Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Glory Hallelujah - Barney's has come to Vegas

Yet another mega resort has opened on the Las Vegas strip - The Pallazzo - sister hotel to The Venetian. Not that this isn't a reason to get excited with new world class restaurants and entertainment galore but this particular resort brings with it something of real value and distinction - a full size, three story, chocked full of over prices designer dud's, Barneys New York in all it's high end retail glory!!!!!!


This refuge away from the casino for fashionistas who'd rather gamble their spare dollars on whether or not that $375.00 pair of Rockin Republic jeans they buy will still be in style in three months was determined to keep out the "riff - raff" at the door. We were confronted by no less than four employees who were positioned in a human barrier between unqualified, eager, fanny pack wearing, looky-loos and the inner sanctum of the store fit for only the chosen few. I asked if they wanted to see my credit report or bank statement and they replied that they only wanted my first born - to which I answered - you can have him!!!!! We successfully navigated the fashion gauntlet and we we're in.


My husband was chastised by a snappy, overeager, employee for snapping these pics on his phone so we only got a couple but he did manage to document the cool three dimensional frame motif of the wall paneling. I loved it. So many times satellite stores in Vegas are disappointing - too small - not enough selection - never as good as the real thing - thank goodness Barney's took the smart route and built us a first class full size version. The only thing it's missing is a cafe.



Along with the Barneys comes a three story shopping mall chocked full of designer boutiques. Although very few are open I had to show you the Tory Burch store.


I didn't want Joni (Cote de Texas) and Patricia ( Patricia Gray) to think they are the only one's shopping at TB!!!



The Pallazzo itself is less than spectacular. It went up in a flash and it shows, very little attention to detail and a weird confusing mix of styles that just doesn't work. There is a spectacular element at the front desk - a mural of sorts consisting of a painted scene covered with a layer of faux mercury glass tiles. It makes a beautiful statement that they would have been wise to repeat throughout the hotel. Just in front of the front desk is a less than striking fountain made with a giant, acrylic, Lalique sculpture. Frosted acrylic and water do not mix my friends! And what's with with the weird funeral urns everywhere? I felt like I should be scattering ashes.


Design inadequacies not withstanding, this should turn out to be an amazing property once it's finished and all of the stores and restaurants are open. Las Vegas is just an amazing place to live!

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Jackie
You truly have it ALL in Las Vegas.
I look forward to visiting you and having our picture taken in front of some stylish shop. Looking forward to meeting you too one day real soon!!!!

SGM said...

Ooooh, thanks for the info. I'll be steering my next girls' trip to LV.

cotedetexas said...

pfftt - that store is bubkies compared to the Tory Burch in Highland Park (ask someone Jewish for a translation - suffice to say, it's something that comes out of your nose!). And I love urns - can't get enough of them - so I'll be in heaven there!!!! How was Baltimore? Are you home already???

Brilliant Asylum said...

Thanks for the tour. I am an armchair Vegas traveler until I can get my husband to agree to go with me. I am scared of "what stays in Vegas" if I go alone with the girls. (Thanks to your husband's clever ad campaign)!

blah said...

hey Jackie - it is ALL happening in Vegas by the sounds of it ;-)

C+SK said...

Ho fabulous!! I can't wait to go back to Vegas later in the Fall! :-)

Me said...

Does that mean you won't be coming to NY as often??

girl meets glamour said...

oh how fun! I can't wait to go to Vegas for the HD show and now I know where I'll be shopping!!

~Kate

katiedid said...

Barney's and Tory Burch?!? What more could you ask for? Lucky duck. ;)

Anonymous said...

Jackie, you weren't smoking again in the stairwell at the Monte Carlo, were you? Seriously, hope everything's okay!

Unknown said...

Well girls I am getting spoiled with all of the great stuff Vegas has to offer now. Growing up wit was a virtual shopping wasteland though. We only had one department store in our one mall! Boy, how things change. Then again, if you live long enough I suppose you see it all!!!!

Unknown said...

Annon,
I try to limited my fire starting to leaving electrical hair appliances plugged in or small cooking fires. Smoking is not my bag! Thank God everything is fine. I've lived in Vegas all my life so I was front and center for the MGM fire back in the 8-0"s which did not end well!
Thanks for your concern,
J

blah said...

Jackie! you're on this weekend and we've already had some reactions :-)
(positive:-)

LIBERTY POST EDITOR said...

I stayed in The Venetian 2 years ago and loved it. I can't wait to stay at the 'sister's' place.