This article appeared in the October Issue of Up and Away Magazine It is reprinted here with permission. Click here to see the original version: Up and Away.
Looking for a tropical wardrobe refresh?? Look no further than south Florida. From Jupiter to South Miami, there are thousands of shops to indulge in retail therapy. Listed here are local designers and boutiques that offer the unique and the extra ordinary, all with a distinctly south Florida flair.
Where to Shop Local in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County, Florida
Sea Lustre
Founded by Brooke Hartman, Sea Lustre is perfect for anyone who loves a tropical vibe. Her shop is full of “beachy chic” women’s apparel, home decor and fine pearl jewelry. Inspired by beauty in the natural world, you will find colorful, soft flowing fabrics, natural elements including leather, wood and rattan in Hartman’s designs. Not only will you find her designs in her Tequesta boutique, you will find them in many of the boutiques listed here. Sea Lustre is located at 140 Bridge Rd, Tequesta, FL 33469.
The Skinny Dip
If your tastes run towards classic, understated, tropical, head to The Skinny Dip on Palm Beach. This designer collective offers a variety of clothing and accessories for women, men and children. You will find a variety of emerging artisans and established brands including local designers like Olivia Meyer, the creator behind Bannier Scarfs. Inspired by her travels, Meyer has created a collection of scarfs. Each is piece of wearable art that depicts destinations around the world. You will find The Skinny Dip at 217 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach.
Amanda Lindroth
Looking for home decor that reflects an upbeat island vibe, visit Amanda Lindroth’s shop on Palm Beach. A native to Palm Beach, Lindroth draws on those roots for inspiration in her creations. Using natural fibers and the colors of the tropics, her pieces create a vibrant yet breezy space that invites you to kick off your shoes and breathe in the salty air. Whether you are looking for accent pieces or a whole new look for your home, check out Amanda Lindroth Designs at 312B South County Road, Palm Beach.
Anatomie
Are comfortable and stylish travel ensembles on your shopping list? Visit Anatomie. These south Florida designs are the brain child of of husband and wife team, Kate and Shawn Boyer. With a background in activewear, they have created a luxury brand that is stylish, comfortable and wrinkle free. Their shops are staffed with consultants that specialize in outfitting the adventure traveler, business traveler or weekend sports enthusiast. You can visit their Palm Beach location at 118 N County Rd, Palm Beach or the showroom and headquarters in the Miami warehouse district, 6701 NE 4th Ave, Miami.
Lilly Pulitzer
No fashionista’s visit to south Florida is complete without a visit to one of the oldest Florida designers, Lilly Pulitzer. For over 60 years Lilly Pulitzer has been creating colorful, fun “Florida wear.” What started as a simple dress, designed to hide stains from her juice business, has grown into vibrant brand that that epitomizes the Florida spirit through men’s, children and women’s apparel. You can find Lilly Pulitzer stores throughout south Florida A visit to the flagship store at 240 Worth Ave in Palm Beach is extra special because you can order customized Lilly creations.
Delray Beach Kollective
The Kollective is a place where you can shop multiple artisans and designers in one place. These co-op style boutiques offer a wide range of locally created pieces in three locations throughout south Florida. Whether you are looking for jewelry, apparel, wall art or home decor, you will find something locally created from the heart of Florida artists and designers. There are three Kollectives offering affordable, handcrafted goods: the Delray Beach Kollective at 424 East Atlantic Avenue, the SistrunKollective 115 NW 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale's Art District, and the Wyndwood Kollective 2719 NW 2nd Ave in Miami’s Wyndwood Arts District
Essential Online Links For Booking Your Trip to Southeast Florida
Logistics:
There are 3 airports that service Southeast Florida, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach: Uber and Taxis are available. Tri Rail and Brightline trains service Fort Lauderdale and Miami Airports. Private and Multiple Passenger Transfers are available from all three airports: ☆Transportation Service Miami Hotel - Miami International Airport
Advanced Tickets for the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi.
Save on entry fees: If you plan on visiting multiple museums or attractions, it is more economical to purchase a Miami Sightseeing Pass to save money, you can buy this pass for 1, 2, 3, or 5 days.
