Columnist Muriel Stevens: Saks stocks shelves with savings

Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004 | 8:15 a.m.

There's a new look at Saks Off 5Th at the Las Vegas Outlet Center (formerly Belz Factory Outlet World). Through clever rearranging of the existing space, the store appears to be larger, even though it isn't.

There is an abundance of new merchandise, with more arriving almost daily. The fine jewelry cases have a number of name brand oversized watches for men and women. Such upscale names as TechnoMarine were included. Some were embellished with diamonds.

Prices were greatly reduced. Some of these watches included an extra watchband. The petite designer section and Salon Z clothing selection (plus sizes) has doubled in size. Watch the mail for sale cards that offer additional savings.

For more information about the current sale, call 263-7692.

Hip new jean designs by Tommy Hilfiger: Tommy Jeans Juniors will please any member of the back-to-school crowd. Offered is a motocross-themed collection that merges elements of sportswear with "classy, yet edgy leather accents."

This fusion of fashion and fun updates the classic T and jeans with a variety of materials and such embellishments as zipper hardware, heavy stitching and sexy touches that will appeal to girls. Look for Lisa, Carrie, Devon and Hanna jeans.

Tommy Jeans for men includes the new Mick Cargo pant made from pre-washed cotton twill that gives a soft, well-worn look. Tommy Jeans Junior and the complete Tommy Jeans men's line are available at Macy's.

A jewelry roll is not a bagel: It was a last-minute gift for a departing student, this jewelry roll I was seeking. A young friend wanted one to hold the bling bling she would take with her to Europe. Nothing fancy. Already a seasoned traveler, my savvy young friend was taking with her only costume jewelry.

It seemed like a simple request. I was going to a restaurant at the Fashion Show mall. It would save time and steps if I called a few stores to find what I wanted. It was a fruitless, frustrating search. Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Saks, Nordstrom and more did not have such a thing. Bag and Baggage had a fancy leather and velvet one that probably cost more than all the bling my friend planned to take.

In the end I found exactly what the student wanted. It was at home in my present drawer, the place where I store the small gifts I buy throughout the year just for times like these. Later, I remembered that the gift shops in Chinatown often had colorful satin jewelry rolls. I'll call them next time.

Airport security: Only once have I had my checked-through luggage searched, but I still remember the experience. When I claimed my bag it had a blue twist securing the lock, not the red one I had placed there. Inside the bag was a form that said my bag had been chosen randomly.

Now the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is allowing travelers to secure their checked baggage with special locks that can be opened with secured tools that do not damage the locks. Travel Sentry certified locks ($19.85 per pair) are available from Magellan's travel catalog (800-962-4943 or www.magellans.com) or at luggage stores. Inexpensive plastic luggage seal devices that can easily be removed are also available.