Eva Franco Has Arrived at Petra

We're so excited we can hardly contain ourselves so we suggest you hold onto your hat for this one... Eva Franco dresses are now available at Petra!

Larkin Dress and Kora Dress

These dresses are classic styles done in new fabrics, with new textures, and with a trendy vibe. The are made exceptionally well and are the type of dress that you'll be able to wear for years to come. Dress them up with a cashmere wrap, stockings and heels for a holiday party or dress them down with opaque tights, a cardigan and ballet flats for work. Pair one of these dresses with a blazer, stacks of bangles and a riding boot and your set for a dinner date. I mean really... the options are endless. You can wear these dresses a million ways.

As you're already aware, we are loving Eva Franco! But we're not the only ones... so are celebrities! Check out who else is digging this designer below.

Kim Kardashian in Eva Franco

Jessica Alba in Eva Franco

Taylor Swift in Eva Franco

Now hop over to our website and checkout the details on how to order. Happy Shopping!

Shop Small at Petra

This November 24th is Small Business Saturday®, a day to celebrate and support the local small businesses that boost the economy and invigorate neighborhoods across the country. All you have to do is shop at any participating small business, spend at least $25 and pay with your American Express card. American Express will automatically credit your next credit card statement with $25. The only qualification is that you MUST register your American Express card at www.ShopSmall.com BEFORE the end of the day on Nov. 23^rd so that you can participate. If your card isn’t registered before Saturday, you won’t get the discount so hurry!

PETRA is proud to take part in Small Business Saturday, and we’re encouraging everyone to Shop Small® here on November 24th.

Most importantly, get out there, Shop Small, and let’s make this November24th the biggest day of the year for small business.

To learn more, visit www.ShopSmall.com.

Happy Thanksgiving!

What’s another inch?

When a woman puts on a dress she almost always fusses over the hemline immediately. If the dress is bordering on too short, she tugs it down. If the dress is any other length, she folds it up and wonders if it would be more flattering if it were shorter. I’m a firm believer that there is not a single length out there for each woman. I think the optimal length can vary from dress to dress, even on the same person. Some styles are skimpy and revealing on top and therefore a hemline just below the knee might be best. Or a dress with a high neck and shoulder pads, might be heavy on top and therefore showing a little more leg might be most flattering.

Not everyone will agree with me on this, I know. Some women believe if they have a larger chest or broad shoulders they MUST wear shorter skirts because their legs will be proof that they aren’t big all over.  Other people will tell you that age should be the determining factor for skirt length. I saw a segment on NBC’s The Today Show this morning that was based on this theory. I’m not sure I buy into it but watch the segment below and let me know what you think! If you don’t agree with the age theory, what is the deciding factor for you?

 http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/48750037#48750037

Sometimes a dress just isn't enough

Pretty dresses are always a nice change of pace to the monotony of every day clothes but the occasions that require them are sometimes few and far between. Our alternative pick-me-up when an evening dress just isn’t appropriate is new jewelry! Jewelry can absolutely make or break an outfit, change the vibe of your style, and even alter moods. Our newest find and favorite obsession right now is Stella & Dot. With affordable trendy jewels how can you go wrong? Their jewelry is quickly becoming a celebrity must have and has been on the red carpet recently. They’ve even been featured in fashion magazines like Vogue.

So all of us at Petra are jumping on the Stella & Dot bandwagon and we suggest you do too! Our first order is on its way and we can’t wait to share it with you. In the meantime, we’ll leave you with some pictures from their spring look book and links to the website in case your dying to purchase already!

Shop Stella & Dot

Shop Stella & Dot

Flower Power

Spring dresses are hitting stores and the make me want to shop! Designers are adding lots of soft feminine touches on top of flowing fabrics and they ooze girliness. My favorite of all are the dresses with 3-D flowers. Appliqués are adorning lapels, skirts, bodices… you name it, it’s got a flower. Here are some pictures for a little inspiration when you hit the stores this Spring. 

Enjoy!

Dolce & Gabbana

Elie Saab

Enozni

Theia Couture

Theia Couture

Oscar Hit List

Last night was a night of trend setting, show stopping fashion fabulousness. We saw jackets, sleeves, fishtails, and peplums all interpreted in various ways. Some of the variations we love and some we could have lived without. Here’s our Oscar night trend recap.

Jackets

Love it!

Something's not right...

Sleeves

Needs more shape and definition.

