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Best of Shopping
Hi. It’s me,
Sparky. And I just want to say right now that I hate shopping.
That’s why I
started gambling. I figured being broke was a convenient way of
getting out of shopping. I still wear clothes I bought in 1985.
(They still fit!) Unfortunately my first wife, Joan, really liked to
shop and she always found out when I struck gold in poker and
betting on sports. Turned out that was because she was seeing Vinnie,
my bookie and poker buddy, behind my back. Long and short of it:
Vinnie made things right by zeroing out my debts. That was 10 years
ago. Then they got divorced, Joan and I got remarried and Vinnie is
less forgiving of my debts. Joan still finds out when I’m hot,
though — hot as in making money. One minute I’m smiling because I
win the final hand at a late night Texas Hold ’Em tournament with a
five and eight off-suit and the next thing I know, I am being
dragged around Aventura Mall. Of course, she ain’t happy right now
after my ill-fated push for the Pistons. But whatever. Maybe I can
get Vinnie interested in Joan again. Just a thought. Bada-bing!
Anyway, for those
who are into that kind of thing, the SunPost has compiled its
Best of Shopping section — not just for things like clothes and
jewelry and whatnot, but also places where you can buy hammers or
eyeglasses or stuff like that. Fun, ain’t it? So much fun. Yeah,
fun.
Anyway, shopaholics,
take a gander at our Best of Shopping and relive wonderful memories
of wandering around store aisles for hours and hours on end while
zombie Muzak plays in the background, of waiting outside a changing
room and being constantly asked, “How does this look?” and of
sweating profusely when you think of how you will pay off your
credit bill.
Excuse me, I have
to breathe into a paper bag, now. Oh, and Joan? Be a dear, call up
the SunPost and pester them for my money. And Vinnie wants to
talk to ya.
Keeping Score …
Spending wads of
dough is one way a high roller can rate his or her success. Singer
Samantha Mumba turned out to the 2004 premiere of Spider-Man II
decked out in what could be the world’s most expensive dress. Scott
Henshall’s little black number was encrusted with about 3,000
diamonds woven into a spider web design. The price tag? Five million
British pounds. In the States that’s, well, a good deal more.
One place you could
wear such a dress without a second glance would be on a “mega,”
“super” or “giga” yacht. The most expensive on Forbes Magazine’s
2005 list? Cha-ching! $103 mill. And on the high seas, size
definitely matters. Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen tools around
friendly waters on The
Octopus,
a 413-foot toy armed with two helicopters and a 60-foot submarine.
Nothing “micro” or “soft” about that.
Best Way to
Blow Lots of Cash
Bal Harbour
Shops
This shopping
destination has been around awhile but don’t let that fool you into
thinking it’s not en vogue. The high-end shops, which have something
for every taste, cater to all your shopping needs – assuming you
have money. The litany of designer names is like music to an
heiress’s ears: Saks Fifth Avenue, Chanel, Neiman Marcus, Gucci,
Armani and about 100 other fine boutiques and restaurants.
Location: 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour. Phone:
305-866-0311.
Best New Shopping
Mall
Village of Merrick Park
The Village of
Merrick Park is 4 years old. If it were a human, it would have just
entered kindergarten. But in just four years, the Village of Merrick
Park, is a full fledged power house with high-end stores like Neiman
Marcus, Nordstrom, Sonia Rykiel, and Jimmy Choo. In all 115
boutiques and restaurants can be found here. In fact, according to a
recent article from Frommer’s Review, “The owner of Bal
Harbour Shops was so paranoid he’d lose his business to Merrick Park
that he shoveled a ton of cash in an ad campaign making sure people
wouldn’t forget that Bal Harbour was here first.” Hmmm, no wonder
Stanley Whitman is trying to add on a few hundred thousand square
feet of retail and a movie theater. Location: 4425 Ponce de
Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables. Phone: 305-529-0200.
Best Must-Shop
Destination
Dadeland Mall
There are more than
175 specialty shops, several anchor chains and well over a dozen
restaurants at this shopping mecca in South Miami-Dade. If one has
the uncontrollable urge to shop and must find something – either
particular booty or a treasure not yet revealed – then this is the
place to be. Yes, a shopper will be able to find anything he or she
is looking for here, but the massive variety of shops is also
conducive to window shopping and treasure hunting. A great place to
lose oneself for a day. Location: 7535 N. Kendall Drive,
Miami. Phone: 305-665-6227.
Best Growth Spurt
Aventura Mall
Longtime locals
probably figured that Aventura Mall was big enough. The good folks
over at Turnberry Associates thought differently. They are adding a
232,000 square foot wing of new stores and restaurants and they have
launched a “comprehensive renovation” of the mall, the first one of
its kind since 1997. Some of the new stores include the department
store Nordstrom as well as Aldo Collection, American Eagle
Outfitters, The Art of Shaving, Grand Lux Café, Lacoste, Replay,
Ruehl and Torneau. According to mall management, the renovations are
to be completed in early November, just in time for thousands of
Christmas shoppers to pounce upon the mall. Location: 19501
Biscayne Blvd., Aventura. Phone: 305-935-1110. Web site:
www.shopaventuramall.com.
Best Gathering,
Eating and Shopping in Aventura
Shoppes at the Waterways
Residents of North
Miami-Dade, Aventura and North Miami Beach know the scenic Shoppes
at the Waterways is a great multipurpose shopping center. Classy
shops, boutiques, specialty stores and restaurants characterize the
covered shopping destination rich in shade and foliage. The outdoor,
chic Shoppes offer a uniquely leisurely experience for shoppers,
diners and strollers, and waterfront dining is always a highlight of
a visit here. Shoppes at the Waterways is a gem well worth
discovering. Location: 3575 NE 207th St., Aventura. Phone:
800-407-9919.
Best Trendy Clothes
Boutique
Mia/Kore
Don’t let this
boutique’s size fool you – Mia (the Biscayne Boulevard store is now
a few blocks north and has changed its name to Kore but it’s still
the same clothing) is your one-stop shop for all things cool. This
store carries all the latest and greatest. If you’re looking for
jeans, Mia offers Big Star, AG Jeans and Grass. They also have a
huge T-shirt selection from American Apparel, Made, Ona Sez and On
Gossamer. Wanna get wet this summer? They have Bianca Bikinis.
Locations: 5786 Bird Road, Miami; 7226 Biscayne Blvd., Miami.
Phone: 305-668-7737 (Bird); 305-759-0805 (Biscayne).
Best Store to Score
a Piece From an Up & Coming Designer
Chroma
Bonnie Engelstein
was onto something when she created this Lincoln Road gem that
carries creations, most of them one of a kind, from up-and-coming,
edgy designers. Hold on to it, you might just make a killing when it
becomes vintage. The prices are close to what you’d pay for haute
couture but, hey, it’s one of a kind. Leave the boyfriend at home;
Chroma only carries women’s clothing. Location: 920 Lincoln
Road, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-695-8808.
Best Discount
Clothing Outlet
Maruchi’s
Clothing Outlet
For 15 years, South Florida women have been keeping a little secret.
Maruchi’s is a narrow store packed with racks and racks of fabulous
clothes at 30-60 percent off ticket price from the Limited, Ann
Taylor Loft, Bisou Bisou, BeBe, Laundry by Shelli Segal and BCBG. No
need to go to the gym beforehand – you’ll get a serious workout
going through the cramped racks searching the huge inventory for
great deals.
Location:
7863 Bird Road, Miami.
Phone:
305-266-7136.
Best Italian
Fashion Designer
Roberto Cavalli
What do you get
when you combine the skills of a tailor and an impressionist
painter? Roberto Cavalli. Talent was imbedded in his genes. This
capricious, eclectic student began his career by inventing outfits
for fun with a friend on top of a ping-pong table. And today? We
have one of the most talented Italian designers of our lifetimes.
You can find his creations here in Miami. Location: Village
of Merrick Park, 342 Avenue San Lorenzo, Suite 1090, Coral Gables.
Phone: 305-529-2226
Best Place to
Buy a Wedding Gown
Miracle
Mile in Coral Gables
There are so many
wedding boutiques along this famed stretch of Coral Gables that it’s
impossible to honor just one. The important thing is this: No matter
what her taste and how large or small her budget, a bride-to-be’s
search for the perfect dress begins and ends on Miracle Mile. For
the most reasonable prices it’s best to start at David’s, but that
doesn’t mean a fairly priced dress can’t be found at one of the
other nearly two dozen boutiques. To name a few: Alfred Angelo
Bridal, Bridal City, Chic Parisien, Coral Gables Bridal, Daisy Tarci,
Evelyn Mena for Modabella, Gabriella Arango Couture, Merlili, Remior
Bridals, Rene Ruiz Couture, etc. Location: For a complete
list, visit the official Web site of the Business Improvement
District of Coral Gables at
www.shopcoralgables.com.
Best Frilly
Underthings
Victoria’s Secret
Whether you work at
Club Madonna or you’ve been inspired by the uber-famous Desperate
Housewives, all girls just wanna have fun once in a while. When
it’s time to indulge yourself, the best frilly underthings come from
none other than Victoria’s Secret. A favorite for years, Victoria
now offers a fun and flirtatious collection from Betsey Johnson, the
colorful Pink collection and much more. Location: 901
Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-695-1814.
