Shopping & Services

When looking for a car, everyone wants to be treated like Dwayne Johnson, but not everyone can afford his rides in HBO's Ballers. Luckily, an auto dealership in the Gables makes both of those things feel possible. If you're at all versed in luxury wheels, the showroom at the Collection of Coral Gables will slap you in the face with sparkling Ferraris and Aston Martins. But what sets the Collection apart is the substance of its selection, aimed more at the average joe than the movie star. Whether you're looking for a new or used car, the Collection has a little something for everyone: Audis, Jaguars, Porsches, and many other luxury car brands, some available for those well under baller status if you don't mind a few miles on the odometer. Valet service and comfortable areas in the showroom make for an easy shopping experience. And once you've chosen a car, the salesmen aren't pushy. Tally it all up and it's clear: The Collection is fit for your needs, as well as the Rock's. What more could you ask for in an auto dealership?

Readers' choice: The Collection

Orlie Jedwab hadn't planned to join the family business when she graduated from the University of Miami with a nursing degree in 1995. In fact, she spent the next two years working in the intensive care unit of Baptist Hospital. But then her mother fell ill and her father needed someone he could trust to help run his company, Flamingo Taxi. What began as a part-time gig a couple of days a week soon morphed into a full-time career comanaging Flamingo with her dad. By 2001 Jedwab was ready to venture out on her own. She launched Key Transportation Service with two sedans, a van, and a bus. Nearly two decades later, Jedwab heads the largest female-owned limo company in South Florida, with a fleet of 47 mostly hybrid vehicles that include luxury Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans, Cadillac Escalade SUVs, and Lincoln MKT stretch limos that can transport guests to any event, from bachelor parties hitting the South Beach nightclub circuit to gallerists in town for Art Basel. For groups of 15 or more people, the company also offers Sprinter vans, minibuses, and motor coaches. Key Transportation's attention to the smallest details, from GPS monitoring to luxury amenities, has made it the limo service of choice for the Biscayne Bay Marriott, Hello Florida, and Univision, among many other corporate clients. So what's Jedwab's secret? Personalized service in the digital age, she says. "From the time you pick up the call to the time you drop off the client, you have to follow through with excellence," she explains. "We offer boutique services. No one is ever put on hold. We keep growing because we offer that personal touch."

Unless you're a Car Talk-level expert, heading to a mechanic feels like strolling wallet-first into a dark alley while you scream, "Dear thieves! I am here! Take my money!" Unless you're referred to one by your father or a knowledgeable friend, it's difficult to find a mechanic you can trust. Consider this your dad-approved recommendation: The second you walk into Plaza Tire & Auto, Sherri, the warm-faced, throaty woman who runs the front desk, will charm you with her no-nonsense air. She handles all the greasy dudes in the back (who are quite nice if you actually talk to them) and makes sure everything is explained in full detail to you, the afraid, helpless layman. Plaza's legendary patriarch, Gabe Cortez, sadly passed away in 2014 after 35 years running the shop, but his spirit of good humor and rip-off-free car work lives on. The prices are always fair (a synthetic oil change runs about $60 depending upon the vehicle), and if you think they're not, the shop is willing to talk. The mechanics here do great work, but it's the friendly atmosphere, quick work, peace of mind, and, of course, Sherri, that will keep you coming back every time your jalopy breaks down.

Whether you spend your days kicking up mud and dust in the Everglades or smashing love bugs on I-95, the result is the same: Your car is dirtier than a Bob Saget standup special. Get thee to El Car Wash, where the only thing better than its $5 basic wash is its discounted $3 basic wash, offered weekdays from 8 to 9 a.m. and again from 6 to 8:30 p.m. With four locations in Miami and four more on the way, El Car Wash offers free vacuums, unlimited wash plans, and bulk promotions for Uber and Lyft drivers starting at just $25 a month. With prices like that, you can get a wash anytime you need, ya filthy animal.

Your brakes are squeaking? Chain is a mess? Maybe there are cobwebs growing all over your bike because you haven't bothered to ride for a while. Take it to Miami Bike Shop, an intimate spot that has served the Omni area for 11 years with reasonable prices, skilled mechanics, and a solid selection. Owner Darren Venditti opened the shop in 2006, when the neighborhood was just a bunch of vacant lots. Road construction nearly killed the place a few years later, but then the condos filled up, Publix opened, and the organized chaos of this delightful, independent store continued. Today they sell high-end stuff, from Niner mountain bikes for about $8,000 to Bianchi road bikes for around $4,400. There are also fixies — hipster-approved fixed-gear bicycles — for the far more reasonable $325. It costs just $35 for a basic tuneup and $60 for a more sophisticated one. You can even rent a beach cruiser for $25 per day. And have some fun: They stay open late after Critical Mass rides.

Readers' choice: Mack Cycle & Fitnes

Vaping gets a bad rap, mostly thanks to stodgy old-timers who hate anything popular with millennials. Damn those kids with their Facespaces and vapor machines! But those gripes are already looking about as dated as complaints that smartphones are just a fad or that Facebook will soon fade into memory. In fact, vaping has spread so quickly through South Florida that it's as easy to find a decent vape store as it is to track down a good cafecito. But finding a great vape shop is another story. South Vape Vapor, a small boutique located inside South Beach's venerable Cybr-Caffe on Washington Avenue, rises above the competition thanks to a knowledgeable staff selling the best products and liquids a vape-head could ever want. The employees can plop down hundreds of bottles of liquids on the counter to pinpoint your extra flavor profile. The shop carries 50 e-liquid brands in 150 flavors, top-shelf mods, and starter kits for the newbie vaper. This isn't rocket science: In 2017, people want to transition to a healthier lifestyle, one that doesn't include cigarettes or cigars. Vaping is the future of smoking, and South Vape Vapor is where the future already resides.

