Nora Jane's Closet

1930's Sugar Sack Dress

2011-10-18T07:41:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

This dress is one of my most unique. It is handmade (no tags) and the material appears to be fabric from a sugar sack...well a sack of some kind-- I just guessed sugar as the print is all scenes from and names of islands in the Caribbean. It has elbow length sleeves a knee length hem. I definitely would guess this was made and worn somewhere in the south during the great depression.

It is a small piece of history. I'd love to know it's full story.

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

19...70's? shhhhh. don't tell on me.

2011-10-17T09:33:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

Now I know what you're thinking...I've lost it. But hey, hear me out! This skirt may be from the 70's but I am wearing it to fit my 1950's aesthetic. I also love the print. Paired with my pin-up wedges and a lacy top, it evokes fifties right?

I bought it at one of my favorite vintage stores: Talk of the Town just outside of Cincinnati.

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Zip Me Up!

2011-10-16T09:14:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,

This darling, zip up the front, 1950's number is one I have had for a while. {I wore it in my music video for my song Willie.} The fabric is almost like a thin canvas, or a thick linen and the dress features two large pockets with strawberry appliques as well as a front tie at the waist. I bought it for $25 at a vintage store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn when I was living in NYC and teaching at a high school in the neighborhood.

I think of it as a summer staple, but last month, my band-mate Todd Grebe, was playing Music City Roots with his Honky-Tonk band and I needed something to wear. So, I gave it a little fall flare by pairing it with pearls and riding boots. It was a surprisingly cool night and threatening rain so I tucked a little blue and white polka-dotted hanky in my pocket and grabbed my trench coat and headed out to the show...(Which was fantastic!)

Click here to check out Todd's Music

Click here to check out Music City Roots
(My band Bearfoot is playing here on Nov. 2nd!)

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Mooka Laka HeHe...Come on You Wanna... 1950's Hawiian Print Skirt!

2011-08-24T14:59:00.004-05:00

Dear Friends,

I had been coveting this skirt since my Vintage Voyage extravaganza before I released my solo album in June 2010. It hung on the rack at Fanny's House of Music for an entire year and I finally decided, the day before my band Bearfoot played at the world famous Station Inn, that I'd waited long enough and it was destined to be mine.

I am so happy I finally broke down and got it! Circa 1950, the print is just amazing. It looks like watercolors and features hula girls, canoes, palm trees, swimmers on a beach and so much more! They just don't make prints like this anymore.

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

1940's Lounging Apparel

2011-07-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

On a recent trip through Kansas, I stopped off in the lovely town of Lawrence and did a little vintage-shopping, where I found this charming 1940's day-dress; the label calls it "Lounging Apparel." :)

It is a wrap-dress and it fastens in the front with two buttons. On the very LARGE pockets, are sewn actual cloth, flower seed packets. The pattern is a sketchy white polka-dot on a beige background. I love it and knew when I saw it in that antique store that it would be perfect for my family reunion at Gull Lake in the North Woods of Minnesota.

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Mad Men in NoCal

2011-03-30T16:51:00.004-05:00

Dear Friends,

The Bootleggers and I spent a magical 10 days touring in northern California in February. One the highlights of our adventure was a private event hosted by the lovely couple, Tiffany and Jonathan, pictured above.

The Theme: Mad Men
The Guests: San Fransisco's Finest. Hard Working, Good Looking, Well Spoken, and Exquisitely Dressed.

As you may know, I specialize in 40's and 50's dresses, and the hosts did not tell me until we were already in California that the party was a Mad Men Party! It was pure serendipity that at our first gig in California, at The West Side Theater in Newman, the woman who runs the theater gave me this lovely 1960's olive-taupe velvet cocktail dress which fit - perfectly. This dress features a crepe sash and billowing- swag down the left side and a open neck-line. Tiffany is also sporting a 1960's coctail dress with a similar floral motif. I love her dress's brilliant turquoise and gold and with Tiffany's blonde hair, it's a knock-out combination!

Special thanks to Farris for the dress and to Tiffany and Jonathan for such a memorable evening! I hope to see you soon.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Red is Best

2011-03-02T13:33:00.003-06:00

Dear friends,

You may recognize this red late-50's number from my first music video for the song "One Notch Tighter"...if you don't recognize it from that you can find the video on youtube here: One Notch Tighter :)

Anyway, I made that video over a year ago and I don't think I'd worn the dress since...that is...until Bearfoot's show in Grand Forks, North Dakota. I recently decided that for performing on a stage, red is absolutely the best color, so I have started both searching for beautiful red dresses on my vintage shopping excursions and utilizing the red dresses I already own.