Best Urban Wear
Reggae Wear
What has to be the
chillest store in all of South Beach offers the latest in men and
women’s urban and reggae fashions. “What sets us apart from other
stores is the vibe,” says store manager Aida Young. With good music
booming throughout the store and stylish clothes, it’s nothing less
than a party. The staff is more than employees, rather “style
consultants.” Brands like Baby Phat, Mad Soul, LRG, Refugee, Catch a
Fire and Rockers are only a few of the many designers found here.
Reggae Wear is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Be
sure to also check out its wide variety of coffee-table books. The
sneaker biography “Where’d You Get Those?” is a best seller.
Location: 943 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Phone:
305-532-9925.
Best Way to Get Your Message Across
Funky Urban Store
It’s not the
Twilight Zone, as some would think, but rather just the outrageous
Funky Urban Store. With T-shirts that read “I Am Not a Virgin” and
“My Boyfriend Is Out of Town,” this store seems to be far from the
ordinary. If you’re in the mood to shock someone with crazy slogans
on your chest, stroll on by and purchase some mind-blowing treats
that might not be classified as “fun for the whole family.” Located
fittingly on the streets of South Beach, where it seems as if
anything goes, the Funky Urban Store boasts “naughty shirts with
obnoxious sayings,” they admit, to get across the message you’ve
always thought but never dreamed of actually saying. So don’t say
anything – rather wear what you’re thinking. If your message isn’t
displayed for purchase, custom-made shirts are also available.
Location: 1556 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Phone:
305-673-9822. Web site:
www.funkyurbanstore.com.
Best Haute Couture
Field Trip
The Church Mouse
Once the secret of
summering socialites and fashion retrophiles, The Church Mouse now
appears in travel guides for those visiting the sometime home of the
rich and famous. Yet the 35-year-old resale shop run by the
Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea still retains its most
salient qualities: a cadre of salesladies as sweet as apple pie and
a respectable collection of vintage apparel with yellowing labels
from Gucci, Emanuel Ungaro, Moschino and others. The emphasis here
seems to be quality over quantity, with each piece in the small shop
hand-labeled with the designer’s name and ranging in price from a
dollar to a few hundred. While especially strong in women’s evening
wear, The Church Mouse also carries typical secondhand staples like
clothing for children and men as well as furniture, records and
linens. The boutique, supplied by the discards of the area code’s
most impressive closets, has donated more than $4 million in
proceeds to local organizations since 1990. Combine that with the
fact that the shop sits less than two blocks from the couture
flagships of Worth Avenue and you have a fashion field trip that
will leave you absolutely fabulous without exhaustive explanations
to your spouse and creditors. Location: 378 South County
Road, Palm Beach. Phone: 561-659-2154.
Best High-End
Fashion Couture
Via Couture
Fashionistas know
the best shopping is boutique shopping, but it is a challenge to
stay constantly abreast of designers, styles and trends. Via Couture
assists in that effort with a diverse selection of classy and
glamorous styles, clearly selected by a discerning and tasteful eye.
This new Shoppes at the Waterways boutique is a gem. Location:
3565 NE 207th St., Aventura. Phone: 305-933-3303.
Best Consignment
Shop for Women’s Clothes
Judy’s Armoire
Ever wanted to raid
the closets of women of all ages in your neighborhood for the best
pieces? Well, now you can (without getting arrested for trespassing)
by visiting Judy’s Armoire. Enjoy all this upscale consignment shop
has to offer, from ankle strap sandals to apron tunics to Asian
floral skirts. This privately owned “armoire” has only the best in
fashion accessories, clothing, handbags and shoes for every taste.
You can give away last year’s wardrobe or take away wearable (and
affordable) treasures from your fellow Miamians. Location:
9484 Harding Ave., Surfside. Phone: 305-868-3870.
Best Designer
Consignment Shop
Consign of the Times
Although people
often associate consignment with vintage, most regulars at Consign
of the Times would agree that word doesn’t apply to the merchandise
here. Instead, this consignment-clothing store carries, and only
accepts, designer and contemporary fashions. Catering to men and
women, the store is complete with shoes, suits, day and evening wear
and handbags. They carry Prada, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Dior,
Tods, Marc Jacobs, D&G, Cavalli, Burberry and more. Since it is
consignment, all merchandise is marked down a third off its original
retail price, and those who sell their clothes with Consign of the
Times get 50 percent of the store’s profit for that product. Keep in
mind, the better condition the product is in, the more it will sell
for. After 90 days, if your item does not sell, it can be reclaimed
or donated. Location: 1635 Jefferson Ave., Miami Beach.
Phone: 305-535-0811.
Best Consignment
Boutique in North Miami
Rags to Riches
A few years ago,
the “return” of vintage clothing and accessories gave rise to
numerous consignment boutiques, while today only the best remain.
Rags to Riches in North Miami ranks among them for quality and
entertainment value. It’s great fun to search for hidden gems at
this old-time consignment shop and you will often find them,
encouraging return visits. It is also a terrific spot for costume
jewelry and shoes. Location: 12577 Biscayne Blvd., North
Miami. Phone: 305-891-8981.
Best Selection
of Guayaberas
Guayaberas Etc.
Few things
represent the particular culture of modern-day Miami better than the
famed Cuban guayabera. Comfortable and stylish, guayaberas come in a
wide variety of styles, from casual to those for more formal
occasions to embroidered. You can find myriad fabrics and designs at
Guayaberas Etc. at good prices to help spruce up your wardrobe with
gorgeous garments that scream “Miami.” And as the “Etc.” part of the
name indicates, they also stock dress pants and women’s clothing.
Location: 8870 Bird Road, Miami. Phone: 305-485-1114.
Best Selection of
Silver Jewelry
Whole New World
Wonder abounds at
this delightfully eclectic and very popular store at the Shoppes at
the Waterways. Long-time loyalists and bright-eyed newcomers find
their way here and are lost in a World of fine-crafted silver (and
other) jewelry, accessories, artwork, collectibles and, almost
always, something to amaze and attract even the most frequent
visitors and accomplished shoppers. A friendly, family environment
encompasses patrons, drawing them into a world of discovery in which
time is easily unnoticed. A great place to find special, unique
gifts, keepsakes and much more. Location: 3585 NE 207th St.,
Aventura. Phone: 305-931-0150.
Best Jeweler
Bulgari Bal Harbour
That’s right.
Bulgari is the right spelling. We learned that from the bastion of
all knowledge—Wikipedia.com. “Although the company doesn’t seem to
mind people writing the name as Bvlgari, as it promotes the brand
identity, it contains no letter “v” and is correctly written Bulgari,”
explained the anonymous volunteer who wrote the entry. “The ‘V’
appears only because of the Roman rendering of the logo.” More fun
trivia: Bulgari was founded in 1884 by Sotirios Voulgaris who,
although Greek, lived in Rome. Three generations later, Bulgari is
still in the hands of the family who, like Cartier, branched out
beyond the jewelry and timepieces and now cranks out handbags,
fragrances, accessories and even hotels. Focusing on the jewelry,
while high-end jewelers are sure to carry Bulgari products, it pays
to gravitate to the only boutique in Miami-Dade County that deals in
the product at Bulgari Bal Harbour. Tell the helpful and
knowledgeable staff that you understand that it’s really spelled
B-U-L-G-A-R-I. They are sure to be impressed. Location: Bal
Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour. Phone:
305-861-8898.
Best Place for
Cartier
Bal Harbour Shops
Cartier is not just
a line of fancy rings and watches. Cartier makes one of the world’s
most coveted lines of necklaces, cufflinks, brooches, charms,
stones, leather goods, accessories, fragrances, bridal products and
even novelty items. Not bad for a product that was started when
Louis-Francois Cartier took over the workshop of his master, Picard,
in 1847 — just in time for Paris to go through an economic boom
phase. As a result, the name “Cartier” is sunominous to “style”
while most people think of “Picard” as being a fictional character
in Star Trek The Next Generation.
Anyway, the surest
bet for anyone who desires to gaze upon and purchase Cartier without
driving all over Florida is the Bal Harbour Shops known as the
center for those who like fine things and are willing to pay a lot
for it. Between Cartier Bal Harbour, a boutique shop known for
selling fine jewelry and watches; Saks Fifth Avenue, a department
store that sells Cartier leather goods, accessories and fragrances
as well as jewelry; and Au Courant Opticians, the Cartier
connoisseur will surely find all their Cartier needs. Location
Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour. Phone:
305-866-0311.
Best Living Jewelry
Designer
Marlene Stowe
Yes, Cartier and
Bulgari are nice and all. But they are dead. Dead, buried and likely
decomposed. Hey, it happens. People die. Especially when people are
born in the 19th century. Marlene Stowe, on the other hand, is
alive, breathing and — when she’s not entertaining socialites from
Miami — designing lovely jewelry for women. A French native who
began her jewelry-designing career on the Riviera, Stowe worked with
semiprecious stones and cabochon cuts. Then she got bored with it.
