Shopping & Services

The trademark exterior style of Miami Beach homes is undoubtedly historic art deco, but on the inside the aesthetic is much more modern. Think bright colors, bold materials, and sleek but sensuous lines. Think serving mojitos at a sleek white Knoll dining table surrounded by Philippe Starck's famous transparent ghost chairs for Kartell, Russian models curling up on a bright-orange BluDot sofa, and hanging your bikini to dry on one of those brightly colored Eames coat racks. That's just South Beach style. Pretty much everyone in the neighborhood designs their condos like the interior of a boutique hotel lobby. But where to get furniture like that without having to go through the hassle of crossing a causeway? Well, at CA Modern Home, of course. Owned by Miami Beach native Jesse Brody (a furniture designer in his own right), the store is constantly stocked and expertly curated with some of the finest design objects from the past 60 years that will fit perfectly into almost any SoBe abode. Pieces can get pricey — a sleek Aron extendable dining table will set you back a cool $5,404, while an über-hip Alcove high-back two-seater runs $10,410. But the place also stocks all sorts of home accoutrements, from kitchenware to pillows, that are difficult to resist on any budget.

Do you need a T-shirt with an image of Tom Ford wearing Mickey Mouse ears? Probably not, but it's incredibly soft and a total conversation starter. At Expat, a small boutique tucked inside South Beach's recently revamped Nautilus Hotel in the heart of Collins Avenue's art deco district, that gloriously ridiculous top is available for $75 and is designed by Spanish-Italian fashion brand South Parade. The matching gray sweatshirt costs $140, in case you're really into Ford's Disney look. Spend a few more minutes poking around Expat and you'll stumble upon countless other absurd but delightful treasures in this pintsize shop, including $700 limited-edition titanium and acetate Dita sunglasses made in Japan; clothing and accessories for men, women, and kids; as well as candles, coffee table books, perfumes, and scores of other items you buy only when you're feeling extra-indulgent. But you're in South Beach, dammit. Pull on that Tom Ford shirt, fork over the 75 bucks, and enjoy the ride.

Miami is to high-end shopping what Punxsutawney is to groundhogs. Between Bal Harbour Shops and the Design District, the Magic City houses more luxury brands on display than the average Richard Branson TV appearance. So it's a real feat that En Avance stocks high-end clothing and accessories that are pretty much impossible to find anywhere else in Miami. The store concentrates on discovering up-and-coming talent like Ellery, Urban Zen, Paskal, Vilshenko, and Marques Almeida, along with more recognizable labels such as Tibi, Kiki de Montparnasse, Fornasetti, and MSGM. The least expensive item in the store is a pair of Hanky Panky underwear for a reasonable $20, but many of the dresses will hit your wallet in the $1,400 range. You can purchase a stylin' hat for $56 or a pair of Tkee flip-flops for $50, but it's probably best to check your credit card limit before wandering too far into En Avance. That doesn't mean everyone shouldn't check it out, though: Much of the clothing here resembles works of art, and there's no reason not to browse like you would a museum. This is fashion as art, and some clothes are meant to be viewed as much as worn.

Every day, Lincoln Road grows more and more like your average American mall, with international brands such as Zara, Forever 21, Lululemon, and H&M moving in to replace quirky longtime establishments. However, a local beacon of South Beach style remains amid this chain-driven commercialism. Since 1989, Base has been the go-to place for Miami men looking to stay fashion-forward. Founded by Steven Giles, the store isn't just a spot to buy clothing; it's a lifestyle emporium offering vinyl, magazines, and collectibles. But at the core is still threads that buck the yuppie trend permeating the rest of Lincoln Road. Base stocks up on brands such as Stampd, Knomadik, Nanamica, and Heathen — collections that add an avant-garde twist to street wear. No, they aren't cheap, but they aren't out of reach either. Average prices are $100 to $200, but the pieces make a statement, and a good wardrobe is an investment. (A fashionable man also knows how to mix and match expensive pieces with perhaps cheaper finds.) Base has consistently remained Miami's bellwether of men's fashion, and for good reason — it challenges men to look beyond clothing as a necessity and instead as a way of self-expression.

"I make just about everything I can think of," says Aja Butler-Burns, the mastermind behind ABA Jewels. It may sound like bragging, but she's just being honest. An Art Institute grad who found Miami's bauble selections dismal, Butler-Burns opened ABA Jewels to fill a need to create something for herself. Drawing on inspiration from every corner of the Earth and various iconic periods in history — from ancient Egypt to 1940s Americana to '90s S&M — ABA Jewels is a secret to most locals, but the fashion set has long coveted her minimalist, galactic designs. Selling mostly on Etsy and at pop-up shops around the Magic City, ABA Jewels frequently collaborates with Miami artists, such as when Butler-Burns designed bondage-style chokers and thigh jewelry for ALMA Dance Theater's production of Cask. And at ultra-affordable prices — like $32 for a racy '90s choker necklace in gold and $22 for a brass-and-amethyst bindi — ABA Jewels' designs are totally worth coveting.

You know how magazines are always telling you to make the most of your small apartment by maximizing the vertical space? That's sort of how Beatnix operates. Located inside a narrow storefront on the corner of Washington and 12th Street, this Miami Beach costume shop is packed floor-to-ceiling with a myriad of wacky accessories, from top hats to tutus. Most packaged costumes run $50 to $60, while smaller accessories are sold à la carte. Feel like letting it all hang out with some nipple tassels ($16) and gold booty shorts ($30)? Beatnix has 'em. Prefer to cover your face with a rubber gas mask? That's here too, for just 15 bucks. The staff is friendly without hovering, and Thursday through Sunday, the store is open until midnight, meaning you can grab something last-minute for that festival or costume party and still look like the baddest one there.

