Although it's mostly overshadowed by St. Armand's Circle's huge assortment of upscale shops, Siesta Key's picturesque Siesta Village offers a beach-town assortment of charming shops and boutiques. Plus, just a stone's throw away from Sarasota makes this beach town the perfect vacation spot. On the first Friday of each month Sarasota's boutiques stay open late, and shoppers browse while checking out live performances on the street. For trendier art galleries and shops, try the blocks around Palm Avenue and Pineapple Avenue.

Prime Outlets
5461 Factory Shops Boulevard, Ellenton
(941) 723-1150
www.primeoutlets.com

Twenty minutes from downtown Sarasota, the huge Prime Outlets shopping plaza lures fashion addicts with the largest assortment of outlets in the area. Leave lots of space in your trunk, as you're sure to leave with bays of goodies from Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, OFF 5th Saks Fifth Avenue, BCBG, Gap Outlet, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Kate Spade, Mikasa, Harry and David, Ann Taylor, and more!

St. Armand's Circle
300 Madison Drive, Sarasota
(941) 388-1554
www.starmandscircleassoc.com

The brainchild of circus magnate John Ringling, St. Armand's Circle resembles an elegant European market, with Italian statuary, lush landscaping, and glittering outdoor lights in the evenings. Shoppers come from all over the world to browse the collection of over 130 upscale boutiques, unique galleries, and outdoor cafes.

Southgate Plaza
3501 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
(941) 955-0900
www.westfield.com/southgate/

For traditional mall shopping with an upscale twist, Southgate Plaza offers chic apparel stores and the home furnishing chains of Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn. For frocks and such, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's Banana Republic, Aldo, Chicos, Ann Taylor Loft, Dillard's and The Gap keep fashionistas satisfied.