Some cigar smokers want to feel indulgent and important when they light up, with the stick a signifier of treat-yo'self luxury. Some aficionados are more interested in an authentic experience, with the cigar connecting them to a culture. Some smokers want to collect all the best stuff. Havana Humidor caters to them all. Tucked into an unassuming strip mall near Tropical Park, this isn't just a cigar store, though it does carry a selection of rare, limited edition, and other hard-to-find sticks. It's also a gathering place for cigar bros, with a lounge that's filled with comfy chairs and stays open until 2 a.m., so you can light up as late as you want. And they keep the party going with events hosted by popular brands such as Drew Estates and Camacho. If you want to beef up the stash in your humidor, hang out with like-minded smokers, and feel like a boss while you do it, this is your place.

Readers' choice: Casa de Montecristo by Prime Cigar & Whiskey Bar

Buying alcohol is both exciting and tedious. On one hand, you're stoked to pick out your next buzz, but at the same time, the process of roaming aisle after aisle in search of that perfect scratch for your thirsty itch can be tiresome. Chain liquor stores send out used-car-salesmen-like employees who constantly demand to know whether you're "doing OK" or if they "can help you find anything." Yeah, you can help me find my favorite beer at half the price! That's why it's worth the drive to Sunset Corners Wine & Liquors, a locally owned shop with friendly employees and a family atmosphere to go with a staggering selection. Shop more than once and they'll remember your name, ask you how you're doing, and then offer you some cheese, sausage, and a glass of wine. In fact, Sunset Corners has a full cheese and deli section stocked with everything from Italian prosciutto to Spanish jamón to Bucheron goat cheese straight from France. When you can tear into some fresh burrata while shopping for bourbon, it's not such a chore to shop for alcohol.

Readers' choice: Total Wine & More

There are shops you visit to grab a quick bottle for the beach or a dinner party, and there's no shame in that! But if you're a true connoisseur, there are also places where you'll want hours to browse the vino from all over the world. Portofino Wine Bank in South Beach and Brickell Wine Bank in Brickell are definitely the latter kind of store. The Wine Bank carries more than a thousand varieties from across the globe, from Australian coastal Pinot Grigio to Chilean Cabs to vintage French Bordeaux. When you're looking for a great wine, you don't need an airplane hangar packed with millions of bottles — just a carefully curated, diverse selection of the finest on the market. Even better, you don't have to have a degree in enology to enjoy your visit: The owners and staff greet you at the door, ask what you're into, and help steer you in the right direction, all without making you feel like a rube if you can't tell a Merlot from a Muscadine.

A good hairdresser is like a good lover. Both should have your best interests in mind, and both should go to great lengths to help you feel like your best self. You'll have to use Tinder and other methods to find a significant other who meets those qualifications, but for your hair, check out Safar Miami in South Beach. The hairstylists there take the time to get to know clients before helping them decide on the right cut and color. Don't want their opinion? No problem. This isn't your mom's beauty parlor, where the hairdresser alone knows best and turns your long hair into a bob even though you requested only a trim. Owner Gaston Safar opened his first salon in Boston more than 40 years ago and expanded to the tony South of Fifth area eight years ago. His talented daughter Allison runs the salon and cuts the locks of A-list celebrities and high-school students alike with the same level of friendliness and attention to detail. A men's cut ranges from $50 to $65, and a women's cut and blow-dry runs $75 to $95. Color services cost $85 and up. Safar also offers nail and waxing services ($15 and up), in addition to makeup application ($60-plus) and a full list of bridal beauty services ($70 and up). Once a month, Safar even hosts free events such as themed parties, trunk shows, and rooftop yoga sessions for its clients. And did we mention they make a mean cappuccino and always have the best snacks?

Readers' choice: Atma Beauty

A young man strides into Blendz Barbershop with a purpose, scans the room, and then finds his target: the shop's most requested barber, Christopher "Criztofferson" Betancourt. The new customer, a Florida International University student, echoes a story Betancourt hears all week: He's one of the nearly 60,000 fans following the buzzcut artist on Instagram (@criztofferson) and he's dying for one of his signature "freshies." Who can blame the kid? There's no time for trial-and-error while on the hunt for a dope cut in Miami. If you're looking for a spot guaranteed to transform the uneven mop on your head into a crisp, clean hairstyle, end your search at this shop in West Miller Square, where owner Lester Gonzalez and his team have spent the past three years making their name. Barbers like Jorge Perez and Jose Ibarra are well-versed in intricate artistic designs, and all of them excel at precise tapers, remarkably balanced fades, and other GQ-approved styles. Criztofferson has become famous on Miami's college campuses thanks to his knack for speedy "freshies" and because after his day shift at the shop, he takes his services on the road to trim stars such as the Miami Heat's Hassan Whiteside, rappers the Game and O.T. Genasis, producer Rvssian, and internet sensation LeJuan James. Prices vary by barber, but customers can expect to spend $8 to $15 for a shapeup, $18 to $30 for a basic haircut, and $40 including beards. There's a busy rush of clients toward the end of the week, but you usually won't wait too long, especially if you call ahead for an appointment with one of the shop's 12 skilled barbers.

