Shop Talk
It suddenly dawned on me that I’ve never blogged about shopping in Miami. How could I have overlooked one of the things that this city is truly famous for? I’ve been to other shopping meccas (New York, L.A., Paris) but often find that I can get the same thing back home if I just look hard enough. With all the restrictions on luggage, it’s just not worth the hassle to stuff my suitcase to the bursting point if I can find whatever has caught my fancy right in my own backyard.
Years ago, an extremely well-traveled friend of mine forced her husband to carry home an immense red lacquered table lamp from Morocco, only to find that she could have bought the same lamp at a Moroccan imports store in the Miami Design District – a mere six miles from her house. How’s that for Buyer’s Remorse?
This is one of the beautiful things about living in a port city. A lot of stuff comes our way, courtesy of the Seven Seas. Having a major international airport nearby is, of course, another big bonus. Imports arrive 24/7 from just about every country in the world. Like New York, Miami’s really got the goods.
Downtown Miami is known for its abundance of electronics, jewelry, fabric and luggage stores. But there are other unique finds, too, like the Chinese imports store I came across just the other day. I purchased two adorable pairs of emerald silk pajamas for a friend’s new twin daughters. They had cute little frog button closures, and were the perfect way to surprise my friend with a baby gift that was one-of-a-kind.
Several of my co-workers, myself included, are dedicated shoe fiends. We’re always trading info on where the best sales are, which outlet store carries which to-die-for brand, etc., etc. Some of our favorites include DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse); Rack Room Shoes; Neiman Marcus Last Call; and TJMaxx. There’s also one top-secret outlet store that I have sworn not to reveal. (I’d be tarred and feathered by the above mentioned co-workers if I did.)
Miami is, quite simply, chock full ‘o malls. We’ve got high end, middle end and outlet malls; open-air malls with greenery (The Falls, Bal Harbour Shops); waterfront malls (Bayside Marketplace); teeny bopper malls (Shops at Sunset Place, Dolphin Mall); pedestrian malls (Lincoln Road and Espanola Way); and strip malls along every suburban thoroughfare. With year-round sun and a body-conscious population, shopping is the ultimate Miami pastime.
A few years ago, when I had a lot more time on my hands, I was a devoted thrift store picker. I found lots of vintage Lilly Pulitzer dresses and skirts right before Lilly came back in a humongous way. I paid about $4 per dress (!) for these colorful, Jackie O era beauties. I also snapped up a mint condition Pucci shift dress for $60 that I still wear on special occasions. Miami Twice in West Miami is a popular spot for vintage clothing, jewelry and furniture – though their prices aren’t as attractive as they used to be.
When looking for vintage furniture, I pull open drawers or look underneath tables for the manufacturer’s label. I’ve spotted pieces from Henredon, Baker and other top furniture designers – often in very good condition. The warehouse district off Bird Road and 72nd Avenue in West Miami is a good place to poke around for furniture. It’s officially called the Bird Road Arts District, though at this point in time, there are more retail stores than art galleries. In addition to furniture, you’ll find Mexican, Peruvian and Moroccan import stores; assorted antique shops; designer children’s clothing; custom stationery and invitations; and costume jewelry and handbags. One of my favorite shoe stores, called Shoes To You, is located here. It’s right next door to Bijoux Designs, a nifty little bead shop where I get mesmerized by their dazzling assortment of Swarovski crystals.
If price is no object, Miami exceeds in excess. Take your Sugar Daddy (or Mama) over to Bal Harbour Shops and check out the really expensive threads, including Prada, Gucci, Versace, Dior and Armani. When it comes to haute couture, this lovely open-air mall has it all. Not to mention several of the world’s finest jewelers, including Cartier, Chopard, Bulgari, Graff and Harry Winston. Just for fun on Valentine’s Day, my mother and I tried on several gargantuan canary diamonds at Graff. The store manager was completely indulgent, and if I ever do win the lottery, you can bet that those nice folks at Graff will be one of my first stops.
Another place for merchandise-minded high rollers is the Village of Merrick Park. This Coral Gables outdoor mall, with its comfy park benches, manicured lawn and splashing fountains, is a beautiful place to stroll and just hang out. But if high-end shopping is your game (and you’ve got the plastic to back it up), you’ll find Burberry, Carolina Herrera, Diane von Furstenberg, Roberto Cavalli, Tiffany & Co., Neiman Marcus and many more icons of good taste.
Sometimes I fantasize about leaving my big city life behind and buying a small cottage on one of the Out Islands in the Bahamas. There would be time for painting, writing and fishing. I could sell beaded jewelry to passing tourists, start a blog about my new Simple Life. I’d leave my Lilly Pulitzer collection to the girls at the office, go native with sandals and a sarong. But at some point I know, deep down in my heart, that I would be plotting a secret shopping weekend in Miami.
