I just got home from a solid week in Vegas….and most people would probably say that was 4 days too long! I would agree to disagree because after 6 visits, I feel that I’m just barely scratching the surface of the place.
There’s so much history and I’m just as fascinated by the old as I am with the new, pestering cab drivers and waiters with as many questions as they’re willing to put up with. Donny, our waiter at California Pizza Kitchen inside The Mirage (a classic!) was a particularly good sport this time around as I quizzed him about what Michael Jackson used to order when he visited. Answer: the veggie pizza.
Traveling to the same place multiple times is something I thoroughly enjoy — I think it reminds me of family vacations. When my brother and I were kids, we took the same trip every year. Did you, as well? It’s comforting and familiar.
The first time you visit somewhere new, you’re in awe and just trying to take everything in and find your way around while documenting your experience. That’s how I felt when I visited Vegas in 1998. The next time, you’re able to relax a bit more and feel familiar enough to dig into a few more layers of a place, venture beyond the touristy areas and meet some more locals.
With Vegas, I get super excited to see what’s beyond The Strip because there are so many amazing towns and attractions within a very short distance. A few years ago, Kat, Gala and I visited a ghost town called Nelson and it was awesome. We recently had the chance to visit Red Rock Canyon and while it’s just 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, it feels like you’ve entered a completely different world.
These photos are the final set from that day — and the ones I’m most excited about. When I’m home working, I barely ever wear makeup and usually stick to black jeans and t-shirts. With most of my day spent in front of a computer, dressing up isn’t practical or comfortable. The thing is, I love the art of putting together an outfit and expressing myself through personal style so when I hit the road, I use it as an excuse to play dress up.
This look came together really organically but I liked it so much that I put together a style direction around it (remember Avant Garde Desperado?) and am still wearing these pieces all the time.
I didn’t pack any jewelry besides my watch. We stopped in Chanel at The Wynn one night and a salesperson named Chris gave us these ribbons while satisfying me with plenty of juicy Vegas gossip. Ha! I ended up using mine as a necktie the rest of the trip. The sweater vest and hat were picked up at Forever 21. Finally, the skirt was from Topshop. I normally shy away from animal print everything but when you’re in Vegas and have a long-standing obsession with Siegfried & Roy, it just makes sense. Or…at least it did to me.
We didn’t have a ton of time to explore Red Rock before the sun went down so I’m hoping to go back the next time I’m in town and see more of the area because it’s absolutely massive. There’s a 13 mile scenic drive, not to mention miles of trails and areas to have picnics. I’m glad to see it’s been so well preserved and maintained.
My daily life can be really regimented so having these beautiful moments of getting out and exploring somewhere new with my BFF’s all while hanging with awesome, creative, talented women like Christina and Allie of Made U Look makes me feel so excited, alive and inspired.
Ever since I’ve been back, I’ve been pulling more desert inspired visuals and color palettes into branding projects, wearing softer colors and incorporating more natural elements into my house and studio. It’s amazing how even just a few hours in a new place can inspire us so much.
I missed you a lot last week, friends. Breaks are good to recharge creatively but it’s nice to be back and sharing with you. 
Photos:
Made U Look
Makeup:
Blanca at Sephora, Fashion Show Mall
I wore:
Straw Hat, Forever 21 (sold out but similar options here)
Watch, The Horse
Animal print skirt, Topshop
Sweater vest, Forever 21 (sold out but similar styles here and here)
Boots, Vic Matie via Yoox (sold out but similar styles here)
Misaki Shimizu says: 
Anna 
Medusa 
