Q&A: Heather Marianna of Beauty Kitchen
The DIY diva talks homemade, organic beauty products and future plans.
May 16, 2013

Heather Marianna
With beauty, brains, and an eye for style, Heather Marianna has quickly made a name for herself in Las Vegas. First spotted on Oxygen’s My Shopping Addiction, Marianna is social media sensation, with hundreds of thousands of Twitter followers and YouTube fans clamoring for her "how-to" videos, in which she makes beauty products using everyday items found in the kitchen. And just recently, in January, Marianna launched Beauty Kitchen, her own line of wine-themed soaps, natural oils, sugar scrubs, bath bombs, and bath soaks. Here, the resourceful cosmetics queen, who will soon be seen on the CW’s Vegas Unlimited, premiering May 23, tells us more about her growing brand.
How do you come up with the recipes for these DIY beauty products?
HEATHER MARIANNA: It’s all about experimenting. I always have to practice and test everything before I blog or make a video about it. The YouTube segments came first and really took off. People kept asking me where they could buy my at-home remedies and that is when I decided to come up with my own 100 percent organic and gluten-free line. One of my favorite collections is the It’s Wine Time Soap Collection. I love wine, so it seemed appropriate.
Do you have any beauty secrets, tips, or tricks to share?
HM: Witch hazel for tired eyes, Irish moss for hair regrowth, and add cayenne pepper drops to any lip balm for instant lip plumper.
Are you going to open a store at any point?
HM: I prefer to give other stores great wholesale deals and sell in retailers. Right now you can find my It’s Wine Time Soap Collection at the Kardashian Khaos store at The Mirage Hotel & Casino. I would love to keep growing Beauty Kitchen [and] add more lines or more products.
Sportswear at Fashion Show Mall
Robert Graham brings his modern American sportswear to Fashion Show Mall.
May 14, 2013

Robert Graham’s new store caters to dynamic Vegas men.
Robert Graham’s eclectic classic-meets-contemporary line of American sportswear makes its long-awaited Las Vegas debut this spring with the company opening its sixth freestanding US boutique, at Fashion Show. The focus is on menswear, although the store also sells premium denim and women’s sportswear. The men’s collections include signature separates cast in bold, vibrant prints; university inspired polo shirts; sharp sports coats; and tailored trousers updated with cuffed hemlines, slim fits, lightweight fabrics, and other details. “We create dynamic clothing using unique fabrics and pattern combinations,” says CEO Michael Buckley. “Opening in Las Vegas is ideal because it has such a dynamic and creative mix of gentlemen from all walks of life.” The Spring collection highlights some of this season’s biggest trends, from color blocking and cropped hemlines to bright primary shades. Fashion Show, 702-477-0370
Neiman Marcus Raises Money for Charity
Roland Mouret arrives in Las Vegas to raise money for charity at Neiman Marcus's A Flair For Care
May 13, 2013

Roland Mouret will appear in person to present his new looks for fall.
Neiman Marcus’s annual fashionable fundraiser, A Flair for Care, ups the ante this year with a personal appearance by French designer Roland Mouret. While the company has always put on a fabulous fashion show to go with its formal gourmet lunch, Mouret’s Fall 2013 collection will be presented on May 13 at Wynn Las Vegas by the designer himself, celebrated for his sophisticated, body-conscious silhouettes. All proceeds benefit Southern Nevada’s Nathan Adelson Hospice, and attendees will have the chance to win designer jewelry, handbags, and shoes in an exclusive drawing. Neiman Marcus, Fashion Show, 702-731-3636
Organic Mani/Pedis at LAKA Manicure Express
The trendy new nail bar promises all organic products and Swarovski embellishments.
March 21, 2013

Busy jet-setters have a new spot for a quick and chic mani/pedi. Known around the world for its 15-minute manicure, LAKA Manicure Express recently opened its first U.S. location in Las Vegas Premium Outlets-South, as well as a second Vegas salon at Fashion Show Mall, next to PacSun, and a retail location at Meadows Mall.
Unlike the typical mall nail salon, LAKA features a selection of more than 150 organic nail lacquers, plus add-ons such as Swarovski crystals. All polishes offered are LAKA’s own brand, and are extremely highly pigmented, so only one thin coat is necessary for a lasting manicure. Clients can get a quick mani with basic shaping and a polish change, or opt for full-blown treatments with the brand’s specialty products.
With more than 25 locations all over the world, including Europe and Asia, LAKA is pushing an expansion into the U.S., with a concentration in fashionable cities of the Southwest. LAKA also sells its polishes, creams, and skincare products, all of which are also organic. The strawberry-scented nail polish remover and grape-scented Nail Wipes are the biggest sellers, as they eschew the strong remover scent and are acetone-free.
Bumble and bumble to the Rescue
Its famous line of hair thickening products is welcoming three new additions.
March 13, 2013