Top-rated Southeast Florida Tours and Experiences:
☆Seven Isles of Fort Lauderdale Kayak Tour (one of my favorite Southeast Florida experience)
☆Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour (great for foodies)
☆Wynwood Graffiti Golf Cart Small-Group Tour (perfect for art lovers)
☆Skip the Line: Flamingo Gardens Admission Ticket in Fort Lauderdale (essential to avoid lines)
☆1 Hotel South Beach (Luxury, Miami)
☆Yotel (Budget Friendly, Miami)
☆Hollywood Beachside Boutique (Budget Friendly, Fort Lauderdale)
☆The Pillars Hotel (Luxury, Fort Lauderdale)
☆The White Elephant (Luxury, Palm Beach)
☆The Canopy (Budget Friendly, West Palm Beach)
☆Crane's Beach House Boutique Hotel & Luxury Villas (Amazing Tropical Vibe, Delray Beach)
My favorite Guidebook for Florida: DK Eyewitness Florida
My favorite Novel about Southeast Florida: The Last Train to Key West
Don’t forget to pack: Crossbody Bag for Sightseeing **Sun Screen** Comfortable Walking Shoes **My Favorite Packable Hat.
Where to Shop Local in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, Florida
Montce
Want to give your swimwear a south Florida upgrade, visit the creations of Alexandra Grief at Montce. Grief started creating swimwear out of her Fort Lauderdale apartment for family and friends in 2009. It has quickly grown into an international brand that locals and celebrities covet for its exceptional fit. In 2013, Grief opened the first Montce store in Fort Lauderdale. In addition to the Fort Lauderdale location, there's a Montce store in the Miami Design District. Montce remains focused on creating flattering swimwear with exceptional fit and style. Shop at Montce Fort Lauderdale, at 530 NE 13th Street, Montce Miami, 3810 NE 1st Ave.
The Wander Shop
The Wander Shop is the brainchild of Marisa Folz, an energetic force in fashion. She started with an airstream trailer converted into a boho chic woman’s clothing boutique. Her success was so great that she moved into a brick and mortar shop in Oakland Park. She has recently expanded into the the neighboring storefront and added children’s wear and home decor, gifts and stationary products. Visit her “good vibes only” shop at 3548 NE 12th Ave Oakland Park, just north of downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Where to Shop Local in Miami and Dade County, Florida
Capo Couture
Capo Couture brings high-end luxury fashion to Sunny Isles Beach in north Miami Dade County. Partners and sisters-in-laws Rosangela Capobianco and Joanna Amado source luxury contemporary labels from Brazilian designers as well as a few from South American and the United States. Located in an unassuming strip shopping center, you are wowed by the designs and selection within their stunning boutique. 18200 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach.
Elberjey
Born in Latin America and raised in Miami, Elberjey founders Ali Mejia and Marieta Rovito have been creating lingerie with the intent of making all woman to feel comfortable and confident for 25 years. They saw the need for sleepwear and lingerie that is beautiful and functional. They created lovely, soft pieces designed to support sleep and individual style. Their brand of at-home comfort changed the lingerie industry. It is so beloved that individuals wear these pieces as daywear as well as nightwear. You can visit Elberjey stores at the Shops at Merrick Park, 360 San Lorenzo Avenue #1530 Coral Gables and Sunset Harbour Shops, 1905 Purdy Ave, Miami Beach.
Curio at Faena Bazar
Curio is a luxury retailer offering internationally known men’s, women’s and home decor designs, including many from south Florida designers. It is located in the recently renovated, historic Atlantic Beach Hotel. Faena Bazaar offers event, retail, restaurant and office space. As you wander through this stunning three story fashion destination, you are treated to the unexpected and the beautiful. Shopping at Curio feels like shopping at Harrods in London or La Bon Marche in Paris. Located at 3400 S Collins Ave, Miami Beach.
Theme Dresser
Are you a hat lover? Theme Dresser specializes in one-of-a-kind hand painted hats, designed in-house. These beauties are created predominately on white, brown or black hats allowing the designs to take center stage. The hats are designed in Miami and manufactured in Mexico. In their boutique you will find a large selection of hats as well as a curated collection of women’s resort wear and special occasion pieces from emerging designers, largely from Mexico. Their boutique is located at 4848 SW 72nd Ave, Miami.
