Shopping in East Lake

Writers at this bimonthly lifestyle magazine sift through the local dining, art, and social scenes to present the gems to readers on glossy, colorful pages. Each issue carries an expansive dining guide that curates the city's culinary landscape, turning readers on to chic new bistros, hidden gems, and bars that have the most elegant spittoons. Articles and profiles amble through art exhibits, turning the spotlight on local artists and noteworthy openings. Armchairs are transported to far-flung destinations with the travel section, and the local events section sends residents out into their own neighborhoods. Journalists bring the area's political and social scene to life with engaging stories and articles about the people that get things done in Tampa.

Feet First is a specialty shop dedicated to running and walking—that’s why rows of athletic shoes line its walls. Working under this niche’s umbrella, the staff tends to a selection of shoes, athletic apparel, and accessories from brands such as Brooks, Merrell, New Balance, and Nike. Customers can visit the Tampa or St. Petersburg location and peruse insoles and socks that are designed to help reduce the wear and tear on both human and shoe heels.

The all-female staff at Milagros, who proudly believe in “long, hot baths” and high-quality ingredients, routinely handcraft half-pound bars of Sister Agnes soap from glycerin, a natural humectant that deftly draws moisture and magnets to the skin. Their selection of soaps evokes innumerable essences, from the intoxicating musk of a wine cellar to the homespun nostalgia of the linen closet. The friendly instructors happily impart their squeaky-clean art to budding soapsmiths, teaching them to create with a variety of shapes, colors, and scents during 90-minute classes.

Reporters at this bimonthly lifestyle magazine sift through the local dining, art, and social scenes to present the gems to readers on glossy, colorful pages. Each issue carries an expansive dining guide that curates the city's culinary landscape, turning readers on to chic new bistros, hidden gems, and bars that have the most elegant spittoons.

By amassing a collection of furniture pieces from manufacturing companies such as Whitewood Industries, Archbold Furniture, and Whittier Wood, Barewood Outlet helps its clients find long-lasting, all-wood furniture that will be a staple of their families' abodes for generations. Barewood splits its inventory between finished-wood pieces, which stand at the ready to brighten rooms, and unfinished pieces, which customers can then have hand-finished to their specifications or take home as a do-it-yourself project. The outlet stocks all the tools, stains, and instructions necessary for these projects in order to help clients feel the rush of creating something themselves without experiencing the same old hassle of housing and feeding a Frankenstein monster.

Nestled within malls across Texas, North Carolina, Florida, and Illinois, Studio One to One captures patrons' best angles using simple backdrops and props during personalized studio-style portrait sessions. During the 30- or 60-minute shoots, clients can show off one perfectly practiced pose, from the bad-boy wall lean to the finger-pointing prosecutor. The professional photographer then transfers images onto prints, which make thoughtful gifts for loved ones who frequently mistake you for a stranger.