Author: Petrune Vintage

Petrune’s Holiday Gift Guide: Amara Felice

Gift, Handmade, Lovely Materials

If you’re like us, when it comes to holiday shopping, you prefer the thoughtful, useful, beautiful, and, if possible, local. Not to brag, but Petrune has a pretty amazing selection of items that fulfill those requirements! For the next few weeks, we’ll be running blog posts featuring some of our most gift-worthy products. We hope you’ll be inspired, and maybe even filled with holiday cheer.

First up: Amara Felice. This versatile Brooklyn-based designer works with everything from leather to rhinestones, and we think her handmade gifts are a great fit for Petrune! Take a look at her Etsy site, or swing by the store to check out her vintage-inspired jewelry and bags—some made from vintage fabric—in an assortment of sizes, so you can stash everything from coins to your iPad in style.

Check back soon for more gift ideas from Petrune, and happy holidays!

Introducing the Fall/Winter 2013 Petrunia Collection

Art Show, Beautiful Things, Petrunia, Publicity, Special Events, Style

This is the third collection from Petrunia, and we think it’s our strongest yet. Each collection has built on the one before; for Fall/Winter 2013, for instance, in addition to brand-new styles, we’re bringing back classic cuts from previous collections—like the Grace’s knit bodice and full skirt, and the belted shirtwaist shape of the Margaret—in new colors and prints. The result is a collection that stands on its own, but also adds to the overall vision. Below images are from Dramatic to Demure: A Fashion Show at the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts this past month where we showed off the Fall/Winter 2013 collection!

Take the High Tea Floral print. Normally we associate florals with spring, but this Asian-inspired motif of windswept chrysanthemum blossoms on a black background is decidedly autumnal. We loved this print so much that we used it on three different dresses: the Grace, the Margaret, and a brand-new style called the Zelda, a long-sleeved knee-length dress cut on the bias so it hugs your figure.

Another new style we’re especially proud of is the Louisa: in burgundy or black, the Louisa’s simple, softly gathered shape keeps the focus on the gorgeous folk-inspired embroidery at the cuffs and down the front of the bodice.

Both the High Tea Floral print and the embroidery on the Louisa dress were inspired by vintage 1940s items, so why not wear them under this season’s Tweed Twirl coat, also 40s-inspired? Its elegant combination of fitted bodice (with cloth-covered buttons!) and full, swirling skirt needs to be seen in action to be believed.

The full collection is in the store now, so we invite you to come see (and feel, and try on) for yourself at Petrune or shop on our online store! 

Sweltering Summer Savings

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Sometimes it seems like France has the right idea: on August 1, everyone goes on vacation, abandoning the sweltering cities to bask on the shores of the Mediterranean.  It’s a tough month to spend anywhere but on the beach; back-to-school excitement kicks in eventually, but that still leaves three weeks of trying to maintain business as usual when all you want to do is sip sangria while lounging in a maxi-dress.

We can’t help with the sangria, but thanks to the Downtown Ithaca Summer Sale, we can help you stock your closet with appropriately glamorous lounging attire.  From August 1 to August 4, Petrune is having a MASSIVE sale: men’s and women’s vintage and vintage-inspired apparel is 25% off, while the 2013 Spring/Summer Petrunia collection is a whopping 50% off!

But Petrune will be far from the only shop on the Commons with great deals; check out the Downtown Ithaca Alliance’s listing of participating merchants, and make a day—or four—of it!  Using the power of deeply discounted local retail, we can make it through the dog days of August together.

Off the Rack & Up the Wall

Beautiful Things, Color, Style

Ask any vintage store owner what’s the hardest thing to display, and we bet they’ll say purses and hats. Unless you have a neverending supply of mannequins, there are very few places to perch a hat that look natural. And those darling purses that you can imagine a 50s starlet carrying to a premiere tend to fall flat (literally and figuratively) when laid on a shelf.

But we love to show off our accessories—a hat can add instant vintage flair to an outfit, and unlike those frustratingly tiny vintage shoes, purses are one-size-fits-all. What to do?

One answer is this funky-looking contraption at the front of the store. Each hat sits on a spring, so all you have to do is pull the corresponding string, and the desired hat will bounce right into your hand.