Luli Fama
Luli Fama is a Latin-owned women’s luxury swim and resort wear brand, They have been dressing women for more than 30 years. Their goal is to empower woman to feel confident and sexy in their swimwear. Luli Fama is recognized for their universally flattering fit, immaculate designs and vibrant hues. Their pieces are manufactured in Columbia, South America. They take pride in the exceptional quality of the swimwear. You can find Luli Fama designers in several retailers mentioned here as well as visit their shops at 8785 NW 13th Terrace Miami, 1012 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale or 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave, Palm Beach Gardens.
Carolina K
Carolina Kleinman came from a family steeped in textiles and design. Haling from Bolivia and later Argentina, in 2005 she started her brand, Carolina K, drawing in her knowledge of the industry. Carolina K is committed to creating sustainably made products while supporting artisans across Latin America. From the beginning, they have worked with a collective of artisans in remote regions of Latin America. The result is a gorgeous array of women’s fashions, including swimwear and hats. Her pieces are truly wearable art. Also, Carolina K offers beautifully crafted accessories and products for the home. You can shop their flagship store at 7924 NE 2nd Ave, Miami.
Off White
Off White is a high end streetwear brand for men and women. Created by Virgil Abloh, he is described as “one of the most influential and creative fashion designers of his generation.” Born in Chicago to Ghanian parents, he learned to sew from his mother. Sadly he passed in 2021 and the stewardship of the company is being tended by Abloh’s chosen successor, Ibrahim Tamara (known as IB) an African born artist, journalist and fashion designer. IB is described as “one most exciting creative voices of a generation.” To see firsthand the creative direction IB has taken Off White visit their store in the Miami Design District at 127 NE 41st St.
Gaucho
Gaucho is a Buenos Aires luxury brand specializing in leather goods and cultivating Argentinian designers. Their offerings include apparel for men and women, accessories, and home goods. They are committed to craftsmanship, integrity and attention to detail in all their designs. Gaucho designs reflect the spirit and tastes of Argentina. Both it’s artisan tradition and equestrian culture is woven into the pieces they produce. Look for their first ever jewelry collection by Creative Director Lautaro Garcia de la Peña. It is a mix-and-match approach with minimalist, unisex pieces that can be layered depending on your mood, occasion and outfit. Gaucho’s US flagship store is located in the Miami Design District at 112 NE 41st Street.
BAPE
Interested in streetwear, A Bathing Ape (commonly known as BAPE) offers men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, accessories, swimwear and sneakers. This Japanese Brand has been coveted by street fashion fans since 1993. Their bright colors and comic book based designs have created a cult like following with celebrities and street fashion fans. You can shop this luxury brand at the BAPE Store in the Miami Design District located, 137 NE 39th St.
Ximena Kavaleks
Designed in Miami, crafted and produced in Italy, Ximena Kavaleks offers unique luxury handbags and accessories. These pieces are largely created from sustainably and ethically procured python skins. Launched in 2015, these handbags are the highest quality, in vibrant colors and eclectic designs. As the brand expanded, they have embraced other eco-friendly materials such as rattan, fabrics and faux fur. There are multiple styles to choose from, including duffles, jewelry boxes and a variety of purses in all shapes and sizes. Ximena Kavaleks’ environmental conscience expands to Everglades conservation efforts by donating a portion of sales to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. Their boutique is located in the Miami Design District on the second floor of the Palm Court.
Flight Club
Do you consider yourself a Sneakerhead (someone who collects rare athletic footwear)? Flight Club carries exclusive, collectable sneakers for men, women and children. Established in New York City 15 years ago, Flight Club revolutionized sneaker retail by creating a consignment store for rare shoes. Their selection is vast, carrying exclusive additions of Air Jordans, Nike Dunks, Panda Shoes, Bad Bunny x Adidas, Pink Dunks, Jordon Cool Grey Shoes, and Fastest to You Shoes. Flight Club is located in the Miami Design District at 3910 NE 1st Ave.
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