Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003 | 8:15 a.m.
Still frantically shopping for the right gifts? Do you get weak in the knees at the thought of bucking the crowds found at this time of year in most stores?
An expert personal shopper can chase the shopping blues away. Such high-end retailers as Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale's Home Store at the Fashion Show mall and Tiffany & Co. at Bellagio offer free-of-charge personal shoppers.
There are more, of course, but my personal experiences with these fine shops have been pleasurable. Marsha Miller is the personal shopper at Saks, Don Dennis is at Bloomingdale's Home Store, Neiman Marcus has a personal shopper and Tiffany & Co. has two.
A personal shopper offers other timesaving services such as gift-wrapping and delivery and will even sign a card to be included with the gift. So don't fret if you're running out of time. Call a personal shopper.
See's Candies: Candy is always a pleasing gift, but do you know the candy preference of the giftee? Creams or chewies, nuts or caramels? Dark, milk or white chocolate? Yes, you can send an assortment, but a gift certificate is a better idea. See's gift certificates never expire, and are the perfect way to spread holiday cheer throughout the year.
See's gift certificates can be used in any See's location. There are more than 200 retail candy shops throughout the western United States. Call (800) 347-7337 or visit www.sees.com for more information.
Strolling MonteLago Village: MonteLago Village at Lake Las Vegas, near the Ritz Carlton, has charming cobblestone streets, elegant, one-of-a-kind shops and a view of the lake. There are three "neighborhoods," each with their own appeal. Merchandisers from London, Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto, San Francisco, San Diego, New York and other cities offer distinctive wares in a Mediterranean setting.
Shops on the Via Brianza include Alexander Perfumes and cosmetics, a family business specializing in exclusive skin care products and warm personal service -- owner Alexander is a skilled chemist and perfumer, and wife Cory is an expert aesthetician and makeup artist. Their daughter, Saska, is also involved.
Moonbeams sells women's apparel and accessories, Da Minicci Jewelers has a workshop on site and showcases outrageously gorgeous bling-bling, an exclusive line of men's accessories, same-day repairs and such extravagant indulgences as custom-made martini glasses that can be yours for a cool $45,000.
Via Bel Canto is a more casual stroll through colorful awnings and handcrafted signs. There's a Starbucks, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Artisan Glass Gallery, Splash Bath & Body and more.
Still awaiting completion is Costa di Lago, the lively harbor and port area that will feature waterfront dining and festive hosted events (it's party time, baby) and a women's designer fashions shop with a South-Pacific flavor, Palazzo Palms (think Tommy Bahama). Already open is Tutti Gelati, offering traditional Italian gelato flavors in a terrific setting.
Here's what else is coming: Caffe Positano, Sunset & Vines, a wine and spirits shop with a few surprises; Le Havana Cubana Cigar Bar, offering premium cigars, accessories and fine cognacs, brandies and other spirits; Pizzamania, featuring thin, crispy-crusted pizzas; Luna Rossa Italian restaurant; Dublin's, owned and operated by proprietors of Dublin's in West Hollywood, rated the world's best sports bar (according to Maxim magazine); Wagamamma Sushi, an upbeat sushi bar on the waterfront, and MSIX, a North African and Mediterranean hot spot for dining and dancing.
Caffe Positano will open in April. I'll keep you posted about additional openings.
Paul Sorvino at Art de Vignettes: Barbara Lee Woollen is presenting "The rich, bold beauty" of Paul Sorvino's bronzes at her Art de Vignettes gallery Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Art de Vignettes is on the second level of the Fashion Show mall adjacent to Bloomingdale's Home Store. Sorvino, a contemporary Renaissance man, is an award-winning actor, a writer, director and producer and a singer of opera. And a lovely man. His impressive sculptures will be on display through the end of January.
Mandalay Bay Place: Mandalay Bay Place stores are opening at a rapid pace. New stores include 55 Degrees Wine + Design from the same team that operates the dazzling 4-story wine tower at Charlie Palmer's Aureole restaurant at Mandalay Bay; Shoe Obsession, sexy comfortable shoes; two Bardelli stores, one offering women's wear, the other featuring high-fashion men's clothing, sportswear and accessories.
Also open: The Art of Shaving, Caffe Giorgio, the smashing Chocolate Swan bakery and cafe, Nike Golf, Oilily for children, The Reading Room, Lunettes, Urban Outfitters and more. Mandalay Place has its own valet entrance and is located on the sky bridge between Mandalay Bay and Luxor resorts. Happy shopping ...
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