Years ago, an extremely well-traveled friend of mine forced her husband to carry home an immense red lacquered table lamp from Morocco, only to find that she could have bought the same lamp at a Moroccan imports store in the Miami Design District – a mere six miles from her house. How’s that for Buyer’s Remorse?
This is one of the beautiful things about living in a port city. A lot of stuff comes our way, courtesy of the Seven Seas. Having a major international airport nearby is, of course, another big bonus. Imports arrive 24/7 from just about every country in the world. Like New York, Miami’s really got the goods.
Downtown Miami is known for its abundance of electronics, jewelry, fabric and luggage stores. But there are other unique finds, too, like the Chinese imports store I came across just the other day. I purchased two adorable pairs of emerald silk pajamas for a friend’s new twin daughters. They had cute little frog button closures, and were the perfect way to surprise my friend with a baby gift that was one-of-a-kind.
Several of my co-workers, myself included, are dedicated shoe fiends. We’re always trading info on where the best sales are, which outlet store carries which to-die-for brand, etc., etc. Some of our favorites include DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse); Rack Room Shoes; Neiman Marcus Last Call; and TJMaxx. There’s also one top-secret outlet store that I have sworn not to reveal. (I’d be tarred and feathered by the above mentioned co-workers if I did.)
Miami is, quite simply, chock full ‘o malls. We’ve got high end, middle end and outlet malls; open-air malls with greenery (The Falls, Bal Harbour Shops); waterfront malls (Bayside Marketplace); teeny bopper malls (Shops at Sunset Place, Dolphin Mall); pedestrian malls (Lincoln Road and Espanola Way); and strip malls along every suburban thoroughfare. With year-round sun and a body-conscious population, shopping is the ultimate Miami pastime.
A few years ago, when I had a lot more time on my hands, I was a devoted thrift store picker. I found lots of vintage Lilly Pulitzer dresses and skirts right before Lilly came back in a humongous way. I paid about $4 per dress (!) for these colorful, Jackie O era beauties. I also snapped up a mint condition Pucci shift dress for $60 that I still wear on special occasions. Miami Twice in West Miami is a popular spot for vintage clothing, jewelry and furniture – though their prices aren’t as attractive as they used to be.
When looking for vintage furniture, I pull open drawers or look underneath tables for the manufacturer’s label. I’ve spotted pieces from Henredon, Baker and other top furniture designers – often in very good condition. The warehouse district off Bird Road and 72nd Avenue in West Miami is a good place to poke around for furniture. It’s officially called the Bird Road Arts District, though at this point in time, there are more retail stores than art galleries. In addition to furniture, you’ll find Mexican, Peruvian and Moroccan import stores; assorted antique shops; designer children’s clothing; custom stationery and invitations; and costume jewelry and handbags. One of my favorite shoe stores, called Shoes To You, is located here. It’s right next door to Bijoux Designs, a nifty little bead shop where I get mesmerized by their dazzling assortment of Swarovski crystals.
If price is no object, Miami exceeds in excess. Take your Sugar Daddy (or Mama) over to Bal Harbour Shops and check out the really expensive threads, including Prada, Gucci, Versace, Dior and Armani. When it comes to haute couture, this lovely open-air mall has it all. Not to mention several of the world’s finest jewelers, including Cartier, Chopard, Bulgari, Graff and Harry Winston. Just for fun on Valentine’s Day, my mother and I tried on several gargantuan canary diamonds at Graff. The store manager was completely indulgent, and if I ever do win the lottery, you can bet that those nice folks at Graff will be one of my first stops.
Another place for merchandise-minded high rollers is the Village of Merrick Park. This Coral Gables outdoor mall, with its comfy park benches, manicured lawn and splashing fountains, is a beautiful place to stroll and just hang out. But if high-end shopping is your game (and you’ve got the plastic to back it up), you’ll find Burberry, Carolina Herrera, Diane von Furstenberg, Roberto Cavalli, Tiffany & Co., Neiman Marcus and many more icons of good taste.
Sometimes I fantasize about leaving my big city life behind and buying a small cottage on one of the Out Islands in the Bahamas. There would be time for painting, writing and fishing. I could sell beaded jewelry to passing tourists, start a blog about my new Simple Life. I’d leave my Lilly Pulitzer collection to the girls at the office, go native with sandals and a sarong. But at some point I know, deep down in my heart, that I would be plotting a secret shopping weekend in Miami.
posted by Carolyn Keating at
10:11 AM
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