The fabric of this dress is a neat texture; it sort of reminds me of a muslin Indian scarf. There is a broach-like fabric design on the chest and the best part?...there is a muff-like pocket in the front--it's like a pouch. (you can sort of see it in the third photo.) I feel rather kangaroo-ish when wearing it. :)

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Country Girl in 40's Checks

2011-02-26T09:15:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends,

I found this darling dress in an antique mall in Vinton, VA. It was $22. Hooray!

The material is teal and brown cotton with raised white crisscross stripes and the skirt is sort of peasant style ruffles. The neckline is a sharp V and I love how the pattern is lined-up horizontally to create V's on the top and is straight up and down on the skirt. Very flattering!

I feel like I sould be heading to a barn dance every time I wear this sweet sweet dress. I've paired it with my 40's style brown heals and a brown leather belt.

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

The Details

2011-02-24T06:20:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends,

This lovely navy and white 1940's number is unlike any dress I own. It has three-quarter length sleeve, a v-neckline, and a really flattering detail around the hips and bum. It was a little loose on me and, while a wonderful woman (pictured above) offered to tailor it for me, I choose to take an olive-tan 50's cocktail dress that fit me perfectly.

The lesson: Unless it's perfect, don't take it (even if it's free) because you simply will not wear it.

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

California 40's Red Crepe

2011-02-22T11:37:00.005-06:00

Dear Friends,

This is my first west coast vintage piece and I love it. It's a beautiful the softest 1940's crepe dress I've ever met...I mean, felt. :) The print is whimsical and wonderfully colorful. I lvoe the deep pockets and the bright red buttons. I recently decided that wearing red on stage is definitely a good move so I'm keeping my eye out for red dresses.

This gem was given to me in Newman, California. Thanks Farris!

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Bearfoot Nora Jane

2011-01-27T09:18:00.001-06:00

Dear Friends,

I am thrilled to formally announce that I recently became the new lead singer in a totally awesome band called Bearfoot! Hoorah! For the first photo-shoot with the band, I had a serious decision to make: should I carry-over my custom of performing in vintage clothing or should I create a new persona and have my vintage duds be exclusive to my solo carrier. (I even considered choosing a different decade for the new band!) Well, after hours and hours of thought, I finally decided on a comprise.

For my solo gig I am going to continue performing in 1940's and 50's dresses-- mostly of the cotton day-dress variety-- and with Bearfoot, I am going to give myself a little more freedom to use vintage pieces along with modern pieces. (Although, for the shows we played two weeks ago, I wore a 1950's red dress...nothing modern about it. :)

In the above photos I am wearing a 1950's teal bathing suit and a 1940's thick-woven linen skirt. The bathing suit, I purchased several years ago in Brooklyn, NY. At the time, I felt a little silly spending about a hundred of my hard earned bucks on a 50 year old bathing suit (complete with wire ribbing and rooshing!!!) but now I am so glad that I grabbed it when I did. I found the skirt in Nashville's very own vintage treasure-trove Pre-to-Post Modern on 8th Avenue.

For more photos, videos, and tour schedule, visit the band's:

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/bearfoot.fp

Website: www.bearfootband.com

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/BearfootbandAngela

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Photo Shoot with The Bootleggers

2010-12-29T09:15:00.003-06:00

Dear Friends,

I am pleased to present some of the photos from our recent photo-shoot with Scott Simontacchi in Goodlettesville, TN. I am wearing a 1950's red paisley number with a beautiful full-skirt and open neck-line. I think The Bootleggers are looking awfully classy.

Thanks for reading!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

It's a 1940's Christmas

2010-12-10T22:38:00.003-06:00

Dear friends,

When I found this dress in an antique mall in Virginia, I was totally thrilled. The print is just darling-- holly leaves and berries on black cotton cloth. It features rhinestone buttons up the front, elven-like pointed cuffs on the sleeves, and a nice-like framed v-collar.

It's perfect for playing shows around the holidays. I wore it for the first time at a show in Birmingham, Alabama and I might just wear it again today.

