Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
Memorial Day means one thing in Miami: Urban Beach Weekend, and unless you're a hip hop head whose prepared to circle through Washington and Collins hoping a space will open in the garage on 7th, then you'd better pack your bags and hit the road, Jack.
It's tradition that Miamians amass the Florida Keys this weekend, crashing at a friend's canal-view trailer, fishing with the boys at the crack of dawn and taking ratchet pictures at the Tiki Bar that probably shouldn't go on Facebook. But besides great boating and fishing ops, Key Largo and Islamorada boast a helluva lineup of shopping destinations and, in true Racked fashion, we've rounded up a list of those that are worth a stop on the Overseas Highway.
We left out the bait and tackle shops (we'll let the sea life experts sort those out) and concentrated on stores that sell great beachwear, novelty goods, vintage treasures and, of course, touristy gems, because heaven forbid you go home without bringing mom a frozen key lime pie. Did we miss anything? Know where to shop past MM 63? Let us know in the comments section or drop us a line here, and we'll consider including it in our next weekend shopping trip through the Keys.
Shell World has two locations in Key Largo. The first is the welcoming beacon of tourist shops for all the Florida Keys, with giant statues and novelties that are perfect for photo ops. Inside you'll find your typical touristy shirts, key lime pie treats, tiki and pirate statues, etc., but what you really come for are the shells. There are tens of thousands of them, literally, in small jars, large jars, enclosed cases and they're all real. See if you can spot the 250 year old crab shell that's $4,800. Can't swing that? Take home one of Shell World's free stickers at checkout.
If you're looking for chevron dresses, bauble necklaces, anchor print tees and anything else that would fit into a preppy closet, then this is your place. Recently opened in February, it's the first womenswear boutique you run into when you enter the Keys. Everything is well under $50, so take comfort in the fact that you can walk out with a candy colored bikini, coverup and matching beach bag for under three figures.
Since 1985, Largo Cargo has been luring in customers with its bright facade and pirate cannons, which the owner sets off at his leisure (just kidding. He just switches on a fog machine). Inside you'll find novelties and tourist gifts galore, like $12 bikinis, Tortuga rum cakes, kites, figurines of sandy manatees and Panama Jack hats. Oh, and on the off chance you are interested in buying the cannons, they're on sale for $999. The fog machine is most likely included.
Florida Keys Gift Company is another decent gift shop, with graphic tees, shell tie bracelets, flags, and an extensive selection of wooden wind chimes. There's tropical button downs for men, patchwork purses from Bali, and a breadth of Original Redneck products, which glorify the classic red solo cup. Proceed to party.
A dentists chair, giant Chinese dragon, porcelain John F. Kennedy plate in all its glory and George Washington G.I. Joe were just some of the oddities we found in here. Seriously, this place is a treasure chest of strange objects, which automatically makes it a must stop on your ride through the Keys. Not convinced? We found a vintage Céline jacket hanging in a corner. We'll meet you next to the giant retro trailer parked out front.
On your way out of the Keys, drop into Pink Junktique, where you'll find vintage furniture, clothing, appliances. They carry a few high end designers, so be prepared to spend just slightly more.
If you're hungry, duck into this 17 year old establishment, where you can buy whole frozen key lime pies, cookies, body care products and even home goods. The store makes their own sauces and marinades and, fun fact, Al Roker helped them come up with a key lime mango ginger sauce on a visit here. Sample them all at the store's cafe next door, where they claim to have the best conch fritters from there to Key West.
Water's Edge Cottage has a loyal following (people drive all the way from Boca just to shop!) because, other than looking like the quintessential beach cottage, this boutique has stellar prices on the clothing you'd normally find at ritzy Miami boutiques. There's an extensive assortment of home goods like frames, furniture, kitchenware and throw pillows, as well as a wall of adorable childrenswear, like adult-style coverups from Mud Pie and onesies made by a local Key Largo pastor. Oh, and don't forget to check out their spa in the back, Bloom, where they offer facials, waxing, manis and pedis and eyelash extensions.
Walking into Miss Monroe is like walking into the perfect spring cottage, if said cottage includes Soludos espadrilles, bright dresses, fabulous sunnies and novelties like French soaps and Rifle Paper Co. cards, at surprisingly affordable prices. [Photo: Miss Monroe]
Milk & Honey is local fave throughout the upper Keys, and one peek at their boho labels like Jen's Pirate Booty and Flynn Skye will tell you why. Here you'll find pure quality, whether you're draping on one of their vintage tunics or fluttering around in a new maxi dress and floppy hat. [Photo: Instagram]
You need not go all the way to Blue's other location in Key West, because there's one nestled right in Islamorada. Here you'll find classic, preppy beachwear and accessories for men and women. It's pricier than most other stores around these parts, but if you're looking for quality clothing, it's definitely worth a stop. [Photo: TripAdvisor]
At Zero Dress Code you'll find colorful cotton basics, printed maxi dresses, statement sandals and basically anything you'd need to feel feminine yet laid back. [Photo: Zero Dress Code]
If the Lilly Pullitzer store had a distant cousin, this would be it. It's beach prep at its finest, so come here for chevron print shift dresses, watercolor floral tees, and coverups that are chic, but also mom-appropriate. Of note are their amazing Ketak purses, which are sturdy, straw-like bags that are handcrafted in Indonesia, and come in all kinds of boxy shapes. No two are alike. Also of note are the wall clocks and hand-carved buoys, which the owners make themselves.
Outside, The Banyan Tree sells rosemary, jalapeños and orchids, to name a few of their botanical treasures. Inside, there's a whole boutique of clothing, body care and home accessories. You'll find well-known products here, like Crabtree & Evelyn creams, Rifle Paper Co. birthday cards and Dogeared necklaces, but there's a great selection of tunics, bags and home goods from lesser known brands as well.