Karma Car Wash is probably one of the only places you can sit for Sunday brunch while your wheels get a thorough professional washing. This isn't your everyday, budget car wash — a basic scrub and vacuum starts at $20 at this scenic spot in the MiMo District. But consider it a treat-yourself opportunity before a big date or important meeting. While you wait, grab a Wynwood Brewing Company beer from the adjacent café, Organic Bites, and take a load off. At Karma Car Wash, you can hit that weekend sweet spot of productivity and laziness that feels pretty damn good.

You're moving so fast you didn't even notice it until that annoying warning began pinging and the tiny yellow light glowed from the dashboard: You're running on empty. Empty. As you contemplate the word amid the usual Doral traffic sludge, it seems to resonate — something else important, it suddenly seems to you, is also empty. But what? That's when you notice the growls, feral and angry, coming from the very pit of your stomach. Luckily, there on the corner, is an Exxon station. Sure, it's got the gas to keep your car running. But the real reason your day just got a lot better is what's inside: Pepito's Plaza. A smorgasbord of all things South American food, this Doralzuela hot spot has four restaurants where you'll find everything from pepitos (Venezuelan Philly cheesesteaks) overflowing with carne asada and papitas, arepas oozing with melted cheese and shredded chicken, Colombian hot dogs drenched in pink sauce, and even fresh ceviche. In fact, the best time to fill up your tank at this station is late into the night, conveniently enough around the same time those 2 a.m. munchies kick in. Sure, you'll have to wait in line with like-minded hungry drivers, but you'll leave full and satisfied. Just don't forget to fill up your car's tank.

Readers' choice: Europa Car Wash & Cafe

The wedding venue has been booked, your kid just asked his first girlfriend to the prom, or it's time for a madhouse celebration of your 30th birthday. The fact is this: You'll need a whip a little hotter than your '05 Corolla to get you to the party. Time to call Padrino Limousine, which since 1968 has been in the business of making getting where you're going as glammed-out — and worry-free — as possible. The fleet includes a ten-passenger stretch limo, a 20-passenger limo bus, and a 40-passenger luxury minicoach if you've got more friends than you can count on fingers and toes. If classic cars are more your style, Padrino can pick you up in a 1955 Bentley Silver Cloud or two Rolls-Royce Phantoms from 1956 or 1962. Prices are listed directly on the company's website (an hour in the ten-person limo will set you back $99, while the eight-person ride costs $86 per hour), and you can make reservations online. Even those hypersensitive and highly unstable creatures known as brides love Padrino Limo, and for good reason: The rides are clean, the company is bent on customer service, and drivers are somehow able to navigate Miami's notoriously bad traffic without breaking a sweat.

The Magic City Bicycle Collective aims to be less of a store and more of a friend, a pal who hands you a wrench and lets you do it yourself. Located in Miami's Park West district, across the street from the Corner, the MCBC's home base is humble. But the space has all the tools you'll need to get that bike in fighting shape. The spot is open Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m., and a $5 donation is all it takes to get an hour of repair time. If you already know how to fix the bike yourself but simply lack the very expensive tools, no problem. The MCBC will give you access to its stockpile of bike stands and gear and let you do your thing. But for those fresh off the training wheels, you too will be embraced by the MCBC. You'll find no bike snobbery here. A volunteer will happily work with you one-on-one to show you how to fix and maintain your bike, as well as answer any questions you might have about becoming a cyclist in Miami. The MCBC has a tent at every monthly Critical Mass, as well as at various festivals and concerts around town. Keep an eye out for them. It's never too late to be inducted into Miami's cycling family.

Readers' choice: Fritz's Skate, Bike & Surf

From extreme boot camps to boutique cycling and Pilates studios, Miami's sweat scene works overtime and always seems to have a new trend on the horizon. A little more than two years ago, North Miami's Fit Shop wanted in on the action. Instead of creating another high-priced luxury gym, though, owners Adriane Abraham and Kaisa Kerwin concentrated on one thing: girl power. The industrial-like warehouse space is filled with heavy weights and strong women, where bodies are transformed mentally, physically, and spiritually. Though about 70 percent of the shop's clientele are women, men get their fair share of butt-kicking too. The women-run gym offers four signature classes focusing on techniques such as high-intensity interval training, cardio conditioning, flexibility, balance, and resistance work, plus a kids' class. As you work out, expect to jam, because Kerwin, who spends her time as a DJ when she's not training, curates all workout playlists. Prices vary depending upon specials (Kerwin might still be able to get you in at the $199-per-month rate), but other packages are available too, with individual classes running $30 and ten-class packages costing $260.

Readers' choice: Equinox

The rest of America can never know our struggle. Oh, you have to get your beach body in order three whole months of the year? Poor dude! Living in South Florida means a bikini-ready physique is necessary 12 months of the year — and all while living in a culinary capital where croquetas always beckon. JetSet Pilates is here to help. Founded in Miami Beach's South of Fifth neighborhood in 2009 on the simple premise of getting South Beach utterly ripped through resistance-based conditioning classes, JetSet has been a hit. The unique approach fuses Pilates, weight training, and cardio, and the bulk of each 50-minute class is done on a machine that uses weighted springs to target all the muscles — even the little ones you never knew you had. Classes are pleasantly small, because there are only eight machines in the room, meaning plenty of personalized attention from an enviably toned trainer. A single class is $30 to $35 depending upon the location, and package deals are available. Because every exercise here targets the core muscles, you'll walk out with the best abs of your life — even if you sneak a croqueta here or there.

In a perfect world, it would be great if you could throw all of your dirty laundry in a bag, fall asleep, and magically awaken to the sight of your clothes freshly washed and perfectly folded. However, we don't live in a perfect world. Prince is dead, Trump is a presidential candidate, and the Dolphins are forever 8-8. But pay a visit to Spin Laundry Service off Bird Road, and the staff can make at least one of your dreams come true. With operating hours of 7 a.m. to midnight Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, it's easy to work a drop-off and pick-up around your schedule. There's also free pick-up and delivery. And the price of $19.50 for washing and folding 20 pounds of clothes (and $1 per pound afterward) is beyond reasonable for a service this valuable. Aside from washing your clothes, the joint also offers alterations and dry cleaning. Make adulting fun again and let someone else handle your dirty laundry.

