Suzanne Litt-Lyon, Cindi Zilber, Maria Brenteson
At Ease on Sunset is something of a shopping icon in South Miami’s downtown. For more than 30 years, the boutique clothing store has been the place to go for luxurious, easy-to-wear women’s clothing. Featuring fashion and sportswear from more than 20 different designers, At Ease sells modern staple pieces that serve as “go-to” clothing that can be worn all the time and for years.
Owner Cindi Zilber says that there are a number of reasons the At Ease experience is preferable for her loyal clientele. The staff of five women, who call themselves “the shop girls,” is devoted to fashion and to finding new designers to feature. They have been involved in selling fine clothing for decades and love what they do. “We’ve been in the business all our lives; we love getting up and going to work in the morning,” said Cindi.
First owned by Linda Sokolwicz and Bonnie Green, At Ease was sold to Cindi who had been working in the store for 15 years before she purchased it.
“It is our customer service that makes us stand out. We curate our merchandise and look for items that we believe our customers will appreciate and want to own,” said Cindi.
During the interview for this article as we sat on comfortable couches, Cindi was taking phone calls from customers and preparing a fitting room for another customer. The shop’s vibe is active and friendly. It is a bit like hanging out with good friends while being surrounded by fashion that is expertly arrayed in a clean, open and airy environment. At Ease’s dedication to excellence for its clients includes amenities such as a personal shopper service, fittings and trunk shows (with designers presenting their merchandise from around the world) held five or six times per year.
The store’s Facebook page has a post, “Never underestimate the power of a good outfit on a bad day.” Something from one of At Ease’s featured designers, such as R-13, NSF, The Row, Enza Costa or Nili Lotan, could quite possibly do the trick. The look is embodied in the shop’s name. This is easy-to-wear clothing that is both casual and elegant at the same time. Clothing is the shop’s main line but also look for accessories such as sunglasses, jewelry and handbags.
The store and its services are well known to many women in communities in and adjacent to South Miami. Many of them have been loyal customers for years, and the “shop girls” work to keep them coming in to discover new merchandise.
When asked about the future, Cindi said, “My hope is that we’ll always be the best version of ourselves.”
At Ease on Sunset is located at 5844 Sunset Drive, South Miami. The store can be contacted at 305-662-1022. Also visit them online at and on Facebook at .
