The Platinum 100

Three years ago, we introduced the “Platinum 100” in recognition of the growth of luxury shopping on Sarasota’s shores. Since then, the top echelon of retailing has evolved and expanded even more here, with the arrival of new boutiques and creative talents, and an increased emphasis on detail and pedigree, hallmarks of a true luxury shopping experience.

Our third annual Platinum 100 list focuses on that shopping experience as much as the wares we found in Sarasota’s best stores. We looked for places where the ambiance as well as the products creates a unique and memorable shopping experience. Many of these stores source from their travels around the globe, and the world’s best brands and design leaders are well-represented. 

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or longtime resident, this guide will introduce you to an amazing array of treasures and surprises in our city’s exclusive stores and boutiques. We’ve analyzed product craftsmanship, access to luxury brands, store atmosphere and staff expertise, discovering fabulous retailers from Anna Maria Island and Englewood to Main Street Sarasota and St. Armands Circle.

We’re more convinced than ever that Sarasota holds its own with major shopping destinations, and there’s an added attraction—prices for some custom creations and fine goods are less than they would be in cities like London or New York.

We’re proud to introduce you to the 2010-2011 Platinum 100 and hope you’ll find this listing a year-round resource for top-tier goods and service.

FASHION

Dream Weaver & Planet

Joan McKeon offers a fascinating mix of contemporary fashion and art-to-wear by noteworthy American talents. Creativity abounds in everything from floor-length gowns to mini-dresses, hand-painted scarves, artisan handbags and jewelry. McKeon recently commandeered an adjoining boutique to house Planet for Dream Weaver, the flagship store for designer Lauren Grossman’s casual-chic Planet brand. Dream Weaver Collection, 364 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota (941) 388-1974.

Addison Craig A slingback’s throw from Lido Beach, Addison Craig is the Holy Grail for shoe-obsessed fashionistas who fawn over names like Sigerson Morrison, Tory Burch, Melissa and Ben Simon. Recently expanded, the store’s well-edited mix of high fashion and classics extends to handbags worn by the red-carpet crowd. Addison Craig, 28 S. Boulevard of Presidents, St. Armands Circle, Sarasota (941) 388-3400. 

Brooks Brothers A handsome shrine to clubby America’s most beloved outfitter, Brooks Brothers on Lemon and Main is actually an outpost of the retailer’s new golf and leisure concept. On-trend and yet completely classic, the resort gear here is everyday attire for Sarasotans who flock to the store for posh service and timeless blazers, cotton and cashmere sweaters. Brooks Brothers, 1500 Main St., Sarasota (941) 316-1502.

Captain’s Landing Brothers Trent and Troy Young offer head-to-toe men’s dressing with exceptional resort wear and Florida’s largest selection of Tori Richard’s couture Hawaiian tropical shirts of cotton lawn fabric as cool as an ocean breeze. Hip young golfers can’t get enough of neo-preppy Southern Tide’s super-comfy cotton stretch polos in fashion’s hottest colors. Captain’s Landing, 319 W. Venice Ave., Venice (941) 485-2329.

Designing Women Boutique Rifle through a trove of marquee labels at this beautifully appointed designer resale shop, where fashion cognoscenti compete for bargains from 50 to 70 percent off original prices. A cult following knows just where to find dreamy evening dresses, chichi Chanel, Escada and St. Johns suits, plus the perfect handbag and shoes to pull the look together. Designing Women Boutique, 1226 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (941) 366-5293.

Influence The next best thing to shopping L.A.’s trendiest boutiques, Influence is the brainchild of sisters Liz and Sam Murray. The look is laid-back Bohemian with brands like Rebecca Taylor, Madison Marcus and Joie. A former L.A. celeb stylist, Liz says the store fills Sarasota’s void for hip young clothes for 20-somethings. But to her surprise, fans range from 20 to 60-plus. Influence, 474 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota (941) 343-2315.