Readers' choice: Tru Cutz

Cara Delevingne is to eyebrows what Terry Crews is to pecs. The model-turned-actress has 40 million Instagram followers in large part because of those ludicrously perfect arcs above her eyes. But before you grab your tweezers and begin plucking away in despair, know this: Even Delevingne uses a stylist to get those tiny hairs just right. And thanks to Beauty Wellness by Arlette, Miami's reigning queen of eyebrows, you might just start amassing your own Instagram brow army. Shop owner Arlette has more than 16 years of experience working with eyebrows and is a true master of her craft. There is no eyebrow massacre she can't mend with her skillful threading, which runs $25. The eyebrow connoisseur takes her time with every customer and is extremely detail-oriented. And her talents go far beyond eyebrows. Her shop also offers lash lifts/perms ($85), makeup application ($85), airbrush makeup ($100), makeup classes ($85 to $100), eyebrow waxing ($20), upper-lip waxing ($10), and upper-lip threading ($15). Just remember to 'gram those results.

In Miami, neon means paradise. And after one step inside this futuristic, eye-popping temple to tanning, you'll know you're on a rocket to somewhere sexy. The front desk is framed in purple lights. Once you're past that, with a bottle of body grease in hand of course, it's on to the important decisions: Spray or light? For the former, the salon has more luxurious-sounding options than a Maserati dealer. How about the Norvell Auto-Revolution ($18.88)? Just remember to keep your fingers and toes spread; you don't want any weird zebra lines. For a lamp tan, Electric Sun offers almost a dozen options across its three locations. A pair of iDome ($18.88) stand-up tanning rigs offers 37 lamps, music, air-conditioning, a mister, and aromatherapy. All this thing needs is wheels to drop you off on South Beach.

Readers' choice: Boca Tanning Club

Living in Miami isn't always great for the nerves. When you aren't staring at "cones of concern" and listening to meteorologists warning of impending death by hurricane, you're probably risking life and limb on I-95. Sure, you've learned to Zen out amid the 305's particular flavor of tropical chaos, but sometimes you need something extra. That's where the Mandarin Oriental comes in. Think of this spa as the nuclear option for your stress levels. Tucked away in Brickell Key, this luxurious, five-star relaxation haven allows guests to take a break from reality with an array of treatments, ranging from Thai massages ($295) to illuminating oxygen facials ($250) to ocean and earth body wraps ($195). Yes, the prices fall decidedly into "emergency option only" for most Miamians, but you aren't paying for any ordinary spa visit. At the Mandarin Oriental, the staff is incredibly meticulous about its standards. The highly trained therapists are some of the best in South Florida. Service is topnotch. Arrive early and spend some time in the luxe sauna and steam rooms before your treatment, such as the 50-minute customized essential facial ($160). You've survived another day in Miami — you've earned this.

Readers' choice: The Standard Spa, Miami Beach

The perpetual humidity-drenched summers in Florida might theoretically keep your skin looking younger than that of your pals, who weather the full four seasons, but by August, Dade dwellers are forever asking themselves: "Do I look dewy or greasy?" Let's be honest: You probably look greasy. That's what makes facials such an essential luxury. Skincare by Pevonia, located in a converted house near South Miami, has been caring for Floridian skin for three decades. After 30 years and nothing but rave reviews, this small, locally owned spa is the perfect place to pamper your largest organ. You can flush the hurricane-season funk out of your face with a deep pore cleansing for $80, a high-tech microdermabrasion for $100, or a luxurious apple facial peel containing wine and flower acids for $145. Face up to the fact that your face could use some TLC.

There's a fairly limited set of circumstances when a manicure or pedicure would require an alibi. Perhaps you've launched an international hacking attack while getting your toenails buffed, or you've committed high treason by leaking state secrets to a rogue agent sitting in the next chair while you each get your pinkies filed away. Or, if you're in Miami, you might simply need Alibi because you desire some topnotch service and a little pampering — Alibi Nail + Beauty Bar, that is. You don't need any excuse to feel good at this Alibi, thanks to the complimentary mimosas and champagne for you to sip while technicians soak, shape, scrub, massage, and polish — using only natural, chemical-free products. Alibi is well known for its nail art, and its specialists can turn your fingernails into tiny works of art. Manis start at $25 and nail art at $6 per nail. And, boys, before you start feeling left out: Alibi has a pampering treatment just for you, complete with a manly, musk-scented scrub that really puts the "man" in "manicure."

Unless you're the type who wears a lot of silk bathrobes and spends hours lounging on velvet bedspreads — and more power to you if you are — you're probably picky about whom you pay to rub your glutes. So why spend big bucks for another cattle-call-style massage place in a big South Beach hotel when you can get a personalized and therapeutic experience at Dania Beach's Awesome Aura Massage. This isn't a massage palace with 50-foot waterfalls and hundreds of employees; it's a small space that isn't easy to find from the street. But once you enter the Buddha-happy, peaceful atmosphere, expect to be treated right by the highly trained staff ready to perform a range of therapeutic massages, from Swedish to deep-tissue to Hawaiian lomi lomi. A one-hour session costs $70, and a discounted package of five hourlong massages runs $300. Ask for Holly for a full body-and-mind experience, and you'll be content you chose Awesome Aura.

Sometimes it's fun to bathe with a friend. Shower With Us is an organic soap company with dozens of scent options to liven up your next bath time, whether you choose to spend it alone or with someone special. Some soaps, such as the activated charcoal with tea tree oil, are ideal for battling acne or oily skin on the face or the entire body. Shower With Us also offers unconventional scent options that can be customized or rotated in the home according to season. Orange hibiscus is the perfect summer scent after a brutally hot day in Miami, while apples and cinnamon can bring some winter feels to the home, even when it's 75 degrees outside in December. One bar blends skin-soothing goat milk and honey, along with oatmeal oats as an exfoliant. The company has been selling soaps in Miami for only a year and doesn't have a storefront yet, but you can regularly find its booths at farmers' markets in Kendall Village, the Shops at Sunset Place, Country Walk, Coconut Grove, the Shops at Merrick Park, and even Islamorada. The company also offers custom gift baskets for special occasions such as holidays, birthdays, and weddings. Shower time!