Listen, we understand. Lots of people hear the term "adult superstore" and feel the creepy-crawlies, imagining weirdos in trench coats stroking their mustaches and lurking around dark corners. But you're about as likely to see that scene at Caliente Adult Superstore as you are to find a doctor prescribing leeches at Jackson Memorial Hospital. At this huge, sparkling-clean shop in Hialeah, the customers look like the folks you'd see walking around Dadeland Mall on a weekend afternoon. The store setup is simple and easy to navigate. You've got sexy undergarments to your left, some DVDs to your right, and all the toys you can dream up in the middle. The staff is friendly and willing to help answer even your silliest question without judgment. Plus, with its strategic location between some anonymous warehouses, Caliente is perfectly placed for a clandestine visit. There's no need for a billowing trench coat — unless, you know, you're into that kind of thing.

Razor's Edge is the definition of a Miami neighborhood barbershop. That means regulars, lots of bull sessions, and good people. Jose Burgos and Yami Aguila, two of the barbers, are Cuban, fun, and know how to make you comfortable. The new guy is Manny Verde, also Cuban and also talented. They are also very good at any kind of trim. The price for a regular haircut is $17. And if you want a pedicure or a manicure, you can get those too. OK, so the place is in a strip mall between a dollar store and a pool store. This is Miami, remember — everything is in a strip mall. Hell, that makes parking a breeze. And the neighbors will all get to check out your new do.

Readers' choice: Golden Touch Haircuts & Shaves

You need an extra spark in your step. Your options: a third cafecito of the morning, an excruciatingly cold shower, or — our personal favorite — getting your makeup professionally done. Not only will you emerge feeling like a million bucks (minus the Cuban-coffee jitters), but also the application lasts three times longer. If you have a special event coming up, it's even worthier of the splurge. At Elle Air — a stylish shop on Harding Avenue in Surfside — customers can choose between full-face makeup applications (for $50) or eye makeup only ($25) , a distinction that not every salon offers. It's also a one-stop shop: It also provides hairstyling services and treatments (from $28 to more than $275), including highlights, keratin treatments, and spotlights. Elle Air is intimate in the best way, staffed with courteous and accommodating experts working at a local business where the needs of the customer come first and last. Forget about that cold shower. Grab a seat in one of the plush white chairs at Elle Air, and let your stylist do the rest.

Living in Miami has so many benefits: the warm sun, the sandy beaches, the ocean waves, the pristine hotel pools. Of course, those are the very same things that also fry your hair into a massive, out-of-control frizzball. If you feel like a cross between Bozo the Clown's insane secret twin or suddenly wake up to find a family of squirrels nesting in your coif, don't panic. Just call Alexia. A vintage-loving, tattooed version of a Disney princess, this wonder woman will turn even the freakiest, most damaged hair into something runway-ready. If you want to go bold, she'll totally give your hair that purple ombre look you want, but if you simply don't want to be mistaken for a homeless poodle, she'll do that too. In fact, Alexia does it all — keratin, color, cuts — all while you sip Nespresso in a convivial salon that's sort of a hip, modern-day version of Dolly Parton's hair palace in Steel Magnolias.

Getting the hippest hairdo doesn't always mean straying into the hipster-approved shop in the trendiest part of town. In fact, going that route can often leave you saddled with a cooler-than-cool stylist who wants to dye your locks like a My Little Pony character or snip your strands into an angular Sprockets-worthy creation. Instead, head to the comfort and sleek classiness of Bellezza Spa in the South Miami burbs. This salon has been a staple for 27 years for good reason. Its experienced hairdressers can style your hair as fashionable or as simple as you want, with men's cuts starting at $35 and women's haircut and styling for $75. There's even a little clothing store in the salon stocked with designer duds to keep your look as fresh as a South Beach breeze. Bellezza's in-house spa — offering simple peel treatments for $50 and more cutting-edge procedures like an oxygenating facial for $165 — ensures your glowing skin and painted nails outshine Ocean Drive's neon lights.

Readers' choice: Avant-Garde Salon & Spa

The word "spa" conjures images of soft meditation sounds, whooshing waterfalls, and, oddly enough, that old Mattress Giant commercial ("If you're looking for that ooh-ahh feel!"). At the Standard Spa, you'll get all of that plus your ooh-ahh feels and so much more. When you walk into the classic Belle Isle hotel, an immense sense of serenity hits you. The tranquil views of Biscayne Bay are so calming that you might forget why you're there. Oh, the spa, that's right! The whole setup is like stepping into a time warp — vibrant colors, marble backdrops, and all sorts of strange, vintage-inspired lighting. Weekdays, $80 gets you into the spa, where a steam room, warming hamam, and dry sauna await to wring the stress from your body. (That price goes up to $160 Friday through Sunday.) The Standard also offers individual services, including massages (get a bone-melting Hurts So Good 60-minute one for $175), manis (go for the Worshiped Hands for $45), pedis (Worshiped Feet runs $75), and facials (choose from more than 20 options, starting at $165). Expect to leave revived and totally refreshed. Ooh-ahh.

