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Category: Shopping

When I go to Palm Beach it’s as if I hit my “shop button” and off I go. Part of the reason is that “the island” is tranquil, gentle in a way (no crazy drivers), picture perfect and everything is so easy. Any anxiety I have just seems to fade away. And then, one can find wonderful independently owned fashion and accessory boutiques with high quality and, though not inexpensive, much less than the international luxury brands and other local high end boutiques. In fact, my favorite new PB story: Mr W was admiring a blue linen blazer. We went in the store and asked the price. The salesman said 75 or 95. That meant $7500 or $9500!  So what are my favorite palm beach shops? Here’s a guide to my “go to” list of the best Palm Beach shops. And at the end look for a link to my updated list of the best Palm Beach restaurants. 
Espacio Vogue Miami returned for its 2023 edition with a four-day fashion popup highlighting Latin American and international designers. I checked out some of  the latest trends in fashion, beauty, accessories, and lifestyle for women and men at this popup held at the Aventura Mall. Here's a photo gallery of some of my favorites pieces and the designers, so you can check them out online.
Mr. W has been raving about “hot” brand On sneakers for the past few years, ever since he discovered the Swiss footwear during a holiday in Greece. He talked about the comfort, the gentle color palette and artistic sensibility, the lightness and all round versatility. But I was unconvinced, until I read about a limited edition  On Cloudnova Form that would be debuting during Art Basel Week Miami Beach, a collaboration with Art Basel  and artist Pamela Rosenkranz . The design was inspired by Rosenkranz’s monumental work Old Tree, a 25 foot bright red and pink sculpture presently on view at The High Line in New York. The design is different, stylish and understated. Luckily I got to the Art Basel shop in time, as they sold out their 150 pair within an hour. But never fear, you can get them until they last at their new shop in The Design District.
Even if you've been there before, there are more things to do in the Miami Design District as well as new shops, restaurants and eateries, including an uber fashion book and magazine store with cafe.  Here's an updated rundown of my picks:
It's that time of year, the start of the season for Miami Farmers Markets and home grown produce. Just in time, too, for the holidays.   With a large selection of farms to choose from, you can try a different one each weekend.  Many offer on-line ordering and delivery options. 
Looking for a birthday present or hostess gift? Here are six of my favorite gift shops in Miami with well curated selections at varied price points. Museum gift shops too.
A recent issue of Town and Country magazine this month featured jewelry, including their jewelry awards. There were beyond fabulous bracelets, necklaces, earrings (less so watches), but there was one set of earrings by Brazilian designer Silvia Furmanovich that takes the prize. And wait until you see her other jewelry as well!
One of the ideas that surfaced several times, readers' suggestion for a blogpost, is Miami consignment stores. Though I’ve covered the subject in Palm Beach, never in Miami, so it was time. In going around and visiting the shops that could feature in this list,  it’s clear that you need to go with the best, featuring designer or other upmarket brands. Otherwise, with some of the shops which often call themselves "vintage",  you feel like you're in someone’s old attic, rummaging through hand me downs, in cramped spaces. Two had some offerings for men, as noted below, and there's a major consignment shop for children's clothes, baby gear and lots more. To see their most recent offerings, check their instagram accounts as listed. Here are my picks for the best Miami consignment stores, what they offer, and how to consign with them.
With spring and summer travel upon us, I discovered a wonderful addition to a travel wardrobe for both men and women. And I found it at the Key Biscayne Farmers Market no less (though they’re available online and in Brickell as well Lincoln Road market). They’re Friulani shoes from the Veneto region of Italy, the brand Viani Milano. Handmade of cotton velvet, they're available in over 20 wonderful colors, weigh only 8 ounces and can be “squashed” to fit into a gap in a suitcase, and work for city and beach. Very reasonable in price, too. And when you go to the Market, lots more to see (and buy), well worth a visit.
U.S. News & World Report used to have a feature I enjoyed, "News You Can Use".  Instead of "finds", I  now adapted that term to be "News You're Sure to Use"  in my blog, which are products and services I've found and like. This month you'll find a more expanded list than usual, with home services; tips on fashion, grooming, travel; jewelry repair; even a new business idea;  and some darn good empanadas (you know me, had to get the food in). Hope you find these useful. And love to hear your "finds" as well!