Yes, you're here in the semi-tropical sun to soak up the spectacular offerings of Art Basel, but South Florida also has other serious shopping haunts. Here's a guide:

LINCOLN ROAD

The main shopping-and-dining artery of Miami Beach is the must-see location for your stay. People watching at this pedestrian-friendly promenade is a favorite pastime, so be sure to order a café con leche and chill at one of its many outdoor tables while recharging your batteries.

Alchemist: Resist the temptation to take home palm frond-print pareos. Alchemist houses the top designer labels -- Givenchy, Dior Homme, Rick Owens and Natalia Brill. It also carries vintage Chanel jewelry -- tres chic. 438 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach; 305-531-4653.

Base: Tired of the same ol', same ol'? Then bounce over to Base, the epicenter of cool, quirky and hip. Items from off-the-beaten-path designers such as Miansai (jewelry), Luis Morais (jewelry), Fred Perry (clothing), Rogan (clothing), Nice Collective (clothing) and Tsovet (watches) are up for grabs. 939 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach; 305-531-4982.

Books & Books: Bibliophiles can't get enough of this decidedly anti-Borders bookstore where intimacy and one-on-one help aren't foreign concepts. Hard-to-find titles are available, and signing events are always on the schedule. Order up lunch at the café -- the chicken curry salad and couscous are to die for. 933 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach; 305-695-8898.

Debbie Katz: Debbie Katz's creations are synonymous with South Beach -- colorful, vibrant and airy. Katz's high-quality cotton-gauze tunics, dresses and pants are perfect for enduring Miami's swelter, and her designs define Florida living. A purchase at this shop will have you dreaming of the ocean and sun every time you wear it. 1629 Alton Rd., Miami Beach; 305-672-9778.

Fly Boutique: Consider Fly Boutique, the locals' favorite vintage shop. The cozy and eclectic store sells new and vintage threads and accessories from Pucci, Gucci, Dior and Chanel, plus Puglia, owner Jean Marie's line. Buzz on over for rare pieces such as antique Louis Vuitton luggage and timeless Judith Leiber clutches. 650 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach; 305-604-8508.

BAL HARBOUR SHOPS

Even if you're on a budget, consider a trip to Bal Harbour Shops a must. With its serene pace and koi ponds, the center is a crown jewel of shopping meccas, with Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, plus Carolina Herrera, Harry Winston, Oscar de la Renta, Armani, Graff Jewelers, D&G, Valentino, Chanel, YSL, Cartier, Fendi and more. 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour; 305-864-1801.

100% Capri: No need to jet off to Capri when you're searching for the finest Italian linens. This recent addition to Bal Harbour Shops carries crisp blouses, jackets, pants and dresses in white, chocolate, natural and navy hues. 305-866-4117.

Addict: Addicted to kicks? This place holds the cure for your sneaker fixation. Find fashion-forward footwear by Ugg Australia, Puma, Lacoste, Sabelt and Michael Toschi. 305-864-1099.

Lulu Denim: Lulu is the place to pinpoint the perfect pair of jeans. Slip on a pair of AG, Diesel, Robin's, or True Religion dungarees and tees by Superdry and Scotch & Soda. The staff will happily decode the perfect size and fit. 305-868-1845.

Oxygene: Fashionistas flock here for the modern, gorgeous and ageless creations by Balmain, Lanvin, Alexander Wang, Jasmine Di Milo and Blumarine. 305-864-0202.

LOWER COLLINS

Just a block from the beach, the area between Fifth and 19th streets is peppered with bikini-clad characters looking for club wear or a nibble. Nestled between big-label stores such as Sephora, Ralph Lauren, Nicole Miller, United Colors of Benetton, Arden B., Urban Outfitters, MNG by Mango, Zara and Barneys New York Co-Op., are more distinctive shops:

Atrium: The Kardashian sisters shop here for a reason -- Atrium prides itself on carrying exclusive designer clothing and accessories from Alexander McQueen, Nudie Jeans, PRPS and Brogden. 1931 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-695-0757.

Intermix: This is every Miami glam gal's go-to shop, thanks to its hip assortment of clothing and accessories. Dig up duds by Rag & Bone, Gryphon, Veda and Torn. Stumble upon jewelry by Kenneth Jay Lane and Sydney Evans. Shoes by Fendi, Giuseppe Zanotti and Sergio Rossi and handbags by Chloe, Juliette and Jake and Stella McCartney add to the allure. 634 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-531-5950.

Kidrobot: Home to collectible toys, apparel and art, Kidrobot collaborates with top international artists in the graffiti, fine art, fashion, industrial design, illustration and music realms. A purchase here -- a trippy Thumper doll, say -- makes for an excellent conversation piece. 638 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-673-5807.

The Webster: Thanks to its affinity for high-end designers Alaia, Balenciaga, Eres, Miu Miu and Prada, this three-level shop is arguably the most chi-chi on Collins. Be sure to take a gander at the photography and dine at its Parisian restaurant Caviar Kaspia. 1220 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-

674-

7899.