Best Costume Shop 2017 | Crazy About Costumes | Best Restaurants, Bars, Clubs, Music and Stores in Miami | Miami New Times
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We won't ask questions about why you need to disguise yourself as a knight in shining armor, Superman, or Princess Leia — we all have our kinks — but it's worth a trip across the county line to visit Crazy About Costumes to track down your getup. The cash-only, husband-and-wife business offers the personalized service of a true mom-and-pop operation, and owners Karen and Keith really know how to dress you up right. Maybe you're a part-time LARPer with a unique request to finish off that Comic-Con-worthy fantasy outfit. Simply describe your vision, and they'll procure the necessary items in just minutes, accessories and all. Or perhaps your daughter needs a full princess look for her birthday. Crazy About Costumes will help you keep your sanity through all the requests, from the wig and the dress to the crown and the shoes. That unicorn pony, however, might be on you. Most of the costumes are available to rent, but some stuff is ready to buy at the right price. All of it is topnotch, much of it made with authentic silk, leather, and velvet, so you won't look like the dollar-store, rip-off version of Capt. Jack Sparrow when you show up at the next costume party.

Photo by Kristin Bjørnsen

Can you tell the difference between a throwback Adidas X Ozweego Bunny designed by Belgian legend Raf Simmons and an Air Foamposite One from Nike? If the answer is yes, chances are you are a certified sneaker head and you already know about Shoe Gallery. If not, let us clue you in: Founder Abram Waserstein fled Cuba four decades ago, leaving his successful shoe business behind to start over in Miami. Of course, Waserstein couldn't stay out of the kicks game: He opened his stateside shoe gallery in 1979, and six years later, his son Jaime brought his own game to the shop, expanding to include then-relevant brands such as Clark's and Kangol. In 2000, a third generation, Danny, took over and took Shoe Gallery to the next level. These days, the shop is often among a select number of stores nationwide chosen to carry super-limited-edition runs, such as the latest pair of Yeezys or Jordans. To top it off, Shoe Gallery regularly teams up with big-name brands — including Adidas, New Balance, and Saucony — to create special-edition kicks inspired by the Magic City. Whether you need those Adidas NMD R1s in that Datamosh Vapour Steel pattern or some old-school Adidas Inikis, Danny's got 'em. Unlike most sneaker spots, Shoe Gallery carries an equal assortment for both men and women, so there's no worry you'll have to search for a size or color.

Readers' choice: FootWorks

Ask any true Miamian to rank her most important item of clothing, and — if she's living in America's tropical capital — she'll point to her swimsuit. You can't really function in the 305 unless you've got some decent beachwear. Whether you're looking for a teeny-weeny bikini, a one-piece, or a monokini, the Lila Nikole Collection can perfectly fill that all-important slot in your wardrobe. Launched by Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale graduate Lila Nikole Rivera, the company offers a colorful collection of Miami-inspired swimwear. Rivera isn't afraid to think outside the mono-color box: She even offers a Star Wars-themed line complete with a low-cut Chewbacca suit, in case you enjoy roaring like a Wookiee on South Beach. Lila Nikole swimwear has graced the pages of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue and been modeled by the likes of Chrissy Teigen. Prices go up to about $150, but the website also offers a selection of swimsuits priced at just $19.99, so Lila Nikole is within your reach even if you aren't a cover girl.

Good things really do come in small packages — especially at Le Beauty Room. This lingerie shop is tiny but sexy. The brands and styles change frequently, so there's nothing hanging around from two seasons ago. And if you need help picking the perfect teddy, Le Beauty Room might be the most stress-free lingerie and swimsuit shopping excursion you'll ever experience, mostly thanks to Tavia, the owner. She'll have you in and out in less than 15 minutes with exactly what you envisioned. Need a photo to make sure you look truly bootylicious? She's got you. Her staff will guide you through all the options, from the demure and vintage to the kinky and X-rated. Everything on display comes in a variety of colors and sizes, so there's never any disappointment that something you see won't fit. Better than any other lingerie store in town, this spot nails bachelorette parties. Available for ten to 20 guests for $20 per person, the sexy, private soiree shuts down the entire shop for two to three hours and offers a choice of pole-dancing, chair-dancing, or belly-dancing instruction accompanied by wine, cheese, crackers, and a "sexy-time" intimacy workshop. If you and your girls don't want to do all the work yourselves, you can always call in a male entertainer to help get things heated. You even get your very own porn name for the night, so you can be sweet as Candy, pampered like Princess, or spanked like Starr. Then go home and act like none of it ever happened, or put it to good use.

Jeans, jackets, dresses: They don't make 'em like they used to, and French 75 Vintage's Kelly Nugent knows it. "Thirty years ago, they were made to last and not disintegrate in the laundry," Nugent says. "Nothing from the big chain stores lasts anymore." That's why this Miami mami has dedicated herself to giving fashion fans the best and brightest retro looks. French 75 Vintage is an online retailer selling stylish threads from the '70s, '80s, and '90s, revamped to give buyers the best new-age look with a throwback vibe. You can find pieces such as a jumpsuit for about $40, an oversize '80s safari-animal-print blouse for $24.86, and a '90s striped velour full-length dress for $37.30. She's not just running a website, though. French 75 Vintage pops up all over Miami most weekends. Look for Nugent at the Miami Flea Market, FAT Village Artwalk, and Wynwood Market Place, where her offerings are always cool, colorful, and one-of-a-kind. "I love vintage because of its originality," she says. "Style isn't always easy, but with vintage, there's nothing to it. It speaks for itself. You never have to be afraid of someone wearing the same outfit, and you look cool as hell." Follow French 75 Vintage on Instagram to find out where you can meet Nugent IRL and peruse her long-lasting getups for your more stylish tomorrow.

