Aventura Mall. 300 stores. Almost 3 million square feet of pure shopping bliss. 9500 parking spaces. 28 million shoppers a year. While I knew it was MY number 1 shopping destination, I didn’t know that it was the favorite of so many others. It is consistently voted “South Florida’s Best Local Shopping Destination” by the Miami Herald readers.
And last week, for the first time, Aventura Mall invited a few local bloggers in for a first time event–called Aventura Mall Insiders. What a FAB day! We met just inside the entrance, at Fountain Court. I’ve spent hours mesmerized by this majestic fountain. It amazes me how the water can shoot so far up in the air–3 stories high, yet nobody sitting around the bottom gets wet. But, I digress.
Mall Marketing execs met us at the fountain and we started our journey. As we passed the Apple Store, the manager came out, greeted us and talked a bit about his store. He LOVES the new, larger location. Even though the mall hadn’t opened offiically yet, there was a healthy line outside the store. And once the store opened, the employees all clapped as their customer entered. Just another weird Apple thing, huh?
Anywho, we made our way down to the new, larger location of Sephora. Notice the “new, larger” theme at Aventura. Business must be booming–everyone seems to be moving or planning to move to a new, larger location within the Mall. Down as Sephora, we watched a professional makeup artist apply a whole new face to a model. Didn’t take him long, either. She went from ordinary to VAVAVOOM in about 15 minutes. Then one of the store Directors talked to us about this flagship location. In addition to express services for the girl on the go, they also offer private consultations, complete with beauty studios in the back. This store carries more than 300 brands, including fragrances. NICE!!
While walking to our next stop, we passed the brand new and LUXE Louis Vuitton store. It just opened a month ago and it was JAM PACKED, first thing in the morning! This is just a temporary location, before it moves to a “new, larger” space next year. The new space will be 2 story and will nclude a private, VIP entrance for its celebrity clients.
But, on to Zingara. I’ve been to several events at this swimwear store. So many, in fact, that it felt strange not having passed finger food. My bestie, Kristina, moderated a short fashion show for us–showing us the new collection. I love how their lines are so coordinated–you can even buy a bandeau for your straw hat that that matches your swimsuit and coverup. This is the ONLY store in South Florida for this Mexican brand. LOVE IT! Check out this video from last month’s Mercedes Benz Swim Week show!
Then, back down to Fountain Court where we were seated in Koko & Palenki, for another show, moderated by the FAB owner, Pamela. She was a hoot! Absolutely LOVED her! She’s local and now has FIVE local locations for Koko & Palenki. Her stuff is fashionable, trendy and affordable. By the way, it was here that I found my latest obsession, a HAMMITT bag, called Westwood. Be still, my heart. More on this next week. Check out 30 Seconds of Style with Koko & Palenki!
Finally, we ended up next door at The Grill on the Alley, where General Manager Jeff Martin showed us a FABULOUS time. His staff brought out so much amazing food–my favorites were the Spinach Artichoke Dip(maybe the best that I’ve ever had!!!) and the Fudge Brownie Pie.
And, before I forget, I was OH SO IMPRESSED with the Turnberry for the Arts program. Because of this program, Aventura Mall is home to a MAJOR contemporary art collection. There are sculptures, enamel paintings on marble, and all kinds of mixed media creations. They are scattered throughout the mall. Check out the gallery here.
For a first event, it was great–hopefully next time, more stores will participate! I LOVE being an Aventura Mall Insider!!
Disclosure: I was invited to participate in this event. I was also gifted a FAB swag bag that included products and gift cards. Opinions are my own.
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