This new upscale boutique is an asset to the Mile. Opened in 2006, it has made a name for itself among the young and sophisticated crowd. You can get anything you need for at night out on the town at Essence, including shoes from designers such as Steve Madden and Jessica Simpson, and a wide selection of the latest fashion by Sugar Lips, Una Luna and Karina Grimaldi. Accessories are also plentiful, ranging from fashion jewelry to handbags to scarves. Nothing has been left to chance and the sales personnel are knowledgeable and willing to help. Essence is relaxed shopping at its best. - Mercedes de Marchena

Emporium is an old fashioned and classic boutique where you can find a wide range of offerings. There are, of course, vintage items and a designers' corner; but it also has some very interesting products lined up. A line of coffees and teas designed exclusively for the store and appropriately called 'Zami', items like typewriter keys turned into rings, dog collars made in Kenya from discarded materials, rose petal preserves from Italy, soft Indian pashminas, incense wands for aroma therapy and the like make this a truly unique shopping option. It's like a Victorian closet, open for your delight, with a dressing room made of folding Asian screens and a bathroom with an antique birdcage. This is a whimsical place, full of understated elegance and sophistication. - Mercedes de Marchena

The Loro Piana family has been producing the most prestigious fabrics in the world, for clothing or furniture textiles. The sophisticated boutiques sell cashmere knitwear, casual clothes, elegant accessories such as scarves, socks and slippers, and an incomparable collection of fabrics. The most famous is undoubtedly anything made from cashmere, but it is also worth checking out products made with Zelander wool, Vicuna, Baby Cashmere or, just get yourself a suit made to measure that will last a lifetime.

J Bolado has been around for over three decades in the Miracle Mile area of Coral Gables, and is still going strong in the garment industry. Stocks include renowned brands like Tommy Bahama, Robert Talbott and Hickey Freeman. If you are a bit too finicky about what to wear, the friendly staff at Bolado's will guide you patiently through the wide range of clothing options available. The store also offers alteration and home delivery services.

Royalty, business tycoons and movie stars all come here to splurge on jewelry and timepieces. The late Harry Winston, a native New Yorker, is still known as "The King of Diamonds", and the business empire he founded has an international reputation. High profile celebrities are known to "borrow" designs when they attend the Oscars each year, and even the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Louvre have displayed Winston's exclusively crafted works. The stores, or "salons" as they are called, maintain a high profile, and this one in Bal Harbour is no exception. You can expect impeccable service, and to be set back by several thousand dollars if you decide to secure one of the exquisite pieces on offer.

This elegant store, one of the Bal Harbour Shops, stocks apparel for both men and women, accessories, and home furnishings. If you are a fashionista, you know what to expect of the Oscar de la Renta label-ultra-trendy designs at exorbitant prices. Come here with a loaded wallet and someone to help carry your packages-it is easy to get swayed by such great style.

If you are looking out for a flawless piece of art to add style to your personality, then a visit to this store will leave you more than pleased. You can find this famous accessory brand located in Bal Harbour, which is about four miles to the east of North Miami. The store is nestled in the Bal Harbour Shops Mall. There is a good range of watches and jewelry on stock; classy, elegant, and stunning pieces of timeless beauty! Many other accessories like belts, pens, and perfumes are also available. Just make sure you carry your plastic money with you!

You have not "arrived" in the fashion circle of Miami unless you have bought something from this trendy shop. With 3,000 square feet of shopping space, there is no dearth of rack space to stack the following: beauty care products, gifts, high-end mobile phones, clothes, accessories and shoes. The shop has been conceived by Dao-Yi Chow, a former creative director of the Sean John line (the brand of rapper Sean Combs), Max Pierre, the manager of the Privé and Opium Garden nightclub, and ex-banker Dennis Jiu. So it is little wonder that only the best and most fashionable items are kept here.

Cashmere, silk and cotton are some of the luxurious fabrics used in this designer's clothesline. Men's and women's swimwear, knits and other leisure wear is sold in more than 30 countries. The trendy yet functional clothes reflect Maier's signature style of understated elegance. Tomas has vast experience, having worked with leading European fashion houses, which explains the European influences in his creations. Spring and autumn collections are shown every year, so single out your favorites!

Want to look your best for your date? All you need is one halt at Claire's. Pick up earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and lipstick to match your dress and wear your boldest attitude along with it. Think you spent too much money on unnecessary stuff? Check out the look in your boyfriend's eyes and you'll stop regretting.