Shopping in the U.S.
By Brooke Comer
Miami, with its warm climate and Spanish-themed architecture,
is a mixture of open-air shopping complexes and air-conditioned
malls.
Beauty seems to be the theme; perhaps because shoppers have
so many choices in this affluent area, that malls and centres
must compete to draw their attention -- and their dollars.
Christmas here has a Latin flavour, thanks to the large Cuban
population; you might even hear Christmas carols in Spanish,
with a salsa beat.
The Falls, in Pinecrest, South Dade, (8888 SW 136th Street)
features the only Bloomingdale's in town, plus the mall --
which also boasts Macy's, Pottery Barn, J. Crew, Williams
Sonoma and Mark Cross -- is built around a lovely man-made
stream.
Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Avenue at 96th Street on
Miami Beach, is nicknamed Miami's Rodeo Drive, because of
the elegant ambiance and the exclusive shops in this three-storey,
modern structure.
You'll find Tiffany's, Prada, Versace and Chanel, among other
pricey boutiques, but not bargains, unless you're lucky enough
to catch a big sale.
Beautiful it definitely is, and well worth a look, which
is always free.
Omni International Mall of Miami (1601 Biscayne Blvd at NE
16th Street) is more of a middle of the road mall; you don't
need a big budget to shop here. Shops include more affordable
venues like Gap, Express, Wolf Camera, and Bentley Luggage.
 Because
Miami's weather is so fair most of the year, outdoor bazaars
and fairs flourish.
The Espanola Flea Market on Espanola Way between Washington
and Drexel Avenues in South Beach, is open from noon to sundown
each Sunday; it's small but lively with a variety of handmade
goods, ethnic crafts, jewellery, batik scarves, and candle
holders.
Vintage dresses from the 1950s to the 1970s are available
at Too Much (1667 Michigan Avenue between Lincoln Road and
17th Street).
The store, named after the shop in the cult film Smashing
Time, also features everything from bonnets to bellbottoms
in an array of wild colours.
Attire comes in lace, velvet and crochet, as well as cottons
and synthetics, and you can also pick up platform shoes and
purses to go along with your outfit.
Just around the corner, you can stroll along one of the most
popular shopping and dining strips in Miami, Lincoln Road,
which has a constantly revolving array of interesting shops,
both mainstream and eclectic.
 South
Beach's other main shopping area branches outwards from the
intersection of Collins Avenue and 8th Street, with Banana
Republic, Armani, Gap, Urban Outfitters and Kenneth Cole just
a few of the name-brand options, and quite a few independent
stores as well.
But no shopper should leave Miami without a visit to Sawgrass
Mills (12801 W. Sunrise Blvd, 001-954-846-2350).
This enormous discount shopping mall is over one mile long
and covers 170 acres. It's so popular that the Florida board
of tourism counts it as one of their biggest draws.
No wonder. Where else can you get up to 70% off the retail
price on items from Barneys, DKNY, Joan and David, Neiman
Marcus, J. Crew and Sport Authority?
There's a foreign currency exchange, in case you find yourself
short of cash, five ATM machines, and shuttle bus service
between the mall and many Miami hotels.
For Flights and Airfares to the U.S - click
here for the Travel Homepage.
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