Catering to Your Closet

The right outfit can change the trajectory of a day. The staff at Narcissus is committed to helping each customer find clothing that makes them feel confident, comfortable and beautiful no matter the occasion.

Since 1989, Narcissus has been entrusted with dressing the women of Tallahassee for a range of occasions, from vacation wear to glamorous gowns for events.

“We’ve become known as a shopping destination for life events from formal and prom-wear to birthday outfits and everything in between,” said Juli Downs, founder of Narcissus. “We take time getting to know what a customer wants and needs, so they can feel and look their best.”

Many moms and daughters are introduced to Narcissus when shopping for prom gowns, catering to Leon county and beyond.

Downs began the business as a boutique specializing in lingerie and sleepwear, quickly adding in high-end swimwear. Throughout the years, as the client base grew, so did her offerings, which now include upscale casual attire, formal gowns, denim, shoes, bags, jewelry, accessories and more.

As a locally owned store, Downs and manager/buyer Sarah Villella, are able to communicate directly with their customers to determine the brands and styles they want to see in store. Additionally, at least four times a year, they attend buyers’ market, where they visit showrooms in Atlanta and New York City to select styles to bring to Tallahassee later in the year.

Juli Downs, Sarah Villella and Stephany DeGeorge, all managers and buyers for Narcissus.

“We really get to know what our shoppers like and want so we can best cater to them,” said Downs. “It’s rare that we don’t have a customer in mind when selecting styles. We are very curated to Tallahassee, but also love to include cutting-edge trends that we hope customers are ready for.”

Knowing their customers begins from the moment they enter the store. Every customer is acknowledged, and the seasoned staff is typically able to tell if the customer is casually browsing or on a mission for something specific.

In 2010, Narcissus became an official Tory Burch retailer, situating the store to gain even more access to high-end brands. While Tory Burch remains in constant popularity, Villella is proud to have introduced brands including Farm Rio, Staud and Cinq à Sept to Tallahassee over the years.

As a store that focuses on the shopper, not the sale, the staff converses to assess the customer’s style and needs. The staff makes the fitting room experience a breeze by accommodating a variety of sizes and selections.

“Being a part of helping women find their own style is an honor,” said Villella.

Pleated perfection from Staud. Staud, which is quickly becoming a customer-favorite, made a successful Narcissus debut in January of 2024.

Narcissus delights in being a multigenerational store where everyone from teenagers to their grandmothers feel welcome shopping in the same space.

Adapting to the times and put in motion by the pandemic in 2020, Narcissus began offering online shopping. While seeing shoppers in store remains their favorite aspect of business, this allows those who have relocated, especially college students, to support local.

“This business is all about the connections we make,” said Villella. “We not only help you find the look but we also love hearing all about the trip or event the next time you come in. That brings us genuine happiness.”