Best New Repurposed Vintage: Mission Avenue Studio

The constant influx of new finds in vintage furniture and upholstery adds to the addictive allure of Mission Avenue Studio. Bernabe Somoza and a team of artisans rescue secondhand and antique pieces and repurpose them with chic designer fabrics and painted wood finishes. The melange of treasures ranges from funky to sophisticated, every item a one-of-a-kind conversation piece. 1337 Manhattan Ave., Sarasota, (941) 312-5506, missionavestudio.com.

Best New Upscale Lines

Local stores keep upping the shopping ante, adding designer lines that shoppers formerly had to fly out of town to find. Among the best: Giorgetti furniture at Home Resource, John-Richard designs at Bee Ridge Lighting, Montis at Soft Square | Caligari's, Ogetti outdoor furniture and Regina Andrew furniture at The Sarasota Collection Home Store, Rachael Zoe apparel at Lotus, Cut25 by Yigal Azrouel, Ecru, Haute Hippie, Helmut Lang, Marchesa Voyage, McQ Alexander McQueen, Rachel Roy and more at The Met Fashion House, Day Spa & Salon.

Best New Boutique: Treat

Nicole Pepe-Dron curates an irresistible array of adornments at Treat An Accessories Boutique. This trendy tastemaker decided to create a store she would shop in herself, and that means chic jewelry, handbags, scarves, belts, loungewear and gifts that are surprisingly affordable. Serendipity awaits at every turn. 530 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, (941) 366-6369, facebook.com/treatsrq.

Best New Furniture Store: Robb & Stucky International

The name and location are the same, but the region's premier lifestyle home furnishings store has new owners and an all-new look. You'll find the furniture and accessories you need to create a range of décor, from classic traditional to ultra-contemporary. Displays feature an eclectic shelter magazine aesthetic with more price point options, too. 7557 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 702-8400, robbstuckyintl.com.

Best New Coastal Design Shop: White Rose Interiors

The newest coastal décor shop in town, White Rose Interiors brims with furniture, gifts and decorative accessories for the seaside cottage look. Distressed and white-washed wood finishes and cleverly repurposed new and vintage pieces set the stage. Look for a second outpost on Lakewood Main Street. 1662 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 365-7673.

Best New DIY Hotspot: Rustic Rooster

From casual vintage pieces to exquisite 17th-century Eastern European antiques, every item at Rustic Rooster is lovingly renewed for today's aesthetic by owner-artisans Julie and Bob Lautermilch. Best of all, they offer classes teaching do-it-yourselfers how to customize furniture using the coveted Annie Sloane Chalk Paint line. It's a fun way to refresh family treasures or become an amateur decorative artist. 602 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, (941) 366-8485, rusticroostersrq.com.

Readers' Picks: Shopping, Goods & Services

Best Place to Buy Women's Shoes

Dillard's

Peltz Shoes, Saks Fifth Avenue

 

Best Store for Kids

Toys R Us (Bradenton)

Children's World, Toy Lab

 

Best Place to Work Out

Crunch Fitness

Studio South Fitness, The Y

 

Best Spa

L Spa

Fresh Salon. Spa. Style, The Met Fashion House Day Spa & Salon

 

Best Hair Salon

Cutting Loose Salon

Nuovo, Yellow Strawberry

 

Best Place to Buy Lighting

Franklin Lighting

Bee Ridge Lighting and Design, Home Depot

 

Best Place to Buy Floor Covering

Montgomery's CarpetsPlus

Home Depot, Rugs As Art

 

Best Place to Shop for Antiques

Sarasota Architectural Salvage

Crissy Galleries, Woman's Exchange of Sarasota

 

Best Art Gallery (not museum)

State of the Arts Gallery

Dabbert Gallery, Palm Avenue Fine Art

 

Best Men's Clothing Store (chain)

Dillard's

Brooks Brothers, Macy's

 

Best Men's Clothing Store (locally owned)

Jackie Z Style Co.

Martin Freeman Clothing, The Met

 

Best Women's Clothing Store (chain)

Macy's

Dillard's, Saks Fifth Avenue

 

Best Women's Clothing Store (locally owned)

Jackie Z Style Co.

L Boutique, The Met

 

Best Women's Formal/Cocktail Attire Store (chain)

Saks Fifth Avenue

Dillard's, Macy's

 

Best Women's Formal/Cocktail Attire Store (locally owned)

Foxy Lady

L Boutique, The Met

 

Best Swimsuit Store

Swim Mart

Splash Sun & Fun, Swim City

 

Best Jeweler (chain)

Kay Jewelers

Mayors, Saks Fifth Avenue

 

Best Jeweler (locally owned)

Coffrin Jewelers

Diamond Vault Jewelers, June Simmons Jewelry

 

Best Florist

Bee Ridge Florist

Beneva Flowers, Flowers by Fudgie

 

Best Bicycle Shop

Ryder Bikes

Siesta Key Bike and Kayak, Village Bikes

 

Best Home Accessories Store (locally owned)

Black Bird Home Gallery

Bright Life, M.L. Gosling

 

Best Furniture Store (chain)

Rooms to Go

Baer's Furniture, Kane's Furniture

 

Best Furniture Store (locally owned)

Black Bird Home Gallery

Kalins Furniture Store, Home Resource

 

Best Consignment Store

Woman's Exchange of Sarasota

Laura Jean's Consignments, Fifi's Fine Resale Apparel

 

Best Gift Shop

Yoder's

Crowder's Gifts & Gadgets, Elysian Fields

 

Best Retirement Community

The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch

Plymouth Harbor, Sarasota Bay Club

 

Best Veterinarian

Sarasota Animal Hospital

Forest Lakes Animal Clinic, Gulf Gate Animal Hospital

 

Best Pet Services

Holistic for Pets

PetSmart, Wet Noses Pet Store

 

Best Home Health Care

Take Care Home Health Care

Bright Day Home Healthcare, Comfort Keepers

 

Best Landscaping Company

Mike Gast Lawn Care

ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design, Thrive

 

Click here to read more of the Best of Sarasota 2014. >>