"They're always after me Lucky Charms."
— L.C. Leprechaun, 1964
Trend Spotting
The charm bracelet—along with the hearts, stars, moons and clovers that go with it—has officially made a comeback. It was a sure sign when the likes of Tiffany & Co. and Juicy Couture (yes, the very same company responsible for last year's sweatsuit revolution) started to manufacture prefabricated charm bracelets for their customers. Of course, a beautiful ready-made charm bracelet will work in a pinch, but like most things in life, it's more interesting if it's custom-made. We like the Italian-designed Pandora. It's a modular design with similar-size beads that twist on the chain so it looks more modern than grandma's charm bracelet. (Though extra style points will always be awarded for rehabbing grandma's—especially if it includes a pledge pin.) Each Pandora is unique because you purchase it in pieces and put them all together.
Begin with the main chain part, which retails for about $30 depending on the style; then add the beads that are most meaningful to your life: everything from astrological signs, flowers, animals, flowers and Chinese characters. If you wear it and wish for it, it could come. If not, each bead is like a little piece of art that makes for a beautiful bracelet. Prices vary depending on the size but most are in the $20 range.
Ice Accessories inside The Forum Shoppes at Caesars, 696-9700.
The Review
Art Galleria Botanica's slogan, "Improve Your Luck, Improve Your Life," could double as the battle call for Downtown's Entertainment District, the name bestowed upon the somewhat blighted neighborhood where the store recently located. This unassuming store carries voodoo dolls, potions, oils, sprays, spell books, hundreds of candles to all the Catholic saints, the Virgin of Guadalupe and African gods, along with masks and sculptures.
Consultation by a spiritual advisor is also available. Staff is friendly. If you are squeamish about East Fremont, stop by the store during the day and use the metered parking spaces directly in front of the store.
709 East Fremont Street, 366-0303.
Splurge
All the fuss over feng shui leaves believers with no doubt that the Chinese know a little something about how to create positive energy flow.
Those who are serious about improving chi know that a meaningful object carved from jade, placed in just the right spot can do the trick. The Chinese believe jade is a magical substance that helps ward away bad energy for those who wear it or decorate with it. These pieces don't come cheap. Jana's Jade Gallery, inside China Town Plaza on Spring Mountain Road, sells a small jade cabbage (roughly 10 inches wide by 5 inches tall and about a half-inch deep) for somewhere around $640, but it could be significantly less depending upon the deal you strike. (Always try to strike a deal.) It is believed that a cabbage in the money corner of a home brings more money. Jana's sells more than just jade cabbage, though. It has enough jade figures, stone carvings, stones and gems to meet any chi need, and the owner, Gina Lai, is quite familiar with the metaphysical meanings behind all of her products.
China Town Plaza at 4255 Spring Mountain Road, C-108, 227-9198.
Anne Kellogg is a local writer and a longtime Las Vegan who has a thing for purchasing stuff.