Miami truly is a shopper’s paradise with unlimited boundaries for any shopping style.  There are many must attend events held during spring and summer such as Fashion Week, Swim Week and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. But don’t fret; there are still many events you Fashionistas just can’t miss! Some of these are the Love Launch Party on September 20th at 7:00PM and The Funkshion Fashion Week Miami Beach held in October which will celebrate their 20th season, featuring fashion mogul Hilfiger and the American Heart Association’s 6th annual Red Dress Show In November. Find your way from Wynwood to Midtown and bat your eyes at the Eco Art Fashion Week scheduled for December or go for four days of fashion at the Marriott Biscayne Bay for LS 1426 Fashion Week.  If you are not in it for the passion of the fashion, then how about a buck for a cause? Destination Fashion, sponsored by Bal Harbour shops and Departures Magazine will benefit The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis.
So many malls so little time how you can choose without losing your mind or wallet? Well here is a list of the top places to shop in Miami with a few tips on how to keep some of that hard earned cash in your pocket.  If you are seeking an unforgettable shopping experience then head on over to Brickell City Center, Lincoln Road, CocoWalk, Miracle Mile, Espanola way or South Beach’s Ocean Drive where you will do much more than shop. It’s an entertainment paradise! Headed over to Aventura?  After you shop till you drop the over 300 specialty shops and department stores including Nordstrom and Macys, hop on over to their 24 screen movie theater to catch the latest flick.  Remember to stop by their visitor’s information kiosk to get some great savings tips.  If you are an international shopper, show your I.D and get even better deals!
For some advantageous purchases, Downtown is the place to be.  You may need an extra luggage to carry all your new finds while you’re there.  Don’t miss the Gala at the Viceroy if you or someone you know is getting married where they are giving away tote bags and gifts to the first 50 brides.  La Epoca is celebrating 50+ years in downtown and is offering discounts off selected designer fashion.  While you are in the heart of Miami’s financial district, the shops at Mary Brickell & Brickell City Center offer one of the finest shopping and dining experiences in town.  For exclusive designer brands and elegant shopping, head on over to Bal Harbor Shops but if you’re feeling like a tourist, then Bayside Market Place is right up your alley.  Prefer nature and the outdoors? Then stroll through Miracle Mile or The Falls and inhale the magic this unique retail dream has in store for you.  When in Dadeland Mall, stop by the Cheese Cake factory and try a slice.  I highly recommend their chicken lettuce wraps too. Did you know this mall has the largest Macy’s in Florida? I Love the factory outlets and you can find a few at The Dolphin Mall which has over 240 retail shops to choose from.  If you are just tagging along and have some time to kill while someone else is draining your wallet, the Dolphin Mall has a one of a kind Cinebistro which allows for a gourmet meal while watching a movie.  Growing up in South Miami, my favorite shopping is done at Sunset Place.
For some magnificent shopping discount seasons, my very best picks are November through December. The best time to shop for electronics and gadgets are usually during Black Friday, the day after thanks giving, so grab your keys and quietly head out the door during the wee hours of the night for a first grab bargain.  Those looking for that perfect outfit, right after Christmas and through New Year’s, virtually everything seem to go on the clearance isle, or so it seems.  Over all, your shopping experience should be as international as Miami.  It should feel as though you have just traveled the world in this unique paradise hub.
Margie Hawayek, Editor