoke at a local bar, The Office, singing to one of the island's favorite types of music, Country (Huh? Yes, I'm just as shocked and confused as you are-but fun to watch though).














Me and local artist, Al Ebanks (watch that hand buddy).












STAY
At The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman. Make sure to stop by their spa, Silver Rain (I can almost visualize the pearly gates of heaven open as I think about this place-just heavenly!).

WEAR
Leave your high fashion pieces at home or save them for your next trip to NYC. It's all about low key style with a little luxury bag or pair of sunglasses thrown in for good measure.













Prada Butterfly Frame Sunglasses $245

Tory Burch Slim Leather Tote $550

Destination Style: Atlantis in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

What's luxurious, exotic, populated by beautiful people, celebrities and royals alike and just may cost you your arm and your leg (seriously)? It's the newly opened uber elaborate Atlantis The Palm Resort in Dubai. Leave it to Atlantis to make even the Persian Gulf highly desirable. The Palm is a man made island equip with white sand beaches, spa, a grand water park, plenty of boutique shopping and you can swim with the dolphins (just make sure you book in advance). The weather is always beach ready year round (it is the desert after all) so no need to remember to check the weather report. Just don't forget to bring your wallet (rooms will set you back at least $600 a night). But if you do decide to travel, pack light (over-packing is so 2008) and travel in style. Could this resort draw you to the desert?

right photo: Atlantis Lost Chambers Suite (you may have to give up your first born to book this one)
http://www.atlantisthepalm.com/



Retro Bustier One Piece $88, Victoria's Secret
A little old school glamour for sitting poolside and sipping cocktails.


























Banded Halter Top $24 and Low Rise Bottom $18, Victoria's Secret
A exotic print for the water park or hanging out with Flipper.






























Long Convertible Dress $295, Elizabeth & James
This dress can go from day to night, casual to dressy and can be styled a number of ways. Did I mention jersey is light and packs well (there's no such thing as ironing on vacation).