After two decades of internet-induced chaos, the music industry is still defying all predictability. Illegal streaming turned record labels on their heads before they eventually embraced Spotify and Apple Music. Then, just when it seemed digital music had won, vinyl underwent a miraculous resurrection. Even cassettes have made a comeback in some bastions of hipsterdom. But what of the lowly CD? For the connoisseur who wants the warmth of vinyl but also enjoys the clean sound of a CD without the compression of an MP3 or phone speaker, there's still a shop looking out for you. Radio-Active Records offers aisle after aisle of vinyl records, but tucked in the corner beside the entrance are a few racks stacked with shelves of CDs in a wide range of genres. Below the racks are dozens of crates stuffed with CDs that don't quite fit on the shelves. Most albums, even rare imports, tend to stay in the $1-to-$8 range, and the store can also order albums for pickup upon request. Radio-Active has been wise to keep its CD stock full, because at the rate music fans change their minds, hipsters will rediscover the humble disc any day now.

If you live in South Florida and you know how to read, Books & Books hardly needs an introduction. Mitchell Kaplan started his venerable temple of the turned page in 1982 and — amid national cries about the death of the printed word and the rise of Amazon — has grown it into one of America's premier local bookstores, all while expanding to Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, downtown Miami, and even Grand Cayman. Kaplan found time to cofound the Miami Book Fair while he was at it, and his flagship Books & Books in the Gables echoes that commitment to connecting authors with readers thanks to its nearly nightly readings and book signings. All of Kaplan's locations remain impressively stocked and curated, and with cafés and full bars in the Gables and South Beach, his shops are the perfect place for bibliophiles to happily wile away a Saturday. ¡Viva los libros!

Readers' choice: Books & Books

Maybe you've heard this one: Donald Trump doesn't believe in exercise. He honestly thinks that his body has only a "finite amount of energy" and that moving his flabby ass will deplete his internal battery. As with all other things in life, you shouldn't listen to him. Next time you're ready to recharge your engine, skip the same old treadmill or sticky road run and head to Body & Soul, where there's enough variety to keep your workout from ever being boring again. Want to spin your way into shape? Duck into one of Maria Sentmanat's fast-paced M*ergy classes. More of a CrossFit fiend? Body & Soul has you covered on that too. The gym also offers yoga, barre, Pilates, and dance classes, including the popular, high-energy Videosync series, taught by Jay Marcos. If classes aren't your thing, you can train on your own using the 10,000-square-foot facility's state-of-the-art equipment. Prices vary: Membership costs $85 for the gym only or $185 for full access, including classes and CrossFit. That's a hell of a lot cheaper than a Mar-a-Lago membership.

Readers' choice: Anatomy at 1220

The Groupon specials might lure you in the doors of Reforming Pilates, but the topnotch instructors, like Nellie Triana and Estefania Garcia, will keep you coming back. They're all legit masters of Pilates, the muscle-toning, posture-improving, flexibility-boosting workout regimen. Walk up the stairs to the building's laid-back second-floor studio for a challenging one-hour class ($30 drop-in) that will have you exercising muscles you never knew existed. Classes at this cozy studio are conducted on reformer machines, which help Pilates practitioners of all levels stay in proper alignment and form as they work out. With small classes, the passionate instructors are always intently watching, making sure students are performing the exercises correctly — which means you'll get a tight bod in a safe environment. If you can't blast through a class without the right tunes, don't worry: You can always count on Justin, the studio owner, to come prepared with excellent music selections. The studio also offers unlimited monthly classes ($175), a monthly pass for up to 12 classes ($200), and private sessions. Even though this studio is located in Miami Beach, parking is usually easy to come by at the metered lot across the street. Get ready to shake like a leaf.

It can be daunting mustering up the nerve to try a new workout in Miami. Much like your bougie friends who clean before the housekeeper comes to avoid feeling guilty, you sometimes feel like you have to be in top shape prior to joining a studio or gym. That's what makes RedBike so refreshing. With locations in Brickell and Aventura, this newcomer is the rare spin studio where you're not forced to size yourself up against everyone else on a scoreboard at the front. Easy enough for beginners to follow along but challenging enough for more seasoned riders, RedBike offers a mix of regular and themed classes (think old-school hip-hop or Beyoncé vs. Jay Z) taught by upbeat, friendly instructors who aren't there to maniacally punish you. Catch your first class for free and then pay $24 a pop, but make sure to sign up for the newsletter for promotional deals and dates of free community rides.

Clueless about baby-led weaning? Can't tell a doula from a doormat? The Gathering Place is a one-stop shop for parents-to-be. The North Miami Beach storefront has a complete lineup of classes to support and educate, providing all that is necessary (besides sleep) for the challenging new job of caring for a tiny human. Inside the intimate space, pending and new parents can interview and secure some of the city's most sought-after doulas, learn CPR, join a postpartum depression support group, get dad in the mood to parent, and do some downward dog at eight months preggers, all in one spot. There are classes from the most basic — how to keep your diet healthy while eating for two and constantly craving ice cream and peanut butter — to the more esoteric, like Infant Massage 101. This is how good parenting communities are built. And once you have a little one, you'll know why it takes a village.

