Alessandra Iavarone’s new favorite word is “juxtaposition.” Her store, The Velvet Maple, on Main Street in Honesdale, PA, is a study in contrast—chandelier versus industrial, trendy but functional, cutting edge meets classic. In the shop you’ll find clothing, accessories, home décor, textiles and more.

All of this is a highly curated selection based on Iavarone’s worldly travels and keen sense of style. She describes it as a lifestyle shop, but is quick to point out that many people don’t understand what that means. “The Velvet Maple is a headquarters for the latest trends and designs in fashion, accessories and décor,” she said.

Iavarone (she’s Italian—as in, literally born and bred in Italy), offers her experience in interior design services. “My greatest talent is working on a budget and making a space beautiful,” she said. She traveled the world working in the film and fashion industry, but settled down when she had her son. They moved to Narrowsburg, NY five years ago, and Iavarone renovated their house herself. Her family owns a wholesale jewelry business on Madison Avenue in Manhattan. These experiences led her to open a store.

The space used to be a bus and car dealership, and when Iavarone first looked at it she had a feeling there was something hidden in its walls. She pulled away the wood paneling and discovered a red wing peeking out. It was the Mobil Pegasus. She signed the lease and went to work restoring the building to its original glory, with high windows and a cement floor and the Pegasus in plain sight.

The offerings are sourced and hand-picked by Iavarone from all over, and she tries to choose items that are sustainable and local—local in the sense of being produced by mom-and-pop-type businesses rather than giant corporations. She has a Fair Trade rack of clothes, furniture from Cape Town, ceramics from a husband-and-wife team, and hand-dyed T-shirts from a couple in Joshua Tree. There’s an entire denim rack with jeans and jackets, everything from chairs to dinnerware, and a back room with candles, cards and plant holders. She also talks to makers from our own area and will stock their wares. However, she says it can be difficult to find all-sustainable items. It’s all about the mix. “I love a good IKEA, it’s OK to mix it up and do 50/50. I might wear an H&M top with MayerWasner pants,” she said.

Not only is there an eclectic mix of styles, there is also a range of price points. “Being a single mom, I think about affordability,” Iavarone said, adding that she really thought about something for everybody. She wants people to know, “Interior design is for every budget.”

The store, she said, is fulfilling her five-year process of living in the Catskills. Iavarone feels she is a “pioneer of a new movement,” meaning the Catskills lifestyle. It’s a spin on the classic (going back to the juxtaposition idea) something Brigitte Bardot would wear. Who else would be her customer? “Meryl Streep; everybody loves Meryl.” But her store is practical too—it’s what people need year-round. “Come in and you’ll find something,” Iavarone said.

Iavarone is excited to be a part of the Honesdale business community, which has been booming in recent years. She gives a shout out to Ba & Me, and the soon-to-be-opened Here and Now Brewing Company and Yoga International, among them. She is excited to say that the community has been supportive. “We’re country strong.”

The Velvet Maple will also be home to events, many being held on Friday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. Some upcoming events include music by Kendy Gable on Earth Day, youth bands playing Memorial Day weekend, and a ping-pong tournament. It’s all part of the lifestyle.

The Velvet Maple held its grand opening on Friday, April 15. The hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed Tuesday), and weekends from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located at 968A Main Street. The phone number is 570/251-7900. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.