Miami Gifting - From High Chic to Down Home
During these times, smart holiday shopping might include making purchases that represent authenticity and the product of unique effort, along with supporting the individual businesses that makes this metropolis special. While we can't speak for every corner of the city, here are a few pointers and suggestions that will get you on your way into the following neighborhood shops and boutiques t0 round out your gift giving list:
Bal Harbour - WIth shoppers looking for gifts that are unique and one-of-a-kind, nothing speaks to the heart more than an exquisite and timeless piece of jewelry. The collections of Francisca Bastos Design showcase bold designs and intricate artwork using 18 carat gold and Brazil’s finest gemstones including aquamarines, amethysts, and tourmalines. With elaborate uses of citrine, emeralds and diamonds to showcase the precious stones, Francisca’s statement pieces will complement the winter fashion collection’s bold colors and structure. Her pieces are perfect for any woman, friend, girlfriend, wife or mother. Each piece comes with a certificate of authenticity and unique code, allowing all pieces can be traced to when and where they were created. For something truly luxurious, Francisca’s aides will travel to you, leaving you with more time without having to leave your home or office. She will also create signature pieces specifically handcrafted and designed for you. In 2005, Francisca Bastos established a showroom in Monaco, and in 2007 entered the United States with a showroom in Bal Harbour, FL. Her exclusive designs are also sold at Marisa Perry Atelier SOHO in New York City, NY and also online at MocaShop (www.mocashop.com). Francisca Bastos Design - 1111 Kane Concourse, Bay Harbor Islands; Tel: (786) 206-7277
Coral Gables - Bonefish Grill is not only a place to dine on fine seafood but also to pick up gift cards that are themselves works of art. Bonefish Grill is now offering a series of gift cards designed by renowned Gyotaku artist Burt Lancaster. Gyotaku is the Japanese art of fish rubbing, dating back to the 1800s when fishermen recorded the size of their catch on thin sheets of rice paper. Gorgeous specimens of fish are veiled with paint and covered with a tissue-thin piece of rice paper. The artist then gently rubs the paper to imprint every detail of the fish. The cards come in denominations of $10, $25, $50, $75 and $100. The $100 card features the hand-rubbed image of a salmon, the $50 card that of a grouper and the $25 card that of a hogfish. For every $100 of gift cards purchased, buyers receive an additional $20 gift card to redeem at any Bonefish Grill before February 10, 2009. Bonefish Grill - 2121 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Coral Gables; Tel: (305) 460-1888
The Design District - Expanding on the scope of style that the Design District originally excited the city and country with - art galleries, design and interior specialists - is the advent of personal fashion and accessories. The latest groundbreaking boutique to showcase international fashion is the just-opened Marni. The new location is also this eclectic Italian fashion house's first U.S. presence. For the design concept of the 230 square meter store, Consuelo Castiglioni and the architects from Sybarite played with circular forms, repeating them throughout the boutique. Graduated patterns of semi-spheres in white timberland and “haute relief as decoration on the wall echoes the texture of local Art Deco buildings and becomes the signature element of the Miami boutique. Comments proprietor Gianni Castiglioni: "You can find in our shop a full selection of dresses, tops but also beautiful bags, amazing jewelry, sunglasses." Fashionistas can scoop up luxurious furs, quirky shoes, and there's even a men's line. Taking inspiration from the Art Deco, streamlined patterns which the city is renowned for, Marni is also best known for its bright and bold patterns on their dresses and tops. And bright and bold says "Merry" in this season just like it always says "Miami" at any time of year. Marni - 3930 NE 2nd Avenue, Suite 100, Design District; Tel: (305) 764-3357
Miami Shores - For some of the latest in hot designer names from the runway, ladies should check out the styles at Rumeur Boutique, one of the newest women's clothing and accessory shops to open in the Miami area. Owner, Ericka Saieh, created the store to be like walking into your personal closet and encourages customers to come in, browse and "play dress up". She has a warm, outgoing personality and loves interacting with her customers to help them find exactly what they're looking for. She hosts weekly customer events, "Finally Fridays" (where customers can enjoy appetizers and wine while they shop) and "Sugar Saturdays" (when gourmet chocolates, cakes and cupcakes are served). In addition to local designers, Rumeur carries a range of designer collections including Shumaq, Fernanda Carniero, Revival, Nikki Poulos, Butterfly Dropout, and Jully Kang. These designers have appeared in Lucky, Elle, Domino, US Weekly, and on a number of TV shows including Access Hollywood and Gossip Girl. She also had a growing roster of Miami stylists who frequent her shop searching for one-of-a kind pieces for their clients. This boutique also offers an assortment of personalized services including at-home closet consultations, customized personal shopping and private customer in-store events (i.e. customers can request private, in-store shopping parties). Also, I should mention that giving back is incredibly important to Ericka and she has a range of upcoming initiatives and events to support various charities. Rumeur - 170 NE 96th Street; Tel: (305) 754-9800
Homestead - Miami's semi-rural backyard has established itself as the place to shop around for authentic and home-made for the kitchen and local foods. One of the landmarks that long since was a forerunner in home-grown and home-preserved is the Robert Is Here Fruitstand. In fact, this establishment began its life when its founder set up shop as a small boy with his own roadside stand and a sign with four simple words that have lived on in the present huge emporium. Nowadays Robert Is Here has everything on hand produced locally including a vast selection of dressing, marinades and grilling sauces, mustards, chutneys, salsa/dips, pickles, preserves, jams, jellies, hors d'oeuvres jellies, marmalades, fruit butters, hot sauces, relish and chow chows, sugar-free all-fruit spreads, and syrups. The challenge for many in leaving Robert Is Here - once you can tear yourself away - is that you may come away with gifts not only for seasonal giving but for yourself throughout the year. It's that classic, original and delectable. Robert Is Here - 19200 SW 344th St.; Homestead; Tel: (305) 246-1592