Today, Stowe makes bracelets, necklaces, frog pins and drops with
gems, pearls, 18-karat gold, platinum and diamonds. “Diamonds are
subdued to a supporting role…,” her Web site explains. Take that,
international diamond cartels! Want to browse more of her products?
Head on over to Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus at the Bal
Harbour Shops or Village of Merrick Park. Or check out Stowe’s
aforementioned Web site, which features a gallery of her works as
well as a New Age music tone that plays over and over again. Web
site:
www.marlenestowe.com.
Best Semi-Precious
Jewelry Selection
Art Connection International
While strolling
around Miami Beach, you may have missed the biggest and best
collection of semi-precious jewelry found anywhere on the beach.
We’re talking about Art Connection International, a cute little
store slipped ever-so-nicely onto 16th Street between Collins and
Washington avenues. Come by and marvel at not-so-usual jewelry
pieces including oversized plastic flowers placed delicately atop
rings, industrial-looking necklaces and bracelets made of stainless
steel, and a plethora of turquoise and coral pieces. Everything
handmade, Art Connection is sure to have something for you that you
won’t find anywhere else. Location: 100 16th St., #6, Miami
Beach. Phone: 305-604-0603.
Best
Diamonds
King
Jewelers
A
five-generation, family-owned and operated store, King Jewelers was
established in 1912 and has had booming success ever since. With
their outstanding reputation of quality, value and first-class
service, the King family is sure to deliver what you want when you
want it. You will always find the “best of the best” selection of
$100 to $1 million pieces from the hottest Italian designs, estate
jewelry, colored gemstones, fancy-colored diamonds and luxury
European timepieces. So get that perfect gift you can never go wrong
with at King Jewelers where they are always “one step ahead of the
trend.” Also offered are on-site jewelry and watch repairs, custom
design services, appraisals, estate buying and corporate gift
programs. Location: 18265 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura. Phone:
305-935-4900. Web site: www.kings1912.com.
Best High-End
Department Store
Saks Fifth Avenue
Let’s face it, if you want the finest things in life, you are
going to have to spend some money and Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour
has a long established reputation of having some of the finer things
from jewelry, to fine suits and evening dresses, to expensive shoes
and to even fine art. In fact, Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour is so
high profile that activists from People for the Ethical Treatment of
Animals routinely wage nude protests to protests Saks selling of
expensive furs, to cosmetics, to perfumes. That alone would surely
have made Horace Saks and Bernard Gimel, who founded Saks Fifth
Avenue on 34th Street, proud. Location: Dadeland Mall, 7687
N. Kendall Drive, Miami; Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave., Bal
Harbour. Phone: (Dadeland) 305-662-8655; (Bal Harbour)
305-865-1100.
Best Place to Part
With Your Upscale Treasures
CPO
CPO is a
consignment furniture and clothing store located on Bay Road that
offers stylish, trendsetting furniture. They accept better used
furniture and home accessories that are not outdated or damaged. As
for clothing, they accept and then resell at reasonable prices chic
designer pieces and accessories that have been cleaned, pressed and
hung. CPO will not pick up your treasures, but will refer you to a
delivery service that gives great discounts to CPO customers. CPO
will pay you if they take any of your merchandise either by mail or
in person. When you entrust your beloved belongings to CPO, you’ll
rest easy knowing they’re in a good temporary home where they’ll be
ogled by a clientele that can truly appreciate their qualities.
Location: 1800 Bay Road, Miami Beach;
www.cpoconsign.com.
Phone: 305-531-1899.
Best Department
Store for Shoes
Neiman Marcus
It’s not that it’s
particularly difficult to find quality shoes in Miami. But there is
something wonderful about shopping in a stylish store where the shoe
department has so many amazing designer shoes to offer. It makes the
tough task of shopping that much easier. Location: Village of
Merrick Park, 390 Avenue San Lorenzo, Coral Gables. Phone:
786-999-1000.
Best Shoe
Fashion Statement
Jimmy
Choo
Whether you’re
Carrie Bradshaw or simply a South Beach fashionista, the combination
of the words Jimmy and Choo is music to your ears. Although there
are other shoe stores, somehow this darling label always comes out
on top because of its dedication to quality and priceless designs.
Location: Village of Merrick Park, 360 Avenue San Lorenzo,
Coral Gables. Phone: 305-443-6124.
Best Discount Shoe
Chain
DSW
What’s the best
thing about this discount shoe warehouse? The enormous selection in
current styles, prices and sizes for everyone (including real
people)? The reward program? The brands and designers, from Nike and
Mootsies Tootsies to Donald Pliner and Prada? The sales on already
discounted prices? The helpful, knowledgeable, plentiful, unsurly
staff?
This super-stocked store is the Big Box of shoes and will
change the way you think of off-price outlets. Indulge your inner
Imelda Marcos as you gaze upon rows and rows of wide, organized
aisles displaying the latest wedges, mules, stilettos, boots,
sandals, sneakers, even socks – if it fits between your foot and the
floor, it’s here, and at reduced prices. These are current styles
too, from top brands and designers. There’s also a good selection of
designer handbags at bargain prices to complete your look. Shoes are
well organized by style and size, and here’s the beauty part – they
have yours! For the best markdowns head to the sale aisles at the
back of the store, where color-coded charts show exactly how much
your indulgence(s) will save you. Finally, DSW’s reward program
accumulates points for purchases and rebates $25 coupons for every
$250 spent. Don’t forget to grab a pair of soft, cushy slippers to
slide your tired tootsies into when you get home with your goodies.
DSW is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6
p.m. Sunday. Location: 19135 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura.
Phone: 305-932-1991.
Best Footwear
Invention
Z-Coil
Developed by
doctors and researchers, Z-Coil shoes are designed to alleviate
back, joint, knee and heel pain, from bone spurs to achilles tendon
problems. But for once they aren’t grandma shoes! They look like
sneakers or boots but come with 200 percent more cushioning than
regular shoes, adding a real bounce to your step. We like them
because of the originality of their look and the creativity of their
design. Plus they’re so comfy. The Miami store is even equipped with
a test track so try them for yourself; you won’t be disappointed.
Come prepared, though: A fitting can take up to an hour and the
shoes range from $180 to $200. Location:
949 NE 125th St., Miami.
Phone: 305-981-0177.
Best Department
Store for Home Furnishings
Bloomingdale’s
Getting married,
getting divorced or just plain getting … here’s the place for
whatever your home needs. From Kate Spade bedding to Ralph Lauren
towels, Bloomie’s has what it is you’re in the market for, including
furniture. Who knows, you may even bump into someone you’d like to
share it with. And if you’re already sitting next to the one you
want to be with, you can also shop online from home. Locations:
The Falls Mall, 8778 SW 136th St., Miami; The Aventura Mall, 19555
Biscayne Blvd., Aventura. Phone: 305-252-6300 (The Falls);
305-792-1000 (Aventura).
Best Designer
Furnishings
Jonathan Adler Miami
Jonathan Adler
Miami has been on Lincoln Road for just over a year. They already
have outposts in the most shopper-savvy cities: L.A., Chicago, New
York City, San Francisco, East Hampton… So why not check out what
the rest of the metropolitan dwellers already have? They carry
everything for the home, from pottery to furniture to bedding to
“curiosities,” and their style is “mid-century but very
contemporary, modern,” according to one employee. Location:
1024 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-534-5600.
Best Furniture
Chain
Carls Furniture
As Carls rings in
its 61st year of providing furniture to area families, its large
selections get better as the years pass. Feature furniture
collections range from contemporary, traditional, Island Living,
Weekend Retreat and more; even mega-mogul Martha Stewart has tapped
into the stores’ winning combination for a piece of the action.
There are 19 locations around South Florida. Find the one nearest
you at
www.carls.com.
Best Antique
Replica Store
John Stembridge Furniture
Some high style
never loses its appeal and that’s why John Stembridge Furniture
earns a nod. Here one will find the best antique reproduction works
in South Florida. John Stembridge Furniture features Louis XIV, XV
and XVI styles, Victorian, traditional and contemporary styles from
the top manufacturers of the sort in the world. It’s a fun place to
have a look, but don’t be surprised to find yourself coming home
with something to liven up your home décor. Location: 545 NE
125th St., North Miami. Phone: 305-893-0800.
Best Prices for
Designer Lighting in Miami Beach
Lincoln
Furniture and Lighting
Moving to a great
new pad and in need of some home accessories? Or maybe feeling your
abode is crying for a new look? Brighten up your surroundings and
head into Lincoln Furniture and Lighting for designer lighting at
less than designer prices. Boasting low prices without low quality,
owner Victor Deutsch takes pride in his unique and unusual pieces.
From a cute table lamp to stunning crystal chandeliers, the store
has something for everybody at prices suitable for anybody. Catering
to multiple styles, tastes and most importantly budgets, Lincoln
Furniture and Lighting is the place to make your day a little
brighter without making your wallet much lighter. Location:
629 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-538-2865.