Readers' choice: The Standard Spa Miami Beach

Miami in the '90s was a paradisiacal mélange of 19-year-old models dwarfed on a dirty Washington Avenue by six-foot-tall drag queens, all eclipsed by oddball megastars like Dennis Hopper and Madonna prancing around the scene. At the epicenter of that gritty glamour was the Delano Hotel. Twenty years later, the gorgeous white edifice with the Alice in Wonderland aesthetic remains a big box of beautiful secrets and fun just waiting to happen. Since all things '90s are back, head upstairs to Agua at the Delano for a pristine and memorable spa treatment that will leave you with the glow of a guy or gal ready to hit the SoBe clubs for the first time. This rooftop refuge is as white as the lobby and overlooks the soft waves of the Atlantic. If you're in from out of town, you'll appreciate the seaweed sunburn-relief facial, and for those who just can't say no, there's a red-wine facial to shed off those years. A basic facial for men starts at $165 for a 60-minute treatment, while a sea-calming treatment for women starts at $175 (with a recommended $40 booster to replenish the skin). At Agua, you can leave looking like you had work done without going under the knife and without saying goodbye to true minimalist luxury.

Kro Vargas, better known by her Instagram handle @Krocaine, is a nail artist in the truest sense of the word. Stick out your cuticles, fork over $70 to $180, and holler, "Kro, do whatever you want." She'll slather your fingertips in a psychedelic collage: a pixelated yin-yang, twinkling-heart pupil, and a fat blunt leading into pink smoke. And those are just a few of her freestyles on shorter nails. Kro, who was born and raised in Miami, began working at Vanity Projects in June 2015. Her love of nail art started young, when she was maybe 5 or 6 years old, while visiting her grandma in Queens and painted her nails for the first time. She tinted them a dark blue, which got her in trouble with her traditional grandma, and topped each one off with a white daisy. Nowadays, she has gone full Monet. On larger nail canvases or when she uses acrylics, nails become mosaics. She has reinterpreted Joan Miró's Women and Birds at Sunrise and paid tribute to Sailor Moon and her doting cat Artemis. Kro knows how to play with highs and lows surrounding nail culture, but no matter what, she always makes sure you're left slaying.

It's one of the great ironies of life in Miami: In one of the sunniest cities in America, flanked by the sexiest beaches on Earth, many locals either have no time to soak up rays or are concerned enough about skin cancer to slather on the SPF 70 whenever they hit South Beach. "But wait!" you say. "Everyone I see here has perfectly bronzed tans!" Touché, dear reader. That's where an advanced technique known to modern scientists as a "spray tan" comes into play. It's not a procedure without risks: Go to the wrong place, and you'll wind up Trump-colored. Sad! Fortunately, the trained spray-tan artists at Sobe Tan by Fabiola ensure you always walk out the exact shade you requested. Want just a hint of color? That's precisely what you'll get. Hoping to walk out a vibrant mahogany? All good! After all, Fabiola has misted the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian. Prices range from $30 to $70, and the friendly and professional staff will tell you how to make your tan last as long as possible. Appointments can be booked online and are quick and painless. Miamians may be living a great lie that we spend our days tanning to a perfect shade, but Fabiola's services are the truth.

Readers' choice: Boca Tanning Club

In a few short years, the beard has gone from lumbersexual fad to completely acceptable for professional settings and even a sure-fire way to impress the fairer sex. However, for most men, it's beyond just a trend. Those hirsute cheeks are an easy way to forgo the constant need to shave every day and suffer the dreaded razor burn. Still, growing a beard comes with its own hygienic requirements, lest you end up with a wiry mess of facial hair and flaky skin that's neither sexy nor fashionable. That's where Gentlemanly Inc. comes in. This Wynwood grooming-products startup has been pushing its $20 beard oil around the neighborhood at places such as the monthly Miami Flea. Gentlemanly's oil comes in four varieties: the Houndstooth, the Pinstripe, the Paisley, and the Plaid. The Plaid, made with spearmint, lemongrass, and eucalyptus, leaves an invigorating scent first thing in the morning and can easily replace the use of any overwhelming cologne that will have you smelling more papi chulo than fine young gentleman. The oils help moisturize both the hair and the skin underneath, and a quick comb through will ensure the oil is evenly distributed. The price is also a bargain, considering most beard oils go for $50 to $75 online and are often hard to find in local stores. In addition to being sold at the Miami Flea, Gentlemanly Inc. pops up at Wood Tavern's Sunday Backyard Boogie and the nearby Nurbana 305 boutique.

When it comes to obtaining the perfect breasts, who wouldn't feel comfortable under the care of Dr. Leonard Roudner. Under the excellent moniker "Dr. Boobner" has been enhancing Miami's tatas with great results for 27 years. And after 18,000 procedures and countless success stories, it's fair to conclude he possesses "the gift." Originally from Australia, Dr. Lenny is a University of Melbourne Medical School grad who completed residencies at Miami Beach's Mount Sinai Medical Center and Loyola & Affiliate Hospitals in Chicago. In 1989, he established the Aesthetic Surgery Center in Coral Gables, where he has been practicing since. His aesthetic eye and skilled hands — along with a slick office, friendly staff, and the latest techniques — attract customers from around the world. For the paparazzi-plagued crowd, he even offers patients a private postsurgery exit from his clinic. Dr. Lenny's patients have been featured on the covers of Sports Illustrated, Playboy, Penthouse, and all of the major fashion mags, including Vogue and Allure. Consultations are free, but prices for procedures vary depending upon what you're in the market for. Check out Dr. Lenny's website, where he maintains an archive of before and after patient photos, showcasing some truly beautiful busts.

Don't be surprised when mid-tattoo session at Ocho Placas, a neighbor drops by to hand out Cuban coffee for everyone in the room; that's just the type of vibe that emanates from this neighborhood shop in Little Havana. Fifteen years in and plenty of celebrity clients later (including Lil Wayne and Birdman), Ocho Placas is still affordable and faithful to its relaxed, artistic beginnings. Vibrantly crafted pieces line the walls as artists and customers bounce friendly banter back and forth — a nice distraction from the pain throbbing from the piercing tat gun. Though the shop is best known for its classic American work, thanks to an expansion — including a new second floor — in 2013, the eight resident artists and renowned out-of-town guests ink their indelible marks in all forms and styles. Owners John Vale and Javier Betancourt, who carry the torch from late founder Jose Carreras, are true artists. (Vale sings in local punk band Furious Dudes, while Betancourt recently launched the multimedia project This Is Meant to Hurt You, to "re-imagine subjects that have been traditionally maligned by polite society," such as tattoos and fetishism.) As one customer summed it up: Ocho Placas is "a quality tattoo place that puts the bullshit aside and outputs some great shit."