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Late 40's Pink with Rhinestones

2010-11-21T16:24:00.005-06:00

Dear Friends,

This is my first ever vintage eBay purchase. (I got it at a pretty darn good price too, which apparently is tricky on eBay.)

The dress is late 1940's -- no zipper -- and features rhinestone buttons down the front, and darling pockets with an embroidered flora motif and rhinestone studs. It has the classic 40's A-line silhouette and and is made of pink cotton material in which the weave is visible. It also came with a thin purple belt with brass clasps (shown above). Bonus!

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Red Holiday Stunner

2010-11-21T15:45:00.004-06:00

Dear Friends,

This beautiful 50's, full skirt, red Holiday number is so charming that I wish I could wear in every season, but it seems to have maximum impact in the autumn and winter months. Here I pair it with a white sparkly-beaded sweater of the same vintage and a brand new pair of Beautifeel shoes (more on the shoes to follow).

The dress is made of a heavy paisley printed red fabric and features a dramatic semi-circle neckline and full skirt.

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

1940's Ladies Jeans...SO AWESOME!

2010-10-26T07:29:00.000-05:00

Dear friends,

These are women's jeans from the 1940's. I found them in an antique mall in Missouri two weekends ago and I TOTALLY LOVE THEM! The have a sturdy brass colored zipper on the side and the stitching is orange. In these photos I have them rolled-up in the style consistent with how they would have been worn in the 40's and 50's. The saddle shoes might bring these up to the 50's, but they are the closest I've got to period shoes to go with jeans.

Adding a scarf, either around the neck or as a hair tie, to this outfit, really ties it together. (no pun intended...)

Thanks for reading friends!

Best,
Nora Jane

A 1950's Audience

2010-10-19T09:02:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

At our show in Tulsa, OK, the audience took it upon themselves to dress the part donning 1950's cocktail dresses, fedoras, skinny ties and vests. What a good looking crowd!

I wore a dress that I received in the mail...yes that's right, I am now acquiring vintage via USPS. After playing in Tulsa last year, the hostess of this house concert series, Andrea, sent me a package containing a Hawaiian Print Skirt, 50's beaded sweater, earrings, a necklace, and this gorgeous 50's cocktail dress...all of which fit perfectly! I love the deep V neckline, sexy red floral print, and bell-shaped skirt.

Should anyone out there have a vintage piece that they would like to donate to the Nora Jane Performance Closet, my P.O. Box is #68159, Nashville, TN 37206. :)

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Saddle Shoes

2010-10-15T12:05:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

These are my new saddle shoes. I love them.

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Blueberry Sweetheart

2010-10-12T08:45:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

I picked up this sweet 50's dress at the Appalachian String Band Festival in Clifftop, WV. A dear woman named Rochelle has a fantastic vintage clothing booth named "The Garage Mahal" and this was one of two dresses I took off her hands.

This dress has a full skirt, collar-bone friendly neckline, and the cotton fabric is the sweetest pale blue and white. I added a dark blue leather belt and matching shoes.

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Nancy's Grandmother's Dress

2010-10-10T11:27:00.004-05:00

Dear Friends,

Once or twice before in my life, I have been given vintage dresses by kindly women who are looking for a good home for a dress, but never have I been given something that is so exactly aligned with the era and style of dress on which I have patterned my "look." After hearing that I was wearing a true 1940's seersucker romper (blog post to follow :), Nancy, resident of Middletown, RI, came up to me during the intermission of our show at Common Fence Music last night and told me she had several of her grandmother's dresses form the 40's in her closet. When she asked me if I would I be interested in adopting them, I jumped up with an enthusiastic, "Yes!"

The bootleggers and I stopped by her house first thing this morning wear I tried on this amazing garment. As we got in the car to drive away, Dave, my mandolin player, said, "I think that might be the best dress you own." I think I might just agree.

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Cheap Thrills in Fayetteville, AR

2010-09-16T20:53:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,

If you're ever in Fayetteville, AR...check out Cheap Thrills, a fine vintage and thrift store. This 5o's fancy gown was just beautiful, but sadly, I left it in Arkansas. Purple lace top, beautiful full skirt, great condition; I just didn't see myself wearing it on stage.

Thanks for reading!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

The Most Delicate Dress in My Closet

2010-09-03T15:11:00.004-05:00

Dear Friends,

This early 1940's dress is by far, the most delicate dress in my closet. The fabric is almost like tiissue paper which makes me hesitant to wear it during a performance, as I might tear it while rocking out.