Best Original
Lighting Fixtures
Brite Ideas in Light
Light is an
essential part of our lives; it helps us see the wonderful world
around us. But what if we took that light and put a little spin on
it to make our living space “pop”? Brite Ideas in Light can do that
and so much more. And they’ll do it on your own turf! Instead of
going to a showroom and guessing which lighting fixture would look
best in your home, call the experts at Bright Ideas, who bring home
design to their customers. See for yourself how a new light fixture
can change the look of your home. You’re sure to find something that
suits you in their extensive selection. As for design, the creative
minds on Brite Ideas’ highly experienced team claim they can walk
into a $1 million condo and change it into a whole new place in
about four hours. By adjusting your lighting here and there – adding
dimmers to romanticize your pad or splashing accent light on that
expensive new artwork, for example – Bright Ideas can transform your
abode. Location: 931 NE 86th St., Miami. Phone:
305-751-5115.
Best Children’s
Furniture Store
Bellini
You were a child
once, right? Good, then you gotta know that adult furniture doesn’t
quite work for babies, toddlers and kids. They’re smaller, you know.
And they have different tastes. The taste factor is especially true
of kids who are going through a little something called puberty.
Such beings going through that stage have a different perspective.
You remember that, right? Let’s give you a hint: “I hate you!” A-ha!
Anyway, the management at Bellini understands that and thus carries
its own brand of furniture made especially for babies, toddlers,
pre-pubescent juveniles and mutating teenagers. They even have what
we like to call transformers — changing tables that can become
dressers and cribs that can be expanded into little beds. Kids grow,
you see. Accept it. So don’t bother going to Sears or some nonsense
— head over to Bellini, the furniture store that understands what it
means to be a kid. Location: 50 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables.
Phone: 305-460-9898.
Best Funky Lighting Selection
Lunatika
Seeking a colorful
missile-shape chandelier? From the era of the retro Jetsons
to futuristic Gattaca to simply beautiful classic
lighting designs, Lunatika offers an innovative way to illuminate
your home, fashionably. This means chances are you won’t have to
worry about seeing your nice table lamp in someone else’s apartment.
Specializing in contemporary designs for lamps and clocks, Lunatika
has a variety of unique products for different personalities and
ages, all whimsically displayed in an inviting, manageable showroom.
Location: 1562 Alton Road, Miami Beach. Phone:
305-534-8585.
Best Place to Buy a
Good Night’s Sleep
Mattress Town
Mattress Town has
been helping Miami sleep better for almost 40 years and is
continuing its legacy. Although Mattress Town sells custom-made
mattresses, unlike other retailers, they sell far more than just
beds. European furniture, unique futons, sofa beds and Miami-style
window treatments are all available at this unordinary mattress
store. This family business prides itself on its products’ old world
craftsmanship, its quality services and traditional ambience.
Location: 1610 Alton Road, Miami Beach. Phone:
305-531-1452. Web site:
www.mattresstown.com.
Best Mattress Deals
Half Price Mattress
Wake up with a
backache sometimes? Or maybe you’re constantly up because you can’t
sleep? Have you ever thought of blaming your old mattress for this?
It’s a good possibility. Located in our very own Miami, Half Price
Mattress is, as the name suggests, a reasonably priced mattress
outlet offering quality Simmons, Sealy, and Stern’s & Foster’s
comfort. With warehouses spread from Bird Road to North Miami, these
people know what they are selling. Trade in the aching back and
sleepless nights for the quality you want at a price you’ve only
dreamed of! Special offers include a free DVD player with purchase
of $600 or more. Location: 7042 SW 46th St., Miami. Phone:
305-661-2660.
Best Mattress
Discounts
Mattresssets.net
Having a hard time
getting out of bed when you wake up because your back aches so much?
(And we’re not talking on a Sunday morning after a hard night of
partying.) Maybe you should blame your sore muscles and aching back
on that out-of-date mattress you’ve been sleeping on for who knows
how long. We introduce to you Mattresssets.net, which strives to
give you the best prices and quality care in mattress shopping. They
have several sources, which can ultimately save you up to two-thirds
off the prices of other retail mattress sellers. Live in Aventura
and not in the mood to drive all the way to Southwest Miami-Dade?
Surf the inventory on the web. They don’t call the place
Mattresssets.net for nothing. Location: 19420 SW 87th Ave.,
Miami. Phone: 786-417-3474.
Best Store for Final Home Touches
Casa
Chameleon
This is the ultimate location for every last detail
in home décor. Here you’ll find the piece that ties the whole room
together, whether it’s china, crystal, silver flatware, bed linens,
porcelain or collectibles. Casa Chameleon also carries that fabulous
gift you can bring to your host or hostess next time you’re invited
to dinner. Locations: 1716 Alton Road, Miami Beach; 358
Avenue San Lorenzo, Suite 3140, Coral Gables. Phone:
305-534-0104 (Beach); 305-476-0497 (Gables).
Best Specialty
Store for Housewares
House and Paper
These people know
paper and a lot more. For the last nine years, House and Paper has
been providing the Miami community with fine paper, elegant china,
crystal, sterling silver, linens and bedding. They can do anything
that has anything to do with paper. Location: 5823 Sunset Drive,
South Miami. Phone: 305-661-8545.
Best South Beach
Hardware Store
Washington Hardware
When the oddly
named New Wave Hardware store closed a couple of years back, locals
lamented the demise of the large store with the wide aisles. Sure,
there are other nearby hardware stores with friendly and
knowledgeable staff, but they’re cramped and hard to navigate. Now
roll back the clock a few months, when those same locals walked past
the storefront and were whacked by a massive case of déjà vu. It’s
back, with a new name – Washington Hardware – and new management,
but the store still has those giant aisles filled with plenty of
hardware and supplies. Location: 1349 Washington Ave., Miami
Beach. Phone: 305-538-3958.
Best Accessory Mecca
Miami International Merchandise Mart
As Florida’s only
wholesale mart, the Miami International Merchandise Mart lives up to
the hype. It features more than 300 showrooms in 286,000 square feet
of space adjacent to Miami International Airport. Established in
1968, it is every “in the know” Miami girl’s wholesale source for
huge accessory selection and incredibly low pricing. If you want the
latest trends in accessories, this is where to go. The Mart is open
to the public the last Saturday of every month. Location: 777
NW 72nd Ave., Miami. Phone: 305-261-2900.
Best Eye Care
All-in-One
Gaffa’s Optical Inc.
Men know down here
walking on the streets of Miami there is a bunch of eye candy to
give your eyes just the treats they deserve. As for women,
window-shopping is a major source of delight for our eyes. But as
all of us are enjoying our view down here in the sunny south, maybe
we aren’t viewing it at our fullest potential. What we’re trying to
say is maybe we need to get glasses, contacts, or your yearly
optical exam. With that said, we introduce to you Gaffa’s Optical
Inc., which has two doctors on staff, one of which specializes in
eye exams and the other on contact lenses. So let your eyes really
see the candy that Miami has to offer and come down to Gaffa’s for
customer assistance and quality your precious peepers deserve!
Location: 7409 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Phone:
305-867-1500.
Best Technology
Haven
Phone-Tastics
We’ve all heard of
a craving for chocolate? Something sweet? Something salty? But what
about a craving for technology? Not too popular. But in today’s day
it seems as if anything goes. So, when you have a craving for
technology, and yes folks this could happen, head on down to Phone-Tastics,
which offers everything from cell phone technology training to
gaming computers. If you’re craving the newest, hottest phone out
there with only the best service, Phone-Tastics is your place as
T-Mobile and Cingular authorized dealers are located right there in
the store. Also, when strolling down the streets of Miami and you
must get to the Internet, Phone-Tastics is, yet again, the place to
be offering an Internet café for all to enjoy! Location: 924
71st St., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-864-1734.
Best Independent
Pharmacist
Midtown Pharmacy
Established more
than 35 years ago, Midtown Pharmacy knows its business. A
family-owned, independent pharmacy, Midtown recently upgraded to a
better location in hopes of providing its helpful services to a
greater audience. The pharmacy specializes in HIV/AIDS medical
assistance and pain management while making it easier for customers
to shop by accepting most major insurance. Included is the newly
incorporated Medicare Part D, of which the pharmacy is one of the
few, proud supporters. Location: 331 Arthur Godfrey Road,
Miami Beach. Phone: 305-531-5816.
Best Medical
Supplies
Surfmed Pharmacy
Sometimes you need
a little more than just the neighborhood pharmacy to take care of
your medical needs. Expect focused attention and friendly service
from the pharmacists and clerks at either of the two Surfmed
Pharmacy locations that service the Beach. (Rumor has it folks
gladly drive from the mainland to shop here.) They often carry
medication and products that would be special orders at the big
chains and quickly deliver most phone orders. The North Beach
location has expanded grocery and equipment departments, while the
Mount Sinai branch is convenient for outpatients and other
hospital/med center visitors. One customer we spoke to said she
happily drives from North Dade to the Alton Road store just to get
the service she desires. Location: 7430 Collins Ave., Miami
Beach; 4302 Alton Road, # 110, Miami Beach. Phone:
305-866-2427 (Collins); 305-672-3660 (Alton).