Readers' choice: Ocho Placas

With its picaresque, sailboat-dotted harbor and well-heeled residents, Coconut Grove is one of the last places in Dade you'd expect to find someone dangling from the ceiling by the metal hooks embedded in his flesh. Unless, of course, you walked into New Age Body Piercing. Established way back in 1998, the shop quickly became known as the best place to get pierced not only in the Grove but also in the whole city of Miami. Yes, they do your basic earrings, but creativity is encouraged at New Age, which has hosted suspension demonstrations where skilled participants hang from the ceiling by only hooks in their skin. But even if you're not that extreme, New Age will welcome you with open arms. The shop doesn't list prices (and in fact won't discuss them over the phone), but they're competitive. Safety and hygiene come first. Fun and hospitality are a close second.

Leather handbags, elegant jumpsuits, handmade jewelry, affordable prices. No, these aren't the building blocks of a fashionista's fever dream. They're the core business of Earthy Chic Boutique. This Design District clothing and jewelry shop officially opened its doors in October 2015, but the boutique — the vision of two Miami gals, Eileen Perez-Carrion and Priscilla Reyes — has been in the making for more than five years. Perez-Carrion and Reyes got their start selling handmade jewelry at local events and markets, including Wynwood Art Walk and the Sunday Market at Mary Brickell Village, as well as on their online store. During that time, they also caught the attention of People StyleWatch, E! Online, and Life & Style magazine, among other fashion, entertainment, and lifestyle tastemakers. But their goal, as Perez-Carrion told New Times, "was always to have our own brick-and-mortar store, as well as online," a dream that finally came true less than a year ago. Aside from selling their own line of Earthy Chic jewelry (whose pieces are crafted in sterling silver and other materials), the ladies also sell items from local brands, including swimsuits by Palm d'Or Swimwear and pants, dresses, and other pieces by Australian designers Stylestalker and Quay Australia. And with tops around $50 and maxidresses from less than $100 to select tassel necklaces starting at $36, being fashionable doesn't have to come with a heavy price tag.

Readers' choice: Emporium

Browsing for wedding wear is to normal shopping what a John Woo shootout is to a stoic documentary about a gunfight. If there were an army of cameras to follow you in super-slow-motion with a swelling dramatic orchestra punctuating every encounter with an inattentive salesperson and hideous dress, that wouldn't be so far from how the experience feels. The climax of your personal gown-shopping action blockbuster, though, comes as you walk through the glass doors into Chernaya Bridal House, a swank shop in the fashionable heart of the Design District. Chernaya is located just across the street from the Institute of Contemporary Art, and the location doesn't feel like an accident. Immaculately designed dresses from international names like Marchesa, Elie Saab, and Alon Livne hang under spotlights along the wall like priceless sculptures in a modernist museum. Shoes are framed in glass cases like Picassos in a stark gallery. Chernaya holds regular trunk shows that are the matrimonial wear equivalent of big-name art debuts. Yes, you'll pay a premium for these luxury brands, but again — this is your wedding we're talking about. Kick those slow-mo cameras into gear and get dramatic. You've earned it.

Like every business in Wynwood, Sprout isn't simply a floral shop. It's an art gallery for Mother Nature's finest work. It's also a gathering space for the city's intelligentsia. And it's even a small coffee shop for those looking to linger. Owned by longtime local scenester Bianca Ruggeri and her mother Angelica, Sprout is more welcoming than most shops, with blooming flowers, greenery, and planters neatly arranged to make on-the-fly arrangements easy. Ruggeri or one of her assistants will help put together the perfect bouquet, whether it's for a love interest, a friend, or your mom. Begin by picking whatever flower catches your eye, and they'll select the ideal foliage to complement the blooms. The shop also has a solid selection of succulents if you're looking for something that will last longer but doesn't require an extraordinary ability to make plants grow well. But if you want to become a green thumb, Sprout also hosts workshops, such as learning to make your own terrarium or macramé designs. Or just relax with a $2.50 espresso and $4 vegan chocolate chip cookie while surrounded by a fresh-smelling scene of beautiful flowers.

A "shanty" by definition is a crudely built shack, but Shanty Shoes, though small, is far from shabby. Located in the heart of the Airport Convention Center, Shanty Shoes offers a range of affordable and fashionable shoes perfect for summertime — all priced to move a hell of a lot faster than the TSA lines just down the road. The styles here range from patent platform sandals to knee-high-wrapped stilettos; there are even orthopedic flats for abuelita. And the footwear will set you back only $20 to $25 depending upon the models. Shanty Shoes just opened in April and runs kiosks all over South Florida malls, including Westland Mall and International Mall, in case a trip to the airport isn't in your near future.

Like priceless historic artifacts or mint-condition baseball cards, many of the rainbow array of sneakers lining the walls inside Sneak Attack are carefully protected from the elements with shrink-wrapped plastic. That's just how the customers at this stylish shop like it. "If I sell one on display, I'll be like, 'Yo, you want me to unwrap this?' and a lot of times they're like, "No, I'm not ever going to wear it,' " says store manager Al Elkerson. Sneak Attack is the brainchild of Miami native Nick Cortes, a sneakerhead collector himself who opened his shop just in time for Art Basel last year. His shop caters to aficionados who view kicks the way Basel patrons view Warhol prints. Sneak Attack concentrates on limited runs and collector editions and can special-order sizes in hard-to-get custom shoes. The shop is like a museum for serious footwear collectors, with everything from a sneaker that Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden signed for Jay Z to the one-off, gold-cleated shoes Derek Jeter was supposed to wear during his last game as a Yankee. (Jeter later chose to wear his regular cleats instead, but this special pair will still set you back $10,000 if you want it.) "Our customers are true collectors," Elkerson says.

