Nadine Kam photos
In spite of all the spectacular displays throughout the city, the Wynn presents perhaps the most outrageous fantasy of all, of tree-lined and floral oasis in the middle of the desert. The large ornaments are covered with flowers, and as early as 5:30 a.m., workers are busily watering, pruning and otherwise tending the flora throughout the property, inside and out.

While staying at the Wynn, I didn’t have to look far to find luxury fashion. Oscar de la Renta, Dior, Chanel and Louis Vuitton boutiques are right downstairs. Didn’t go through the ones we have at home, but did explore every nook and cranny at Outfit, which carries Zac Posen, Tufi Duek, Alexander McQueen, Proenza Schouler, and many labels unavailable at home.

Central display at Outfit in the Wynn Esplanade.

Most fabulous of all were Catherine Malandrino’s feather trimmed and embellished dresses — those weren’t even in her NY store a month ago — and a Monique Lhuillier cap-sleeve bolero that must have weighed at least 5 pounds from the density of tight rosettes of brass paillettes, something like $3,999. Sorry I couldn’t show you a photo, for obvious reasons, like the desire to avoid being yelled at. There was no frock less than $1,000 on the racks.

As usual I found myself shopping at Theory and Elie Tahari at the Las Vegas Premium Outlets in the heart of the city. I was happy to pick up the Theory summer jacket with a vaguely Asian cloisonne sort of print that I missed during the regular season. I had seen a 1960s retro version on sale back then at NM but decided I didn’t need it. Went back to get it a day later and it was gone. To add insult to injury, the empty hanger was left there on the rack to taunt me, next to two jeans-style versions of the jacket. I hung out for quite a while, hoping someone was just looking at it in a mirror and would put it back. Didn’t happen. Went home. Decided the next day that the jean-style jacket in the same print was tolerable, so went back. Both were gone. Went to the Theory store. They had shipped theirs out the week before. So now I have that jeans style, about 4 months after the fact. Ever since then, I just pay full price the beginning of the season because anything desirable in a size 2 or 4 sells out quickly.

Elizabeth Taylor rose necklace in rubies and emeralds in the window at Wynn & Company Jewelry.

My home base for a while. The Wynn’s rooms are so pristine that I’ve followed suit. Rather than dig stuff out of my suitcase (backpack really) as needed, I’ve hung up everything or placed them in the drawers.

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 18th, 2007 at 10:21 pm and is filed under Obsessions, Beautiful objects, Shop. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response.