Navigating the Shopping Racks of 5th Avenue South In Naples
Finding your way through Naples, Florida’s luxury shops can be dizzying, so we paired with local fashionista Barbara King for the best shops from 5th Avenue South to the beach.
By Roni Reino
Head into downtown Naples, and you’ll find palm tree–lined streets and outdoor entertainment on almost every block. You’ve just entered into some of the most expensive shopping in the country. (The average bill at Third Street South’s Marissa Collections is $1,600, easily just one dress or two blouses.) But for a fashion consultant like Naples’s Barbara King – who has styled celebrities, like Sylvester Stallone and Sandra Bullock – finding the perfect outfit starts with knowing the inside scoop on the top shops. She has styled clients from New York City to California, and now Southern Florida for galas to everyday attire. Follow us with a mini-shopping tour of Naples through her top shops.
Petunias of Naples, 852 5th Avenue South
For those with a good basic wardrobe, Petunias of Naples has an ample selection of dresses in a rainbow of colors and patterns. And the owner, Claudette Willis, is always in shop to help sort through the floor set – even King admits a first-time shopper can easily be intimidated by the stuffed racks. “For me, it’s like a candy store,” laughs King. “There’s so much to look through.”
Lux Boutique, 4262 Gulfshore Boulevard North
Vibrant teals, orange, and blues pop from the front windows of this trendy boutique cornered between palm trees and Park Shore Drive. King suggests this for those looking for something a bit more on the eclectic side – bright colored denim, boldly patterned summer dresses, and chunky jewelry that clearly wants to make a statement.
Ooh La La Jewels Du Jour, 900 Neapolitan Way
Like the tagline says, it only looks expensive. “If I have a dress I need to match with accessories, but I want something unique, I go here because they’re always bringing in new merchandise,” says King. Scarves, bags, necklaces, bracelets – you name it, they have it, and the store is categorized by sparkles, color, or pattern, making matching that outfit that much easier.
T.J.Maxx, 5018 Airport Pulling Road
Purses? Bags? Satchels? King actually prefers a chain store when on the hunt – T.J.Maxx. “I don’t know what it is about here, but I always have luck. Anywhere else I would not even walk into a T.J.Maxx, but here in Naples, they totally narrow in on the trends, colors, and styles,” she says.
Sara Campbell, 1300 Third Street South
Sara Campbell’s black-and-white-striped Naples shop is King’s go-to for her older clientele (50 and up) – although the fun colors make it so no age is excluded. “It’s really New York with a Miami flair – all bright and white fabrics,” she says. With an owner who formerly worked for Saks Fifth Avenue, it’s no wonder she’s on the pulse of classic yet trending pieces, like feminine light pink sundresses to polka dotted drop-waist numbers perfect for lunch with the gals.
Tommy Bahama, 1220 3rd Street
While Tommy Bahama immediately brings about ideas of bright island prints, King knows her male clients can also find more muted designs, classic blazers, and pieces that extend beyond an afternoon fishing or enjoying one of Naples luxury golf resorts. Plus, the Third Street store also doubles as a restaurant and bar so following a shopping spree, gents can enjoy a cold draft beer and Caribbean Rubbed Mahi Mahi.
GiGi’s Children’s Boutique, 9118 Strada Place #8115
The outdoor shops of The Mercato make for a great stroll with the kids – there’s often outdoor events and music at night. Stop into Gigi’s Children’s Boutique for high-fashion, high-quality pieces for newborns to children in their late teens. There’s anything from rainbow tulle princess gowns for toddlers to more sophisticated sweaters adorned with pearls and lace. Or for your little man, how about a plaid fedora or three-button suit?
Book a special shopping package at the Edgewater Beach Hotel for a tailor-made, escorted shopping experience with King herself. Shopping packages are available now through April 2015.
Where to Stay Edgewater Beach Hotel