Thanks to rampant internet overuse, "self-care" has devolved into one of those annoyingly meaningless clichés, right up there with "changing the paradigm." But you should actually shift your paradigm on self-care, because it's hella important to look out for your body and mind — especially when you're a mother or father with a young kid. Sometimes as you struggle to make sure the little one is regularly fed, rested, and bathed, it feels like no one bothered to think about how to take care of the parental half of the equation. Luckily, Pod 22 got the mom-and-dad memo. This self-billed "urban break room" has created the perfect self- and kid-care spot, all wrapped up inside a gonzo combination of nail salon and indoor playground. Pod 22 promises a "recess from stress" via Wi-Fi, healthy munchies, and — yes! — supervision for your tots. If there were an emoji for "thank the gods," it should be inserted here. Membership costs a onetime registration fee of $150 per family, plus $40 monthly for the first child and $30 extra per sibling. Pod 22's innovative solution for your parenting Catch-22 is worth every penny.

How many parents would let their kids eat fast food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? So why are we OK with pet owners doing the same thing? Most mass-produced cat and dog food is demonstrably unhealthy junk, but then again, finding the good stuff for your fur babies isn't always easy. Enter Your Pet's Best, an off-the-beaten-path pet food and supply store in Pinecrest that specializes in organic and holistic food made in the United States and Canada. The store boasts a wide variety of high-end, healthful food choices, treats, toys, accessories, supplies, supplements, and so much more. This is pet paradise. The employees are all bona fide animal whisperers who are exceptionally knowledgeable about the products. Asked on a recent visit for a dog treat that's also great for dental care, a staff member didn't hesitate to point to Bone-A-Mints ($8.99), an all-natural, breath-freshening, mini-size treat. Your pets have had enough of the animal equivalent of Taco Bell — it's time for an upgrade.

Lots of kennels will give your dog a good bath. Many of them will trim your pup's nails without sending him into a nervous fit. Plenty will comfortably house your pet while you go on vacation and keep her entertained during doggy day care while you're at work. But does your kennel do all of this while providing Instagram-ready snaps of your pooch living her DJ Khaled dreams? Not unless you're sending Fido to Barkhaus. The business operates out of a renovated 1939 Little River home, complete with a private outdoor dog park and Barkhaus Beach — a swimming pool for your best friend and his bros. Daycare costs $30 per day, and boarding runs between $35 and $65 a night depending upon the size of your dog. While you're at your cousin's wedding, your pooch can wander Miami's most scenic spots (while safely leashed, of course) and pose for photos in front of Wynwood murals and in the back of the owners' vintage hatchback, achieving more #squadgoals in one day than you can hope to attain in your lifetime. And the evidence is all right there on the 'gram, letting owners know their babies are safe, happy, and hipster AF.

Dear Foodie: Last weekend, you forked over the equivalent of a car payment for an oyster tower at brunch and then maxed-out your credit card when the latest master of foraged molecular gastronomy popped up in town. And yet, though you'd never dream of opening a can of Spam for dinner (unless it was in an ironic, Anthony Bourdain kind of way), you still feed your dog any crap that's on sale with a canine on the can. Stop that right now and head to Dishes for Dogs. This on-trend Wynwood place cooks handcrafted and nutritious meals for your pooch. Owner Michael O'Rourke started off by cooking for his Pomeranian, Ripley, who had severe food allergies. Soon family and friends were asking for the dishes for their pets, and then he was selling out at local farmers' markets. He uses only human-grade ingredients such as fresh chicken, apples, and carrots. To ensure all meals are nutritionally sound, he consults with a faculty member at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Prices range according to size and kind of protein, but a five-pound chicken dinner costs $26.75. The look of gratitude Rover gives you after wolfing down a bowl of this slice of doggie heaven: priceless.

It's no real mystery why Miamians obsess over treating our pets so well. After all, our city is threatening to be swallowed by the sea like a strip-club-studded Atlantis — no wonder we need the stability that only coming home to a furry friend can offer. So when Fluffy gets into that two-day-old chicken burrito you forgot was on the coffee table, you better believe you'll be dragging him to the best vet you can find: Dr. John Yao. He is personable and caring, and gives your baby the kind of attention you wish you could get at an urgent-care center. In fact, the entire staff — from the receptionists to Jack, the canine nurse-in-residence — will make you and your pet feel pampered and at home. Whether you're visiting Yao for an annual checkup, a teeth cleaning, or a rancid-burrito-related emergency, rest assured his office will make you and your yappy one feel better.

The first locally transmitted cases of the Zika virus confirmed in Miami-Dade County last summer sparked a worldwide frenzy. Miamians who were pregnant or hoping to get knocked up were especially spooked. Reliable information was scarce, and panic was a real possibility. Luckily, Miami had Dr. Christine Curry ready to help. Curry, who teaches and practices obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Miami Hospital and Jackson Memorial Hospital, was thrust into the media spotlight because of her experience in treating pregnant women with Zika, which can cause severe birth defects. She was fighting in the front trenches of a scary new outbreak, but her calm, collected, and professional demeanor on local and national news became the voice of reason for many viewers during this frightening time. Curry even penned a widely read in-depth essay for Time detailing her experience as an ob-gyn treating Zika-infected patients. She is just as calm and professional in person as she appears on camera, and she puts her patients at ease so they feel comfortable asking tough questions. Whether you're a patient or just a resident hoping for reasoned, nonhyperbolic news about Zika, Curry is the doctor you want at the examination table.

Nobody likes going to the dentist, and anyone who says they do is either lying or a masochist. But it's a necessary evil if you want to avoid starring in your own Fixodent commercial later in life. To counterbalance the discomfort that comes from drilling and scraping, you want a dentist who is charismatic and congenial in addition to being highly knowledgeable about why your flossing habits suck. Dr. Tatiana Suarez at the Center for Excellence in Dentistry possesses all of those qualities, making her a godsend. Hailing from Brazil, she's incredibly warm, putting her patients so at ease that she's halfway done removing plaque before they even realize what's happening inside their mouths. If that isn't enough, her office is decked out in the latest dentistry technology, including chairs that massage you while she's deep-cleaning and flat-screen TVs if you require the extra distraction. And if your teeth aren't the only part of your body in need of maintenance, Dr. Suarez also does Botox and Juvéderm — but your dental insurance probably won't cover those.

