Best Costume Shop 2018 | ABC Costume Shop | Best Restaurants, Bars, Clubs, Music and Stores in Miami | Miami New Times
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Photo by Kristin Bjornsen

There's a reason film producers and cruise entertainers depend on ABC Costume Shop in Wynwood for their wardrobe needs: This isn't your basic costume-in-a-bag store, but an emporium of Heidi Klum-worthy costumes for Halloween and beyond. With 30,000 costumes to choose from, you have plenty of options, whether you want to spend the day as a mermaid, a matador, or a mob boss. ABC rents a variety of theatrical-quality costumes for three days, or select from a smaller selection available for purchase. Because the costumes aren't mass-produced, expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $200 for a rental. But can you really put a price on having a high-quality costume no one else is wearing?

Going to the dentist is, for many people, one of the most frightening experiences. There are needles, drills, disturbing noises, and cauterizing equipment. Even getting a simple x-ray is uncomfortable. If only your dentist had one of those mind-erasing pens that the Men in Black use. Dental sedation is the next best thing. Dr. Gabriel Vidal at Miami Dental Sedation Spa believes in sedation. A self-proclaimed chicken in the dentist's chair, he's up for doing anything he can to make you feel at ease. Recline and relax while dental technicians give you a cozy blanket and play soft music as you gently drift to sleep. When you wake up, take a look at your new mug in the mirror. How did your gnarly, crooked teeth turn into a smile that would put a starlet to shame? You probably don't want to know. As Aaron Burr says in Hamilton: Talk less, smile more.

Photo by Joey O'Loughlin

Being a mom is incredibly stressful. Choosing the right doctor is the key to a healthy pregnancy for both baby and mommy. Xana Miguélez is an attending physician in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach. Fully bilingual, knowledgeable, compassionate, patient, and willing to field panic-filled calls and listen to teary-eyed encounters about pregnancy, Dr. Miguélez is unique. In her spare time, when she's not with her kids, she is the president of the nonprofit A Stitch in Time, a group of volunteer gynecological health-care professionals that provides surgery and treatment to needy women in remote parts of the world. She has performed surgeries in Bangladesh and plans to travel with her team to Uganda this summer. She was educated in Spain and completed her residency at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. She also holds a master's degree in reproductive and sexual health research. If you're looking for a doctor with a big heart and a big brain, Dr. Miguélez is the one. Her office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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We all know Panther Coffee has great java. But once you get your brew, you might have some work or interweb surfing to do. Fortunately, you're in luck: The Wynwood location serves stellar Wi-Fi too. What sets this spot apart from other Panther locations and any other place offering free Wi-Fi? An expansive patio out front is great for people-watching. It's an oddly tranquil retreat amid the vibrant Wynwood madness. And, of course, the internet is reliable and fast. The location is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and you simply need to go through a couple of quick steps for access. From there, the world — or at least the interweb — is your oyster.

Photo by Jonah Gouin

If you're looking for a unique statement piece of furniture for your home, visit the Doro Designs showroom in Wynwood and talk to owners and self-taught woodworkers Timon Harris and Jonah Gouin. Doro specializes in custom, hand-crafted pieces made from sustainable wood embellished with steel, cement, and acrylic. The store also offers ready-to-buy items such as petrified-wood stumps, coffee tables, and dining tables. The wood is sourced from the United States, Central America, Mexico, and Indonesia. The store handles most of the woodworking in-house, including constructing, cutting, sanding, polishing, and finishing. The Doro team works closely with customers to build pieces exactly to their specifications while being mindful of budget, timing, and desired wood. Each piece is priced individually, but the objects can range from $500 to $20,000 based on complexity, size, and material. In its sixth year of business, Doro Designs specializes in unique, functional art pieces with a culture of timeliness and solid customer service. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Photo by Nicole Danna

For years, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia locals have maintained a bitter rivalry. No, it has nothing to do with sports — it's about gas stations. In west Pennsylvania, a chain called Sheetz boasts a loyal cult following. But Wawa, the rival to the east, has lately gained the upper hand, in part by expanding its territory far beyond the Philly suburbs. In July 2017, South Florida became Wawa territory when store #5193 opened in Davie. Most South Florida natives were surprised and a little amused at the fervor with which Philly-born transplants welcomed the gas station to the hood. But they soon discovered that Wawa isn't really a gas station — it's a mecca of convenience. Where else can you pick up a made-to-order hot sub, a fresh salad, a caramel macchiato, and a breakfast burrito while gassing up your car? It's basically a restaurant that happens to have fuel pumps in the parking lot. Now even famously blasé South Floridians are becoming die-hard Wawa warriors.

After decades in the business, local artists Gabriela Provenzano and Luis Chavarria opened Bachi Jewels on Washington Avenue late last year as the sister store to their 16th Street shop, Artconnection. Both stores sell midrange fashion jewelry with Swarovski crystals and semiprecious stones, but Bachi is where you'll find a full-range jewelry-repair shop. Chavarria does most of the work himself, offering the extra customer-service touch of texting you a photo of your piece when it's ready to pick up. With fair pricing, quick turnaround, and a convenient location in South Beach, it's an obvious choice for everything from a night-out necklace to a battery replacement for your favorite watch.

For most of us, renting a limo isn't an everyday thing. If we take the plunge, it must mean something huge is going on, like a wedding or milestone birthday. Basically, you want to feel like a pop star on the way to the Grammys. VIP Miami Limo makes you feel just like Justin Bieber, minus all the paparazzi, of course. And it makes sure you can afford to ball-out for a day. Prices are competitive, options are abundant, and there are definite levels of splurging. Most of us live in Miami but don't get to experience the Dwayne Johnson Ballers South Beach lifestyle. VIP Miami Limo provides the opportunity to make the fantasy a reality for at least a night.

Photo by Peter Gonzalez

If you ask owners Peter Gonzalez and Richard Morey, they'll say Gables Corset Shoppe is bringing sexy back with a selection of imported luxury lingerie from Europe and expert custom bra fittings. The shop sells intimates, sleepwear, shapewear, hosiery, and corsets in satin, lace, embroidery, and cotton for any and all occasions. The alterations team will make sure each piece fits to perfection, especially if you've experienced any changes in breast shape after surgery or during pregnancy. They can also customize lingerie if you're between standard bra sizes. They carry brands such as Chantelle, Prima Donna, and Anita-Rosa Faia. Prices vary, from about $70 to $200 for bras and $20 to $100 for panties. A local lingerie shop that celebrates diversity and changes in women's bodies is always a winner. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Courtesy of Eberjey

In Miami, a good swimsuit is just as essential as a little black dress. If you live in a city with year-round beach weather, you need some go-to beachwear. Luckily for you, Miami is home to Eberjey. The chic lingerie and swimwear company was launched in 1996 by two Miamians, Ali Mejia and Mariela Rovito, who printed thousands of catalogues and mailed them to women all over South Florida. Eberjey is known for its high-quality material and effortlessly feminine designs. Its two local stores — in South Beach and Merrick Park — are airy and beautiful, all pastels and soft light. The swimwear, starting at $120, includes everything from patterned purple bikinis to sleek black one-pieces. Today, Eberjey ships worldwide and is carried by scores of department stores and boutiques — a true Miami success story.

Best Of Miami®

Best Of Miami®