By K.H. Queen

When you walk into "The Velvet Shoestring" You’ll feel very much at home among the high-end sofas, Oriental rugs, window treatments, polished wood tables, paintings, lamps, mirrors and accessories. All items are pre-loved so the prices you’ll pay won’t empty your bank account.
If you’re looking to furnish your home elegantly but on a shoestring, a velvet shoestring, this consignment store should be your first stop. Warning: that first visit to The Velvet Shoestring may be the first of many because shopping here can quickly become addictive. Many faithful customers visit at least once a week and often more than that to keep an eye out for the new treasures coming in and to linger enjoy the homey atmosphere here.

Betty Stephans and her two daughters, Andrée Popelka and Jackie Hazeltine, opened The Velvet Shoestring almost two years ago, in July 2005. This is not your grandparents’ junk shop crowded to the ceiling with kitsch. Many consignors are homeowners downsizing from some of the area’s finest neighborhoods with top-of-the-line furniture to consign and sell.

“We’re very, very particular about what we bring in,” said Hazeltine, a graduate of the Parsons School of Design in New York. Over the years, she became experienced at seeking high-end items for her clients and recognizes quality when items made by Southwood, Henredon and Baker come into the shop. These high quality items that didn’t work with the first buyer’s home décor become a treasure in another home. In fact, The Velvet Shoestring provides a place where sharing a treasure between the consigner and the buyer becomes a daily experience.

“What a wonderful niche Jackie, Betty and Andrée are filling in Williamsburg,” said Heidi Druhot who discovered The Velvet Shoestring when her customers at Hancock Fabrics recommended the store. “I met Betty that first day. I met Jackie when she came into Hancock Fabrics. I bought an antique wardrobe in absolutely lovely condition for my daughter’s room. It’s stunning. I bought a hand-done needlepoint pillow that goes with everything I have. I have also sold things through Jackie as well. She sold a TV cabinet for me. She sold a china breakfront within a week.
It’s almost like all of us in Williamsburg are trading our things.”

Sometimes, as soon as the first owner purchases a piece at a retail store, it can become obvious it won’t work in the owner’s home. Consignors often bring items to The Velvet Shoestring with the original plastic and price tags still attached.