Best Indie Music
Store
Sweat Records
Founded by two
young entrepreneurs, Lauren Reskin and Sara Yousuf, Sweat Records
managed to take advantage of Wynwood’s popularity and stood as a
symbolic middle finger of the area’s gentrification at the same time
by selling CDs and LPs geared toward what they call the
“independent/eclectic/underground/aesthetic musical tastes of South
Florida.” And then it was taken out. Not by a developer wanting to
build a high-rise but by Hurricane Wilma which “tore our old space a
new one—literally.” But Sweat Records didn’t die — it simply
relocated to Little Haiti inside Churchill’s Pub in what used to be
warehouse space. Here at this location, Sweat continues to sell hard
to find music as well as DVDs, magazines, accessories, art and
“Japanese toys.” There is even a DJ setup for anyone who thinks they
can spin records. And for those who fancy themselves intellectuals,
guess what? Sweat Records has an in-house book club. Location:
5501 NE Second Ave., Miami. Phone: 305-758-5862, ext. 5.
Web site:
www.sweatrecordsmiami.com.
Best Thrift Shop
With a Cause
SoBe
Thrifty
Recently updated
and renovated, SoBe Thrifty is the shopping experience that can’t be
missed. Pick up previously owned designer labels at a fraction of
the price. And if that doesn’t make you feel great, the store also
happens to have a cause: It funds children’s programs as well as
clinical programs for Care Resource, South Florida’s largest
HIV/AIDS organization. Open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to
7 p.m. Location: 1435 Alton Road, Miami Beach. Phone:
305-672-7251.
Best Suntan Potion
South Beach Sun Brazen
These terrific
tanning potions were created especially for our intense tropical
rays, not for folks who live up North where the summer sun barely
casts a shadow. The carrot concoctions (milk and oil) feel great on
your skin and help el sol give you a healthy coppery glow.
(Even confirmed palefaces swear by it.) And Brazen products spray
on, so you’re covered in a jiffy. Yes, we know all about melanoma
and premature aging and especially how bad tanning is supposed to be
for us, but … get real. You’re at the hottest (in multi ways) beach
in the country! And besides, Brazen comes in formulas with SPFs of
8, 15 and higher if you’re cautious; hardcore bronzers will like the
pure oils.
The last time we
bought it was in a store on Ocean Drive, but lately we’ve been
working so much we’ve barely seen the sun, so we’re not sure which
stores still sell it. Visit
www.southbeachsun.com/index2.asp to look up locations by
zip code.
Best All-Around
Collection
Gucci
From the sunglasses
to the handbags and to the shoes, the Gucci group sure knows how to
make women (and men) smile. Their creations are splashy, sexy and
sleek – the perfect mix for Miami. Location: Bal Harbour
Shops, 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour; Village of Merrick Park, 342
San Lorenzo Ave., Suite 1015, Coral Gables. Phone:
305-868-6504 (Bal Harbour); 305-441-2004 (Coral Gables).
Best Place to
Buy Makeup
Sephora
Little multicolored
tubes of lipstick and shadows fill the aisles … a girly girl’s
paradise. With names like Too Faced Lip Injection and Urban Decay
Baked Bronzing Powder, Sephora is ground zero for makeup junkies far
and wide. Impossible to leave without buying or at least trying
something, this makeup empire is expanding its way to a mall near
you. Location: 721 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Phone:
305-532-0904.
Best New Shop
for High-Class Funk
Leo
Open
about five months in the former Von Dutch space and next door to
Intermix, Leo is where you can get the coolest name brands like
Heatherette, Hudson jeans, Buddhist Punk, Imitation of Christ and
more. Men and women’s styles rocked here. Shoes too. Location:
640 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-531-6550. Web
site: www.leomiami.com.
Best Place for
Affordable Fashion
Chao Bella
If you’ve lived in
South Beach long enough, you know how fashion gets expensive. Still,
we manage to be trendy, and keep the beach hip. At Chao Bella
Fashion, you can find men’s and women’s clothing for a reasonable
price and in excellent taste. They sell everything from swimwear to
accessories. If you are clueless about what style fits you, they
have fashion advisors who can help you find your look. Found a skirt
that’s too large on you? Chao Bella has also master seamstresses,
who will customize anything for you. You can have and get your own
style. That’s hot! Location: 6989 Collins Ave., Miami Beach.
Phone: 305-866-3353.
Best Shop for
Multi-Taskers
The Arbona Co.
The Arbona Co.
offers great customer service and more in one Miami Beach location.
It offers a variety of services: everything from passport photos to
jewelry and watch repairs. The company completes an average of 50
public notaries each day and boasts that it provides the area’s
cheapest income tax return with great service. In addition, Arbona
has an Internet café, a locksmith service, Florida Lotto tickets, a
bill payment center, books, feng-shui plants and ornaments. This
one-stop center is the perfect place to keep that easily distracted
family member occupied for a full day of errand-running.
Location: 1300 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Phone:
305-534-2006.
Best Anti-Top 40
Record/CD Store in Fort Lauderdale
CD Collector
If you get annoyed
every time you turn on the radio to hear the same popular tunes that
seem to be on repeat, I have great news for you. Open for four
years, CD Collector is “anti-top 40” and in the words of owner Sean
Kayes, “we swim against the grain.” Enjoy a large selection of new
and used vinyl and CDs, turntables and DVDs featuring indie, punk,
classical, jazz, hip-hop and new-wave harmonies. A special thanks
needs to be given, and we know pleased customers would agree, to
Michael Ramirez, main vinyl and CD buyer, and Paul Poletz, director
of the store’s jazz section. So, come enjoy independent, underground
rock bands as well as rock from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. Travel
back in time and into unknown musically talented territories at CD
Collector! Location: 1930B E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.
Phone: 954-762-9488.
Best Place to
Finance a Yacht
Florida Yacht Charters & Sales Inc.
Admit it, you’ve
always wanted a boat! Especially if you live here in Florida and are
constantly reminded by those sunny mornings how nice it would be to
have one. Well, it can be arranged at Florida Yacht Charters & Sales
Inc., where they’ve been doing this sort of thing for more than two
decades. If you’re interested in buying or even selling a boat, they
will handle everything for you. It might be nice to have a new view
of Miami, all the way from the ocean. Not sure of your sea
legs? They offer sailing certification courses, from basic through
advanced levels. Still not ready to commit? You can always just
charter a trip in the Keys or Bahamas on a sailboat, yacht or
cruising catamaran. They’ll even provide the crew, or you can go it
alone (but remember what happened to Gilligan and his pals). For
those on a budget that tilts more toward dinghy than yacht, this
family-owned and operated company runs SailTime Miami, “an
affordable sailing membership program.” Location: Miami Beach
Marina, Pier A, 390 Alton Road, Miami Beach. Phone:
305-532-8600, ext. 119.
Best Person to Buy
a Yacht From
Linda Levy Goldberg
“So, what do you do
for a living?” “Me? Oh, I’m a yacht broker.” Pretty cool
conversation starter, huh? Well, in Linda Levy Goldberg’s case, it’s
true. This Miami native has always loved boats. She expresses that
love on a daily basis by selling really big ones at Florida Yacht
Charters and Sales at Miami Beach Marina. She also helps individuals
sell their yachts and gets the scoop on cool yachting info from
around the globe. Location: 1290 Fifth St., Miami Beach.
Phone: 305-613-5142
Best Antiquing
for a Good Cause
The Coconut Grove Antique Show
The Coconut Grove
Antique Show sells not only antiques, but also collectibles and
jewelry. While buying unique items, consumers also benefit the
Theodore & Thelma Gibson Charter School and the Thelma Gibson
Health Initiative with the show’s proceeds. The charter school has
been providing a distinct learning environment for students since
August of 2003, and the TGHI has been assisting the underprivileged
of Miami for four years by offering counseling, outreach education
programs, family support and much more. On June 24-25 the
show will be at the Coconut Grove Expo Center, and then it moves to
the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition on Coral Way. Phone:
786-263-3660 or 305-579-3310. Web site:
www.coconutgroveantiqueshows.org.
Best Florist for
Large-Scale Events
J and V Flowers
Have an upcoming
anniversary? Wedding? Bar mitzvah? Or just feel in the gift-giving
mood? J and V Flowers has exquisite flower arrangements in all
sizes, shapes and forms. Customized to your liking, unique designs
or traditional as well as contemporary already-made arrangements are
created by an experienced shop with 20 years in the business. These
flower connoisseurs definitely know what they are doing. Beautifying
various upscale locales such as Gucci and Tiffany & Co. in the Bal
Harbor Shops, J and V Flowers can surely brighten up even your
gloomiest days. Location: 9565 Harding Ave., Miami Beach.
Phone: 305-861-3735. Web site:
www.jvflowers.com.