Readers' choice: Sneak Attack

What do you look for in a getaway? Chances are, you'll seek out a lovely hotel complete with spacious accommodations, cozy bedding, a convivial lounge area where you can meet new friends and relax, and — vitally — plenty of good food. How about a spa with a masseuse and a gym? A salon for a little mani-pedi action? Some outdoor green space is always good for a stroll or just to relax in the sun. Guess what? Your dog just called and said, "Screw you. I don't want to sit in a cage at the vet's office. I want the same things you want. I need a break too." Before you check into that all-inclusive resort in Jamaica, book Fido at Pet Lounge Resort & Spa. Located in the hip MiMo District, Pet Lounge has all the things you want in a vacation — just doggie-style. A central lounge features several flat-screen TVs playing your pup's favorite shows (apparently dogs love SpongeBob). There are plenty of cozy beds and sofas for plopping down and napping in front of the telly. Your pup can hang there or in a private VIP suite, complete with beds and framed pictures of Paris and other world attractions. Don't forget to book your dog a pedicure or a massage (yes, on a real massage table). To burn off excess calories, there's an outdoor play area and even a canine treadmill. With rates starting at $25 per night, your pooch will have all the amenities of a five-star resort. Heck, a quick visit and you might want to cancel your cruise plans and join Fluffy for the week.

Binky is more than a dog. He's your adopted four-legged son. He's smart, he's funny, he's a great companion for walks or grabbing a beer. The only problem is that Binky smells really bad. Let's face it — dogs get dirty. Even the ones dressed in Chanel outfits still prefer to roll atop a dead squirrel or a steaming pile of crap. Plus they lick their butts. If your human friends did this, you would not allow them to share your bed. But Binky is so cute — and the bed is so large. What's a canine parent to do? The solution is a trip to Dogtown. This friendly Coconut Grove shop can tame even the scruffiest beast using organic shampoos and all-natural, chemical-free flea treatments. Dogtown also offers sedative-free teeth cleaning, so your pooch will remain smoochable — even after that lizard-eating incident. Grooming sessions start at $35 (and go up depending upon the size and breed) and include a cut, a bath, ear cleaning, nail clipping, and, yes, even an anal gland expression (does your salon do that for you?). After getting fresh, Binky can relax in a nice dog bed or roam cage-free while waiting for you. As you move in for the doggie hug, take a whiff of that minty breath and sweet-smelling fur. Your baby is bedtime snuggle-ready once again.

Remember how much better you felt when you kicked your greasy-fast-food habit to the curb? Well, now you can help your dog look, feel, and smell brand-new too. Most of the market for dog food uses ingredients rejected for human consumption (think hot-dog paste and then think even worse meat than that). Enter Farm Fresh Pet Food. Five years ago, a local couple started the company after getting their hands on some European dog food and realizing it was made from the real stuff — like actual meat and vegetables — instead of dehydrated mystery-meat paste. Their dogs noticed the difference, so they started selling the European stuff at farmers' markets while they learned how it was made. Then they began making their own products, always with a minimum 80 percent Grade A meat, mixed with veggies sourced from local farms when available. What you won't find in Farm Fresh's formula: preservatives, salt, fillers, corn, wheat, or soy. Recipes like chicken and rice, Duck 'n Spuds, and Liver Lover range from $4.50 to $7.50. You can find Farm Fresh for sale at area farmers' markets from North Miami to Homestead and direct from their website. The only risk of switching your dog to such fresh food: You may want to eat it too.

Ted Sanchez is not a people person — he's an animal person. In 1996, he founded Silver Bluff Animal Clinic, a humane and home-like environment for pets that he relates to an equine stable. Located on bustling SW 27th Avenue between Coral Way and U.S. 1, it has a tranquil back-door entrance surrounded by lush fauna that leads into a natural oasis. Everything about the space's design is intentionally suited to an animal's comfort. Canines will appreciate the wood floors under their paws instead of uninviting cold tiles. And Dr. Sanchez's affinity for animals is equally in sync. These are not just pets for him — they are living beings, deserving of the same respect and love we have for our human counterparts. Though this place isn't cheap — $60 for an initial exam and about $400 to spay a small dog — it's worth every penny.

Stroll into Libreri Mapou in the heart of Little Haiti on a Saturday night, and you'll hear the sounds of Port-au-Prince. It's Zetwal Kreyòl, a folkloric Haitian band led by Pierre Antoine Jules, rehearsing, with Jules strumming an acoustic guitar along with Willer Fils-Aimé (baritone), Alex Toussaint (bass/baritone), and Reimsky Toussaint (tenor). That's exactly what this iconic bookstore brings to Little Haiti — a vital link to the vibrant island whose cultural home in Miami is under ever-greater threat of gentrification. The beating heart of the bookstore is its founder, Jan Mapou, a Miami icon in his own right. Mapou came here after spending time in jail in the late '60s for defying Papa Doc Duvalier's orders against speaking Kreyol on the airwaves. As befits a man willing to do hard time to fight for his culture, Mapou has spent more than four decades in Miami celebrating Haitian culture by writing plays and poetry and running the art group Sosyete Koukouy. His Little Haiti bookstore remains one of the Magic City's most authentic bastions of literary freedom. In the front room, the shelves are always stocked with Kreyol- and English-language works related to Haitian culture and literature. Miami's own Edwidge Danticat's portfolio is available here. In an ever-changing Miami, Libreri Mapou keeps Haitian culture alive through stories rooted in unity and love.

