If the dingy, dimly lit tattoo shops on Washington Avenue are the problem, the bright and welcoming Easy Peasy studio on the Upper Eastside is the solution. The artists, who are mostly queer, gender-nonconforming, and/or BIPOC, take pride in their epidermal masterpieces. Owner Julie Frances (@midnight_moonlighttt on Instagram) is transparent about what the artists earn, the commission she makes, and sincerely promises "reasonable pricing." Peruse previous works and contact the artists directly to book via the shop's Instagram page — "all skin tones," "all genders," and "all bodies" are welcome.

No matter where her clients fall on the meek-to-assuredness spectrum, Sindy Perez is determined to boost their self-confidence with every boudoir photography session at her Earth and Honey studio. Sage is burned to welcome each new visitor into Perez's light-filled loft, where a sign reads, "No risk, no magic." Each session includes hair, makeup, and two hours of sensual photography with outfit changes. A former model, Perez helps clients with provocative yet natural poses while she flits about capturing the sultry scenes. Afterward, Perez shares the images and helps edit and retouch selections. With sessions starting at $349 (prints and albums cost extra), the price of self-confidence may seem steep, but you're worth it.

Online shopping nearly killed the brick-and-mortar adult goodies industry. A department store-sized adult store like Playthings has survived thanks to its approachable, informed, and non-judgmental staff. It's a one-stop shop for titillating lingerie, vibrators, lubrication, bondage ropes, chastity belts, handcuffs, nipple clamps, whips — you name it. Customers can even open two toys at a time to compare before purchasing. The store is stocked with dancer gear, including clear platform heels and poles, neon-hued and barely there rave outfits, and novelty items, including gift bags that read "#Fuckable." Note to the bashful: Playthings offers free shipping on orders over $50.

Looking for a living creature to put its survival in your hands? Consider one of the oxygen-excreting plants at Sunset Nursery. Staff at the lush garden center just west of the turnpike aren't merely knowledgeable about maintenance. They're pumped to find good homes for their green-leaved friends: rare philodendrons, fascinating bonsai arrangements, plump succulents, and a crayon box worth of colorful orchid varieties. You'll never have to worry about them peeing on the dining room rug — just make sure to utilize an appropriate outdoor plot or patch of windowsill and a watering schedule.

The Ciorarus have been giving Miami their flowers for more than two decades. Husband and wife Emil and Giselle Cioraru started the family business as a pop-up at weekend farmers' markets, usually with their kids, Lillian and Meir, helping complete orders. They're known for intuitively and efficiently preparing beautiful bouquets for any occasion, be it romance, good news, or condolences. After moving into its first brick-and-mortar space in 2003 and its current location on 79th Street in 2014, the Flower Place has expanded into online sales and now services weddings and other events thanks to Lillian, who joined the family business in 2021.

Planning a wedding can be exciting and overwhelming, especially when finding the perfect dress. But, thanks to Coral Gables Bridals, Miami brides no longer have to morph into bridezillas. This local business recently moved into a bigger location on Coral Way to better meet growing expectations. From classic and timeless to modern and trendy, Coral Gables Bridals boasts an extensive collection of wedding dresses to suit nearly every style and preference. Don't go hangry starving yourself to squeeze into a too-tight dress, either — the shop has a selection of dresses to fit curvy brides. Brides have 99 problems to worry about on their big day, but the dress shouldn't be one of them.

With the timeless luxury of Agent Provocateur and the kink vibes of a sexy dominatrix, Honey Birdette's got you and your privates covered (or un-, as the case may be), no matter where you fall on the naughty-nice spectrum. This Australian import now operates shops in the UK and a handful in the U.S., including one on the second level of Aventura Mall (see "Best Mall" elsewhere in this section). In addition to bras, thongs, crotchless panties, and garter belts, Honey Birdette offers an assortment of sensual toys, massage oils, and bondage accessories. The company stands behind its "come one, come all" ethos, too: Early this past spring, when critics pounced after Honey Birdette featured nonbinary model Jake DuPree on its Instagram wearing a three-piece red lingerie set, the company released a statement vowing to "continue to use our voice to empower and support the LGBTQ+ community, women, and anyone who wants to feel fabulous in our lingerie."

For more than 20 years, Lisa Walsh has been traveling to Morocco; more recently, her daughter, Lauren, has joined her. After developing relationships with some of the talented creatives in the North African nation, the mother-daughter duo opened Tighemi Concept to bring authentic Moroccan linens, tunics, kaftans, and accessories to their Design District shop. In 2021, the pair expanded into a neighboring storefront to offer furniture and housewares imported from Morocco. Now they also offer appointments at a showroom at Ironside in Little River. Be sure to pop in frequently — new shipments arrive seasonally.

Alex Srour and Maya Memovic make a great team — not just as husband and wife but as CEO and creative director of their modern Colombian swimwear brand, Azulu. With stores in Cartagena and Bogota, the duo opened their first flagship store in the United States at Aventura Mall in 2021 and expanded with their second stateside store only 17 miles away at Brickell City Centre in 2022. The brand is known for its flirty silhouettes with subtle "Latin flair" (think delicate bows, scalloped edges, and fringe details) that will turn heads whether you're jetting off for summer or staying local at the Standard.

Staying far from tacky seasonal trends, At Ease on Sunset curates a timeless, classic sportswear capsule. Less is more at this South Miami boutique, which features remarkably simple dresses by Xirena, sweatpants by Nili Lotan, and basic T-shirts by Enza Costa. While you're acquainting yourself with brands like the Row and Rosetta Getty, a white couch in the shop doubles as a Freudian chaise for meaningful conversations with staff — about the clothes or life in general. Stay tuned for trunk shows featuring popular jewelry designers.