The Vegas Shopping Primer

Since a lot of Mainland stores have opened (Bath & Body Works, Victoria's Secret, Forever 21) or are opening (H&M, Urban Outfitters) in Hawaii, shopping is not that much of a priority for me when in Vegas. But who can resist passing time by shopping or even just window shopping? Not me. Here's my guide to shopping in Vegas.

Fashion Show Mall
Located on the Strip, on the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Spring Mountain Rd., Fashion Show Mall is not for the timid. You'll need both time and stamina for this mall. It houses over 250 stores and boasts seven anchor tenants: Macy's, Dillard's, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Forever 21 (yes, Forever 21 is considered an anchor store). I won't spend an entire day at Fashion Show Mall anymore for reasons stated, but I will stop by for an hour or so to pop into specific stores such as Zara and TopShop.

Las Vegas Premium Outlet - North
Before this outlet opened, I used to take the 45-minute drive to Primm to shop at Fashion Outlets Las Vegas. Now outlet shopping is very close to home base (especially if you're staying Downtown) with Las Vegas Premium Outlet - North. It offers 150 stores including some high end ones like Burberry, St. John and Dolce and Gabanna. I stopped by Burberry to see what the price point was, and even at 50% off, most things were at least $200 and up!

If you're craving sushi, there is a Makino located here. There's also a Las Vegas Premium Outlet - South (formerly Belz Factory Outlet World -- the carousel is still there), which is located about two and a half miles from the South end of the Strip, and includes 140 stores. Both these malls are managed by the same company as the Waikele Premium Outlet.

Shops at Crystals
If you're in the market for high-end designer clothing, then the Shops at Crystals is for you. Located at Aria at City Center, it is the place to go when looking for designer wear. There's about 30 stores here, including Prada, Gucci, Fendi, Tom Ford and Jimmy Choo. I've yet to step into one of these stores (too intimidating); I've only walked through this high end mall and window shopped. But it's a nice stroll as they have interesting art pieces throughout the center.

Town Square
Located about a mile and a half South of the Strip, Town Square is an outdoor mall that is modeled after a European village. It's like Green Valley Ranch's The District on steroids. You meander through streets lined with shops. For a rest, park yourself on a bench under a tree. If you have kids, there's a great little park and a train. It offers the typical mall-type stores. There's also a Whole Foods and a movie theater.

The Forum Shoppes at Ceasars Palace
Offering 160 mall and high end shops, The Forum Shoppes is a must-visit for the decor alone. It's one of those "indoor as outdoor concepts" that Vegas does so well. You walk on cobblestones paths with clouds overhead in the sky. You pass by fountains and attractions inspired by the Roman Empire.

Until H&M opens in Hawaii, visit their three-story shop (it replaced FAO Schwartz) and then refuel at Max Bremmer for some delicious chocolate (or other) fare. It you love Anthropologie, there's a location here as well.

Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood
This mall used to follow the "indoor as outdoor" concept but it's slowly being renovated. Some of the cobble stone-lined walkways have been traded for hardwood floors and some of the Morrocan theme faces have been replaced with more modern touches.

If you are staying at Planet Hollywood and are renting a car, you're forced to walk through the mall on your way back to your room. It's a long walk when it's late and you're tired.

Miracle Miles does offer an Urban Outfitters, which is accessible from the Strip, as part of its 170 stores.

It also has a rainstorm attraction. I missed it on many of my visits due to timing or maintenance, but this time, I caught the 5 minute (or so) show. It was "meh", but kinda cool for kids.

Regional Malls
Similar to Pearlridge and Windward Mall, Meadows Malls and The Boulevard and regional malls in Vegas. With the same stores found on the Strip, it's not necessary to venture out to these malls, although they are minutes from the Strip.

This is just the tip of the ice berg. There are other tons of places to shop, such as the Mandalay Bay or Wynn, but these are my recommendations. Oh yeah, there's an All Saints at the Cosmopolitan too!

Happy shopping!