Shopping in Stanford

Shoe Candy owner Lucille Mendes celebrates flirtatious femininity with her collection of apparel by popular brands that include Fergie, True Religion, and Oh Yes. Even her sunlit storefront reinforces the apparel’s bend toward girlish silhouettes—clothing is partitioned into closet-like enclaves, and dainty chandeliers dangle from the ceiling. Staffers happily guide clients toward ensembles that can help to turn heads at stylish soirees or toward more casual looks that make the couch happy to be seen with you. Once clients hone in on perfect outfits, on-staff seamstresses can tweak them for an even more figure-flattering fit.

Brazil native Claudia Diniz curates and designs a menagerie of flattering, fashionable clothing to outfit ladies for workouts or leisure. The activewear she stocks in her online and brick-and-mortar boutique infuses fitness gear with style thanks to decorative cutouts and body-hugging silhouettes as well as fabrics engineered to resist wind or fight bacteria. The cajubrasil one piece jumpsuit flaunts taut stomachs with a sheer overlay and its spandex-like New Zealand fabric hugs curves down to the calves. Her signature brand leggings, meanwhile, conform to body shapes via Supplex fibers, which protect legs from UV rays and very short supervillains. Viva O Sol also carries other fashionable brand names such as Bia Brasil, Gloss Army, Caju Brasil, Blue Fish, Equilibrium, Goddsswear.

With vibrant floral bouquets and thoughtful gift baskets, Rosie's & Posie's helps convey affection, well wishes, or just a general love of spring. Roses, lilies, daisies, and other blooms burst out of decorative vases in balloon-strewn arrangements, and stuffed animals can herald occasions from weddings to birthdays or deliver get-well and thank-you messages. The florist also stocks living plants, such as orchids and bromeliads, to serve as enduring gifts and the perfect place to hide small birthday presents in plain sight.