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Miami Shopping Guide
Riki Altman November 19, 2008
Hottest neighborhoods for smart spending
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Our city also has a steamy “look” of its very own, incorporating lightweight fabrics, bold accessories that glisten and vivid colors that even outshine the exteriors of our Deco structures. Sexy is de rigueur, so the more skin and muscle you show, the more you’ll fit in. And yes, we still wear white in the winter and it’s totally acceptable.
See our slideshow of Miami Shopping Guide.
Over time, we’ve claimed our rightful place in the fashion realm by churning out some heavy-hitting home-grown designers (Esteban Cortazar and Julian Chang both immediately come to mind) and landing boutiques from the fashion world’s biggest names. There’s no one place to reach all of one’s shopping objectives, however, so you’ll have no choice but to visit an array of neighborhoods to get a feel for all the amazing options this city provides.
Since first impressions are always the ones that matter most, head north to the Bal Harbour Shops. Bal Harbour opened in 1965 with Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus as its anchors. It soon attracted chic names like Gucci, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Hermès—all of which are still tenants today. But many people venture here because they know it's the only spot in the Southeast where they can browse the racks at Agent Provocateur and scan the sparkling cases of gems at Harry Winston. Dress to impress when browsing here.
Then, cruise over to Lincoln Road and the charming Española Way. There are no deals to be found here, but even window shopping makes the trip worthwhile. You’ll find everything from kitschy mementos to high-end home décor, and outfits so sexy they should only be worn in nightclubs. Many shops are stuffed with designer duds, perfect for the fashionista who likes to mix and match, and top-of-the-line gifts and bath and beauty products. And it’s hard not to get wrapped up staring at the 550 dangling light bulbs at Leo, an eclectic spot where offbeat labels hide.
An area easy to rack up the bills is south in Coral Gables. Sure, many of the boutiques found on its famed Miracle Mile are dedicated solely for brides-to-be, but nestled between the stationers, dress designers and cake decorators are purveyors of home accessories and jewelers. There’s even a spot to buy an iconic guayabera shirt. Side streets also host a number of quaint antique shops, like the dusty, but loveable Fifteenth Street Books. I also adore the nearby Village of Merrick Park, an outdoor shopping destination that surrounds visitors with fresh air, Spanish architecture and thousands of square feet of pure shopping decadence.
See our slideshow of Miami Shopping Guide.
Many of the stores on this property carry products that exemplify South Florida fashion. Another shopping destination is Coconut Grove, home to some really unique art galleries, salvaged treasures, and boutiques offering a mishmash of accessories, clothing, bathing suits and shoes. Be sure to visit Azul on Grand Avenue if you have the constitution to barter over Dolce & Gabbana duds.
Meanwhile, South Miami has a different feel altogether, since its best boutiques are spread miles apart. Fill up your tank and venture out to find scads of independently owned stores. (Locals would also suggest you pass through Little Havana for a café con leche and a guava pastry.) Label-seekers and those searching for something totally out of the ordinary will love the variety here, where savvy shoppers can unearth glittering glass gifts from House and Paper or try on a couture cover-up in Steam’s converted elevator cage-cum-dressing room. It’s also fun to watch women with swollen bellies flock to Who’s Kickin,’ in an effort to make sure their closets are full of cool togs.
After you’ve spent time weighing the value of an Oopa Baby sling versus a Versace stiletto, it’s probably time to get some culture in you with a visit back up north to Wynwood Art District with its fascinating galleries ranging from trendsetting and contemporary to traditional. And your shopping excursion simply wouldn’t be complete without a trek to the adjacent Design District, home to not only chic restaurants, like the critically acclaimed Michael’s Genuine, but also a boggling selection of home furnishings from around the globe and some super-chic clothing boutiques.
Just be sure you can fit all your new buys into your suitcase—or plan to buy another one of those, too.
See our slideshow of Miami Shopping Guide.
