The big spender escape

(Credit: Amy Crilly )

Once upon a time, in a not-so-faraway land called Glendale, there was a shopping oasis fit for a modern day princess. A place where she could get whatever she desired at the drop of a credit card. A purchaser’s paradise, a jaunty juggernaut, a fashion Death Star known as the Americana at Brand. Conveniently located just outside L.A. city limits, its cloistered destination makes for the perfect weekend getaway—because record-high gas prices mean the Camarillo outlets are no longer an option.

This new mall—OK, “large outdoor shopping experience”—is the perfect place for anyone afraid of tarnishing their hardcore L.A. street cred. It provides the privacy to get away from it all while indulging one's inner consumerist.

What better way to pay homage to Rick Caruso’s empire than by starting your stay off with a facial at Calidora Skin Clinic? Some may choose to bask in this Mecca of epidermal pore-fection longer than others: The spa offers an array of beauty treatments ranging from mild (customized chemical peels and microdermabrasion) to wild (body-contouring and Botox) It's tempting to receive radical treatments to the point where nobody could put a name to your face, even if they could still recognize it under all of the gauze.

If you're a registered “loyalty member”—you get one point for every dollar spent at either the Americana or the Grove at the Farmers Market—you'll receive free parking for the entire day, but only after spending $250 at any combination of stores. Of course, everyone has the freedom to shop until the place closes (10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 9 p.m. Sundays). While you’re traipsing through over 75 stores and specialty boutiques—including Anthropologie, Barneys New York, Juicy Couture, H&M, J.Crew, Kate Spade, Kiehl’s, Urban Outfitters, True Religion and Tiffany & Co.—don’t forget to treat your car to a wash by the garage staff. When shopping, make sure every store is informed that you’d like to shop hands-free—a service that allows you to purchase as much as you want without having to carry your bags. Simply visit the concierge desk when you’re ready to leave, and an attendant will escort you to your car, bags in tow.

After spending an entire day amassing goods, treat yourself to Japanese cuisine and cocktails at Katsuya—because what’s a vacation without getting properly wasted? Catch the latest romantic comedy starring whatever TV actress is currently of-the-moment at the Pacific Vineland Theater before heading over to the Glendale Hilton via taxi cab. (The valet at the Americana will have one pick you up.) Once check-in is complete, take advantage of the on-call massage therapists who will dash directly to your room and start working out your knots.

Return to the Americana after a good night’s rest, wearing the outfit you bought at Lululemon Athletica the day before. Free yoga classes offered by the specialty apparel store take place every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on the grassy knoll in the complex. Once you’ve completed your final sun salutation, purchase one of the many books you’ve been meaning to read (but haven’t had the time) from Barnes and Noble. Then spend the rest of the day sunbathing in the open air park space—for as long as you can stave off Monday.

We highly recommend you call the concierge well before beginning your weekend, as many services could be booked-up before you even set foot in Glendale. If you miss the boat, you can always stroll about the now seemingly irrelevant Glendale Galleria right next door. It may not be as bright, shiny or new as the Americana, but it is home to the world's first three-story Target. That's something, right?