Perfection!

Fishtails

Too much fabric without enough shape.

Lovely with added interest with the ruffles and sequins

Peplums

Michelle's is elegant and dainty. Tina's has a little too much volume for our taste. 

The IT Factor

If you’re anything like me you probably watch your fair share of reality TV that now a days includes a ton of shows where people are competing to prove they have that little extra wow that sets them apart from others. Whether it’s a singing competition, a cooking throw down, or a DIY home makeover, everyone wants that indescribable “IT”.

When we’re dress shopping, we do the same thing. There are lots of pretty dresses out there but what is going to put it over the edge and give it that oh so coveted “it” that makes it perfect? As with everything else, you’ll know it when you find it but it will still be indescribable. So don’t force yourself into a color, fabric, or shape that you think is going to dazzle because that’s not what will put your dress above the rest.  It’s the dress that you can’t do justice with words and instead you need to try it on for your friends so they too can fall in love. That’s when you know you’ve struck fashion gold.

Here are some inspirational photos to get you thinking about what might wow on you!

Dress by Carmen Marc Valvo, available at: http://www.shoppetra.com/carmengown

Dress by Mandalay, available at: http://www.shoppetra.com/MandalaySingleSleeve

White isn’t just for brides

We all know the golden rule: “Don’t wear white to someone else’s wedding.” True statement, don’t do it. However... this rule does not mean white, in any form, is off limits. A little white in a print does not put the dress on the do not wear list. Any kind of patterned fabric is completely acceptable and in my mind, encouraged. The whole point of not wearing white is to let the bride stand out and let’s be honest, there is no way a printed dress could be confused with a bridal gown. Therefore it’s fair game. Here are some of my favorite options for this spring!

Dress by Theia in navy blue,
available at: http://www.shoppetra.com/floraldress 

Dress by David Meister in black/white,
available at: http://www.shoppetra.com/rosettedress

Classic black pumps that don’t bore

Every woman needs a pair of black pumps that can be paired with all things not brown. We look for a style that isn’t too dressy (all over patent leather) and a style that isn’t too boring (all over matte black leather) and usually end up with something too funky to “match” what we’re wearing on any given day. I’ve found a pair that has a little personality but not too much that they overwhelm any outfit. And they’re comfortable to wear all day – commute and work included!

Tesi Pumps by Ivanka Trump, in black/black suede
available at Macy's, $140

Tesi Pumps by Ivanka Trump, in black/black suede
available at Macy's, $140

Tesi Pumps by Ivanka Trump, in black/black suede
available at Macy's, $140

Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it

When shopping for a dress, the number one rule should always be “Try it on before deciding it’s not for you.” People tend to use this as a mantra when they go wedding dress shopping but for some reason it is rarely applied to other circumstances. This is a great way to find out what really looks best on you rather than just finding something similar to what you have worn in the past. Styles change every year, designers have little undetectable nuances to their pattern making and every dress is slightly different. So don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it.

Dress by Theia, in black
http://www.shoppetra.com/theiadress

Here’s a great example of a fabulous dress. On the hanger it looks like nothing. The folds in the fabric look unflattering, you can already tell by the way it’s shriveled up that it’s going to be too tight, and the extra fabric around the neck is just awkward. But humor me… try it on.

Dress by Theia, in red
http://www.shoppetra.com/theiadress

When you get it on and you see the way it hugs your body but hides your imperfections, it’s perfect. The way it’s sexy but it shows off your collarbones, cleavage, and accentuates your neck is just the right amount of sexy. Not to mention it actually covers your arms without having to wear a jacket or shawl… genius. It’s young, sophisticated, sexy and not too revealing.

So maybe it’s not always love at first sight and it’s not the obvious choice but try it on anyway. You’ll be amazed at what flatters you the most and you’ll be thrilled at how gorgeous you look.

Best dressed and bleeding Giant blue

Did you catch the red carpet coverage of last night’s SAG Awards? As usual, lots of the women looked gorgeous but when we thought about who we thought won the honor of “Best Dressed” we realized these beauties were all wearing the colors of our hometown team for Sunday’s big game.  Tell us what you think… did we miss a gown you’re dying for?

Jane Lynch in David Meister
Check out our selection of his dresses at: www.shoppetra.com/davidmeister

Jessica Chastain in Calvin Klein

Kyra Sedgwick in Pucci

Michelle Williams in Valentino

What are you wearing?