Best Upscale
Erotica
Hustler
Hollywood
There is nothing
wrong with trying to spice up your sex life. With the right partner,
right tools and a lot of creativity, anything is acceptable. At
Hustler Hollywood, couples or buddies can shop through a selection
of adult toys and entertainment. Even if you are trying to be dirty
and knotty, at Hustler Hollywood everything is done with taste and
class. So you don’t need to walk in with a hat and large sunglasses,
because there is nothing embarrassing about walking into an upscale
erotic boutique to find the best entertainment. It is actually kind
of kinky. Location: 1234 Washington Ave., Miami Beach.
Phone: 305-673-5369.
Best Scent Shop
The Boys
Of our five senses
— sight, touch, hearing, taste and smell – the most underrated may
be the olfactory. Smell affects us at every turn — from the
sickening scent of polluted city streets to the amazing aromas that
fill the kitchen as Thanksgiving dinner cooks. Here’s a shop that
celebrates news from the nose. The Boys perfumery welcomes you to
“immerse yourself” in its essences and an array of scrumptious
scents. From candles, potpourri, incense and burning oils, The Boys
have what it takes to make your abode smell pleasantly perfect.
Here’s a taste (or rather smell): One of The Boys’ best-selling
potpourris, the Santa Monica Novella, is a combination of herbs and
flowers grown in the Florentine hills. Handmade with ancient
methods, it is then fermented in centuries-old terra cotta jars for
several months before it can be purchased for your
soon-to-be-smelling-superb home. Location: 295 Miracle Mile,
Coral Gables. Phone: 305-444-4644. Web site:
www.theboyscosmetics.com.
Best North Beach
Florist
Flowers & Flowers
Roses and daisies
and lilies, oh my! With all sorts of flowers and arrangements to
choose from, Flowers & Flowers has the perfect gift for any occasion
from anniversaries to quinceañeras. All flowers are
hand-picked by the worldly owner, who speaks French, Italian,
English and Spanish. Exotic accents can be included in the
arrangements for special flair, such as seahorses to congratulate
your nephew on catching his biggest fish yet to Key West lemons to
welcome friends to their new Florida Keys beach house. Flowers &
Flowers’ motto sums up what the shop strives to provide: “The best
quality fresh cut flowers and most creative flower arrangements for
the better price.” Mention (and of course visit) the Web site for a
20 percent discount. Location: 6701 Collins Ave., Miami
Beach. Phone: 305-868-6160. Web site:
www.flowerpower1.com.
Best Children’s
Clothing
Chewing Gum Kids
Kids play with dirt
and get their white shirts black by the end of recess. Kids eat so
messily that their clothes get polka-dotted red with ketchup by the
end of their dinner. Kids will always be kids, but that doesn’t mean
we shouldn’t spoil them rotten with only the best. Walk into Chewing
Gum Kids and find only the top clothing for your offspring. This
family-owned business, open for 22 years, knows how to please its
purchasers. The store offers great personal service as well as a
huge variety of fashionable wear, featuring unique styles not seen
anywhere else in Miami. Bring your much-loved juniors to Chewing Gum
Kids and dress them from head to toe in the best attire money can
buy (and try to forget the dirt and ketchup stains)! Location:
548 Arthur Godfrey Road, Miami Beach. Phone:
305-673-5414.
Best Neighborhood
One-Stop Pharmacy
Lee-Anne Pharmacy
Lee-Ann has been
the neighborhood one-stop of choice for the south-of-11th crowd
longer than most South Beach-bums have been alive, and for good
reason: It seems to sell almost everything. Every aisle is packed
tight with geegaws, tchotchkes, sundries of all sorts. You need
office supplies? Touristy knick-knacks? Mega-doses of weird herbs
and vitamins? Dinner and beer? It’s all here. Oh yeah, there’s also
a well-stocked pharmacy and bill payment center! Hey, if it was good
enough for an historic visit by then Soviet Foreign Minister and
later President of Georgia Eduard Shevardnadze (see the news
clipping by the Lotto counter), it’s certainly good enough for you.
Location: 955 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Phone:
305-531-1256.
Best Cheap Thrills
Sensations Video
Let’s face it: When
it comes to smut (and we mean that in the very best sense of the
word), cheap and thrilling is much more rewarding than staid and
classy, so while the 12th and Washington block of naughty-but-nice
businesses make for great tourist traps, locals know the real cheap
thrills come (and we mean that in the most literal sense of
the word) a block north behind the mirrored door at Sensations
Video. They aren’t hiding their products — they’re clearly visible
in the window displays — but good smut always requires a margin of
anonymity for the customer. Whether you want to rent or buy VHS or
DVD, or watch something right on the spot, Sensations aims to
please. The best part is they’re open 24/7, so whenever your inner
perv (or voyeur) hears the call, Sensations is ready, willing and
waiting. Location: 1317 Washington Ave., Miami Beach.
Phone: 305-534-2330.
Best Market for
Buff Bodies
Nutritional Power Center
For better or
worse, South Florida is about looking your best. There are good ways
to achieve this and there are some really lousy ways. Unfortunately,
both routes can be expensive. At Nutritional Power Center, though,
the trend is to make athletes look and feel their best while
keeping their health and wallets in good order. You’ll find the
prerequisite sports nutritional and bodybuilding supplements and
other items for training athletes, but at the best prices the market
will allow. There are a few NPC locations in the county, plus an
online representative, www.befitforless.com. Location: 631
Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-535-8844.
Best Means of
Forming a Personal Air Force
L&L International Ltd.
Sounds like a
banking firm, doesn’t it? Hey, might as well – bank owners and
people who think commercial air travel is for losers are probably
customers of L&L International Ltd. They specialize in selling
corporate jets. But buck up, high roller! If you’re just a
run-of-the-mill millionaire, L&L International’s stock and trade is
pre-owned jets. That’s right, slightly used but not abused top-notch
aircraft. We’re talkin’ Gulfstream Aerospace, Raytheon Hawker,
Bombardier Challenger, Bombardier Global Express, Cessna Citation,
Dassault Falcon and Learjet. Drooling, aren’t you, high roller? Ahh,
but what if the spouse or significant other starts complaining about
your jet, or jets, taking up space in the garage? Not to worry, L&L
also does acquisitions. So you might make ’em an offer. Just
interested in chartering a jet? L&L does that too. More interested
in sailing the high seas in a super-cool yacht? Guess what? L&L also
sells, acquires and charters yachts. Location: 3876 Sheridan
St., Hollywood. Phone: 954-471-4411.
Best Beauty Center
Brownes & Co.
Co. is too
corporate. A loft might be the best way to describe it. The ground
floor consists of a maze of cosmetics, fragrances, hair products,
soaps and anti-aging products for men, women and even pets with
brand names such as Aquis, Art of Shaving, Aveda, Bliss, Claus Porto
and Essie (Brownes Apothecary). Upstairs you’ll find Some Like It
Hot (aka Brownes Beauty Lounge) — a busy, full-service salon. In the
corner you’ll notice a quiet zone housing The Spa, where facials,
massages and hair removals are performed, as well as The Yoga Room,
where a staff of 20 instructors holds daily classes. Or maybe you
just want something to wear? Not to worry, there’s even a clothing
boutique within the Brownes & Co. complex. Location: 841
Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-538-7544.
Best Florist for
Special Events
White
Tulip Florist
White Tulip Florist
has been serving Miami and its stars for seven years. With its
exotic array of flowers like cacti from Arizona, cymbidiums,
succulents, and orchids, White Tulip can put together any sort of
arrangement its clients desire. The florists here specialize in
events, decorating parties, Bar/ Bat Mitzvahs, weddings and
corporate occasions. Jennifer Lopez and Diddy are just two of their
famous clients. The Miami Heat also uses them for its special events
in Miami. White Tulip Florist has six on-site designers to make your
visions come to life and three freelance florists who travel Miami.
Even if you’re not a celebrity, they can provide you with a weekly
home and office service, delivering flowers to make your space chic.
Location: 1673 Alton Road, Miami Beach. Phone:
305-672-9444.
Best Street Markets
The Market
Company
We love this
special events production and related services company because its
events are some of the highlights in town – such as the Lincoln Road
Farmers’ Market, Normandy Village Marketplace, Española Way Weekend
Festival, Downtown Miami Farmers’ Market and others. Since its 1997
debut, the company has successfully provided all-around event
planning services with aplomb. Today there is also The Market
Company Store, which features specialty gift items representing
South Florida’s multicultural diversity – something the company has
celebrated in its many popular events. Location: 428 Española
Way, Miami Beach . Phone: 305-531-0038. Web site:
www.themarketcompany.org.
Best Tobacco Store
Zelick’s Tobacco
Smokers and others
who find the smell of a good cigar irresistible love this site on
Lincoln Road. Good prices accentuate the wide variety of cigars,
cigarettes, tobacco products, lighters and accessories at Zelick’s.
Newcomers to cigars can find help choosing from the inventory here
from a staff that is always welcoming to customers. With all of the
good coffee available on The Road, it’s good to know there is
a place to grab a smoke as well. Location: 326 Lincoln Road,
Miami Beach. Phone: 305-538-1544.
