CR Weekender: Vegas Baby

Nothing breaks up the sweltering summer monotony like a weekend in Vegas. Armed with 20 + of my closest friends... er... wolfpack, I charged the strip in search of a good time.

Because mastering the art of Vegas can be daunting, I've assembled a how-to guide for your viewing pleasure. FYI: they didn't call me 'Frommers' in college for nothin'.

Getting There: to fly? or to drive? good question.

Fly the good flight and take a Southwest trip to the desert oasis. If you're less than 5 hours away and have Friday off- drive, road trips = bonding.

Stay: The Palazzo, Venetian, Bellagio or Ceasar's

Location is key at these luxury hotels. The P and the V are connected as are the B and the C- so you get twice the amenities and restaurant options for the price of one. It's a great equation.

Bellagio

Ceasar's Palace

You probably get this a lot. This isn't the real Caesar's Palace is it?

Palazzo

Venetian

Eat: tame your tummy

It's all about options. Famous restauranteurs set up shop in Vegas to accommodate everyone from the Armani clad high-rollers to the tall-socked tourist. Take advantage of the food court in Ceasar's for cheap eats or splurge at CUT, Spago or Olives

**CR Insider: (olive's is a personal fave due to it's Bellagio location and clear view of their glorious fountains. Call for a reso outside to impress.)

Cut

Spago

Olives

Play: get your kicks

Forget ATL- Vegas is where the real players play. The most important part of planning your weekend is making sure you're not spending quality time in a line.

Tip #1: Dress to impress - clubs have strict dress codes so look the part

Guys: sport minimal, non-D-Bag-flare with tailored duds and designer shoes.

Girls: BIG hair, short dress and killer heels (killer because you will want to die in them by the end of the night, but it's totally worth it)

Tip #2: Be a girl...

If that's a physical impossibility- find girls and beg them to let you hang on their hemlines. Women are the key to getting in at your club of choice, as is being on the guest list. I have personal contacts that I use when navigating the scene, but I suggest you seek out the VIP host early in the night and schmooze your way into their heart and onto their list.

**CR Insider: all the right friends, in all the right places

Tryst VIP guest list Contact: Mike Cossman 702.273.6455 or michael.cossman@wynnlasvegas.com; Name Drop: Patrick Frank

Pure VIP guest list Contact: Brandon Ring 702.289.5546 (call or text)

Pure

Pure

Tryst

Recover: oooooooooossssaaaaaahhhhhhhh

After the crazy, be lazy at one of the many spa's located in your hotel. I recommend the Canyon Ranch Spa at the Palazzo.

It's funny, I can feel my wolfpack growing as I write this.... happy monday!

xx

Hit the Street

As a starving, entry-level PR assistant, I survived on slices, dogs and brats- relax- the last two did not involve household pets or children... Even though I'm out of the city, I still love to feed my need for mobile fare at a mini price.

If you're looking for cheap eats- hit the street and fill up on phenomenal food that is easy on the wallet.

Two Hippies Beach House Outrageous Tacos and Burritos

Take it to the house! This funky beach shack offers up some slammin' eats that pack a powerful punch. Pick and choose your burrito/taco type then add some sriracha for good measure.

501 East Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85012 (602) 277-0399

belly up to the bar

fish taco con hot sauce

garage sale or culinary greatness? you decide.

misted patios

karma's a bitch....

Ted's Hot Dogs

Hot diggity, these dogs are dang good.

Since 1927, Ted's has been turning up the heat and turning out the food. Tempe is their only location outside the NY area, so stop in for a frank with all the fixin's.

1755 East Broadway Road Tempe AZ 85282 (480) 968-6678

the works! veg heads beware... this place is for carnivores

Viva la Vintage

It's a simple equation: what goes up, must come down.

When fashion reaches its tipping point, it descends backward to decades where glamour and fashion were de rigueur. My fellow millennials, we have reached that point.

Launch your own historical journey through time with an anthropological study of a people through the vintage fashions of Phoenix boutiques Vintage Fashion Inc. and Fashion by Robert Black.

Fashion by Robert Black

vintage fashion that guarantees you will stand out in a crowd.

true style withstands the test of time

Chanel and Valentino all in a row

Walking into Robert Black's store reminds me of being 10 yrs old, exploring the simply decadent closet of my sensationally fashion forward grandmother. Throughout the years she amassed a collection of dresses, suits, jackets and accessories rivaling Jackie-O. I would get lost in the idea of playing through the decades, just as I did one afternoon at this special boutique.

Spend a little or spend a alot, but make sure to stop in.