On Miami's male-dominated plastic surgery scene, Dr. Jackie Yee brings a welcome woman's touch to the profession. For more than a decade, the California native has run a low-key practice with her husband, fellow plastic surgeon Tracy Baker, in Dadeland, where the couple has built one of the area's most successful cosmetic surgery centers through word of mouth. She's been dubbed both "the Botox Queen" and "the Mommy Makeover Queen" for her skills with injectable fillers, body contouring and sculpting, and facial rejuvenation. Yee's methodology is slow and easy so that clients leave with a natural look, as if no Botox were injected into their faces at all. Her peers have recognized her as an innovator, placing her on two steering committees of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The association has also invited her numerous times to lead training seminars on the latest facial rejuvenation techniques. But Yee makes it clear that patient satisfaction is always her top priority. "If you are going to start with injectables, start slow, make subtle changes," she told the Plastic Surgery Channel a couple of years ago. "As time goes on, it will look like the best possible version of yourself."

In barely a decade, the half-mile pedestrian mall that runs through the heart of South Beach has transformed from a collection of bohemian shops, gay-friendly establishments, and tchotchke-filled retailers into an open-air orgy of international brands and restaurants. Whether the scruffy Lincoln Road of yesteryear is better than the gleaming version of today is up for debate, but this fact is indisputable: The blocks of shopping and dining from Washington Avenue to Alton Road have never been more popular. Zara, H&M, Gap, Lululemon, Apple, Nike, Victoria's Secret, Scotch & Soda, Urban Outfitters, Meat Market, Shake Shack, Starbucks, and many others can be found here, making a drive to suburban areas like Aventura and Kendall unnecessary for urbanites. The Morris Lapidus-designed promenade still holds onto its old-school charm thanks to street performers working for tips and shirtless rollerbladers zipping up and down the strip. Plus, the people-watching is still free, and there's still no Orange Julius in sight. Sure, you won't be able to escape the heat like at a traditional indoor mall, but you can cool down with a scoop of ice cream at the Frieze or a cocktail at Segafredo.

Readers' choice: Aventura Mall

In hindsight, it's easy to say Wynwood's transformation from scruffy warehouse district to international hipster haven was inevitable. But in 2013, it took serious foresight to land a prime location in the world's new selfie capital. That's exactly what MVM did four years ago thanks to owner Melissa Mosheim's eye for knowing a good thing when she sees it. Mosheim is also a noted prophet of what women want in clothing and accessories. Her fashion boutique is a cool-girl's paradise and carries a covetable mix of established brands such as Citizens of Humanity and Mother Denim, alongside emerging labels such as Flynn Skye, Acrobat, and Grace Willow. Prices range from $55 for a printed T-shirt to $500 for an evening gown. Naturally, the folks working at MVM know a thing or two about styling an outfit and are eager to help customers choose the right ensemble for a pool party, wedding, or night on the town. The store stocks tops, bottoms, dresses, swimwear, accessories, and shoes that are hard to come by at other Miami clothing stores. Wynwood has changed a lot since 2013, but for now it's still a neighborhood that knows how to express individuality — just like its pioneering fashion shop.

Readers' choice: Emporium

You could drive to your local mall, rummage through the clearance rack in the small section dedicated to men's clothing at whatever fast-fashion store you happen to stumble upon, and just be done with your latest mission to update your threads. Or you could support a local independent store that understands that men need to feel relaxed in order to get in the shopping mood. Brothers & Brawlers, the flagship by local eyewear brand DiRocco, opened in late 2016 to offer Miami men an oasis that is part shared workspace and coffee shop and part clothing and accessories store. In this 7,000-square-foot man cave, you'll find one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, Seaweed & Gravel motorcycles, and bespoke threads — all of it for sale. You'll find T-shirts emblazoned with the Brothers & Brawlers name and brands such as Ace Marks, Wynwood Watch Co., Manready Mercantile, PF Flyers, the Brooklyn Circus, Knickerbocker Mfg. Co., Hue, and Slightly Sinister. But the real gems are the tailored suits custom-made in New York. Of course, looking stylish will cost you more than that $10 shirt you picked up at Forever 21. Store prices range from $20 to $2,000, but looking like a well-put-together man is a worthwhile investment.

Jack and the Beanstalk is not a story about a growing plant. No, this classic fable actually refer to the way kids start out oh so tiny and, with only a splash of breast milk or formula, become giant crawling creatures in the blink of an eye. The moral of the story is that your kids will grow out of their clothing very quickly and that you should be prepared. And because babies need literally everything done for them (mooches!), buying gently used, and thus cheaper, clothing is the way to go. For more than 35 years, the Children's Exchange in South Miami has been selling affordable and adorable baby and kids' clothing and gear, as well as Toke Shoes for tots' feet. So whether you forgot to put that Polo onesie on before the kid gained five pounds or she pooped through the perfect dress before the family photo, you'll feel the sting on your wallet a lot less if you get a replacement at this trusted store.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

The smell of buttery crepes and grilled meats greets your nose as the colorful chalkboard menus and local art on the walls instantly spark that warm, cozy feeling that the Danes call "hygge." If you're looking for a place that offers free Wi-Fi so you can pop open your laptop and get good work done or you simply want a spot to take a break after a Shops at Midtown spree, Angelina's Coffee & Juice is the hookup. Chow down on a wide array of breakfast options, sweet or savory crepes, sandwiches, and soups. Go light with a smoothie or fresh-pressed juice, or hit it hard with an espresso or delicious cold-brew. The employees don't mind if you camp out, and the windows are large and full of sunshine to keep you smiling and motivated. The connection is always strong, with download speeds of at least 9 Mbps. The only catch is you have to arrive early: Angelina's adorable café opens at 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. on weekends, but it closes at 4 p.m. daily. That just means you'll have more time to carry those good vibes into your evening.

Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

Flowers should be affordable,

This much is true.

The sad reality, though, is that ordering a floral arrangement often costs more than $100. Who has time to go to a florist these days? But online flower purveyors often offer cheesy options and overcharge for their better arrangements. Enter Dolce Flor, an online floral delivery service catering exclusively to the Miami area. Former New Yorker Rachel Pellman started the business so locals could easily order chic, Instagram-worthy flowers without having to make it rain serious cash. Dolce Flor's modern arrangements, starting at $49, are handcrafted using only the freshest blooms. Looking for the perfect gift? A month of weekly flower deliveries costs only $140. Dolce Flor's creations are made to last a solid week, and the company creates new compositions regularly. Fresh flowers are good for the soul, but stylish flowers are even better — especially when you can afford them.

Readers' choice: Lottus Floral Design

If years of binge-watching Say Yes to the Dress has given you unrealistic expectations about the cost of a white gown, it's time to snap out of it. Run by best friends Viviana Planas and Jenise Castro, La Vie en Blanc opened in 2012 to give uncompromising brides the dresses of their dreams at a slightly more reachable price. Hundreds of preworn, last-season, and designer sample gowns line the walls of this lovely, welcoming space in an otherwise unremarkable industrial park. Dresses run 25 to 75 percent off retail and are helpfully organized by price. Perfect for procrastinators or those otherwise on a time crunch, dresses can even be brought home the day of purchase. And for the truly budget-conscious, consider this: After the wedding is done and the honeymoon is over, you can sell the dress right back to the shop to recoup some of the expense.

Unless you're a blinged-out professional rapper, chances are you don't spend a ton of time playing the market for jewelry. So when you need some serious ice, how do you pick the best store? You could choose the one with the catchiest radio jingle or settle for a chain store at the mall, but if you're looking for solid customer service and fair pricing, you want a family-owned shop like Brickell Jewelers. Longtime diamond dealer Sam Nissim opened the business in 2008 and has since been joined by his two sons, Mike and Danny. Whether you're looking for a stainless-steel Rolex, a pair of sapphire-encrusted earrings, or a simple gold wedding band, there's something sparkly in most price ranges. Diamond engagement rings start around $300 and top out at $50,000. Repairs are moderately priced, with battery replacement running $20 and ring resizing ranging from $20 to $150. Whether you have a video shoot with Drake lined up or you plan to pop the question, the Nissims will take good care of you.

Jeff "the Dude" Lebowski had it right: Sometimes a rug really does tie a whole room together. Not to fear: Whether your crib is missing that all-important floor covering stolen by nihilists or simply needs a touch of style via that unique piece of '60s lighting or that angular '70s couch, Stripe Vintage Modern is ready to help. Owners Eric Cody and Arel Ramos are well known for their interior design projects and their curated collection of midcentury-modern furniture, lighting, and accessories. Everything you see in the shop is vintage, and nearly all of the merchandise has been restored so it looks even better than new. Be warned: This level of chic doesn't usually come cheap, especially because most pieces here bear the names of famous midcentury designers like Gio Ponti and Paul Frankl. A Karl Springer mirror in embossed crocodile leather can set you back $3,000, while an Italian brass and rattan bar cart costs $2,850. If you've got the cash, you might just pick up a new family heirloom, but even if you can't afford those premium prices, it's worth wandering Stripe just for design inspiration. When the store opened in 2005, it was one of the first to set up on a block now known as Miami's "20th Century Row," just across the street from the Museum of Contemporary Art. Now it's a mainstay for anyone looking for a little Mad Men, or perhaps just some Big Lebowski, flair for their home.

Congratulations on your big move! You chose a realtor, shopped around, increased the mental monthly maximum you were willing to pay, and settled into a nice little money pit of your very own. And because this is Miami, chances are you won't have a lot of extra cash to blow on new furniture. OK, actually you're dead broke. If your wallet is depleted but your tastes are discerning, there's still an option that fits the bill: Habitat for Humanity's 12,000-square-foot warehouse of discount housewares: ReStore. With donations of new and used furniture and appliances coming in every day, the store frequently posts recent arrivals on its Facebook page so you can scope out the selection before making the trip to Cutler Bay. The prices aren't dirt-cheap, but they're always a relative bargain: Think $700 leather sectionals and $150 antique wooden dressers. Plus, you can feel good knowing your dollars go to an organization striving to get working-class Miamians into affordable homes of their own.

The clothes turn. Fifteen minutes pass. They're still tumbling around. The air is hot, and the cloying smell of laundry fresheners is almost enough to choke you. All the magazines date from the Carter era. The damn clothes are still spinning. The worst part of not having your own washing machine and dryer is, by far, the time-suck of having to monitor your clothes in a nondescript laundromat with no escape in sight. So you might as well pass the time somewhere that makes you happy. In business since 1982, Mary's Café has cracked the Miami code to joyfully wasting a few hours: This place serves truly delicious café con leche ($1.25) and pan con bistec ($5.50) while you wait for the spin cycle to wrap up. Plus, it's open 24/7, so you can come and go on whatever weird Miami time you operate on.

