Like a beachfront version of Paris' famed Colette, this concept store—helmed by dancer-turned-retailer Steven Giles—is one of the best spots in town for browsing. It's crammed with men's clothes, books, objets, a CD listening station, and even a hair salon, Snip. Labels rotate regularly, but expect an intellectual collection of European and American labels such as Fred Perry, Rogan, and Y-3. The music's a standout, too—no wonder, when one employee's full-time gig is "media research" (hunting down obscure, worthwhile tunes for the listening bar). There's been a closet-sized sequel inside the Delano Hotel) since summer 2005, but in March 2007, Base spawned a full-size satellite branch, Base Annex. In a former law office a block or so away from the original, the annex is a warren of rooms laid out like the private home of an eccentric, reclusive millionaire. The stock focuses on women's clothes and accessories, plus art world–worthy furniture: Look for chandeliers by Tobias Wong and chairs from Fornasetti among the Vivienne Westwood and Comme des Garçons duds (927 Lincoln Rd., Ste. 118; 305-695-4026).

Open daily until 10 p.m. (11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays).

In a town that often seems to prioritize sunning ahead of reading, this homegrown outlet stands out. The small South Beach branch stocks coffee-table books and a smattering of new fiction and nonfiction titles. Grab one of the shaded tables outside on Lincoln Road, and chow down on sandwiches by day and more elaborate fare such as scallops in coconut-shrimp sauce every evening. In late 2008, the store, pushed aside by a Diesel flagship, moved into a courtyard a few feet off Lincoln Road, but it's still there. There's also a second (bigger) location in Coral Gables, with smart staff and an intriguing selection of books, as well as a pleasant café for sandwiches and snacks (265 Aragon Ave.; 305-442-4408).

Open Mondays through Thursdays 10 am to 11 pm, Fridays and Saturdays 10 am to midnight.

This 18-block stretch just north of downtown was an area of derelict warehouses until developer Craig Robins started buying up property in 1994. Today, it's a bastion of high style, with cutting-edge design stores (open to the public, not just interior designers) lining the streets, along with art galleries and cafés. Among the big names: the carpet emporium Odegard (3621 N.E. Miami Court; 305-576-7166; www.odegardinc.com) and Holly Hunt, a 20,000-square-foot showroom of contemporary furniture (3833 N.E. Second Ave.; 305-571-2012; www.hollyhunt.com).

Miami isn't a city that lends itself to window-shopping and strolling the streets. But the pedestrian mall on Lincoln Road is an exception. Originally laid out in the '50s by the area's visionary architect, Morris Lapidus, and recently renovated, this eight-block outdoor promenade is populated by boutiques, cafés, and Rollerbladers. Several big chains—Pottery Barn, Diesel, L'Occitane, and the Gap—have outposts, but there are also a few original boutiques springing up, plus a surprisingly solid bookstore, Books & Books. On Sundays, there's a farmers' market, and every other Sunday from October to May, an antiques and collectibles market sets up shop.

Miami, long dissed and dismissed for its sequin-obsessed fashion scene, is finally producing some standout, world-class talents. Take glitzy unisex designer Julian Chang, who has a loyal following of local Latina celebs (yep, Gloria Estefan is a fan). At his workshop/showroom in Biscayne Corridor, expect brocade and plenty of bare skin, two of his signature touches (6667 Biscayne Blvd.; 305-751-8900; www.julianchang.com). Couturier Rene Ruiz makes red carpet–ready clingy gowns with ample va-va-voom and displays them at his storefront in Miracle Mile, the retail hub in downtown Coral Gables that's experiencing a revitalization (2700 Ponce de Leon Blvd.; 305-445-2352; www.reneruiz.net).

The creative director of the Italian fashion label Bottega Veneta relocated his namesake shop from a '30s-style bungalow on the edge of South Beach to the Design District in the fall of 2008. But the merchandise has stayed the same. Everything is still very much a personal statement of what Maier considers beautiful—even if that means displaying competitors' items alongside some Bottega designs and his own line of knits and swimwear. You'll find pieces from prominent jewelers mixed in with one-of-a-kind flea market finds, photography books, hats, DVDs, ceramics, shoes, and more.

Open Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 6pm.