And if you make your way to the back of the store, you’ll notice that what used to be empty wall space has been turned into vertical displays of purses and hats:

Unlike creeping vines, which can ruin a garden, creeping purses should be encouraged to climb all the way to the ceiling.

 

Pluck a hat off our hat wall and make it the cherry on top of your outfit!

With a little three-dimensional thinking, we’ve lifted–literally!–some of our best accessories out of boringness and into the spotlight where they belong.

Birds of a Feather

1970-1980, Fashion Time Line, Petrunia, Style

 

Ahh, May: not only do we finally have some springy weather (this is Ithaca, though, so keep your fingers crossed until July), we’re also thrilled to see the full Petrunia Spring 2013 line in the store and selling well! If you’re a regular, you’ve probably already been accosted by an excited staff member eager to explain the history and philosophy of the line, but if you’d like a refresher, check out the blog post for the Petrunia launch party back in September. Most of the styles worn by the gorgeous local models who walked in our runway show, including the adorable blue stripe button dress, are on sale in our store and online.

But today we want to highlight one particular print that exemplifies what’s special about Petrunia. It came into the store on a 70s dress that had seen better days, and its color scheme of tan, beige, and khaki wasn’t doing it any favors. But something about the whimsical print of overlapping birdcages jumped out at us.

 That print, now sharpened into pen-and-ink-style black lines with sky-blue highlights, is the centerpiece of three Petrunia designs: a crisp shirt-dress with sky-blue belt and collar, a sweet sundress with oversized pockets, and a full-skirted dress with a soft navy t-shirt-style bodice (the Grace dress, not pictured here). Each of them shows off this darling print in a completely different way — just one illustration (pun intended, I’m afraid) of how Petrunia gives new life to lost gems of vintage fashion.

 

Spring is Around the Corner!

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The groundhog did say we would be getting an early spring this year… So we are living in hope that here in Ithaca colorful pastels and fun florals will be able to be worn any day now! We have started to brighten up the store for season change. With help from our friend and designer, Darrel, the store has been spruced up with a coat of  yellow paint, and fresh spring inspired displays.

Be sure to drop by the store soon to start planning your spring wardrobe!

Valentine’s at Petrune

Color, Gift, Petrunia, Special Events, Style, Windows

Trust us, we’ve heard the anti-Valentine’s Day backlash. “It forces people to buy things to prove their love!” “It makes single people feel bad!” “It’s a really terrible movie!”  We don’t disagree with any of those points. (I mean, Valentine’s Day has an 18% rating on RottenTomatoes.) But hear us out: it’s February.  It’s cold and gray outside, and if you’re like us, you’ve been hibernating in a giant coat and/or blanket since the day after New Year’s.

While it’s tempting not to emerge until May, we think it’s worth considering another winter strategy: don’t underestimate the mood-boosting powers of wearing something pretty like a lacy bra, cute boots, or a sparkly necklace that makes you feel like Liz Taylor. Not for anybody else’s benefit, mind you (although if you have a significant other you can expect their enthusiastic support). No one has to know you’re wearing a silk slip for it to feel amazing against your skin, and make that walk to the bus stop just a little more glamorous.

With that in mind, we have a few humble suggestions: we now carry Coobie bras, which are supportive, affordable, and cute—like a cross between a bralette and a less-restrictive sports bra.  They’re one-size-fits-most and come in a rainbow of colors, so there’s something for everyone, whether you want invisible support or a pop of color under a sheer top.

Then there’s Honeydew, whose black lace and sheer pink camis, bralettes, and hipsters undies are definitely sexy, while still being comfy enough for everyday wear.

Nothing glams up a winter sweater like a long pendant necklace!  This arrowhead probably isn’t Cupid’s, but it’s guaranteed to turn heads all the same.  The jigsaw piece is inscribed “You Complete Me,” perfect for fans of puzzles OR Jerry Maguire.  And the rest of these necklaces are equally irresistible.

