I admit it. I love Las Vegas. It is one of my favorite destinations for a quick overnight or weekend trip. I’ve been there about half a dozen times, but a few years ago, it became an annual destination. While I’m not a big gambler, I love the restaurants, shopping, and people watching. Vegas is a short drive for me (about 4.5 hours) and an even shorter flight, making it a convenient, quick getaway.

Vegas is one of those places that, unless you are attending a show or dining at a restaurant like Joel Robuchon, you can never really be under or over dressed. I love dressing up and Vegas allows me to dawn heels, bling, and dresses without feeling overdressed and without one air of self consciousness, because, basically, no matter what you have on in Vegas…you blend.

Upon arrival…

Outfit details: Pilcro vegan leather pants, Anthropologie; Jacket, Banana Republic; Strappy Heels, White House Black Market

The next day…shopping and a lot of walking called for comfortable shoes.

Outfit details: Blouse, skirt, and jacket, Banana Republic
Ballet flats, Clarks; Clutch, Coach

Caesar’s had several Chinese New Year displays up, like this large dragon.

At the Shops at Aria, I arrived at the Christian Louboutin store. Their store, like their shoes, has amazing design.

I found the perfect pair of new shoes while there.

**A word about Louboutins…nobody purchases high heels for comfort. Louboutins are made with a more narrow shaft and toe box, so if you find them too uncomfortable, try a pair of fabric ones (like I did), which gives a much more comfortable fit due to the extra “give” of the fabric.

My usual “go to” dress that I pack for Las Vegas trips, is now officially too big, so the main priority for shopping was to find the perfect new Vegas dress for dinner. I found a mix of sexy and classy in this black dress from Bebe at the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace. I fell in love with it when I saw it on the rack, and was thrilled that they had my often hard to find size. I loved how the front had just enough sheer to be sexy but without showing everything all up front. The skirt reminded me of that scene from “Runaway Bride” where Julia Roberts is modeling her wedding dress for Richard Gere and says her favorite part of the dress was how it “swished like a bell”. This one did, and matched my Christian Louboutin purchase perfectly. The shoes, the follie draperia, are from their new Spring 2016 line. The gardens at both the Bellagio and the Wynn provided some beautiful backdrops to snap a few photos.

Outfit details: Dress, Bebe; Shoes, Christian Louboutin

It was chilly the next day as we were headed for brunch. It was the perfect excuse to wear my favorite cashmere sweater that I don’t often get the opportunity to wear in Arizona.

Outfit details: Cashmere sweater, JCrew; Statement necklace, Banana Republic

My five Vegas Wardrobe must haves:

1. Shoes: one pair of comfortable ones for walking (The hotels there are deceivingly long walks from each other) and heels for dinner.
2. Dinner dress: Vegas is a great excuse to get out that “fancy” dress that you don’t have a lot of occasions to wear.
3. Something sexy: Vegas is the perfect place to leave your fashion comfort zone and your self consciousness behind.
4. A coat or light sweater: Even though Vegas is considered a desert city, it gets cold there in the winter. I always check the forecast before packing, but even in summer I pack a light sweater as I find the A/C in the casinos to be too chilly for this Arizona girl.
5. Swimsuit (and don’t forget the sunscreen): Don’t miss your chance for the hotel pool or hot tub, and don’t forget sunscreen (even on overcast days, the desert sun can burn).

For more information on shopping in Vegas, from outlet malls to luxury brands, click here.