There is a glut of overpriced/under-quality antique dealers in Palm Beach that cater to the crowd of part-time residents who need to spruce up the manse. A. B. Levy is a rare exception. Owner Albert Levy set up shop here in 1989 and travels the world for first-rate pieces, mostly French Gilded Age– and Louis XVI–style furniture. The price tags are still hefty, but fair.

It's not as tony as Palm Beach, of course, but venture across the bridge to West Palm Beach for the killer antique stores on South Dixie Highway. Elizabeth Bonan's Pierre Anthony Antiques specializes in 17th- to 20th-century furniture (3638 South Dixie Highway; 561-832-0556; www.pierreanthonyantiques.com; closed Sundays). Christa's South Seashells is devoted to shells, in everything from knickknacks to dramatic fountains. (3737 South Dixie Highway; 561-655-4650; www.csseashell.com; closed Sundays). Donovan & Gray Antiques sells excellent vintage fashions from Hermès, Gucci, and other designers (3623 South Dixie Highway; 561-838-4442; open Friday and Saturday in high season or by appointment).

Lilly Pulitzer, the reigning resident doyenne, made the brightly patterned shift dress synonymous with the Palm Beach look and thus launched a global empire. Now you'll find her trademark colors—fuchsia and lime green—on everything from clothes to accessories to lifestyle products for all ages. Sift through umpteen Lilly styles, as well as engagement and entertaining books, at this boutique.

It's no surprise that, in a town where you don't want to be caught wearing the same thing twice, there are a healthy number of resale shops. This charity store is the donation spot for seasonal residents who drop off their resort wear before heading north for the summer (the store closes in April and reopens in October). Expect to see near-mint condition Malo, Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors from last season, plus a smattering of china and antiques.

Open October through April.

The Church Mouse is where to find daywear, but Glam Vintage is all about cocktail dresses and floor-length gowns. The high-end vintage shop stocks sequined and lavishly draped dresses worthy of a woman-in-peril in any 1970s disaster flick—think a three-quarter-sleeve gold mini with a plunging neckline, a lemon-yellow chiffon maxidress with Marchesa-like Grecian detailing, or a ruffled Kelly-green cocktail shift with a bejeweled buckle at the waist. Owner Julie Pinello also stocks an Aladdin's cave of semiprecious and costume baubles; there's some fine men's tailoring as well.

You may have ogled the golf ball–size diamonds in the nifty display windows at Graff's other boutiques in London, Monte Carlo, and Manhattan. Here's your chance to try one on for size. Manager Craig Miller will happily strike up a conversation with even the most casual browser—though if you're not careful, you may leave with a very pricey bauble you weren't planning on buying.

Closed Sundays, August, and early September.

Enter a world of toy soldiers and military memorabilia, dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. Where else can you purchase an authentic plumed helmet, decorative ribbons, medals, swashbucklers' swords, and regimental drums?

Closed Sundays.

Shopping for the home (your second or third, that is) is a vital retail activity. Already popular in Manhattan, the Hamptons, and Los Angeles, Mecox offers an eclectic mix of coffee-table books, bibelots, and contemporary furniture.

This gloriously old-school travel store is well worth a detour from the Island into downtown West Palm Beach. The shop has been here since 1924, and the windows are filled with suitcases in every shape, size, and color. Don't be turned off by the somewhat weathered decor—there's a surprisingly chic collection of exotic leather pieces (ostrich, alligator, lizard) as well as vintage Louis Vuitton trunks that have made the north-to-south trip more than a few times.

The cream-colored, semicircular awnings and lavender storefront give it away: Daven is a touch of Cannes in PB. Inside, there's everything from fine jewelry and shawls to ballet flats and fantastic handbags designed for the Daven label. Owner Régine and daughter Peggy are brimming with joie de vivre—and fashion tips. Shoppers who can't make up their mind can sit down and enjoy a perfectly brewed espresso, served in a dainty Limoges cup and saucer with a chocolate truffle.

Closed Sundays.

An estate jewelry house since 1893, Richters is the place for exquisite vintage gems. Stefan Richter, whose family has been in the rare jewelry business for four generations, is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his collection and loves to show interested clients his latest treasures.

Closed Sundays.

If you're lucky enough to snag an invitation to the ultraexclusive Bath and Tennis Club for cocktails, you might think of picking up a pair of signature needlepoint slippers or loafers from this venerable shop off Worth Avenue for the, ahem, well-heeled. The line recently expanded beyond frogs and crests to more youthful embellishments like grenades and skulls. The velvet or linen slippers are handmade in Spain and start at about $350 off the rack. The shop offers customized pairs as well, which start at $900.

You'll find just the right pair of pants (men still get away with wearing pink madras trousers here) and polo shirt to wear on the fairway at this cheerful clothing boutique. Check out the cashmere fleece zip-ups, perfect for a brisk morning walk on the beach or evening cocktails outside.

Closed Sundays.

On a side street off Worth Avenue at 3 Via Parigi, Vivi's will provide you with engraved stationery and an impromptu etiquette lesson. The owner combines juicy bits of social gossip with tips on the finer points of personalized printed items—from escort and dinner cards to seating boards and thank-you notes.

Closed Sundays.

The designer labels lined up here earned this stretch the nickname Rodeo Drive of the East—though, frankly, it's a little smarter and less in-your-face than L.A.'s retail mecca. The main drag is full of upscale labels known for their resort wear like St. John, Escada, Emilio Pucci, and Chanel plus Italian cashmere companies Malo and Loro Piana. Preppy mainstay Ralph Lauren has a megastore here, of course. The best place to browse— and splurge—is at Lana Marks. The Palm Beach designer's alligator handbags and clutches are the epitome of Wasp chic.

Nonshoppers should take a stroll down the avenue as well to see the Mediterranean revival architecture and the hidden courtyards and alleyways that eccentric designer Addison Mizner used to create an ersatz old-world vibe. Local legend has it that Mizner, known for his love of theatrical staircases-to-nowhere, went as far as using inexperienced workmen who'd lay artfully wonky roof tiles. The best of his folly-style offshoots is on Via Mizner at the westernmost end. This collection of interlocking courtyards was originally home to the architect's apartment and is now where you'll find a selection of smaller shops like Tomas Maier. For another glimpse of Mizner's studied eccentricity, check out the grave of his pet monkey, Johnnie Brown, marked in the courtyard next to Pizza al Fresco.