Holiday Gift Guide Part Three: Web Shopping Edition

1950-1960, 1960-1970, Beautiful Things, Gift, Petrunia, Style

Cyber Monday may have come and gone, but you don’t have to give up on holiday shopping without leaving your chair—yes, even for vintage clothes!

There are two ways to shop Petrune online: our Etsy shop features vintage items that are particularly delicate, high quality, and/or one-of-a-kind. And our Petrunia shop lets you peruse the offerings from all four collections of our own vintage-inspired clothing line. We ship from both sites at very reasonable rates, so there’s no reason to leave the far-flung vintage lovers in your life out in the cold! (And of course, if you’re local, you can come into the store and ask to see anything you’ve spotted online.)

Here’s a quick side-by-side sampling of some of the pieces on offer.

First, two beautiful faux leopard coats, one from the 50s, the other 60s-inspired:

Second, two full-skirted party dresses in iridescent blue, one classically feminine, the other with modern, flirty touches of black:

Can you guess which are new and which are Petrunia? (Probably; luckily that’s not the point.) Happy shopping, and stay tuned for more gift guides! If you missed the two previous installments, check them out here and here.

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!

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.

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!

A Fierce Halloween at Petrune!

1920-1930, 1930-1940, 1990-present, Beautiful Things, Petrunia, Windows

Halloween once again has come to Petrune! It is one of our favorite times of year… Since the sparkles, sequins, and fun costumes are adding such punch to our racks!

This year instead of taking the spooky route, we decided to make a ferociously fashionable lion tamer window! The lion tamer outfit is comprised of all vintage pieces, largely from the 1930s, and completed with a lovely 1920s top hat. The lion is our own Petrunia Faux Leopard Jacket.

We have many more amazing costumes and pieces for sale, and also available to rent. For only 25% of the retail price, you can rent any piece of clothing here at Petrune for a full week! Come on down for a total unique Halloween costume!

Petrunia Launch Party!

1990-present, Beautiful Things, Ithacans, Petrunia, Publicity, Special Events

Our local fans never cease to amaze us! The Petrunia Launch Party held on September 7th was a fantastic event! The Ithaca Community has been nothing but supportive since the Fall 2012 Petrunia Collection debuted in the store. It was our pleasure to throw a party and a killer runway show to celebrate our line as well the people that made it happen!

Below are stills from the fashion show with some of Ithaca’s own local beauties. The show included the Fall/Winter 2012 Collection and a sneak peak of the Spring/Summer 2013 Collection. The Petrunia Spring/Summer collection will be available in Petrune, as well as in stores all around the country, February and March of next year.

Anna in Spring/Summer 2013 Petrunia Grey Heart Dress

Sophie in Spring/Summer 2013 Petrunia Black Lace Rosie Dress

Samantha in Spring/Summer 2013 Petrunia Blue Stripe 40's Inspired Dress

Lauren, Lucy, and Samantha in Spring/Summer 2013 Petrunia Pocket Dresses

Many more photographs of this fun-filled event after the jump!

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Introducing Petrunia

1990-present, Beautiful Things, Ithacans, Lovely Materials, Petrunia, Publicity, Special Events, Style

In addition to the usual receptions, performances, and other art events, the Gallery Night on September 7^th will see the unveiling of the Fall/Winter 2012 collection from Petrunia. This spring we did a teaser post about our fashion line founded by Domenica Brockman and Justin Hjortshoj, the owners of Petrune, and designer, Candace Shoemaker. We are very excited to unveil the full collection not only to Petrune, but to stores across the country.

Leah Grady in a Petrunia Cream Magda Dress. Spring/Summer 2013 Collection

The Fall/Winter collection features dresses and coats in a variety of classic silhouettes, from a 50s-style dress with a full pleated skirt, to a classic 40s-style trench coat. Details like metal zippers, built-in slips, and cloth buttons evoke vintage fashion, and each piece is meant to look, feel, and move like vintage fabric.

Leah Grady in a Petrunia Blue Magda Dress. Fall/Winter 2012 Collection.

Whether you’re a fan of Petrune or just intrigued by the idea of high-quality, original designs at lower prices than New York boutiques, we invite you to drop by Petrune from 6-8:30 on Friday, September 7 to enjoy refreshments, the Fall/Winter 2012 collection, and a sneak peak at the Spring/Summer 2013 collection. Please respond, and invite others through our Facebook Event! It will be a wonderful fashionable event for all!

Leah Grady in a Petrunia Cream Magda Dress. Spring/Summer 2013 Collection.