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!

Holiday Gift Guide Part Four: Leather Goods from ILI

Beautiful Things, Color, Gift, Lovely Materials, Style

Kids might be excited by an oversized present under the tree—maybe it’s a build-your-own-Death-Star kit, or one of those creepy three-foot-tall Barbies—but adults know that the best gifts come in small boxes. Supple, brightly-colored leather goods from ILI are no exception. We love this brand year-round, but there’s no better occasion than the holidays to snap up an ILI wallet. With a variety of styles ranging from a compact cardholder to an elegant pocketbook, a passport cover, and a zip coin purse, ILI has something that will please any leather-lover on your list. What’s more, wallets and pocketbooks come in festive red-and-gold or black-and-gold boxes, making gifting them even easier.

In addition to wallets, we are happy to carry ILI leather gloves in sizes Small through XL and in three shades—bright red, burgundy, and black. Nothing combines chic and warmth quite like leather gloves! We also have a few purses, in case you fall in love with ILI leather and want to size up!

Happy gifting, and stay tuned for more holiday gift guides from Petrune!

 

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.

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!

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.

Grasroots Fashion, On-Stage and Off!

Beautiful Things, Color, Ithacans, On the road, Style

Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance tends to attract some of the more uniquely styled characters from all over the Finger Lakes. Thus, today we will take you on a tour of some of our favorite fashions at Grassroots this year, both up on stage and down in the field. Enjoy!

One of the first acts we saw was Rockwood Ferry, and what better way to start out the festival than with one of Petrune’s favorite customers, Rosie Newton, playing a mean fiddle in this beautiful delicately crocheted blouse.

Walking around the festival, print were everywhere!

Stopping by the Infield stage for Hank Roberts, we were thrilled to see him bring his talented daughter up on stage to duet and her vintage linen dress.

The Grady Girls, over in the dance tent, were all looking fly in summer dresses and vintage shifts.

Smooth Sailing in America

Color, Special Events, Style

When the temperatures outside start to creep into the “sweltering” range, our minds become distracted with thoughts of blue water,  cold mojitos, and crisp white cotton shirts. To vent a few of our more stylish preoccupations, and to celebrate the 4th of July with Red, White, and Blue, our newest window is sporting a summery nautical theme! Come sail away with us.

The star of our window has to be this 70’s terrycloth maxi dress, with a super-flattering open back, retro anchor print, and blues deeper than the Mediterranean.

Even inside the store, you can spot spot out some lovely attire for the 4th or really any occasion! Here is a cute cropped jacket from Tulle with oceanside flair! The perfect summer-to-fall transitional piece.

Why not top off the look with one of these adorable turban headbands from local artisan Pantha Fashion? Handmade, right here in Ithaca, NY!

Springtime Comes to Petrune!

Color, Ithacans, Rock and Roll, Style

After long last, we get to put away the furs and wools (wonderful as they are) in favor of florals and silks! The daffodils are starting to peek their heads form the ground here in Ithaca, and we thought we’d put together a photo shoot to match.

This year, we decided that we’d like nothing more than to pair patterns with patterns, and bright colors with more patterns. What fun is subtlety when the weather is warm? Here you’ll see some of our favorite new and vintage items from the store, styled by Petrune’s team of fashionistas, and modeled by Julianne Schaeffer at the Ithaca Farmer’s Market.

Look forward to some more shots after this weekend. We’re going back out on the town with many fun looks to photograph for you on Sunday!

A truly amazing print on this mod sheath dress.
Guaranteed to make your legs look as long as a warm spring day!
Patterned silk with a patent belt… perfection?
So classic. Pleats are one of our new obsessions.
Beautiful backdrop courtesy of the Farmer’s Market in Ithaca.
Maxi dresses! They were all over the stylish ladies at SXSW, and now here for you at Petrune! Zebra print + Kelly Green in an inspired thing. 
It’s hard not to smile when you’re this stylin’.

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!