Finally, when bright reds and pinks start popping up everywhere, rather than sighing about how they clash, consider them a signal that it’s time to start alternating those winter browns and grays with neons, jewel tones, or pastels.  You’ll be surprised how a drab day brightens up when you’re wearing an emerald-green coat, or purple tights, or a bright red blazer—all of which, coincidentally, are in the store right now.  And our very own Petrunia label features date-night-ready dresses in very Valentine colors of red and black!

Welcome Back Students Sale!

Sale

We are so excited Ithaca College and Cornell students are on their way back to good ol’ Ithaca, New York! So excited even… We are having a sale this weekend to celebrate!

On Saturday, January 19th, and Sunday, January 20th, all Petrune and Petrunia items in the store are 25% off! In addition all records are $2 or less! Everything, new and old, is on sale!

We’ll be open tomorrow 11am-7pm and Sunday 12-5pm! Make a Petrune trip part of your weekend plans!

Great Gift Ideas at Petrune: Petrune Apothecary

Gift, Handmade, Ithacans, Lovely Materials

Haven’t you ever been shopping at Petrune and thought, sure these clothes make my body look great, but why can’t they make my skin look great too?  Well, worry no more, because we now carry select skincare products!  The Petrune Apothecary line is locally made in small batches from natural ingredients, and includes an ultra-rich face cream, an exfoliating and hydrating sugar scrub, alcohol-free roll-on perfume, and a reinvigorating skin spritzer.  Each of these items comes in two scents: rosadora (a delicate rose-lavender) and pelargonium (a refreshing geranium). In addition, we have three varieties of lip balms. Our spearmint, lavender, or orange lip balms are all delicious and nourishing!

It’s hard to decide which item makes the most perfect stocking stuffer, so it’s probably best to try them all!

Great Gift Ideas at Petrune: Man Gifts!

Beautiful Things, Color, Gift, Handmade, Ithacans, Lovely Materials

Conventional wisdom says that men are harder to shop for than women.  Look around a department store at holiday time, and it seems true  — the women’s section overflows with glittery, jewel-toned, and sumptuously soft offerings, while in the men’s there’s just bathrobes, slippers, and of course, neckties.  Well, we’re pretty sure men get just as much of a thrill from receiving a thoughtful gift as women do, so it should be just as easy to find that perfect present.  We hereby offer this assortment of guaranteed-to-please gifts for the men in your life, from your stylish sweetie to your … less-fashion-conscious dad.

First, socks from B.ella.  Now, we know what you’re thinking — aren’t socks just as bad as ties when it comes to uninspired men’s gifts?  All we can say is…have you worn these socks? B.ella makes cashmere-blend socks that are reasonably priced, warm, and stylish!  Plus they’re long enough to prevent the dreaded cold strip of calf between sock and pant leg…guys know what we’re talking about.

Second, leather gloves from iLi.  These hit the sweet spot of men’s gifts, blending rugged practicality and sophistication.  We also love their wallets and passport covers, for your man-on-the-go.  And if the buttery softness of iLi’s leather tempts you to be your own Santa, we carry their women’s gloves too.

Third, every man needs at least one pair of cufflinks (if he’s an old-fashioned type or goes to lots of Great Gatsby parties, he may need more than one).  And we guarantee he won’t have cufflinks like these—our co-owner Justin makes them from old typewriter keys!  At $18 a pair, they’d make a great centerpiece for a letter-themed gift for the writer or typography nerd in your life.

Fourth, what about an album by your guy’s favorite defunct band?  We do have a healthy assortment of both classic and eccentric titles, from David Bowie to Rick James.  Old records will never break the bank , so even if he doesn’t have a record player, your guy will appreciate a beautiful album as a piece of art…or laugh so loud at a tacky one that you’ll know you won Christmas.

Fifth, bow ties! We are now carrying these whimsical  bow ties from Cotton Bow Tie Co. They are handmade locally from an array of patterned vintage cottons. With such beautiful packaging as well…. Who could say no?!

Finally, what kind of vintage store would we be if we didn’t remind you that vintage clothes make the easiest one-of-a-kind gifts of all?  We have classic menswear, from Italian loafers to cowboy boots, from Pendleton button-ups to cashmere overcoats to goofy t-shirts.  Stop by the store or check out our online store, and remember that at the holidays, it’s better to give than to receive…but it’s ok to do both.