Spring Makeover!

Beautiful Things, Color, Progress, Style, Windows

The weather outside may still be frightful, but it’s looking more and more delightful inside Petrune Ithaca!

We took advantage of the Presidents’ Day weekend to do a massive spruce-up, changing out clothes, refreshing displays, and topping everything off with a new coat of paint.

The store is bright and cheerful in oh-so-springy colors like robin’s egg blue, grass green, and bubblegum pink!

Now we just have to wait for Mother Nature to catch up…

P.S. Don’t forget the Grand Opening of Petrune Brooklyn this Saturday, Feb. 22, at 5pm at our brand-new Park Slope location, 233 5th Avenue!

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!

Falling in Love with Fall

1970-1980, Beautiful Things, Handmade, Lovely Materials, Style, Windows

After a warm September and October, then Sandy making a quick pit-stop in Ithaca, fall has finally fallen! Here at Petrune, we are adoring the autumnal hues and wearing all things cozy! Instead of the Love Story between Oliver and Jennifer… It is  between Petrune and Fall! Falling in love with fall never means having to say you’re sorry… For compromising on the cutest sweater of course!

Here are a few fun shots of our latest window display and some of our favorite fall pieces in the shop!

Stay warm with these beautiful hand-knit wool and alpaca snoods! On your neck or worn as a hood, they''ll keep you toasty!

B.ella Socks and Stocking have been a hit at Petrune for years! Whether as a gift or for yourself... Warm feet cannot be beat!

Always a classic! Our constantly rotating selection of vintage sweaters are sure to please all!

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!

Silent Movie Month Celebration

1910-1920, 1920-1930, Beautiful Things, Ithacans, Publicity, Special Events, Windows

Petrune is happy to be celebrating Silent Movie Month this October in Ithaca and you’re invited to a reception for the Ithaca Motion Picture Project to celebrate a month of exhibits, events and screenings focused on the silent movie era and Ithaca’s own Wharton Inc motion picture studio. We were inspired to do a window display of one of Ithaca’s own Silent Film actresses Grace Darlington, the star of Beatrice Fairfax serials.

Grace Darlington

Grace Darlington, Silent Beauty, 1893-1963

Hope you will stop by Petrune on The Commons on Gallery Night, October 5th from 5pm-8pm! Please respond, and invite others through our Facebook Event!

April Showers!

1950-1960, Color, Windows

Spring is in the air! These April showers can only mean that we are moving in the right direction. Sundresses, sandals, and shorts are all on the horizon! This week we created a window display to celebrate. Can you guess our inspiration? The answer is after the jump!

Winter Wear Sale

Color, Sale, Windows

This week we are starting our Winter Wear Sale! 10%-50% off select winter styles. Both vintage and new lines in the store are marked down. Take advantage of this sale while the weather is still chilly!

A Tribute to Downton

1900-1910, 1910-1920, Windows

Our Petrune guilty pleasure is obviously a good period piece drama. Currently we are obsessing over Downton Abbey on Masterpiece Classic. For the past two seasons, we have fallen in love with Lady Violet’s quick-wit  and the tumultuous relationship between Mary and Matthew. Mostly though we have been gushing about early 20th century fashion, so we thought the best way to share our joy was in a window display!

These Victorian and early 20th century pieces are some of our favorites of all time. The Victorian Riding Jacket can be found on our Etsy shop.

What will happen on the season finale on Sunday? Will Bates be convicted? Will Lady Mary marry Richard? More importantly…. What stunning frocks will we see?!?! We simply cannot wait to find out! Be sure to stop by to check out this window display in person, and tune into Downton Abbey.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Let’s wear red and eat chocolate regardless of our relationship status!

1960-1970, 1970-1980, Special Events, Style, Windows

Valentine’s day! It’s a nice time. When we’re in love, we like it because love is nice and it’s good to have a holiday celebrating it! When we’re not in love… did you know there’s going to be a major chocolate sale on Feb 15th? Oh yeah(to be said in Kool-Aid style voice)!

Speaking of Kool Aid, a close third to Candy and Love in the scheme of holiday greatness is the color! We put together a red and pink Valentines window a couple days ago, inspired by some delightfully snazzy 70’s romance comics. With our display dressed to impress and our sexiest vintage-inspired lingerie out on the front table… can someone please give us chocolate now?

Hot pink 60’s Bonnie Cashin Leather Rain Coat! Love!

Mary Green silk high waist knickers for you or your sweetheart!

 

It’s the Year of the Dragon, Window Agrees!

Beautiful Things, Special Events, Windows

With the passing of Chinese New Year, it is officially the Year of the Dragon! Our window is decked out to match, complete with a genuine Hong-Kong made dragon-dancer. Our dragon dancer, made for 3 people, is truly a piece of art, and we’re so excited to share it!

The year of the Dragon signifies a time of good luck, and plentiful wheat and poultry. Thus, we at Petrune hope your year is filled with good fortune and good food!

The Dragon

One of our "supporting" actresses, in a beautiful woven green dress.

The other, pulling off patterns.

Maker's mark.

Beautiful details.

Beautiful colors.