Vintage Fashion Inc.

the 'bombshell' dress

the showroom

Owner, David Sheflin brings sexy back with museum quality showpieces that will wow even the strictest sartorial snob. Much like a Manhattan showroom, the Vintage Fashion Inc. location on Central Ave. is a pristine space that affords each client the opportunity to gracefully browse through racks of mint-condition vintage clothing. His diverse collection is hand-picked and it shows. Make sure to say hello to the effervescent Cathyanne- intelligence and class personified.

Fabulous Finds: the best of Anna Sui

I've Got a Fever, and the Only Prescription?

... More World Cup!

The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa is underway and playing host to 32 teams from around the globe. England and USA tied their game on Saturday, but there's much more to come. Find some friends and gather at one of these footballer friendly pubs to watch the most popular sport in the world!

The George and Dragon

Get thee to the pub! The only proper English pub in Phoenix and THE place to watch the cup. I attempted to watch the USA vs. England match here on Saturday but was informed that the George had a line wrapped around the building at 9am! Take your chances on a weekday to avoid crowds, but honestly- isn't that the point of going to this place? Cheers!

Arcadia Tavern

I like to think of Arcadia as the 'mid-town' of the Valley. It's location, right in the middle between Scottsdale and Phoenix serves a large population of avid sports fans. Pick this place as a meeting ground for you and your football frenzied friends.

The British Open

I'll admit it- I love ye olde pub and this one's no exception. A virtual hole-in-the-wall, this pub serves up some tasty grub to the tune of soccer hooligans cheering in the background. Don't be confused by the golf paraphernalia, it's an equal athletic opportunist.

***Next USA game is June 18th at 7am... kegs and eggs anyone?

Spend Thrift

Inquiring Mind: Hey! Where'd ya get that outfit?

Me: Oh, this? It's vintage.

Inquiring Mind = jealous

Me = uber cool

There's no better way to cause a sartorial shake-up than by browsing your local thrift store. Also called consignment or resale stores, these 'boutiques' stock their shelves with never worn or gently used clothing and accessories.

If you've got champagne taste on a beer budget- this one's for you. Nifty fashion at a thrifty price (yes... I said nifty)

CENTRAL Ave Consignment offers chic, classy clothing at an incredible price. The look for less starts here.

Best Buys: skinny leather belts, shift dresses and chain strap purses

Look for less: Chanel inspired tweed shift is a summer option for the office.

Poor Little Rich Girl the upscale, resale boutique makes it easy to economize. Visit them in either their Arcadia or Uptown location.

*CR Insider* Have a specific designer in mind? Text labeljunkie to 69302 to receive updates on your favorite labels the minute they go on sale!

The perfect preppy shirtdress for surviving the sultry summer heat

Mint condition! These striped shoes are a steal!

Happy Shopping!

xx

Trippin'

All I can think about lately is getting the -bleeeeeeep- out of town. I miss the ocean and need to revitalize my senses, so instead of waves, I give you a list of oceanside awesomeness from east to west.

1. Topsail Island, N.C.

Topsail Island

Stargazer

Bring on the bias- this is where I grew up. Before the jealousy begins, remember that I am now land-locked in a desert, far, far away. This funky beach town offers locals and visitors miles of pristine sand, gnarly waves and the best sweet tea 'n seafood in the south.

Stay: Stargazer Eat: Daddy Mac's, Mainsail, NY Deli and Crabby Mike's Shop: Spinnaker surf shop

2. Folly Beach/Sullivan's Island, S.C.

Poe's Tavern in Sullivan's Island

Taco Boy in Folly Beach

Across the bridge from my alma mater and the heart of downtown Charleston, S.C., these beaches provide college students, professionals and tourists the chance to escape the heat and humidity. Bring chairs, a cooler full of your drink du jour and a bocce set for some fun in the sun.

Eat: Taco Boy at Folly Beach and Poe's Tavern at Sullivan's Island

3. The Hamptons

My first summer in NYC led to some sweaty city situations, but as all Manhattanites know- a reprieve from the cement playground sits only miles away. Finding a summer share is both difficult and expensive, so save for 1 great weekend, do it right and then get back to life as you know it.

Stay: The Capri Eat: 75 Main Play: Madame Tong's

4. Hermosa/ Manhattan Beach, CA

Volleyball at Manhattan Beach

Hermosa Beach

Sangria

Bump, set, score! This west coast destination attracts serious volleyballers but if you're athletic prowess is more badminton bad ass than queen of the court- stick to beach cruisers and a local watering hole.

Eat/Drink: Sangria