Petrune in Brooklyn—GRAND OPENING FEB. 22!

On the road, Progress, Publicity, Special Events

Branching Out & Going Back to Our Roots

Petrune’s owners, Justin and Domenica, ran a store in Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood before opening shop in Ithaca in 2002. For 12 years, Petrune has offered a carefully curated collection of vintage, new, and handmade items to artsy Ithacans.

So it’s exciting that Petrune has just opened a second branch in Park Slope—the neighborhood where it all began! Manager Lucy has relocated to Brooklyn to oversee the new branch at 233 5th Avenue, which, like the Ithaca store, offers a choice selection of men’s and women’s vintage clothing, with select new and handmade items and accessories.

Petrune in Brooklyn’s Grand Opening will be Saturday, February 22nd at 5pm! Ithacans and Brooklynites alike are invited to come celebrate our new space. For more information please follow the new shop on Facebook and Instagram!

Winter Sale at Petrune!

Sale, Special Events, Style

This January has been so cold and blustery we can’t wait for spring!

One of the things that has kept us sane here at Petrune is layering up in cozy coats and sweaters.

This weekend (1/31-2/2) we’re having a super winter sale!

50% off of all new winter coats, and 25% off of all vintage items!

If you still have christmas money burning a hole in your pocket, or just need something to take your mind off the bitter cold, this is the time to come in for some retail therapy.

With cashmere, wool or fur you’re sure to find something that makes you smile.

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

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!

Black Friday at Petrune!

Sale, Special Events

It was such a success last year… We are doing it again! This Friday, November 23rd, we will be holding a Black Friday Sale! All black items in the store are 25% off! All black items, new and old, are on sale!

We’re open 11-8pm on Friday, so please drop by and take advantage of the sale! Stopping by the Commons will be a much more pleasant experience than the stampedes at the mall! We look forward to seeing you!

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!

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!

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 7th 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.

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!

Father’s Day!

Gift, Special Events, Style

Here at Petrune, we have an extensive and beautiful selection of clothes for both men and women. Many guys, however, come in and immediately resign themselves to the chair by the door, sure that there’s nothing for them in the store.

Well guys, you’re wrong. We can help you look like James Dean, just as we can help your gal look like Marlene Deitrich.

For this first Father’s day post, we decided to honor 2 things that most dads hold very dear: Bruce Springsteen and vacations. So slap Born To Run down on theturntable and make yourself a Dad-ish drink (mine is particularly fond of Long Island Iced Teas for vacay times) and enjoy. We also have very nice ties.

Thanks much to Anthony Tocchio and Reece Lazarus for modelling!

Bruce goes to the Bahamas in this classic denim get-up.
Some stylish and comfy leather loafers.