Visitors love to shop while on vacation for many different reasons. Some just love to shop and will hit every mall and outlet, however for most, the goal is to get a little keepsake for friends and family back home. A souvenir can be special and distinctive and not hodge podge that will eventually end up in a landfill. South Florida offers plenty that is unique and exotic in tiny boutiques and other shopping venues. You are sure to return to your humble abode with something for yourself as well!
Posh
Tall rustling palm trees line this ritzy strip of more than 200 high end shops. Around since the 1920s, this Rodeo Drive wannabe, is where Elizabeth Arden got her start. Exclusive to a fault, you can shop or just window shop at shops such as Gucci, Chanel, and Hermes among many others. Best time to go is in the fall as half the shops close in the hottest months of the year. Be forwarned, this option is not for the conservative spender.
This lovely outdoor mall features free valet parking, live music (on Saturdays only), a breezeway and many popular department stores. Kerzen Candles, one of the very few unique stores there, sells non-toxic, gourmet candles and waxen art not to be missed.
Chic shopping, complete with velvet rope, celebrity sightings, high fashion, Defile makeup and designer styles for babies, are the trademarks of this one of a kind store. Get your Rebecca Taylor, Juicy Couture and Tse fix right here.
Green
Help the earth as you shop- it will feel great. This super green store specializes in fashionable but organic and ecofriendly clothing. They feature both Carilyn Vaile’s green label which is made from raw bamboo and accessories from a Madagascar co-op.
Kitsch
You will find anything and everything in this multi-level store. It houses the quintissential souvenir kitsch, convenience store items and racy fashions all under one roof.
Exotic
This Indonesian treasure holds within it wondrous and incredible furniture, antiquities and artifacts from all over the world. It is a sight for culture thirsty eyes.
Vierge Miracle & St Philippe
Touted as the best botanica in Miami, this little jewel highlights Haitian vodou items and large statues of loa (related to angels), and is located at 5910 NE 2nd Ave in Miami. The on-site houngan and mambos (male and female high priests) may be able to help you with love or work related problems or interpret your dreams. For more information, call (305)759-9100.
Artistic
This quaint gift shop showcases the most eclectic items, from sleek technofied bags to art and design books to cool wallets. Uniqueness is the name of the game in this shop.
A throwback to simpler times when art was all the roar, this artists’ colony is the place to visit to pick up original and inspired artwork for very reasonable prices in a museum like location.
