People often make the mistake of assuming that the best shopping in Orlando happens in the outlets and shopping malls. That's simply not true. Here are eight local stores that prove that when it comes to shopping in this town, local is lovely.
Dear Prudence Shoppe
2912 Corrine Drive, 407-894-4941, dresssweet.com
Adorable jewelry, jewelry-making supplies, women's fashion and stuff you won't find anywhere else make this Audubon Park boutique one of our favorite stops when we've got money burning a hole in our pockets.
Cloak and Dapper: A Gentlemen's Store
1219 N. Orange Ave., 407-250-6783, cloakanddapper.us
A carefully curated selection of menswear, grooming supplies and "provisions" – we dare not call them "accessories" – makes this Ivanhoe Village general store for men the place to get your specialty pomades, well-made shirts and not-mass-produced manly items. Spendy but stylish.
Dechoes Resale
2110 Edgewater Drive, 407-648-7480; 2525 E. Colonial Drive, 407-894-6622; the Village at Artegon, 5250 International Drive, store A7; dechoesresale.com
A droolworthy selection of designer goods, vintage finds and gently used accessories makes Dechoes the kind of place you stop at on the regular to hunt for clothing bargains. Unlike a lot of resale stores, Dechoes has an upscale but edgy vibe, so you never have to feel like you're slumming it when you shop here.
Filthy Rich Celebrity Jewelry
216B N. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-960-3950, worldfamousjewelry.com
This franchise sells replicas of jewelry items worn by celebs – have you always adored the emerald drop earrings First Lady Jackie Kennedy wore? You can buy a pair inspired by them here. Want a gold and diamond ring like the one Brad Pitt wears? Your best bet for finding a lookalike.
Sam Flax
1800 E. Colonial Drive, 407-898-9785, samflaxorlando.com
On one side, it's a fully stocked art-supply store that serves both the working artist and hobbyist alike. On the other, it's the perfect place to find last-minute gifts, craft papers, framing supplies and more.
Bargain Box Resale Shop
2010 N. Orange Ave., 407-898-1700, jlgo.org/bargain-box
Donations from the public stock this resale shop, run by the Junior League of Greater Orlando. In addition to gently used clothing and accessories for men and women, you'll also find furniture and household goods.
Bookmark It
East End Market, 3201 Corrine Drive, bookmarkitorlando.com
This little bookstore, which puts local and Florida authors in the spotlight, is not just a place to buy books – it's also a community literary hub that hosts readings, author talks, book signings, book fairs and more.
Fairvilla Megastore
1740 N. Orange Blossom Trail, 407-425-6005, fairvilla.com
Every major city needs a progressive store that takes the creep factor out of shopping for adult novelties. At Fairvilla, you can shop for sex toys, lingerie and whatever fetish gear gets you going, but you can also be more involved if you so choose – take classes in the erotic arts and attend "educational" seminars or one of the shop's many themed parties and happy hours.