No matter what the occasion is, we always want advance notice of what our friends will be wearing so we can dress ourselves in accordance. Let's face it, no one wants to be under or over dressed anywhere. So when you're going to a party, wedding, black tie event, etc... What is too much bling and what is the right amount? 

Dress by Mandalay http://www.shoppetra.com/Mandalay

My theory is that whatever you're comfortable in is appropriate. Some people can rock over embellished frocks more naturally than others (myself not included in those lucky few unfortunately.) The general rule of thumb should be if the event calls for evening attire than where as many beads and sequins as it takes to make you feel pretty. 

If understated is more your style that's fine too. Something simple can still be fancy enough for even the most over the top occasions. 

Dress by Carmen Marc Valvo http://www.shoppetra.com/CarmenMarcValvo

Don't spend too much time trying to figure out where you land in this spectrum of embellishment though. When you get in the fitting room, you'll just know when you find the one that's right for you. Happy Shopping!

Can I get away with something short?

For most of us two words come to mind when someone asks how your day was: hectic and complicated. Anything we can do to simplify our lives is usually welcomed with open, embracing arms. So when we have a need to get dressed up and celebrate, we tend to become minimalists. Whether you feel shy about the head turning you would likely evoke by wearing a red carpet worthy gown or your just not looking to fuss over a dress all night, you try to get away with wearing the same non-descrip black cocktail dress in your closet that you've worn to your last 5 events. We've all done it and we convince ourselves we're being practical and frugal. Style it with some extra sparkly jewels and all of a sudden you're decked out... or are you? 

Let's take a step out of the daily chaos and mull it over though. You're invited to an event that the organizer has deemed to be a very special occasion and worthy of being classified as a ball. They are letting you know that this is as fancy as it gets. And they've invited you because they want you to help them celebrate something that is extra special to them and they are preparing to make a big deal out of it. They don't exactly care what you wear that night but they want you to join them in the festivities and feel their passion for just one night. Now how do you feel about wearing your little black dress for the 6th straight time? Have fun. Go all out. Dress up and be noticed. 

Gown by ML Monique Lhullier available at www.shoppetra.com

Celebrities wear floor sweeping gowns, why shouldn't we? Just because it's not practical and it might never be worn a second time? Buy it, wear it and resell it! Take it to a local consignment shop or put it on eBay. For one night of glamour, the gown will be worth it. Just don't forget to take pictures and remember how great it made you feel.

Gown by ML Monique Lhullier available at www.shoppetra.com

So can you get away with wearing something short? Yes. Should you? No way. 

PETRA = ROCK

According to Wikipedia… “Petra is a feminine given name. It is a feminine form of Peter, which is derived from the Greek word "petros" meaning "stone, rock".”

I’m Casandra Rock, the owner and founder of Petra. Petra is a special occasion dress boutique in Port Washington, Long Island, NY. I was born and raised on Long Island and have come back to my roots to build a business and a future.

As a Georgetown University graduate, I began my professional journey in NYC in 2006. I worked for a small (2 full time employees) software start-up that produced computer based learning for major clothing retailers. After just a few months on the job I realized I’d rather be working for one of those big retailers and moved on to Lord & Taylor. I went through their executive training program and started working my way up the executive pyramid in their buying office. I loved every minute.

My life is on Long Island though and as much as I enjoyed the hustle and bustle of life in the Big Apple, I wanted to come back home. That’s what led me to Petra. One of my many roles at L&T was in the evening dress office and my experience there left a lasting impression, not to mention passion. So with all my training and my vendor contacts in my back pocket, I decided to build my own business and to devote my career to doing what I love.

Just a short 5 months after leaving the city, here I am in Port Washington. I’ve got the storefront, the merchandise, and the support of family and friends. Now it’s time to start connecting with the community, reaching out to people who want to partner and most of all, welcoming new friends as customers.

My hopes for Petra are simple. I want to provide women with clothes that they love at prices that they can afford.  When you have a special occasion and you want to look and feel fabulous, you don’t want to spend your savings on something you might only wear once. And you shouldn’t have to. I want to be able to help women find the dress that will make them feel like they’re red carpet ready without buyers remorse when they see that dress hanging in the closet a year later.

I invite everyone and anyone to share on this blog or to contact us directly. Let us know what you look for in a dress, how it makes you feel to dress up, what you wish for and can never find… any thing that’s important to you is important to us so let’s start to share!