The sole tenant of a cavernous, industrial building on a wide avenue, C Madeleine’s (named after owner Madeleine Kirsh) is a real treasure trove, with a century’s worth of vintage clothing – arranged by era and designer. There are plenty of pieces by major names: brightly patterned Emilio Pucci dresses from the 1960s, recent-ish Chanel bags, and (this being Miami) flashy 1980s wear by Versace. But there are also a wide selection of no-name period items, such as flowing dresses and pillbox hats.

The feel is more that of an eccentric aunt’s closet than a refined boutique. Mismatched vintage furniture is scattered around, full-size mannequins stand on top of kitchen tables and there are the sort of mid-century display cabinets you’d expect to find at a flea market. However, the homely vibe is part of the charm that attracts locals looking for a dress for a special occasion, tourists browsing, or fashion stylists prepping for a photoshoot on the beach.

The prices can be on the high side for vintagewear, but the condition of what is for sale is reliably pristine, thanks in part to a staff seamstress who spiffs up any buttons or hems that need mending. And despite the sheer volume of items – about 30,000 pieces at any given time – it’s all been selected with Madeleine’s eye.
• C Madeleine’s, 13702 Biscayne Boulevard, cmadeleines.com

Rachel Felder is author of Insider Brooklyn: a curated guide to New York City’s most stylish borough (Harper Collins, £17.99). To order a copy for £14.75 including UK p&p visit the guardian bookshop or call on 0330 333 6846