Quenby Tyler elevates consignment shopping to new heights.
Directed & Edited By: Tamara Boxx for LUXYMOM® | Photography: Tim Gibbons Photography | 1st Camera Assistant & Videographer: Ursula Gibbons | Wardrobe Styling: Libby Romano and Tamara Boxx for LUXYMOM®, Natalie for Audrey’s | Hair: Ada Tabaku | Makeup: Sophia Zizzi
Audrey’s of Naples is a mecca for fashionistas near and far. Family owned and operated by Quenby Tyler, Ashley Means, and Matriarch and Founder Sharon Tilley, Audrey’s has cemented its place as the largest luxury consignment shop in Naples, Florida.
Housing an exquisite collection of fashion spanning from contemporary boutique-wear to the ultra-rare vintage, Audrey’s is a staple for fashion lovers across the board – complimented by its beautiful furnishings and its lovely staff that greet you upon entry.
“The majority of Audrey’s customers are looking for contemporary, luxury fashion goods, and some seek us out for our one-of-a-kind vintage wear. Our vintage-clothing buyers usually fall into three main groups: The ardent collector, the theme-party-goer, and the high-fashion enthusiast,” says Tyler.
My first time in Audrey’s was at their old location on 10th Street South in Naples, formerly known as Audrey’s Attic. This was the genesis of the Audrey’s of Naples we know and love today. Tyler’s mother, Sonja Tilly, had seen an ad in the newspaper to buy Audrey’s Attic, which was then a furniture consignment shop.
Over time, Tyler ushered in a new era for the store by bringing in upscale consignment, along with totally unique and rare vintage pieces.
The first space was older, with a floor that creaked under your feet – it felt as special as the inventory held within.
It smelled like magic… It reminds me of walking into a library and inhaling history.
Tamara Boxx, Co-Founder & Publisher, LUXYMOM®
I distinctly remember my first visit – because I was rendered speechless by the sheer selection, and most importantly, the smell – it smelled like magic. You know the smell – the one fragrance you catch when you dig through your grandmother’s old archives or visit an establishment that houses only vintage pieces. It is distinct, everlasting, and joyful. It reminds me of walking into a library and inhaling history.
I was like a kid in a candy store, marveling at the sheer range of fashion on display. I was shopping around for a hat for the grand local philanthropy event, Hat’s in the Garden, hosted by Naples Botanical Garden. It was the event, and I needed the perfect fascinator for the occasion. I was told to venture to Audrey’s by my neighbor – who had been a long-time lover of the fabulous establishment and also knew of my obsession for timeless couture.
I didn’t quite make it past the front counter, where vintage jewelry was proudly on display. I remember being taken by a gorgeous Chanel bracelet with black pearls, instead of the classic white.
This was my first interaction with Tyler. She smiled at me and asked if I wanted to see the piece. I had to have looked like a child whose face was pressed against the glass, and I just shook my head excitedly as she presented me with the iconic bracelet.
It was in mint condition and a rare find. I held the delicate bracelet in my hand and just stared at it. I understand for many this seems silly, but for those who revel in vintage or just plain beautiful craftsmanship – it was an amazing moment for me.
The buying experience wasn’t stuffy or intimidating like you sometimes feel at larger designer stores. You hesitate to touch the piece because you are being eyeballed by the security at the front door. Not at Audrey’s. Here, you are encouraged to entrench yourself in what you are seeking, and the expert staff revels in piecing together a look that encapsulates your desired effect. This indeed felt like home to me, and I became a lifelong client.
This was five years ago, and Audrey’s Attic has since been renamed Audrey’s of Naples – a fitting transition, due to its growth and relocation to a new 4,000 square foot space. The incredible selection comes from the affluent residents that reside in Naples and pass their couture to the iconic landmark through downsizing or relocation. The beautiful wardrobes that Audrey’s of Naples inherits are expertly curated and sorted through by Tyler.
Tyler, a wonderfully charming and fastidious beauty with an abundance of style, is no stranger to the fashion and styling world. At age 19, she began working in the film industry, starting in the wardrobe department and eventually holding prominent credits as Art Director and Production Designer.
Her keen eye for detail and vast knowledge about fashion lends to the luxury experience at Audrey’s. You are not there to simply shop for a piece – you are shopping for a moment.
“As far as Audrey’s goes, in my mind, there’s no question it’s an immensely creative enterprise. It requires the same level of creative energy as when I paint – only instead of hairy sticks, canvas, and paint, I get to create with clothing combinations, accessories, mannequins, lighting, music, and atmosphere… it’s like one big art installation, in constant movement, never ending,” says Tyler.
The impressive space houses one of the most massive collections of vintage clothing around. A special room – the vintage room – is conspicuously set off to the side of the boutique.
Tucked behind parted curtains, the dark red paint of the room immediately sets the mood – moody and regal. Adorned with collectable hat boxes and wonderful antique flapper and beaded bags, the room is lit by beautiful chandeliers that allow the sequins and beading on the garments to shimmer for prospective buyers.
“For first timers, our vintage room will usually elicit a jaw-drop. For some, it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane, and for others, it’s an inspiring array of possibilities to dress for the theatre of their life,” smiles Tyler.
Like the first location, the new space, is adorned by Tyler’s impasto style paintings. While you browse the inventory, you are surrounded by her paintings, which transport you to different eras of glamour and happiness. The vibrant colors and iconic era settings evoke a timelessness just as genuine as her inventory. Mostly self-taught, Tyler works primarily in acrylics and is just as meticulous with her brush strokes as she is in curating the store’s products.
For first timers, our vintage room will usually elicit a jaw-drop. For some, it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane, and for others, it’s an inspiring array of possibilities to dress for the theatre of their life.”
Quenby Tyler, Audrey’s
A telling sign of how much thought and excruciating attention to detail that goes into her work is the sorting table in the warehouse portion of Audrey’s of Naples. There, you can find Tyler siting at the table, with her glasses at the ready as she painstakingly examines each new treasure to add to the bounty they have already collected.
Masses of Ferragamo, Chanel, Givenchy, and of course Hermés sit on her desk in all their splendor, just waiting for a chance at a new home. Racks of beautiful gowns surround her, and when LUXYMOM® visited to scout locations, she pulled out a to-die-for vintage black velvet Valentino with Emerald green ruffles. If only I were a size 0!
Designer labels are not the only items to flit across Taylor’s desk. Upscale boutique items also join the inventory list, appealing to shoppers from all walks of life with their affordable price tag, yet fabulous design.
“By and large, people used to turn their nose up at the idea of pre-owned fashion. Now it’s all the rage, even with large corporations like Saks Fifth Avenue wanting in on it. They know the sustainability factor resonates with this generation,” notes Tyler.
Indeed, Audrey’s has something for everybody, ranging from a Jonathan Simkhai pant suit to edgy boutique leather miniskirts. This fresh and stylish spot is the epitome of in-the know trends, with amazing staff to curate the perfect look.
Tyler is the heartbeat of this style haven and has made her mark in our wardrobes and hearts. “I love what I do, and I love the team I work with. I say this a lot, but it really does take a village to run Audrey’s. And I couldn’t wish for a better village,” she says.
This reiterates the first of my many experiences at Audrey’s – this is a family of experts. Truly, Audrey’s is like coming home, which is why fashionistas local and abroad are simply head over heels for Audrey’s.