Bumble and bumble’s famous Thickening Hairspray ($28) has been giving women instant thick, lustrous hair since it first hit shelves in 1989. Often featured on beauty gurus’ “must-have” lists, the iconic blue and black spray bottle is credited with consistently adding thickness, texture, and Texas-size volume to each hair strand.
Now, the well-groomed brand is expanding its beloved Thickening line (which also includes a specialty shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in serum) with three new products, two of which hit stores March: Thickening Full Form Mousse ($29), which is lighter than the spray, but packs the same punch and grip, and Thickening Crème Contour ($27), a shaping crème for volumizing more structured cuts, packaged much like a pomade. The third product, Thickening Dryspun Finish ($29), won’t be released to until July, but it’s likely to fly off the shelves just as its sister products have. Intended for use after hair is dried and styled, the lightweight texturizer is a dry spray made of raw silk powders and polymers.
From lengthy, detailed blow-outs to everyday wash-and-go styles, any of the Thickening products help boost hair volume and density, making a dramatic difference even if styling time is rushed. Bumble and bumble products can be found at their own network salons, including Globe Salon in Downtown Vegas and Tease Boutique Salon, and any of Vegas’ four Sephora locations.
Skin Care from the Grape Vine
Caudalie’s Premier Cru face and eye cream is good for your skin and the planet.
March 07, 2013

A top seller at Sepora, a bottle of Caudalie’s Premier Cru cream is sold every two minutes worldwide. However, now that the brand has reformulated the product—available for face ($155) and eye ($98)—that statistic is likely to go down to one minute! The new creams are packed with patented resveratrol-oleyl, dark spot correcting viniferine (extracted from the sap of grape vines), and antioxidant polyphenols. These rare ingredients pack a powerful, anti-aging punch for smooth, younger-looking skin. Best of all, in addition to being free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, the bottles are reusable: product is contained within a small plastic bag that pops out and can be replaced with a new one. And one percent of worldwide Premier Cru sales goes toward the protection of the environment. With Earth Day just around the corner, there's no better product to stock on your bedside table. Sephora locations at Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, Town Square, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort, and Forum Shops at Caesars
Melinda Maria's Jewels
For the women of Vegas, Melinda Maria’s jewelry channels old Sin City glamour.
February 25, 2013

Fenton earrings from Melinda Maria ($338)
Melinda Maria Spigel launched her sophisticated namesake jewelry line in 2005, but this spring she hits the Strip for the first time to show off her love for classic Las Vegas with a line exclusive to Nordstrom. “I am so in love with the old Vegas glamour of the Rat Pack era,” she says. “There is so much elegance and luxury in Vegas. It really is the ultimate glamour, and that is what the collection is all about.” The collection’s 14k gold necklaces, bracelets, and cocktail rings are bolder and edgier than past designs, with delicate, pastel stones set in Art Deco– inspired frames. “I love dramatic jewelry, but I also love to feel comfortable and not overdone,” she says. “My pieces are high impact, but easy to wear.” Though the multistrand gold necklace, labradorite drop earrings, and diamond-studded cuff are all remarkably stunning, the collection’s Fenton earrings are Spigel’s must-have accessory. “They feature emerald cut aqua onyx stones in an Art Deco frame, with on-trend gold pyramids surrounding the stone and post. Put them on and you are good to go.” Nordstrom, Fashion Show, 702-862-2525
Dolce & Gabbana Pays Tribute to Moms
Exclusive to the trendsetting women of Las Vegas, NYC, and LA, Dolce & Gabbana’s latest fine-jewelry collection pays tribute to our beautiful mothers.
February 25, 2013

Delicate roses decorate the pieces in Dolce & Gabbana’s Mamma collection.
When Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana launched a fine jewelry line early last year, the design duo turned to love, family, religion, and their Sicilian heritage for inspiration. Rather than stocking the pieces in all Dolce & Gabbana stores, however, they decided to sell them exclusively in the three US cities where they felt the luxury, style, and sophistication of their high-fashion jewelry would be most appreciated: New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. New this spring, the nine-piece Mamma collection honors the traditional beauty and essential role of mothers with elegant yellow-gold pieces decorated with hand-engraved pink coral roses, the floral symbol of unconditional love. One standout necklace refers to a woman’s delicate nature with several columns of cascading roses set upon an intricate gold chain. The collection also includes chandelier earrings with a whimsical spirit, a dainty gold ring with an understated sweetness, and two versions of hoop earrings just begging for a vacation in the Italian countryside. Crystals, CityCenter, 702-431-6614
Bottega Veneta's Limited-Edition Handbag
Bottega Veneta caters to Vegas’s style set with a stunning, limited-edition bag.
February 25, 2013

Bottega Veneta Cabat handbag ($12,650)
Invest in a truly exceptional handbag this season—one with all the glamour and exclusivity associated with Vegas. Bottega Veneta’s newest limited-edition handbag updates its classic top-handle Cabat bag with eye-catching details, including the label’s signature basket weave and 60 individually hand-sewn butterflies. As each bag takes three days to complete, Bottega Veneta will be distributing only 21 of them to its stores. “For spring we wanted to blur the lines and offer a more complex idea,” says Tomas Maier, house creative director. “It’s for the woman who’d rather not be summed up in a word or two.” Crystals, CityCenter, 702-220-4751
Year of the Snake Accessory Picks
Five fashion must-haves to bring you good luck (and style) for the Chinese New Year.
February 05, 2013
The Year of the Snake, also known as the sixth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, returns this Sunday (Feb. 10) and marks the start of the Chinese New Year. Get in the spirit of the holiday and the serpentine fashion trend with these five accessory picks.




