The pattern is an emerald green and pink floral and the sleeves and collar are handmade lace. It has darling mother of pearl buttons down the front of the breast. With no zipper, this dress slips over the head and snaps down the side with one hook right at the waist.

I found it hanging on a wall all alone in an antique mall in Christiansburg, Virginia and knew it was meant to be mine.

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Elderly Instruments

2010-08-02T07:39:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

Michigan in July is a very good thing.

The Bootleggers and I had two very nice shows at night and Saturday afternoon we played an in-store at the famous: Elderly Instruments. I wore this sleek late 1940's early 1950's blue-bell linen skirt with a white tee-shirt tucked in. This skirt is such a winner because the material is heavy and so it sways beautiful when walking. It also has a lovely thick band at the waist which means no belt is necessary (perfect for warm weather) and this detail is echoed in the slanting pockets.

Visiting Elderly was something I've always wanted to do and getting to perform my first time there was pretty neato.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Talk of the Town

2010-07-31T15:54:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,

The woman who owns the amazing vintage store, Vintage Ooollee, in Augusta, Georgia, told me that if on my travels I am ever near Cincinnati, I simply MUST stop at her favorite vintage store, Talk of the Town. Well, on our way home for Pittsburgh a few weeks ago, we just happened to be driving right past Cincinnati and I just happened to remember so to Talk of the Town we went!

This store has a vast selection from the 1920's on up, is organized by size, and labeled by decade. All of the clothes are in very good condition and I would have liked to take home many more tha I did. I took home the lovely yellow 1940's. It buttons up the front and has really neato little round pockets and a matching detail on the top.

The wool 1950's number is totally amazing. I probably should have bought it, but one must curb one's desires occasionally.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

The Dress

2010-07-07T10:11:00.004-05:00

Dear Friends,

The morning we left for our great journey to Telluride, Colorado, I held up this dress and told the video camera, "This is the dress. That's all I'm going to say."

It turns out, it was the dress...the dress that I wore on the main stage in the final round of the band competition when we won. :)

It's a beautiful late 1940's, pink cotton with a side zipper, triangle cuffs, collar, and neckline, and a row of covered buttons going up the front. This dress is a keeper.

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Vintage Voyage: Clothing Exchange

2010-06-21T09:35:00.010-05:00

Dear Friends,

Our final stop on the Vintage Voyage is Hillsboro Village's finest recycled and vintage store: Clothing Exchange. Here we found three dresses that fit the bill!

1. Blue and white early 50's gingham
2. Sea-foam green early 50's button-up
3. Mauve mid-60's A-line with matching jacket

(The little pink water-color tulip dress is just too good not to put in this post, though it is not in the contest.)

Don't forget: Semi-finalists must be present at my CD release show on Wednesday night, 8pm, at The Basement, to be entered to be a finalist; the photo shoot for Her Nashville magazine is Thursday!

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Vintage Voyage: Rowtique

2010-06-16T11:04:00.004-05:00

Dear Friends,

One of the three stores on our Vintage Voyage is Rowtique, located on music row. Not only does this store have some of the most beautiful vintage gowns I've ever seen, but it also carries a selection of rockabilly-remakes...which is great beacuse you can pick a dress and a size that fits you!

On our voyage we found three dresses we loved!
-purple seventies lace
-sea foam green early sixties
-sailor girl rockabilly remake

In exactly one week at my CD release show at The Basement (8pm Wed. June 23) the finalists of the Vintage Voyage will be selected! Girls, just remember, you must be present to win! You can visit my website t see the video log from Rowtique :) www.norajanestruthers.com

The pre-sale packages of my record are only up for one more week so check those out while you can!

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

VINTAGE VOYAGE

2010-06-07T09:53:00.007-05:00

Dear Friends,

It's official. Vintage vehicles are the perfect compliment to vintage dresses! This week I am doing a vintage-themed promotion called the "Vintage Voyage". I will be visiting 3 of Nashville's finest vintage stores: Fanny's, Clothing Exchange, and Rowtique. At each store I will perform 2 or 3 songs, pick out a dress that I LOVE, and find one lucky customer who will be entered to become a finalist in the Vintage Voyage. At my cd release show on Wednesday, June 23rd at The Basement, three of these women will will be chosen as finalists...the prize you ask?