Best Frame Shop on
the Boulevard
Broadway Art & Framing
Although this
well-known shop features eclectic and handsome artworks, Broadway
Art & Framing is perhaps most famous as the region’s best and most
reliable place for framing one’s treasures. A good selection,
customer service and, of course, top-notch workmanship are reasons
this institution brings back repeat customers and referrals of new
residents on a regular basis. Location: 7551 Biscayne Blvd.,
Miami. Phone: 305-754-1773.
Best Holistic
Animal Shop
4 Paws Only
People today take
seriously the products and ingredients they ingest and otherwise
consume in an effort to ensure a healthier and happier lifestyle.
Why not take the same criteria into consideration when it comes to
the care and upkeep of one’s animal companion(s)? Well, that is
exactly the sentiment at 4 Paws Only, where one can find a wide
array of holistic-care products and services. Arguably as inviting,
it’s a fun and friendly environment where animals lovers can always
take refuge. Location: 742 NE 79th St., Miami. Phone:
305-756-0200.
Best Pet
Couture
Celebrity
Pet Wear
Can a puppy or
kitten really be all that spoiled if he or she still prances
about in the furry nude? We don’t think so. That’s why Celebrity Pet
Wear attracted our attention. This online and retail outlet presents
dog – and cat – owners with cute, fun and durable pet couture and
accessories. Yes, they are extravagant, as is Celebrity Pet Wear’s
luxury flight pet carrier, but that’s exactly the point here. Celebs
indulge their animal companions, so why shouldn’t we? Location:
742 NE 125th St., North Miami. Phone: 305-891-7555. Web
site:
www.celebritypetwear.com.
Best Magic Shop
The Magic Hut
Be the center of
attention as you trick friends, family, teachers or even strangers.
The Magic Hut, founded by magician Alan Chamo (“El Mago”), is a
complete magic shop for those who wish to put on a magic show or
just walk the streets like David Blaine. Kits with demonstration
DVDs, joke books that help magicians entertain their audience, and
all sorts of equipment can be found online and at the store. The
Magic Hut guarantees the lowest-priced items and will match other’s
prices. In addition, they offer personal service with a toll-free
magic line and free shipping for any items over $20. Since the best
thing about magic tricks is their secrets, only exchanges are
possible for damaged or defective goods within 14 days, and there
are no returns at the Magic Hut. Location: 401 Biscayne
Blvd., Miami. Phone: 305-535-0886. Web site:
www.magichut.net.
Best One-Stop Shop
Before the Beach
Paradise
Found Beachwear
Paradise Found
Beachwear is truly a paradise for its customers with its low prices,
wide variety of items and beach location. Here, customers can gear
up for the beach, shop for clothes and bathing suits, and then head
out to the sands just across the street. They sell everything from
Body Glove bathing suits to boogie-boards and floats. Now, special
for this summer, Paradise Found Beachwear is selling World Cup
jerseys, bracelets, clothes and, of course, soccer balls. For
everything needed, or wanted, for the summer, Paradise Found
Beachwear has it. Location: 200 71st St., Miami Beach.
Phone: 305-866-4601.
Best Way to Travel
the Beach
Beach
Scooter
Move over
motorcycles: Miami’s locals and visitors are now traveling the Beach
in style on Peugeot, Binetto and Vento scooters. Beach
Scooter has been renting out and selling scooters since 1998. The
staff helps instruct customers on how to ride and operate the
vehicle safely. Most important, when buying a scooter with Beach
Scooter, their staff mechanics assemble and test ride the scooter
before you take off. And for those with busy schedules, purchased
scooters can be shipped home, even if home is not in Miami, fully
assembled and ready to ride. Renting from Beach Scooters is easy
too; customers receive a free helmet to use for the ride, rentals
are replaced after six months of use and they can be returned at any
Beach location on request. In addition, their mechanic shop is open
seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with two mechanics willing
to service any scooter, regardless of where it was purchased.
Location: 1341 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Phone:
305-538-7878.
Best Way to Make
Someone Smile
Abbott Florist
At Abbott Florist,
“flowers are the language of love!” They pride themselves on making
people all over Miami smile, delivering flowers to hospitals and for
birthdays, anniversaries, parties, graduations and weddings. They
have been serving Miami for 16 years and have done arrangements for
Telemundo and CBS local events. Their flowers range from three
dollars and up, with delivery service for arrangements starting at
$35. Customers on the go can order flowers by telephone or online.
Location: 1008 71st St., Miami Beach. Phone:
305-868-4283. Web site:
www.AbbottFloristMiami.com.
Best Optical
Boutique
Eye Desire
If you need
glasses, why not look fashionable wearing them? That’s why Miami’s
high-end optical boutique, Eye Desire, carries the latest designer
glasses for adults and children. Their collection includes stylish
glasses from Cartier, Fred, Prada, Chanel, D&G, Giorgio Armani,
Dior, Nike Vision, Missoni and Tag Heuer. For kids, they even carry
cool brands like RayBan and Flexon. Not to worry, though; all
glasses have a two-year warranty and Eye Desire accepts most
insurance, so customers usually receive some sort of discount when
purchasing. Customers who dislike wearing glasses can be custom-fit
for contacts right there in the office. They offer a variety of the
latest contacts, including the innovative orthokeratology type.
Customers wear Ortho K contacts overnight for two days, then take
them out and have perfect vision that lasts two to three days. It’s
known as the safe alternative to surgery and even kids wear them.
Location: 1211 17th St., Miami Beach. Phone:
305-673-1211.
Best Place to Buy
Golf Clubs
Alf’s Golf Shop
Alf’s Golf Shop,
with several locations in South Florida, sells both new and used
golf clubs and even accepts trade-ins. They have a huge variety of
clubs for men, women and children. Adams, Nike, TaylorMade and
Cleveland are just some of the brands they sell. Shopping is made
easy with this customer support and online store. Alf’s can also
help improve your game with their state of the art computer launch
monitor that matches irons, woods and balls to your swing.
Location: 524 Arthur Godfrey Road, Miami Beach. Phone:
305-673-6568.
Best Luxury Car
Dealer on the Beach
Ocean Cadillac
Considering Ocean
Cadillac is the only luxury car dealership on Miami Beach, it must
be the best. In addition to its high-class vehicles, its staff is
friendly, personable, and willing and ready to answer your
questions. They can help you find a new or pre-owned Cadillac,
search for the best financial option for you and look for a quote on
a specific vehicle. If you have questions but not the time to stop
by the dealership, feel free to call or e-mail them. Location:
1000 Kane Concourse, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-864-2271. Web
site:
www.oceancadillac.net.
Best Nonprofit
Plant Nursery
Log Cabin Nursery
Your plants need a
lot of tender loving care when you first start to cultivate them; so
do some of your gentler neighbors. At the Log Cabin Nursery, you not
only find all the plants you need for a beautiful garden; you also
help the developmentally disabled germinate self-reliance. In
operation since 1975, this not-for-profit organization uses the
money from plant sales to guide their clients into more fulfilling
situations. You can have your indoor and outdoor plants, fresh-cut
flowers, pots and even landscaping services delivered to your home,
but then you’ll miss out on horticultural classes and the namesake
1930s-era log cabin. Location: 8128 Collins Ave., Miami
Beach. Phone: 305-993-2008. Web site:
www.miamibeachfl.gov/logcabinnursery/home.asp.
Best Health and
Wellness Store
Locatel
Locatel is a
medical equipment store, convenience store and pharmacy all in one
that cares about the well-being of its customers. Their merchandise
includes international and national healthcare products that aim to
help maintain their customers’ qualities of life. In addition, they
sell and rent wheelchairs and scooters, and provide walkers and
oxygen tanks. For those who have trouble getting to the store, they
do offer a delivery service. Locatel is open seven days a week for
all of your healthcare needs. Location: 18260 Collins Ave. (RK
Village Stores), Sunny Isles Beach. Phone: 786-279-2500.
Best Toy Store
A to Z Toys
Maybe you’re a
babysitter, or perhaps need a present for your niece’s next
birthday, or possibly you want a toy for yourself to bring back
those good old days. Who knows? All we know is that the premier
place with the widest selection of all the hottest toys out there is
A to Z. You never know when a toy, a book or another type of kids’
item will come in handy. Located in Miami Beach for easy access, A
to Z Toys has the goods to please children of all ages (the “young
at heart” included). Location: 728 Arthur Godfrey Road, Miami
Beach. Phone: 305-532-5250.
Best Eyeglass Deals
Pearle Vision
Pearle Vision has a
wide selection of glasses and sunglasses not only for adults, but
also for children. With brands like Fendi, Caviar, Silhouette, Gucci
and BCBG, there’s something for everyone. If you’re on a tight
budget, you can buy one pair and get another free, or receive
glasses complete with frames and lenses together for only $150.
Pearle Vision also has a Pearle Protection Plan for your glasses;
just $25 more guarantees that if your lenses become scratched or
broken within a year, they will be repaired or replaced with lenses
30 percent off. Location: 7901 Biscayne Blvd., Miami.
Phone: 305-754-5144.
