Columnist Muriel Stevens: Spa Angel a hit on the boulevard

Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2003 | 8:19 a.m.

Now is the time to take advantage of the sales at Spa Angel, a one-of-a-kind shop at 7700 Las Vegas Blvd. South, adjacent to Bootlegger Bistro.

Spa Angel owner Alice Mary Bergendorff was previously the gift and beauty buyer for Canyon Ranch Spa shops. Spa Angel specializes in bath and beauty products, unusual gifts, fashions by New York designer Maureene Keene, books, tapes, aromatherapy cleaning products and gorgeous gift baskets. Alice's gift baskets are not the norm; these are boxes made of gold-colored wire.

I stopped by the shop on Friday to wish Alice a happy birthday and to see the sale merchandise. This was her 47th birthday, so everything in the store is 47 percent off through Aug. 31. Spa Angel's first anniversary celebration and sale with 50 percent off everything begins Sept. 1 and continues until Sept. 30 (cash only during these sales). It takes time to see all of the merchandise stacked on the shelves, but there are scads of small treasures not found elsewhere. Call 429-9916 for more information.

Saks Off 5th: It's been a while since I shopped Saks Off 5th at the Belz outlet mall, but I managed to get there Saturday to use the one-day, 20 percent off all purchases promotion card that came in the mail. Using these incentive sale cards, I've enjoyed some spectacular savings in the past. Saturday was no exception. Coming up soon is the realllllly big designer clothes sale. For more information about the designer event, call 263-7692.

Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas: Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas at Primm has expanded its shuttle service from the Las Vegas Strip. A cross-shopping option includes Desert Passage as a departure and arrival point. Departures from MGM Grand begin at 9:15 p.m. Ride in a private, chartered shuttle service just for Fashion Outlet shoppers.

Round-trip ticket price is $12.99 per person. Reservations are recommended. For an updated schedule and ticket information call 874-1400 or toll-free at (888) 424-6898.

Opportunity Village opens Melanie's Closet: Morning radio personality Melanie from KMQZ 100.5 FM (K-Lite) has created Melanie's Closet, an upscale boutique area, in the Opportunity Village thrift shop at 4000 W. Sahara Ave. Unlike nationally operated thrift stores, OV does not buy merchandise.

They operate as they always have, from the heart. "The main reason we're in business," OV Creative Director Jim McCoy said, "is to serve and employ people with profound mental disabilities.

Inside the boutique you will find high-end label clothing from some of Las Vegas' most fashionable local and celebrity supporters. All of the merchandise is displayed as if it were in a fine store (well, almost).

What matters most is that Opportunity Village is an exemplary grass-roots charity. It is 100 percent locally operated and 90 percent self-funded. OV's Sahara Avenue location is the place for home accessories, furniture, household items and clothing. OV at 921 S. Main St. focuses on large and small appliances and housewares. This location has been recently expanded and is huge.

To learn more about Opportunity Village, call Jim McCoy at 880-4054. To make a contribution, call 383-5911.