Video compliments of the Travel Channel

There was a time when malls in Las Vegas competed with the blinking lights and ringing bells by being as bold and tacky as possible—think singing gondoliers, DayGlo paints, and oversized fountains. No more. Today's Las Vegas shops lure in travelers with big-name labels, high-end design and personalized service. There's enough here to keep a shop-a-holic's pulse racing for days, whether you're looking for hand-cut diamond bracelets, the perfect vintage sweater set or deep discounts on designer duds at outlets.

It may be derided and dismissed in other cities, but the mall is still the place to shop in Las Vegas. For an eclectic mix of designer and everyday labels, head straight to the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, where you'll find Roberto Cavalli, Burberry, Valentino, Kenneth Cole, Montblanc, FAO Schwartz, Tiffany & Co. and Niketown, as well as newer additions like Marciano (Guess' heiress-inspired line). More staples of the Strip include the Fashion Show Mall—with its basics like Bloomingdale's, J.Crew, Macy's and Neiman Marcus—and the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, a recently renovated mall that's drawing young, hip shoppers with a lineup that includes H&M, Ben Sherman and Urban Outfitters.

Where else would luxe labels like Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Dior, Manolo Blahnik, Louis Vuitton and Gaultier congregate than around Steve Wynn, the man largely credited with revitalizing the Strip in the '90s and boosting the quality of shopping in Las Vegas in a major way. Sample the exquisite taste at Esplanade at Wynn Las Vegas.

To scratch that shopping itch with a bit more kitsch, head to the Venetian's Grand Canal Shoppes (www.thegrandcanalshoppes.com), which is dotted with "living" statues (guys in full-body paint), faux-cobbled streets and carnival characters. Check out Ann Taylor and Brookstone before skipping next door to the Shoppes at the Palazzo to check out Barneys New York (the shop that put the official stamp of style on Las Vegas).

While the Strip can be a smorgasbord for shoppers, there is good reason to venture beyond. Downtown is the city's antiques district, as well as home to some of its better outlet shops, such as Las Vegas Premium Outlet. Drive further out to the suburbs for Off Fifth at the Las Vegas Outlet Center for even more killer deals and great finds.