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Welcome to Perfect Saturday, a Racked feature where we ask our favorite Miamians to outline their favorite places to shop and spend the afternoon in a certain neighborhood.
No one knows Brickell like Evelyn Torres. As founder of the Brickellista Files, this stylish lady knows Miami's high rise-lined neighborhood like the back of her Manolo soles and can tell you which new restaurants to try, which old restaurants to stand by, and, most importantly, where to shop. On her blog she covers everything a Brickellite (or just a Miami mover and shaker) would like to know, whether she's revealing the city's best yoga teachers or dissecting a leopard print outfit for the workplace.
Now that you know how to spend a perfect Saturday in Coral Gables, we think it's high time you learned how to Brickell like a local, because there's more to the area than bars and major financial firms. We spent a whole Saturday roaming Brickell's streets with this stylish resident and working gal, so read on for Evelyn's favorite neighborhood spots.
During the week I'm in the office or working long hours in front of a computer. Some mornings I'll wake up at 5am to blog and hit the gym before heading into the office– long days for sure! So on Saturdays, like most Brickellites, I want to play in the sun. I start early with my munchkin Zoey and take her on a walk around Brickell Key. I'll also include her on most of my weekend adventures because, like her mommy she's an explorer too! Brickell key is one of my favorite places in Brickell because the hustle and bustle of the city traffic feels so distant. It's relaxing and filled with families, which gives Brickell a small town feeling.
- I love hitting the gym almost daily and Saturdays are no different, so a good stretch in Jodi Carey's yoga class has always been at the top of my list. Recently I was named an Exhale Spa Ambassador because of my focus on fitness on the blog. My crew and I are devoted to Jodi's class because it helps detox from the week... and the Friday night before.
With work, the blog, and my non-profit filling up my calendar - I always look forward to the moments when I can catch up with my girlfriends. My perfect Saturday involves my ladies and since we love our boozy brunches, the perfect place to meet is American Social. Ladies get bottomless mimosas on Saturdays (and they are heavy with the champagne). Bottoms up!
Did someone say shopping?! I'm a big supporter of small businesses and I love checking out what our local boutiques have curated. Maybe a little too much according to my bank account... Primarily a store for dudes, OFY carries great unisex accessories like sunglasses and bracelets. I'm a fan of men's watches and will often rock them to work with a pencil pant suit. They also have great trinkets and gifts for the MCM in your life.
If I am in need of a quick addition to my closet I'll stop by Basik because they have great, well, basics! But there is nothing basic about this place; its collection of super soft fabrics and luxe accessories will amplify any wardrobe. If I'm not at Basik, you can probably find me shopping for shoes at Joanna Paige.
When I first moved to Brickell my first meal was from Perricone's Deli (I ordered a sandwich and gelato to-go and ate on top of my boxes). I get a sense of nostalgia walking up the steps, only now I've discovered that the macaroons are just as uh-mazing as the gelato. Try the Pistachio gelato topped with a chocolate macaroon, which is my personal fave. Some things never change in Brickell and Perricone's has stood the test of time among the endless construction and developments.
The perfect end to a Saturday in Brickell? Having the perfect meal with my main squeeze. Golden Fig just arrived to Brickell and we love going there for their craft cocktails and comfort fare. A must try is the Peach Cobbler. Can we seriously discuss how good this is?!