This & That: Vegas Photo Diary

While some families gather over hot cider & turkey, mine prefers to give our thanks over a Bloody Mary & a game of Blackjack. Yup yup yup, I spent Thanksgiving in Vegas.

It was an AMAZING time, but I gotta say, majority of the trip was like a scene straight out of Christmas Vacation. No joke, my family is like the real life version of the Griswold’s. It’s just one LOL/WTF moment after another w/ that crazy crew.

All in all though, it was probably my best Vegas trip to date. Unlike previous Vegas weekends, this one was relatively chill + I actually got to see what Vegas looks like in the daytime since I wasn’t stuck in bed with an epic hangover (kidding, but not really).

So, in light of my recent travels, this weeks belated (blame Cyber Monday!) This & That post will be a compilation of trip highlights, a lil’ Vegas photo diary, + all my must see’s in the city of sin.

Where to Stay:

Over the years I’ve stayed at The Bellagio, The Venetian, The Excalibur (when I was a kid, this was my jam!), & the latest- the SLS Las Vegas.

The SLS Las Vegas takes the cake by a long shot. Majority of hotels you stay in are going to have a theme & it’s most likely going to be pretty damn tacky, which I can’t stand. The SLS is different from any smoke filled casino/hotel on the strip, it’s got all those boutique hotel vibes that I die for, but w/ all the typical Vegas necessities (food/casino/spa/epic pools).

The design of the hotel itself is like one Insta-worthy shot after another. Think black & white everything, cow-print couches (need now), white marble floors + counters, & amazing custom chandeliers at every turn.

Not to mention, it’s got some amazing restaurants (we will get to that), as well as SEVEN Fred Segal stores to shop at when you win big: Goods, For Her, For Him, Jeans, Jewelry, Shoes, & Lingerie.

I highly reccomend you stay here on your next trip to Vegas, you will not be disappointed. Trust.

There is obviously the whole clubbing/pool party aspect of Vegas, but that’s not my cup of tea, so if you’re not into bumping techno music/bleeding ears/$20 beers (OUCH!) here are some other things for you to ch-ch-check out:

WHAT TO SEE:

» Circus Du Soleil shows are a must. We saw Beatles Love at the Mirage and were so blown away by the whole experience that we immediately booked tickets to go see “O” at the Bellagio. See them both, I beg. You will literally not believe your eyes.

» At the SLS Hotel, if you stay there or even if you just visit, be sure to check out the Terry O’Neill exhibit on the second floor. He shoots only black & white and has shot celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn, Elvis, Brigitte Bardot, and so many more icons in the most amazing way. Not to get all artsy on you, but he really just captures the essence of fame in his photos.

» The water show at the Bellagio is always fun as well, just be prepared to get a teeny bit wet.

» Checking out Terry O’Neill’s anthology of work. Loved this shot of Alice Cooper and his family chilling by the pool. «

Things to Do:

» Put on some sneakers and walk the strip. Bring a beer along (cause yes, you can drink on the streets!) & just enjoy the crazy people watching.

» While walking, stop into some of the hotels just to check it out. I personally love getting gelato at the Venetian & window shopping at Caesars Palace.

» Go to Fremont street (aka old Vegas) at night. This is where you’ll find all the fat Elvis’ & terrible Marilyn impersonators, it’s a site!! Plus, the drinks are cheaper & casinos are totally old school Vegas style. Wait around for the light show, it plays at the top of the hour every hour & will def. be one of the most amazing things you will see in Vegas.

» Near Fremont Street there is also an area called “Container Park”. I think this would probably be the most hipster you’re going to get while in Vegas. It’s pretty cool & all the stores are in old storage unit/containers. There is a huge adult treehouse/playground in the middle & a yummy Vegan cafe.

Where to Eat:

» The Griddle Cafe: This was our breakfast spot in the SLS & it was so effing good. My only recommendations to you are: eat there, share (portions are HUGE), & be sure to get the spicy Bloody Mary pitcher.

» Cleo: This gem of a restaurant at the SLS was definitely top 3 highlights from the whole entire trip. It’s mediterranean tapas style & everything we tried was seriously next level. For drink I suggest the Clementina ( Ketel One orange // fresh squeezed OJ // serrano chili’s // crushed basil ) & for your meal try the bone marrow (trust me!!! It’s like nothing you’ve ever had before!).

» Yellowtail: If you’re craving sushi (which I always am) head over the Bellagio for a bite or two at Yellowtail. It’s got all your essentials, but you should definitely try the Popping Spicy Crab roll (it has pop rocks in it!!) & the Toro sashimi.

» Peppermill: The Peppermill is a real Las Vegas OG stop & one of (if not the only) freestanding restaurant on the strip. You may have seen it in Casino or Showgirls & is a real site. While waiting for your table, cause there will be a wait, go to the fireside lounge & grab a Bloody.

» Breaking in my new fave tan mules, which I seriously think every single girl in the world needs to own. They are my new go-to. «

» These white pointed oxford beautes ended up being the perfect Vegas shoe. Not only are they chic x 100 (pointed + white + oxfords = heaven) but they are also ideal for all the walking you’ll be doing! «

» All about the little deets & I loved the stationary station in our room. [ Samantha Wills White Howlite necklace found here ] «

What not to do in Vegas:

» Get married, it’s played out.

» Get a tattoo, again… very unoriginal.

… & that’s all she wrote! Hope this helps guide your next trip to Vegas & LMK if there is anything I left out :).

xx, E