Readers' choice: Books & Books

It's an odd thing to say in a sprawling metropolis of 2.5 million people, but it's all too easy to be alone in Miami-Dade County. Most of us spend our days shuttling from air-conditioned cubicle to hermetically sealed home via cars with windows rolled up, blocking out our fellow citizens. That's not the case on the Metromover. On the free rail loop around downtown, the magic of public transit happens — Miamian brushes shoulders with Miamian, sometimes even exchanging meaningful words and conversation. That kind of connection inspires another — a social media link to everyone else in the same city you suddenly remember you share. Just look at the number of Instagrams and Snapchats broadcast from the moving cars rolling tranquilly across downtown — all thanks to rapid-fire free Wi-Fi on the cars. Hop onboard, exchange smiles with an actual human being in your city, and share the link to the global network spreading the love. It's a beautiful link.

A major dilemma: Your hot, single co-worker never seems to notice you no matter how many times you bring by a cup of coffee or "accidentally" drop a stack of papers nearby. Sure, you could just directly ask for a date. But why not sweeten your chances first with a love potion from your local botanica? Flossie's has you covered. Here, you'll find a trove of spiritual oils, perfumes, crystals, books, candles, and incense. Since 1976, the store's namesake has been helping South Floridians find the solution to their problems and perhaps a bit of luck. Looking to dive into Afro-Caribbean spiritualism? Flossie's carries books about Shango, Oshun, Oya, and other topics. Need essential oils to awaken the senses? Flossie's will help you create the perfect mix for your needs. Whether you take it seriously by practicing Yoruba, Vodou, or Wicca to quickly free yourself from el mal de ojo or are just looking for a fun way to pass the time or an interesting keepsake, it's worth spending a few minutes with Flossie. Just remember — you still have to work up the courage to ask for that first date, even after your co-worker chugs that love potion.

Fifty years ago, the United States was in the middle of the Vietnam War; Bob Dylan released Blonde on Blonde; Star Trek aired its first episode, "The Man Trap"; and the Bal Harbour Shops celebrated its first anniversary. A lot has changed since the 450,000-square-foot mall — which was built on the site of a demolished World War II barracks — first opened its doors in 1965, including the construction of a second level of stores inside the white-painted open-air center. But the shopping mecca has maintained its rep as the Magic City's go-to destination for all things designer and luxury. Whether you're looking to pamper yourself with a Michael Kors handbag or some Tory Burch flats, Bal Harbour still stocks more high-end fashion than anyone else in town to make you feel and look like a million bucks. But that doesn't mean your net worth has to be in the seven-figure range to enjoy a trip here. There's a comfortable outpost of Books & Books with thousands of titles to peruse and fresh Italian fare on the menu at Carpaccio. And there's no law against spending an hour or two window shopping at Chanel, Tiffany & Co., or the dozens of other Milan-approved boutiques that are well out of most Miamians' price range.

Readers' choice: Aventura Mall

The colors are the most alluring part of any flea market. Vibrant, flashy hues in every direction attract the eye and leave patrons squinting into jam-packed booths. Are those vintage unicycles for sale? Hand-painted surfboards? Knit pants for Chihuahuas? At the Arts & Entertainment District's monthly Miami Flea event, vendors and guests form the perfect combination of a visual spectacle. From the items on the tables to the natural backdrop to the attendees themselves, it's a combination of people-watching at its finest and a great hunting ground for unique finds. Organized by the A&E District, the Miami Flea takes place once a month, either the third or fourth Sunday. The market brings together dozens of vendors selling vintage and handmade items, as well as locally crafted food and drinks. Plus, there are workshops and live music. Earlier this year, one vendor displayed a table full of multicolored fluorescent burlap booties next to local frozen-treat shop Lulu's Ice Cream, which had a red-and-white-checkered cloth draped over its table with matching large red KitchenAid mixers. Add in the leafy-green tree cover, the azure sky, and the usual patchwork of Miami characters, and it's visual heaven.

A hipster tsunami of gentrification — huge waves of artisan coffee and cleverly branded organic cotton T-shirts — is threatening to engulf Little Haiti. But you can do your part to keep Little Haiti legit by avoiding whatever new overpriced consignment shop opens on NE Second Avenue and instead truly devoting yourself to shopping local. The Little Haiti Thrift Shop is packed to the brim with great finds, from designer clothes to fascinating no-name labels. Owner Schiller Sanon-Jules has amassed a collection that speaks both to Miami's quirky fashion tastes and Haiti's loud and colorful aesthetic. From purses to shoes, clothing, and furniture, the store packs a lot into a little space. The shop is also a community space that connects the area to Miami at large by inviting everyone to participate in events and gatherings. It even houses a juice bar, JuiceVine Café, which, unlike other juicers in town, won't charge you your entire clothing allowance for a freshly squeezed beverage.

Readers' choice: Lotus House Thrift Chic Boutique

Unless you're a Russian oligarch parachuting into South Florida for a real-estate purchase, when you step inside Gary Rubinstein Antiques, a three-showroom store that occupies an entire block of North Miami's antique district, you might sense the wares are out of your price range. Asked about the cost of a gorgeous midcentury lacquered desk, the store manager announces "$22,000" and fills in the desk's history: Sourced in Italy and then totally refinished, the piece once belonged to the distant cousin of a Tuscan movie star. A lovely turquoise vase nearby goes for $5,800, though it's barely large enough to hold a bouquet of flowers. But Rubinstein recovered that artifact from a Swedish princess whose family had owned the porcelain urn for centuries. It's easy to see why interior designers on the hunt for something unique frequent this store. For design lovers of all stripes — and bank account sizes — it's a worthy museum where the owners don't mind educating browsers on their hundreds of stunning goods. So forget about that nagging feeling that you won't be able to afford anything here. If you're an antiques freak looking to admire some of Miami's most stunning artifacts, stop into Gary's and learn a thing or two.