The finalists get to keep the dress AND they get to be a model in a professional photo shoot to appear in the August issue of "Her Nashville" magazine!!!!

Very exciting! Ladies, you must be present to win so tell your friends and come on out to Nashville's finest vintage stores!

Don't miss the voyage:

East Nash-
Tuesday, June 8, 5PM -- Fanny's House of Music

Hillsboro-
Thursday, June 10, 12PM -- Clothing Exchange

Music Row-
Friday, June 11, 2PM -- Rowtique

Thanks for reading friends! I hope to see you this week.

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Down Home in the early 50's

2010-05-30T23:20:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,

This 1950's is one of my all time favorites. The details are amazing: large white buttons, green cotton fabric with woven white criss-cross stripes, two huge circle pockets, and a rounded collar. Someone had their thinking-cap on when they designed this dress. I bought this one in Leesburg, VA...but I'm not telling you where. It's my little secret!

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Fanny's

2010-05-18T13:54:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,

Sometimes, there are too many wonderful dresses. I tried on 6 or 7 of these (all of which fit perfectly) at East Nashville's half vintage/half music store, Fanny's, and came home with only one-- the brown 40's with diagonal white stripes. :)

At least it was one that I love!

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Yellow Carmen Ghia and White Poodle Skirt

2010-05-04T08:07:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

Sometimes a hot car is the best accessory.

VINTAGE DETAILS
Skirt
*Fabric: white cotton
*Cut: classic poodle skirt circa 1950
*Hem: just below the knee

Top
*Fabric: blue knit
*Cut: classic full skirt circa 1950
*Wow Factor: pearl buttons and flower appliqués

I bought this skirt for $7 at a vintage store on 8th Ave in here Nashville.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Cream Colored Cotton circa 1940

2010-05-02T10:13:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,

I bought this dress in Leesburg, VA at The Black Shutter three years ago and I’ve been trying to get back there ever since!

I wore this lovely relic last Friday night at our show in Thomas, West Virginia at The Purple Fiddle.

VINTAGE DETAILS
*Fabric: cream colored cotton, with beautifully colored print
*Cut: high waist and A-line skirt
*Hem: just below the knee
**Wow Factor: PINK SPARKLY buttons all the way down the front, quilted collar and cuffs, and pockets to boot!

Pair with a pale blue linen belt and trusty neutral heels and you’ve got a classic look.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Flashbax Part 2: Holiday Red

2010-04-28T10:07:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

This is one I will remember.

Holiday Red circa 1950

VINTAGE DETAILS
*Fabric: gorgeously rich red corduroy
*Cut: high waist and full skirt
*Hem: just below the knee
*Wow Factor: scalloped, off-the-shoulder neckline with embroidery and sequins

This one stayed in the store too…but I wish it had made it into the van.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Flashbax Part 1: Lemon Drop Sweetheart

2010-04-27T08:04:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

This past weekend we played shows at venues on the North Carolina coast and I took the opportunity to check out the area’s premier vintage haven: Flashbax, located on Front Street in Wilmington, NC.
Here I’m wearing a lovely, lemon drop yellow 1950’s gem.

VINTAGE DETAILS
*Fabric: horizontally ribbed
*Cut: high waist, full skirt, and darts
*Hem: just below the knee
*Wow Factor: details around the top including buttons, lace, piping, and round collar

Sadly, I did not take this one home with me. Maybe next time!

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Vintage Photo Shoot

2010-04-21T15:22:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,
Last weekend I played model for my friend Dycee. She sells vintage clothes on her Etsy.com page: “Lovely Rags by Dycee”. All the cloths she sells are vintage, though most of them are not of my vintage (she only has a few 40’s and 50’s pieces). All of them are in beautiful condition.
You can check out the photographs and the clothes at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Dycee
As payment for hours of hard modeling work, Dycee let me choose a dress to take home from her collection and hang in my closet! I chose Marilyn Monroe. Thanks Dycee!
Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Brooklyn Vintage: Part II