Shell World has two locations in Key Largo. The first is the welcoming beacon of tourist shops for all the Florida Keys, with giant statues and novelties that are perfect for photo ops. Inside you'll find your typical touristy shirts, key lime pie treats, tiki and pirate statues, etc., but what you really come for are the shells. There are tens of thousands of them, literally, in small jars, large jars, enclosed cases and they're all real. See if you can spot the 250 year old crab shell that's $4,800. Can't swing that? Take home one of Shell World's free stickers at checkout.
If you're looking for chevron dresses, bauble necklaces, anchor print tees and anything else that would fit into a preppy closet, then this is your place. Recently opened in February, it's the first womenswear boutique you run into when you enter the Keys. Everything is well under $50, so take comfort in the fact that you can walk out with a candy colored bikini, coverup and matching beach bag for under three figures.
Since 1985, Largo Cargo has been luring in customers with its bright facade and pirate cannons, which the owner sets off at his leisure (just kidding. He just switches on a fog machine). Inside you'll find novelties and tourist gifts galore, like $12 bikinis, Tortuga rum cakes, kites, figurines of sandy manatees and Panama Jack hats. Oh, and on the off chance you are interested in buying the cannons, they're on sale for $999. The fog machine is most likely included.
Florida Keys Gift Company is another decent gift shop, with graphic tees, shell tie bracelets, flags, and an extensive selection of wooden wind chimes. There's tropical button downs for men, patchwork purses from Bali, and a breadth of Original Redneck products, which glorify the classic red solo cup. Proceed to party.
A dentists chair, giant Chinese dragon, porcelain John F. Kennedy plate in all its glory and George Washington G.I. Joe were just some of the oddities we found in here. Seriously, this place is a treasure chest of strange objects, which automatically makes it a must stop on your ride through the Keys. Not convinced? We found a vintage Céline jacket hanging in a corner. We'll meet you next to the giant retro trailer parked out front.
On your way out of the Keys, drop into Pink Junktique, where you'll find vintage furniture, clothing, appliances. They carry a few high end designers, so be prepared to spend just slightly more.
If you're hungry, duck into this 17 year old establishment, where you can buy whole frozen key lime pies, cookies, body care products and even home goods. The store makes their own sauces and marinades and, fun fact, Al Roker helped them come up with a key lime mango ginger sauce on a visit here. Sample them all at the store's cafe next door, where they claim to have the best conch fritters from there to Key West.
Water's Edge Cottage has a loyal following (people drive all the way from Boca just to shop!) because, other than looking like the quintessential beach cottage, this boutique has stellar prices on the clothing you'd normally find at ritzy Miami boutiques. There's an extensive assortment of home goods like frames, furniture, kitchenware and throw pillows, as well as a wall of adorable childrenswear, like adult-style coverups from Mud Pie and onesies made by a local Key Largo pastor. Oh, and don't forget to check out their spa in the back, Bloom, where they offer facials, waxing, manis and pedis and eyelash extensions.
Walking into Miss Monroe is like walking into the perfect spring cottage, if said cottage includes Soludos espadrilles, bright dresses, fabulous sunnies and novelties like French soaps and Rifle Paper Co. cards, at surprisingly affordable prices. [Photo: Miss Monroe]
Milk & Honey is local fave throughout the upper Keys, and one peek at their boho labels like Jen's Pirate Booty and Flynn Skye will tell you why. Here you'll find pure quality, whether you're draping on one of their vintage tunics or fluttering around in a new maxi dress and floppy hat. [Photo: Instagram]
You need not go all the way to Blue's other location in Key West, because there's one nestled right in Islamorada. Here you'll find classic, preppy beachwear and accessories for men and women. It's pricier than most other stores around these parts, but if you're looking for quality clothing, it's definitely worth a stop. [Photo: TripAdvisor]
At Zero Dress Code you'll find colorful cotton basics, printed maxi dresses, statement sandals and basically anything you'd need to feel feminine yet laid back. [Photo: Zero Dress Code]
If the Lilly Pullitzer store had a distant cousin, this would be it. It's beach prep at its finest, so come here for chevron print shift dresses, watercolor floral tees, and coverups that are chic, but also mom-appropriate. Of note are their amazing Ketak purses, which are sturdy, straw-like bags that are handcrafted in Indonesia, and come in all kinds of boxy shapes. No two are alike. Also of note are the wall clocks and hand-carved buoys, which the owners make themselves.
Outside, The Banyan Tree sells rosemary, jalapeños and orchids, to name a few of their botanical treasures. Inside, there's a whole boutique of clothing, body care and home accessories. You'll find well-known products here, like Crabtree & Evelyn creams, Rifle Paper Co. birthday cards and Dogeared necklaces, but there's a great selection of tunics, bags and home goods from lesser known brands as well.
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46370204/IMG_9517.0.0.JPG)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62442210/IMG_9536.0.0.jpeg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62442211/IMG_9563.0.0.jpeg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62442212/IMG_9618.0.0.jpeg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62442213/IMG_9679.0.0.jpeg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62442214/IMG_9692.0.0.jpeg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62442216/l.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62442218/IMG_9638.0.0.jpeg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62442219/IMG_9740.0.0.jpeg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62442220/MM2-Promo-Photo1-300x200.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62442221/Screen_20Shot_202014-05-20_20at_208.05.59_20PM.0.0.png)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62442222/blue.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62442223/IMG_0002.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62442224/IMG_9770.0.0.jpeg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62442225/IMG_9743.0.0.jpeg)