HOT PICKS
So-Mi, 2775 NE 187th St., Ste. 2, Aventura; 786-787-9087 or 786-285-0344What: White, polyester, round-neck blouse with yellow belt by Sine; $235Why: The bright yellow belt is so '80s. Team it with shorts and high heels for the woo-hoo effect.What: Pyramid beige flapper dress by Yoanna Baraschi; $320Why: This ivory beauty has hand-beaded pearls and gray accents. It's perfect for a luncheon with the girls or a wine and cheese affair.What: Capetown silk-lined, bold printed cami; $322Why: It's not for the faint of heart.What: High-waist spring denims by Tibi; $270Why: Flare up. It's allowed.What: Dark wash, high-waist, three-button shorts; $166Why: Bring sexy back -- summer is here!Modeled after every fashionable gal's happy place -- a super huge closet -- So-Mi is an acronymed namesake boutique owned by Sofia Mishaan and Miriam Greemberg. Its mottled decor spells feminine whimsy every step of the way. Trimmings are deliberately eccentric, as though symbolizing a rebellion against sticking to a single theme: Look around and see a red velvet vanity bench, a pedestal with candy-filled pots, faux vintage fashion wall art and Taschen's '70s Vintage Fashion & Beauty Ads sitting on the coffee table.
So-Mi's offerings are a seasonal medley, with cute and cavalier creations by Tibi, Mint, Yoanna Baraschi, Milly, Envi, Bobi, Stella & Jamie and many others on the racks. You'll also find bathing suits by Lisa Curran, Italian handbags priced from $300 to $600, colorful shoes by Sergio Zelcer in the $150 range, lots of trinkets and accessories ranging from $50 to $200. Additionally, PJs by PJ Salvage offer a nice option to end a hectic day.
Although the formula does not seem all that new it's worth talking about: ''Everything is something special in your closet, as we order only three pieces per item,'' Greemberg says.
Apart from all the expected goodies, a curious item by Her Look called Low Beams is misleadingly packaged as a hot pink key ring with an automotive graphic on it. It discreetly holds a pair of latex-free nipple concealers that can be worn under a bathing suit, while running around the block or on a windy day. Priced at $12, they can be used with or without a bra -- its clever and not so subtle tag says, ''Headlights are for cars.'' The item caught the fancy of many amused walk-ins who picked it up, smiled and put it back.
The surplus of essential ammunition for the Floridian summer in the store includes high-waist shorts and camis, all too neatly lined up on a worktable beside the racks. Mishaan and Greemberg say they plan to update their cache every two months and want to stay at least two seasons ahead.
So-Mi, now 2 months old, began when Greemberg and Mishaan were working at a marketing firm last year. Mishaan has a bachelor's degree in graphic design from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, while Greemberg is a Florida International University grad with a degree in marketing. ''We both put different things in the company,'' Greemberg said.
Originally from Venezuela, these 23-year-old gal pals have lofty plans. ''We would like to open more locations and [have] an online store,'' Mishaan offered, and Greemberg, while ringing up a pair of chic yellow Sergio Zelcer shoes, added, ''We want to start our own line someday.'' For now, So-Mi occupies an oversize space a stone's throw from Aventura Mall.
''We wanted a place where people could shop and relax at the same time,'' Greemberg said.
