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Girls Just Wanna Have Lavand

Ladan and Dr. Amir Nasseri would like to introduce Las Vegas to a new shopping concept. It's the lean back, have a drink, forget your worries and don't-feel-presured-to-shop concept.

No pushy sales girls. No "who let you in?" stares. No need to buy anything. No kidding.

"If we don't make a single dime it's cool," says Amir. "As long as it's a good place to hang out -- and it's not cheesy -- that's what matters."

By a good place to hang out, he means flowing wine, complimentary makeovers and a constant friends-among-friends vibe, all of which can be had at their boutique, Lavand.

After 12 years running an OB-GYN practice in North Las Vegas, the couple were ready to unshackle themselves from the bottom line in favor of something entirely fun-motivated.

Even the inventory -- Vivienne Westwood frocks, LeFull cardigans, LnA tees, Twinkle sweaters and more -- came about through little to no research. Amir selected pieces he found attractive to the eye; Ladan cherry picked garments based on whether she would wear them or not.

"I want something fast, comfortable and easy, yet it looks good," she says. "When I buy stuff I have that in mind." Ladan, donning a stretchy navy dress and Gucci knee-high boots, represents the no-fuss, polished look so popular with women in today's Blackberry society. Reaching for hangers holding jersey knit tops and chunky cropped sweaters, she explains that nearly everything in the store can be paired with leggings or boots for a speedy dressing process.

Ladan also focused on hard-to-find brands. It, Iodice and Nimany are all foreign designers with which the Las Vegas fashion plates have yet to become acquainted.

With convenience and exclusivity at the Summerlin boutique come Summerlin prices. An It pleated, soft leather dress that's as pleasing to touch as it is to behold, bears a $680 price tag. A Lure chain collar jersey dress runs $145 and a corset dress from renowned British designer, Vivienne Westwood, is $380. Ladan may have expensive taste, but she claims not to have a greedy markup. It's all in keeping with the "fun" philosophy.

So are the monthly events she has planned, the onsite makeup artist every Friday and Saturday and the backroom that acts as a pseudo wine cellar until the lingerie boudoir comes to fruition. "We really just opened the boutique to have friends come over," says Ladan. "We wanted it to be a friendly place for everyone."

Lavand is located at 3555 S. Town Center Drive, Suite 105 & 106, 221-6400

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