SHOPPING! Our Favorite Places.....
Pompano, FL
The Festival Market: A huge indoor Flea market type of Mall - many vendors with fantastic wares - all types of ladies clothes, shoes, belts, jewelry, purses, and other accessories. Sunglasses, jeans, swimsuits, perfumes, luggage, jackets for both men and women. There are a few men and children's stores, but the ladies really make out here.
I have bought items here for a fraction of the price I will see the same week on Las Olas Blvd in Fort Lauderdale, or in Miami South Beach. And you won't see these fashions or accessories in small towns until months later - if at all. You can bargain on the prices somewhat. It's better to deal with cash, so try not to use credit. You will need all day to see all the booths, and the Mall closes by 5 pm - so get there early!
Miami Beach, FL
Lincoln Road and Washington Ave - (the area between 8th and 17th). Find the trendiest looks for a reasonable amount throughout this area of South Beach. You need to look carefully, as the expensive stores are right next to the ones with great deals. But you can find awesome shoes for $20, great club & dinner dresses for about $50, mix and match swim suits in tons of colors, and the hottest jean styles and tops anywhere. The music stores offer great mix tapes if you like a club or latin beat.
Along Collins Ave. you will find the top name designer stores, from 12th street down to 4th; but they will be pricier - but it is worth it to shop their sales. There are more men's choices for clothes in this area. take an extra suitcase to bring home looks you won't find anywhere else! And - there are plenty of great spots to wear all your new clothes in the SoBe area.
The place to be seen for dinner is at my good friend, Myle's restaurant, Prime 112, on 2nd and Ocean. It is best to have a reservation, as it is always busy! Tell him Riana sent you!
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Las Olas Blvd: This is a beautiful shopping area in Ft. Lauderdale. Stroll the Avenue to shop, then eat at one of the many great cafes afterwards. For a fine wine or cocktail, or the best meal in Ft. Lauderdale, go to The Riverside Hotel. Listen to the beautiful soulful sounds of Ariel on the piano - he can play almost any request. Be sure to buy one of his CD's, as you will love his music for years to come. Tell Ariel Riana and Jimmy sent you, as we have become friends and stop in to see him on every trip!
1) American Soul - 810 E Las Olas, 954-462-4224, ask for Alex. A great trendy selection for men and women, fair pricesgreat sales, excellent quality items and willing to deal further! Jim got some great dress shirts here, and I a Fab bronze reptile trench coat - smashing!
AIA - Beach Blvd, Beach Street Mall
1) The Monako Store - 17th S Ft. Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Ft Lauderdale, FL; Ph: 704-941-1482, ask for Vlado Wirgha. This large store has some of the trendiest fashions for ladies and men. Jim got some great men's shirts here that are not available in our area. I got a sexy navy blue dress and a few other items. Ask Vlado to give you a better rate, as Riana & Jim sent you in!
Paris, France
Flowers: Flowers? Not the normal thing "to need in a pinch" in Paris - but we needed a beautiful wedding bouquet within a half hour - preferably a white on white flower combination that smelled of sweet perfume. It was Sunday, and all flower shops were closed, but as we described in other writings about Paris, with the accomodating staff of our Parisian Hotel - Residence Lord Byron, and the speedy work of our Photographer, Ivan Franchet's lovely wife Emmanuelle, we were able to have the most beautiful bouquet delivered to me within a half hour! Yes, the folks at The Monceau Fleurs Shop on Rue Washington near the Arc de Triomphe, created an artistic broad green leaf, green grass spray, and white rose and lily combination of beauty. Thank you, Thank you!
Old Town Paris: have to say, we were so into the history, museums and sites of Paris that we didn't do any real heavy-duty shopping here - I know, amazing. We loved walking for miles, and browsing the many small quant shops in the older parts of the city. We liked the street-lined vendors who sold art and trinkets, flowers, and various hats, scarves and novelties of Paris. I think we were so in love - both with each other and the city, that shopping took a back seat - this time around.