Have you ever driven around with a bag of dry-clean-only items in your trunk for six weeks, telling yourself every day you'll eventually drop it off? Quit messing around and just head to Kim's Valet Cleaners, where you'll find free parking and friendly service from its personable owner, Kim Coe, who opened the business way back in 1975. At her location on Biscayne Boulevard at NE 51st Street, Coe has an uncanny knack for learning the names of her newcomers in just a few visits. Whether you're dropping off a dress shirt ($4.15), a pair of pants ($7.25), or a dress ($15), Kim's Valet Cleaners has a sterling reputation for quality care. Coe can't cure procrastination — she's not a superhero, dammit — but with customer service like this, it won't take you so long to make the trip next time.

Since the dawn of man, people have modified their bodies as a way to mark their identity for the world to see. Inserting a large animal bone through a septum or puncturing ear lobes with rows of precious gemstones helps people tell their story on their terms. At Miami Tattoo Co. in the heart of South Beach, body piercing is a true art form practiced by two leading ladies in the game. Jane-Marie Ravelo, a raven-haired piercer with a radiant grin and funky eyeglasses, fell in love with body modification when she was 13. She spent the next seven years honing her skills, including a yearlong apprenticeship with renowned Miami tattooist and body piercer Maytee Bringas. Her passion for piercing took her to Las Vegas in 2011 for the Association of Professional Piercers Conference, where she met and learned from the top body modification artists in America. And even though she became a registered nurse in 2015, Ravelo continues to oversee Miami Tattoo Co.'s body piercing department while grooming the shop's other piercer, Bridgett Dearing, a rising star in her own right. Both women are the only certified members of the Association of Professional Piercers based in Miami. In addition, Miami Tattoo Co. offers top-of-the-line jewelry made from implant-grade titanium, niobium, and gold. The shop also takes custom orders, including requests for Swarovski crystals. Ravelo and Dearing don't play around when it comes to providing clients with a sterile environment. The piercers use a steam sterilization machine called the Statim G4 2000 to sanitize their tools and jewelry on the spot.

Sorry to break it to all the leather-wearin' rebels out there, but tattoos are so mainstream at this point that if you go to your average PTA meeting, almost everyone in the room has at least a little ink. But tats are still more-or-less forever — you want to put some serious thought into what you're stenciling permanently onto your flesh and who's doing it. Enter Briga at Grove Ink. The rainbow-haired artist with a tarantula inked on her throat and a secret love of Abba is a master of both the needle and the pencil. So before you ever hear the first buzz of the tattoo artist's tools, Briga will sketch out a bespoke and personal design based on your precise wants. She'll also take the time to modify it until it's perfect. From creating an elaborate architectural piece of baroque artwork to inking a simple bumblebee, Briga makes sure you're happy with your long-lasting piece of body art. Her prices vary by size and design, but a smallish tattoo runs around $150.

Readers' choice: Tattoo & Co. Wynwood

Tokyo Valentino might well have the largest collection of adult videos in South Florida. And unlike your friend who never quite got over her prudish Catholic school education, this Upper Eastside shop doesn't stash its X-rated films under the bed. Tokyo Valentino's immense selection is proudly displayed alongside all the lube, adult toys, and naughty-nurse costumes a person could ever need. Don't worry: The high-school nuns can't get you anymore, so there's no need to be embarrassed here, especially when the staff is friendly and can answer all the questions you were too afraid would show up in your Google search history. They welcome patrons to take advantage of their "Videoplexxx," offering private booths and bedrooms that stream adult films from the store or even ones you provide. Yes, the doors lock. And the parking is discreet.

Along Calle Ocho's tourist trail, shops lure folks inside with wafts of cigar tobacco and the enticing beat of the rumba, but the inconspicuous Botanica Negra Francisca doesn't need to rely on those tricks. They're counting on your spirit guides to subconsciously move you through the door. Owned by a warm, welcoming family of Santería practitioners, this botanica never makes visitors feel awkward or unwanted even if they're unfamiliar with Cuba's fascinating syncretic religion. Instead, an employee will ask you why you're visiting and whether you're looking for anything in particular (be it an antidote to your latest heartbreak or a special candle to secure a promotion at work). For a small shop, it's stocked full of beads, necklaces, bracelets, perfumes and colognes, and an entire wall of votive candles dedicated to Ogunn, Eleggua, Babalú Ayé, and any other orisha with whom you may need to commune. As Brickell and the Roads push ever east into Little Havana, Negra Francisca is one of the last botanicas still standing amid the gentrification of their sacred hood.

There are two reasons people go to psychics: as a lark, usually after a few drinks, or because they're genuinely searching for something. What they're trying to find varies and perhaps remains a mystery even to the seeker. But for those who didn't just stumble out of happy hour, going to a psychic can be therapeutic. Whether the spiel coming out of a psychic's mouth is a parlor trick or prophecy is really irrelevant. What matters is the result. At 9th Chakra, just off Lincoln Road, Maria is a psychic who specializes in tarot card readings. The 75-year-old Puerto Rican is as comforting as a wise grandmother. Though she does most of the talking during a live session — which runs $70 for a half-hour — she is one of those people who naturally inspires others to open up. It's a skill set crucial to her line of work. Her readings are in Spanish, which makes the experience all the more authentically Miami, but the shop makes translators available for English-speaking clients. Maria got into her line of work when she was only 12 years old. From a very young age, she saw the faces of the dead, she says. Believing her claims are as much an act of faith as believing in the doctrines of any organized religion. What is certain is that after some gentle prodding, she urges her listeners to take action, make some changes, or, at the very least, take time to meditate and reflect upon their lives and inner turmoil. None of this is supernatural or otherworldly; it's just good advice.