Courtesy of The Recycled Closet

Thrifting is fun until it's not. Why spend a Saturday digging through smelly, hit-or-miss secondhand shops searching for a hidden gem when you can wander into a treasure chest? Owned by mother-and-daughter duo Jennifer Vosters Kaloti and Jenna Kaloti-Ramirez, the Recycled Closet does all the work of curating those vintage finds for you. Inside this cheery shop near the Falls, you'll find brands like Alice + Olivia, Free People, and Wildfox, all for 70 percent less than what you'd pay at the mall. New merchandise is posted daily on the shop's Instagram (@therecycledcloset) page, along with styling ideas for those perfectly dated duds. And if you have old clothes of your own, the Recycled Closet is happy to accept them on consignment: You'll pocket 40 percent of the sale price.

Readers' choice: Miami Twice

Photo by Jessica Gibbs

Can a storefront facing South Dixie Highway — Miami-Dade's busiest road, which seems to be a gridlocked catastrophe at all hours — really be a secret? The owners of Antique & Collectors Emporium must have some Harry Potter-level concealment spells at work, because stumbling across this gem in a Palmetto Bay strip mall feels like unlocking a longtime mystery. Don't worry, though — even for the uninitiated, poking around this treasure trove of artifacts is far from intimidating. Jackie Nangle, the shop's proprietor, loves showing newbies around her place, which is packed from floor to ceiling with affordable, rare finds and new merchandise arriving daily. Start that old bottle collection you've always dreamed about, deck your abuela out in some funky vintage brooches, or turn your home into an antique furniture gallery. Heck, by the time you leave Nangle's emporium, you might be able to turn your living room into a museum and charge admission.

Before discounted goods became ironically fashionable, flea markets were places where you could grab everyday items on the cheap — if you were willing to dig through some junk. Though these flea markets still exist, their new cousins seem to have stolen the limelight — you know, those markets where everyone seems to think the clothes out of their closet are worth a 300 percent markup? If you're ready for the real thing, the Redland Market Village Flea Market is the epitome of the original flea market. The flea market, once known as Bargain Town, is a weekend affair attached to the weekday farmers' market, food court, and covered booths. Sprawling across the parking lot and beyond, tents displaying everything from tools and dish soaps to mattresses and orchids will tantalize your inner deal hunter. Venture to the periphery of the lot to snag some real savings, if only because the sellers there want to get out of the scorching sun. The tacos, pony rides, and fresh produce are the cherries atop this gem, as long as you don't require a millennial with a mustache telling you how he found this $250 vintage couch during his cross-country tour with his folk-punk band.

Buying a gun isn't like purchasing a washing machine or picking up the latest flat-screen TV. This is serious business, and you want to get your weapon from someone serious about their craft. That's Johnson Firearms in a nutshell. This family-owned-and-operated shop on the outskirts of Wynwood does it all right, whether you're interested in buying, selling, looking, or learning. There's a huge selection of new and used firearms and knives, and a good portion of the 4,000-square-foot space is dedicated to every accessory imaginable, from body armor and hydration packs to optics and ear protection. The standout, however, is the people. With more than 50 years of field experience in military, hunting, and law-enforcement firearms and training, everyone here, from the owner to the staff, is eager to help. You'll never feel stupid for asking the difference between a 9mm and .45-caliber or what type of accessories you should get for that new Glock 19. Every employee at Johnson Firearms has a specialty, from store manager Josh (nicknamed "Josh-opedia" for his infinite knowledge of all things handgun-related) to Manny (a firearms connoisseur). Looking to get your concealed-carry permit? They offer classes onsite to make it an easy and comfortable experience.

George Martinez

Is it a gas station? Is it a tapas restaurant? Is it a wine shop? Why do you have to shove everything into a stereotypical box, bro? It's all three. At El Carajo, you can top off your tank outside and then do the same thing for your stomach inside. Through the doors of this unassuming BP convenience store at the bitter end of I-95, you'll find yourself transported to an Old-World European wine cellar and restaurant. The unexpected transition is exhilarating. Do yourself a favor and linger. Wander into the far back, where a wood-and-brick-lined wine room holds a staggering selection of imported and European varieties. With more than 500 bottles to choose from, you can enjoy a rare Tempranillo and then gas up your ride. You'll also find a quaint eatery offering something rarely associated with gas-station convenience: seated table service featuring a selection of reasonably priced Spanish tapas. Order the house special, tabla de carne: a massive strip of ribs, churrasco, pork loin, and sausage. The traditional, 36-month-aged jamón bellota, ceviche, and paella are all good too. Thirsty for something other than vino or craving something less formal? El Carajo also has a sizable selection of imported and local craft beer by the bottle and can, as well as a take-away counter where you can find the usual Miami-style eats.

Best Of Miami®

Best Of Miami®