Chic Trends Offers Unusual Gifts, Cozy Setting

You may just want to sit down for a cup of tea in Chic Trends, a new floral and gift shop at 25 The Parkway in Katonah. With vintage furniture, eclectic lamps and a shower of colorful blooms surrounding you, all that's missing is a mug of chamomile and an easy chair.

Owner Nancy Castelli, who hails from West Harrison but would love to live in Katonah, said she opened a location here because she felt the town was welcoming.

"It's a very calming neighborhood and everyone is so nice. I love the country atmosphere, and so far, business has been good," she said.

Chic Trends offers flowers to suit any occasion, from a single rose to arrangements for a wedding, said Castelli. She travels to New York City's flower district weekly and visits private markets to procure her stock. In the refrigerated flower case the day I visited were sunflowers, roses, peonies, gerber daisies and irises.

The gift selection includes tableware, such as a pair of porcelain candlesticks or a hand-painted baby blue platter adorned with flowers, and baby gifts like plush animals, clothes and scrapbooks, as well as a selection of greeting cards.

Castelli can also handle bridal or baby showers; she has a selection of invitations and thank you notes, and can prepare favors like flower pots.

Chic Trends has actually been an incorporated business since 2008 but has only been a brick and mortar shop since May 1, when she launched here. Castelli said she was able to make the leap because of the support of her family, especially her husband, to whom she's been married for one year.

Castelli said she's always loved flowers, and worked for a well-known florist while  attending Westchester Community College. When she was laid off from a sales job, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to pursue her own career in floral design and giftware.

"No two arrangements that I do are alike, and I can take the creative lead, or work with a customer to design what they want," she said.

Castelli said in most cases she can fulfill a same-day order. You can visit their online shop  or call Castelli at (914) 232-0453 to place an order. The shop is open Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.