This Parisian beauty emporium has swept the States with its cheeky mix of flash and substance. Every fragrance under the sun is handily alphabetized along the walls, making finding one's brand a dream. All in all, Sephora makes one never want to enter a department-store beauty area again. 721 Collins Ave., tel. I'm amazed that the country has still not picked up on the look that seems to be everywhere in fashion-setting South Beach.
Colors can range from slate gray to vivid orange.
925 Lincoln Rd. Israel Sands has created one of the most renowned flower emporiums in the South. Occupying an elegant, mid-size storefront in one of Lincoln Road's most streamlined deco structures, it is a favorite of such icons as Donatella Versace, Gloria Estefan, and Madonna. In addition, the shop offers a wide assortment of pleasant extras, such as bamboo baskets, Annick Goutal fragrances, and Gilles Dewavrin candles made in Paris especially for the store. After a day of hard shopping, I like to laze outside at the Italian restaurant Carpaccio and watch the parade of the rich and famous pass by.