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It’s time to talk shop. Whether you have a dozen trendy gal pals, hipster cousins, or tradition-loving in-laws, these city-specific guides to the Best Holiday Shopping will solve all your gift-giving dilemmas.
Best Holiday Shopping in....
Best Holiday Shopping
Miami
Hot & Cool
South Beach is world famous for its nightlife—less so for shopping. But that’s changing; in addition to a variety of oddball shops and boutiques along South Beach side streets, there are distinct shopping districts. At Collins Avenue between 6th and 8th streets are designer boutiques such as Intermix, Kenneth Cole, and Armani Exchange. For that perfect beachwear, Ritchie Swimwear (ritchieswimwear.com) sells tops and bottoms separately for a custom fit, as well as matching cover-ups. What’s really set fashionistas’ hearts aflutter is the opening of The Webster (thewebstermiami.com), an exquisite 1939 Art Deco building with 20,000 square feet of luxury men’s and women’s fashions, accessories, and jewelry. Brands include Alaia, Balenciaga, Balmain, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Miu-Miu, Prada, Stella McCartney, Tom Ford, and Yves Saint Laurent. For a break, try the onsite Parisian restaurant, Caviar Kaspia. For a more eclectic pedestrian shopping experience, nothing beats colorful Lincoln Road. The usual chain gang (Anthropologie, Bebe, Chico’s, Victoria’s Secret) is balanced by original treasures such as Fly Boutique (flyboutiquevintage.com) for vintage clothing, and Base (baseworld.com) for limited edition clothing and footwear, music, decorative design, and edgy furnishings.
Hip
The happening Design District (miamidesigndistrict.net) is no longer just a mecca for home design showrooms and art galleries; now, you’ll find specialty fashion and accessories shops amid South Florida’s finest restaurants. Highlights include Holly Hunt (hollyhunt.com) for traditional lines and modern designs in furniture and fabric; Marimekko (marimekkomiami.com) for the Finnish design house’s fashions, home accessories, furniture, and fabrics; and Genius Jones (geniusjones.com) for beautifully designed eco-friendly children’s products. The new Brownes & Co. (brownesbeauty.com) has a full range of beauty products (Art of Shaving, Bliss, Bumble and Bumble, Dr. Hauschka, Jurlique, Molton Brown, Shu Uemura) and also offers spa treatments, yoga classes, and hair styling. After you’re done, toast to your shopping success with drinks and perhaps dinner at Sra. Martinez, Michael’s Genuine, Maitardi, Pacific Time, Fratelli Lyon, or Pizza Volante.
Classic
Two choice shopping areas in Coral Gables present an intriguing dilemma: Which to choose? We say: Try both. The Village of Merrick Park (villageofmerrickpark.com) is a beautiful oasis of high fashion, featuring Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and shops from designers such as Jimmy Choo, Donald J. Pliner, and Diane Von Furstenberg. This spot is definitely worthy of a lunch date; Mariposa, eBar, and C’est Bon are stylish venues to consider. Next, grab a trolley to Miracle Mile, once a languishing shopping street, and now a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood of shops, cafes, bars, and galleries, marked by frequent nightly events and gallery walks. Worth searching out: Books & Books (booksandbooks.com), an outstanding local bookstore known for author events and an excellent café; Dominique (dominiquecoralgables.com) for splendid women’s apparel; and Guayaberas Etc. for the classic Cuban pleated men’s shirts. If you’re in the market for bridal wear, you’ll find nearly 20 bridal galleries. Not quite there yet? Search out the perfect bauble at some 16 jewelry shops.