Sometimes you don't know you need an antique pink piano until you find one (or, if you're inclined to believe in fate, until it finds you). At this shop in a coral-trimmed house in the Bird Road Arts District, each room is filled with a surprising amount of home decor and furnishings, everything from a chic wicker love seat for $550 to a brightly colored yellow campaign chest priced at $155. Casa Twice is an offshoot of married couple Gilberto Reyes and Carmen Franchi de Alfaro's first vintage shop, Twice, on South Red Road. The home-goods store is open daily except Monday and has a half-dozen parking spots out front so you don't have far to carry whatever goodies you take home. Don't forget to check out the patio out back for even more furniture and accoutrements — you never know which one will speak to you.

Straight talk: Shopping for your baby isn't like any other trip to the store. You might breeze through IKEA for living room furniture and slide through Publix for groceries, but this is your child we're talking about. That's why Give Wink in North Miami Beach takes children's shopping to the next level, including free nursery room consultations with members of the knowledgeable team. Founded by Colombia-born Francine Delarosa — who has dubbed herself "Miami's hippest mompreneur" — Give Wink has everything, whether you're looking for a sleek and modern crib like the Eicho model by Spot on Square ($690) or a baroque-inspired table lamp ($299) for your child's room. If more affordable gifts are more your MO, there are walls of books, toys, and bedding starting at $6.99. Give Wink specializes in more interesting and fashion-forward items than you'll find in a big-box store or national chain. Plus, Delarosa started a charity that provides an eye exam and pair of glasses to a child in Barranquilla for every $100 sale at the shop.

Antonio Del Moral, artist and owner of Galeria Adelmo, feels a strong connection with Changó, the Yoruban orisha who represents a passionate warrior spirit. It is no coincidence then that Santa Barbara, the saint syncretized with Changó, is also the name of the church that stands across the street from his Little Havana gallery. It's protected, he insists. But nearly every Saturday, Antonio opens this sacred space to students eager to learn his ways and to translate his spiritual energy to paint. Classes last five weeks and concentrate on acrylic painting. Antonio's own portfolio of vibrant work, with abstract and floral pieces, hangs along the intimate space's walls as he guides his students in acrylic and water-based painting. His own biography mirrors the fascinating works he paints: Born in Havana before the revolution, he moved to Miami at 20 years old. He spent years working as an interior designer at a Marriott in Washington, D.C., before returning to Miami in 2010. Del Moral, who never stopped painting during his corporate days in D.C., is not interested in teaching established artists. He wants to give opportunities to new artists from the community. Experience is not required — just passion. Classes cost $130 for five sessions and last three hours each.

Our sense of smell is a transformative power. One whiff of an old, familiar scent can whisk us away to a different time and place. For many Cuban-Americans, a hint of Carolina Herrera 212 perfume with its bittersweet and spicy aroma reminds them of the abuelas who wore it every day. For others, it's the rich cloud of cigar smoke that immediately brings back their grandfathers' smiling faces. At the Cigar Cellar in Coral Gables, a walk through the door into that robust redolence of dry brown leaves will churn your subconscious into a fury. Boxes upon boxes line the walls, and matching brown leather couches are scattered about, inviting relaxation. You can buy a box of 20 cigars starting around $160 or your choice from individually wrapped ones at an average of $7 each. You can pick any cigar off the wall, grab a domino table, and light up. You can even create some new memories with your grandparents by bringing them along for a puff of hand-rolled tobacco and a game.

Readers' choice: Little Havana Cigar Factory

From the outside, the Puerto Rican liquor store on NW Second Avenue is unassuming. A small sign reads "Ring the Bell" in red above a yellow stucco-and-stone exterior. Inside, the walls are wood-paneled. It's just a small rectangle of a space; a bullet-proof window separates customers from the wide array of bottles and backwoods rolling papers. But the truth is, this store has been a neighborhood staple for more than 20 years, selling affordable spirits of all kinds as Wynwood has transformed into a hipster paradise and a luxury mall has bloomed just a few blocks west in the Design District. A bottle of aguardiente still sells for the low price of $11.99, fueling neighborhood Colombian fiestas all night long. Ring the Bell has everything you need for a casual night out. And if you're staying in the neighborhood, you're in luck. You can grab that well-priced bottle of aguardiente and head right next door to eat homemade arroz con gandules at the similarly named restaurant owned by the same couple.

Readers' choice: Total Wine & More

You want two things from a pawnshop: honesty and expertise. You'll get both at Don Cash Inc. , located just north of the Wynwood strip on NW Second Avenue. Elie R. Bunassar, a very cool, 61-year-old Lebanese-born jeweler has owned the store the past four years. Bunassar, though, has been in the jewelry business for 31 years and formerly worked at Mayors and Zales. The store doesn't have bikes, guitars, and all of the crap that fills up too many pawnshops. There's just jewelry here — high-class stuff. Prices go from $50 to $7,500. Watch broken? Bunassar will fix that too.

You're sick of working at home because the dog keeps pestering you to play or the hammering sounds of construction at the luxury high-rise going up next door are working your last nerve or, well, you keep walking back into your bedroom for what you promise is just a five-minute nap. The coffee shop is no good either. It's awkward, and who wants to have their work time punctuated with tourists yelling at baristas for not making their frappes correctly? But you can't go into the office because you're an ambitious, self-starting entrepreneur who doesn't actually have an office. What to do? Well, in the past few years, an explosion of co-working spots have popped up all over Miami. Büro is Miami-based and has four locations, in midtown, South Beach, the MiMo District, and Coconut Grove. Members get their own space in a clean, contemporary office starting at $249 a month. It has all the amenities of a modern office, and break rooms and social spaces give you a chance to network with other young self-starters. Larger spaces are also available for small teams. Oh, and there's artisanal coffee too, so you'll never have to set foot in a coffee shop or need a midday nap again.