Best Cell Phone
Customer Service
Express Hub T-Mobile
The Express Hub
T-Mobile store knows what they are talking about when it comes to
T-Mobile phones. An authorized dealer, this Hub only sells T-Mobile
phones and plans. They carry the latest BlackBerry, MDA, Motorola
and Samsung cell phones, and offer killer plans like 1,000 minutes
with free nights and weekends for only $39.99. Superior service with
innovative merchandise makes this Hub the ultimate T-Mobile stop
with two Beach locations and three others from Kendall to Coral
Springs. Location: 755 Arthur Godfrey Road and 1504 Alton
Road, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-604-8881; 305-672-8886.
Best Upscale Dog
Supplies
The Dog Bar
Strolling the Miami
Beach streets, you can always spot the hottest trends, whether it’s
huge sunglasses too big for one’s head or the “hobo look” of flowing
dresses and untamed locks. Well, the newest accessories seen on the
scene are pooches – that’s right folks, walking around with a little
canine critter in your arms or a trotting along next to you on a
sassy leash is the new “it” thing. And there’s no place better to
spoil your fashionable furball than The Dog Bar. Centrally located
in the Lincoln Road shopping district, The Dog Bar offers the finest
and most unusual dog and cat products, from the best all-natural
food and treats to the grooviest accessories and toys. Such delights
include custom collars and leashes, décor quality bowls, a bedding
department, apparel, unique toys, shampoos and conditioners,
nutritional supplements, a cookie bar – the list is endless! So
bring your favorite pets and spoil them rotten. Location:
1684 Jefferson Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-532-5654. Web
site: www.dogbar.com.
Best Adult Novelty
Store
Pleasure Emporium
If you’re in the
mood (you know, “that” mood) to tickle your senses and enter a world
of, well, pleasure, come on into the South Beach Pleasure Emporium
outlet to fulfill all your cravings. This award-winning adult
novelty store has everything you’ll want from A to Z to guarantee
completion of all your needs. The Emporium offers private viewing
booths to stabilize your immediate must-haves of viewing; plus,
video and DVD rentals and purchases for at-home enjoyment. Also
presented are novelty toys, leather and lingerie to have the wildest
nights of your imagination. Oh and don’t worry, the Pleasure
Emporium is open 24 hours so whenever that craving comes along,
you’re in luck! Location: 1019 Fifth St., Miami Beach.
Phone: 305-673-3311. Web site:
www.pleasureemporium.com.
Best Specialty
Store for Linens
Thread Count, Inc.
Four hundred, 500,
600, oh my! A good night’s sleep for you and your family is
essential to keeping your days going smoothly. So come to Thread
Count, Inc. and find elegant imported sheets that will guarantee you
the sleep you deserve. Bed and bath linen luxury is a must and “when
luxury counts, who’s counting, we are!” as Thread Count, Inc.’s
motto reads. Count on them to deliver the finest in linen shopping,
and purchase one of their famously cozy sheet sets for the best
sleeping experience and those much-needed zz’s! Location:
1935 West Ave., #107, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-532-1222.
Web site:
www.threadcountluxurylinens.com.
Best Rollerblade
Shop
Fritz’s Skate, Bike and Surf
We all ride around
in our cars and never really get to appreciate the great outdoors
that Miami offers. Get out of your car and into some skates or atop
a bike and enjoy the gorgeous sunny days that make Miami one of the
world’s premier vacation spots. What better way to attain these
alternate transportation devices than to visit Fritz’s Skate, Bike
and Surf for a full line of skates, bikes, sunglasses, surfing
equipment, apparel and more to help you enjoy all Miami has to
offer. Your discount roller skate superstore, Fritz’s is guaranteed
to be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 365 days of the year. With a
guarantee like that, along with a promise that if you find the same
item in stock in the size you need elsewhere for less, Fritz’s will
beat their price, why travel elsewhere? Location: 730 Lincoln
Road, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-532-1954.
Best Scion Dealer
Kendall Scion
We’ve all seen them
cruising around the streets of Miami. You know those cool,
futuristic cars by Scion – xA, xB and the tC? But where to get one?
Way the hell down in Kendall, that’s where. Featuring a friendly,
knowledgeable staff, Kendall Scion credits its success to much more:
“We simply could not have achieved the kind of success we have
without putting our customers first.” So there you have it: We all
come first, so there’s no going wrong with Kendall Scion. Cruise on
by with your old wheels and ride out in one of the revolutionary new
models Scion has to offer. Location: 10943 S. Dixie Highway,
Kendall. Phone: 305-728-5410. Web site:
www.kendallscion.com.
Best Value
Selection of Eyewear
For
Eyes Optical
If you have to
squint when you look at something a mere five feet away, or find
yourself moving this newspaper back and forth attempting to make the
words clearer as you read, we think you have a problem. Here’s your
solution: For Eyes Optical. Offering the finest selection of optical
wear and optometrist services, For Eyes’ retail prices are
nevertheless 30 to 50 percent less than most retail optical
companies for identical products and services. Plus, all eyeglass
prices include the frame and single-vision plastic prescription
lenses (meaning there are no additional charges for those
close-to-blindness customers for lens tinting, oversized lenses or
severity of prescription). Committed to improving their customers’
vision, For Eyes strives to provide the best optical experience
available. Contact lenses fittings are also available. Location:
1519 Alton Road, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-531-2262. Web
site: www.foreyes.com.
Best Surround Sound
Surfside Technologies
Surfside
Technologies stated mission is to “provide you with high quality,
state-of-the-art Home Theaters, Music Systems, Communications and
Control Systems that bring a higher level of entertainment and ease
of use to you, your family and your friends.” With a motto like
that, they are capable of the unimaginable. If you’re looking to
remodel your home or maybe add a new room, Surfside Technologies is
the place for you. With their help, you can bring a true movie
experience, as the movie director intended it, to your very own
home; with bright pictures, clear dialogue, surround sound and more,
you’ll feel like you’re in your nearby AMC while sitting in your own
pad. Also, enjoy a music system that reproduces music the way it was
originally recorded, so it sounds like the artist is performing
right in your living room. To experience all this and more, visit
Surfside Technologies today! Location: 9494 Harding Ave.,
Surfside. Phone: 305-864-5559. Web site:
www.hometheatermiami.com.
Best
Beauty Supply
GBS Beauty Supply
With
over thirty years of experience combined with six locations in the
South Florida area, it is no surprise that GBS Beauty Supply has
become known as a household name. A top sophisticated beauty depot,
GBS offers a high inventory of cosmetic, skin care, nail care and
hair care products. Also delivered with the GBS experience are full
service salons, wig salons, aromatherapy counters and theatrical
cosmetic centers. They are your “have everything beauty store, where
customers can fill their basic beauty needs as well as find more
exotic and specialized items.” Such items include: skin care
products from Israel, mirrors from Germany, cosmetics from Italy and
handmade hairbrushes from England. So pamper yourself today and
enjoy all that GBS Beauty Supply has to offer! Check the Web site
from more locations. Location: 1621 Alton Road, Miami Beach.
Phone: store 305-532-4074 and salon 305-532-1746. Web
site: www.gbsbeauty.com
Best
Place to Buy Nude Portraits
Howard Austin Feld Gallery
Howard Austin Feld has been digitally
manipulating the human body for almost 30 years. His gallery on
Lincoln is a testament to the best diet of all — none. In addition
to cityscapes and nature shots the walls of Feld’s gallery are
covered with his more well-known erotic portraits, some of which
were commissioned by individuals looking for a photographic tribute
to their own sensuality. Women and men alike are often positioned in
glamorously sexy poses, and are more often the better part of
strategically nude. Feld does some welcomed nips and tucks of the
pain-free digital variety, using software to digitally retouch and
reshape the body. Often Feld enhances only as little as the color,
tinting the entire nude form with almost neon reds and blues. The
final products can sometimes have you spiraling down your own
personal glory days highway by way of Duran Duran’s video for “Rio.”
Some people “can’t believe some of the things that I do to their
body,” Feld said. Location: 663 Lincoln Road, Miami
Beach. Phone: 305-531-5999. Web site:
www.howardaustinfeld.com.
Best Foreign Movie
Find
Lion Video
Some people prefer
to ditch American films and Tom Cruise for a different kind of
films. Foreign films give audience a new perspective on all genres,
making it a new experience. At Lion Video, you can find a large
selection of foreign film videos for your enjoyment. Don’t worry;
there is nothing wrong with reading subtitles. Location: 921
NE 79th St., Miami. Phone: 305-756-9196.
Best DVD Store –
Miami Beach
New Concept Video
By now you probably
already know that New Concept closed its off-Lincoln Road store
recently because of rent increases in the area. But this
non-mainstream DVD store still retains its newer South Beach outpost
on fashionable West Avenue, and it’s well worth the extra blocks for
DVD rentals and/or purchases (yes, VHS is obsolete). New Concept is
pretty much the only place on the Beach where you can get a great
selection of foreign films, hard-to-find film festival fare, and gay
and lesbian releases from smaller film companies, not to mention new
releases, cult classics, classic-classics and a bit of adult fare as
well, all in one spot that also has a good variety of hip magazines
to browse and buy. Check it out. Location: 959 West Ave.,
Miami Beach. Phone: 305-674-1113. Web site:
www.newconceptvideo.com.
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