Sunset Harbour shops are becoming a serious fashion destination with distinctive stores for men and women that often are one of a kind. Find everything from stylish active wear to consignment shops and a unique selection of local and international designers. Several new boutiques, too, that have opened in the last few months. Plus, there’s a wide selection of appealing places to eat, have a coffee, or try the best gelato in Miami. Here’s a guide to my favorite shops:
Newest addition is Phillips House Jewelry Pop Up. Locally designed, the company is all about creating jewelry that can be worn and enjoyed everyday. Their signature collection is called “Affair”, suitable for any type of Affair (a casual Affair, a black tie Affair, etc). Everything is available in white, rose or yellow gold with diamonds or precious stones. Favorite pieces were a simple yet elegant bracelet with a diamond studded circle called a Love Always bracelet. The bracelet is oval-shaped so you could wear at your desk all day and be comfortable, and a modern take on classic hoop earrings. A favorite with clients is their offering of complimentary engraving in their Love Always bracelets. Each bracelet comes with the words “Love Always” inside and additional messages can be added. For example “Dear Jeanie, Happy Birthday! Love Always Roger & Enid.” Customers have engraved all sorts of messages such as love poems, meaningful dates and the names of loved ones. Prices start at $500.
Chilean designer shop, Quina, has distinctive styles in resort wear, bathing suits and handbags. Bernardita Torres,owner and designer of Qüina speaks to “women between the ages of 25 and 45 who are professionals and like products that are clean, modern and little bit risky but with a feminine very coquette side to it”. Price points vary from $175.00 – $1,100.
Consign of the Times is probably one of the best known of the shops in the area. This luxury consignment boutique is where to go for Chanel, Prada, Fendi, Gucci and Hermes bags. Owner Carin Kirby sells hundreds of bags a year. With 18 years experience, she can spot the real thing which is so important these days. It’s also worth a visit to see what’s in store in the shoe department. When I went there, someone had just made “a drop”, as in left off a dozen pair of Louboutin heels that looked like they were never worn, a steal at about half the original price. Clothes and jewelry too.
Stylish activewear, loungewear and workout clothes are on tap at Flying Lizard. Owner Jessica Lurie opened Flying Lizard after having been a manager at the cult favorite Green Monkey yoga studios. She has a great eye for good fashion, so one will have a tough time choosing which outfit (or outfits) to get among the many brands which hail from everywhere from Bali (XO Active) and Brazil to Los Angeles and Canada. Best sellers are colorful, high quality brands including Ultracor with built in underwear and Splits 59. Clothing is for women and girls. For my earlier review (their former shop in Coconut Grove), click here.
You’d think a store named Bossa would be all about Brazilian designers. Well, there’s that but also fashions from over a dozen brands from Greece to Australia and more. Expect flowing dresses, tops, shorts and a limited but very attractive selection of jewelry and handbags.
VB Rome men’s store for custom and ready to wear casually elegant clothing could have been plucked from a shop near the Spanish Steps.The clothes remind me of the casual sartorial elegance of George Clooney, international sophisticates, and top art gallerists. And better yet, the price tags are mostly three figures.The clothes are from different, hand selected Italian brands including Herno, and some are the private label of Gianluca Poddighe, owner of VB. They’re all of light, fresh, natural fabrics. Think fine cotton and what they call a lighter, more loose weave ice cotton , linen, silk, cashmere and oh so light wool, perfect for Miami’s climate. Loafers, jewelery and more. See my earlier review.
What Goes Around Comes Around is the consignment shop to find luxury apparel and accessories from Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Missoni and others. The merchandise is carefully curated, all about quality rather than quantity. I bought a Chloe jacket there which elicits lots of compliments whenever I wear it.
Beach Boutique has the top selection and variety of designer clothes from around the world – from Hong Kong and Dubai to France. You’re almost sure to find what you’re looking for on its two floors, and it will be unique and handsome. Accessories, too, including stylish python cuff bracelets. Favorites were a French line, La Prestic Ouistan with reversible silk jackets in collaged prints and Samantha Chang, a fine silk lingerie line from Hong Kong that I saw at Miami Swim Week.
There are lots more shops to explore so go check them out. And while you’re in Sunset Harbor, don’t miss having an ice cream at Bio, Bio. (my review).
