Love your look
Clothing, couture and design
rience the whole process of making their dress from start to finish,” says Thompson. No objections to that union. CM
For haute moms
Colorz and uniqueness. “I want each dress to be oneof-a-kind and a perfect representation of each bride. … I love being able to give the brides more options and ideas than they ever thought was possible.” The journey to the perfect dress begins with a bride-to-be walking in the doors of Mina Olive — and lots of questions. Thompson quizzes her on her personal style, likes, dislikes — even her favorite band — to get a feel for her personality. After perusing fabric samples and designs, Thompson sketches preliminary designs, and moves on to fitting when she nails the right look. Brides don’t just get a dream dress — they get a deep sense of satisfaction in being part of the fun. “They really get to expe-
The District at Green Valley Ranch, 2235 Village Walk Drive, 242-1029. Stylish and perky stayhome mom Bobbie Helseth needed something to do when her son went off to school, so she found herself a spot in The District — where Henderson moms like to treat themselves — and opened a women’s clothing boutique. Eight years later, Colorz has a steady stream of chic and loyal moms, some of whom drop in weekly, which is as often as new items arrive. It carries (you guessed it!) colorful clothing that can’t generally be found elsewhere in Vegas, and includes
four lines. Bird & Vine features California-style loungewear of the softest fabrics — sweats, tanks and hoodies — blingedout mommy-style in rhinestone hearts. Sky is a slightly pricier but popular line: a stylish, tie-dyed maxi dress costs $140. Desigual (of Europe) is Helseth’s newest fashion-forward line. But the store’s all-time bestseller is a long ruched skirt by Elan that Helseth stocks year-round. The best part about Colorz is Helseth’s eagerness to make Mom happy. You don’t like the rhinestone hearts? Prefer cherries, or baseballs or spiders? Helseth will custom-order to suit your taste. CC
Deeper shade of sole
CRSVR
In The Cosmopolitan, 698-7605, crsvr.com DJ Vice’s sneaker boutique CRSVR
Say yes to the dress: Amari Boutique specializes in contemporary styles designed by up-and-coming talent.
(“crossover”) offers limited-edition men’s and women’s sports shoes and frilly-free clothing in a laid-back lounge atmosphere complete with a “Beats by Dre” listening station. Shoppers get free music CDs with each purchase. Fashionistas can find court-ready Nikes, including Air Jordans and the latest model from Kobe Bryant, plus Supra and Native footwear displayed as wearable urban art. There are comfy cool threads and lids (hats) from Five Four Clothing, And Still La Brea, Brixton, Krew, and SLVDR. CRSVR’s streetready gear has a casual hip-hop vibe that’s both colorful and chic. The store, which first opened in Santa Barbara, has since exported its brand of culture, fashion and fun to The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas. CRSVR also has occasional in-store events such as a recent June 9 meet-and-greet with super-DJ Steve Aoki. TI
artists from across the country to create a blend of home furnishings, gifts and clothing. “I wanted to create an accessible art gallery,” says Gaddy-Walters. “Everything I carry is made by an artist. I don’t go through any vendors or any distributors. Everything is bought from an artist or consigned by an artist.” Really good artists — such as Ryan Boase, whose ReAcoustic line features iPod and iPad speaker docks that turn vintage brass instruments and gramophones into acoustic amplifiers that, amazingly, require no electricity. Local artists hold their own in this gallery of wonders as well. Joel Spencer’s one-of-a kind retro TV mirrors may not be delivering Nielsen ratings anymore, but they’d rate highly as wow-inducing conversation pieces on any wall. CM
Object lessons
Amari Boutique
Artifact
In The Market LV at Tivoli Village, 440 S. Rampart Blvd., artifactlv.com Imagine all the best Pinterest boards — everything you’ve ever repinned and favorited — brought to life and placed in one stunning gallery. Better yet, all the items are repurposed, upcycled and eco-conscious. That gives you an idea of what Artifact offers. The brainchild of Molly Gaddy-Walters, this boutique brings local artists together with
56 | Desert
Companion | OCTOBER 2012
Fun meets function
10271 S. Eastern Ave. #114 in Henderson, 476-3900 Nestled in an unassuming shopping center on South Eastern Avenue sits Amari Boutique, a specialty dress shop. What makes Amari so special? It all begins with the owner Marisela Altamirano’s sharp sense of style. Amari Boutique focuses on contemporary, affordable pieces designed by up-and-coming talent and not typically carried by major retailers.