2010-04-12T09:00:00.001-05:00

Dear.Friends,

After a stop at the Bedford Cheese Shoppe to purchase some sundries for my papa’s birthday, we walked down a few blocks to the wonderful, Beacon’s Closet where I could have spent hours and hours, if we hadn’t already made dinner plans with friends in Manhattan.
Vintage shopping in a time crunch requires focus and expertise, especially when you’re hunting for gems of a particular vintage (in my case, of the 1940’s and 50’s). I made a B-line for the dress racks in the back of the store and then narrowed my focus, simply looking at the material of the dresses; more specifically, I searched for dresses made of cotton and linen—the fabrics of the earlier half of the twentieth century.
I found six that looked promising and headed for the dressing room where I found that several of them fit, but only one was a keeper and here’s the shocking part…it was new dress made in 1940’s style. (No, not as good as an original 1940’s, but hey, if the dress fits…)

Vintage Detail:

*cris-cross back with button fastens
*high waist with a strait skirt
*classic 40’s pockets

I took it home with me and secretly planned on wearing the very next day (which is the best part of buying a new old, or a new old-looking, dress.)
Here’s a video I took while wearing the dress the day of my sister’s baby shower/party:

Thanks for reading and watching!
Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Brooklyn Vintage: Part I

2010-04-11T22:31:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

My sister, Abby, is having a baby girl! Last weekend PJ and I traveled to New Jersey for her baby shower and, since we were making the big trip anyway, decided to go a few days early to catch up with friends in New York City and visit the Brooklyn vintage stores I used to frequent when I was a New Yorker.
We went into New York on Thursday afternoon and made a brief stop at the David Gage Bass Shop in Soho/Chinatown where PJ and I were awed by some truly magnificent instruments and some very kind service.

Then we headed to Williamsburg, Brooklyn—Vise-Versa on Bedford was our first stop. Unlike many vintage stores in Manhattan, Vise-Versa keeps it’s prices fairly low (dresses stay around the 15-25 dollar range and shirts and skirts are almost always $15 or less.) While I was hunting through the dress racks, one of my old students, Mario, came over and said hello. I’d not forgotten that his parents own the store, but he looked so grown-up that I didn’t recognize him.

I didn’t find any dresses that were perfect for me this time, but in the past, I’ve purchased some real winners that have become go-to performance wear. I did find a non-vintage item with a vintage aesthetic—a blue and white gingham button down made by H&M—that was marked at $7, but Mario insisted that I just take it. Thanks Mario! PJ found a rockin’ black western shirt with white fringe. Oh yeah.

Thanks for reading!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Floral Frock for Florida

2010-03-16T17:35:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,

PJ and I just returned home to Nashville from our first ever Duo Tour! We played live on Tampa's radio station WMNF. We also played four house concerts and one bar show. It was big fun and a big success.

One of our shows was in San Antonio, Florida (I bet you were thinking Texas!) at The Garage Mahal, a lovely house concert series hosted by Rochelle and Norman Morris (pictured above).

Rochelle and I share a love of vintage clothing (as well as shoes, jewelry, belts, and other such trinkets.) For this show I decided to wear a vintage floral skirt that was actually mailed to me by Andrea Martin, a lovely woman in Tulsa, Oklahoma who hosted a house concert for my band back in November. She too has a passion for vintage clothing and asked me, via a very sweet email, if I would mind if she sent me clothes!! Can you believe that? Anyhow, Andrea sent me this cheery skirt and our show at The Garage Mahal was it's debut on stage.

I paired the skirt with an aqua top and a hot pink cardigan and tied it all together with my trust brown woven belt and ballet flats.

What a colorful outfit! It made me happy just wearing it.

The show was so fun. Thank you Rochelle and Norman!

And thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Western Wear with Carolyn Martin

2010-03-08T10:56:00.001-06:00

Dear Friends,

If you like Western Wear and Western Swing, Nashville is a good place to be.

Last week I was honored to get up on stage and sing with the amazing swing singer Caroyln Martin at her CD release Party at The Station Inn. Her new album, Cooking with Carolyn, is chalk-full of great songs, amazing players, and is just darn good. I was lucky enough to be involved in the project in two ways: Carolyn and I wrote a song especially for the album--a sexy, bluesy number we titled "Skillet Blues"--and Carolyn asked me to sing a harmony part on a great old song, "Yodel Blues".

The album is great and the show was amazing! Great job Carolyn!

As you know, as the front woman of "Nora Jane Struthers & Her Band" I perform exclusively in vintage dresses (or the occasional skirt and top combo), but for this special occasion I decided Western Wear was more appropriate. When I arrived and saw Carolyn's beautifully embroidered jacket I knew I made the right choice.

