The Wanderlust Bazaar
The Inspiration for Michele Arellano’s Wanderlust Clothing Shop Came from Being on the Road
Tucked away in an office building in the heart of the Gables is The Wanderlust Bazaar. There is no storefront. But once you enter the second floor showroom you are immediately transported to a resort style boutique that’s just begging you to go on vacation.
The Wanderlust Bazaar is the brainchild of Michele Arellano, a native of Miami with Cuban and Ecuadorian roots. She graduated from FIU with a business and marketing degree, worked in PR and marketing for a few years after, but then decided to follow her lifelong dream of creating a brand that let her express herself through apparel and accessories.
“My inspiration for our store comes from the word ‘wanderlust’ itself,” she says. “It’s the desire to wander, to be curious. The idea first came to me while I was traveling to Mexico. I just felt so inspired and uplifted by the culture and the variety of materials, textures and colors the artisans incorporated into their handmade work. I wanted to bring that bohemian tropical feeling to life with our brand.”
She started her curated concept in 2017, selling online, at outdoor markets and with monthly pop-ups throughout Miami. But it wasn’t until September 2020 that she opened her showroom in Coral Gables.
When asked, “Why mid pandemic?” It was, she said, simply that the time had come. Social media and her in-person events had created such a following that she needed a showroom to work from and a place for her clients to shop in-person whenever they wanted. “It was a leap of faith at the time, considering things were still pretty unclear back then. No one knew what the ‘new normal’ would be. Once we opened our doors, my number one priority became keeping our clients safe. I knew it would be a risk opening up a showroom in the middle of a pandemic. But in all honesty, it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
At The Wanderlust Bazaar women ages 14 through 50 – and even older – can shop her airy, bright rooms for some of the newer trends as well as mainstay basics, but always with the free spirited and beachy vibe that we enjoy in Miami. “Our unique product offerings of women’s clothing, shoes and accessories provide effortless and versatile pieces for everyday use. It’s more than just the clothing and accessories we carry; it’s always been about a lifestyle.”
The Wanderlust Bazaar is open from 12 to 5 p.m. daily to anyone (perfect for lunch hour excursions). You can also call ahead to make shopping appointments or do a quick drive by to pick up what you purchased via Instagram. You can follow Arellano and all her new offerings at thewanderlustbazaar.com and on Instagram @thewanderlustbazaar.
Kim Rodriguez is a personal stylist and shopper whose clients include many Coral Gables residents. Krpersonalstyle.com.
The Wanderlust Bazaar
147 Alhambra Circle, Suite 200
954.372.5192
thewanderlustbazaar.com