This shirt was a gift from my mom and dad years ago; they got it on a trip to New Mexico and brought it back to New York City for me. I had never worn it until Carolyn's show. It has beautiful rainbow embroidery and snaps up the front and at the wrist.

Thanks mom and dad and Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Vintage Tampa

2010-03-06T21:23:00.007-06:00

Dear Friends,

It's hard for a girl like me to walk out of a store that has dozens of beautifully preserved vintage dresses empty handed, but it happened yesterday!

La France is a very nice store in Ybor Village, a neighborhood in Tampa, FL. They have a wide selection of apparel from the 1920's - 1960's and they even have some brand new dresses modeled after vintage fashions. (This is nice because they are available in different sizes.) They are priced a bit steeper then I like to spring for, so I held myself back. Besides, half the fun is finding the perfect dress at the perfect price.

Hopefully I'll find a perfect one soon. :)

Thanks for reading!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

Solution for next winter's Vintage Dress Blog: Vintage Baby Dresses!!!

2010-02-28T23:55:00.003-06:00

Dear Friends,

Winter is tough on a Vintage Dress Wear-er... I'd like to chalk my long absence on the virtual clothes rack up to several things:

#1: It's been very cold.
#2: There's been a lot of snow in the places to which I've been traveling.
#3: It's been quiet cold.

But never fear dear Vintage Aficionados! I've happened upon a solution.

VINTAGE BABY DRESSES

I don't have to be cold if I'm blogging about tiny vintage dresses :)

My sister is having a baby girl, due June 18th, and when I happened upon this charming home-made vintage blue and white polka dot (you know how much I love polka dots) dress, all I had to hear from the sales woman was "$5" before making it my future niece's first day-dress.

I especially like the white muslin collar.

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

P.S. I'm heading to Florida on tour this week so hopefully warm weather and dresses are in my future!

Pink sweater, blue polka dots

2009-12-20T09:10:00.001-06:00

Dear friends,

Last week I attended a Christmas party at a studio here in Nashville. I wore this blue and white polka dot dress that I got in Paris at a vintage store for 12 €.

I added a bright pink cardigan to make myself feel more party.

Mission accomplished.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Hickory Tree House Concert in Kansas, OOOOOOOOOK-lahoma!

2009-12-14T19:16:00.001-06:00

The Band: Danny Clark, Me, and Ben Sanders.

Dear Friends,

In November, my band and I were the luckiest because we got to play at Hickory Tree House Concerts in Kansas, Oklahoma. (That really is the name of the town--it's in the Oklahoma Ozarks. Beautiful.)

Our hosts we're so gracious.
Their house was a perfect space for a House Concert.
We had our own private cabin next to the beautiful river.
I got to go in a casino for the first time ever.
We got fed, a lot. (lunch at the casino, dinner at the house, and a campfire breakfast next to the river the morning after with friends and neighbors!)

Many thanks to Steve and Kathy.

I wore my purple and white plaid early 1950's dress, which I picked up in West Virginia at an antique store for $14, and my tan ballet flats. This combo is perfect for flat-flooting and Steve and Kathy specially requested flat-footing :)

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

1940's Gem -- Red Hats and Canes

2009-12-13T18:57:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends,

Well it appears the month of November got away from me but fear not! There was in fact very stylish stuff going on and it was in fact documented, though not yet blogged about.

Let's start with last night and we'll move backwards into November as the week progresses.

Yesterday I purchased this lovely 1940's gem. The pattern is, if you can see, red hats and white canes on black cotton. It buttons up the front (no zipper) and had a tie at the neck. I love the long sleeves and white small-waffle cloth trim around the cuffs.

I got so many compliments on this dress last night at Robert's Western World, on Broadway, I know that it was a good buy. One man actually paused on his way out of the bar and said, "You've got the best dress in here." Wow! The power of a vintage dress is amazing.

I paired it with a red leather belt and pseudo-saddle-shoes; perfect for dancing.

Thank you 1940's; you are swell.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,
Nora Jane

It's a Brand New Vintage Bike!

2009-10-21T11:49:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

I just bought a new old bike! It's a three speed and I love it.

Now all I need is a basket for the front so I can ride to the Turnip Truck and bring home my groceries.

This little polka-dot number is one I picked up for 10 Euros in Paris a few years back when I was visiting my cousin Stefanie. With a wide brown belt, my trusty mocs, and my new bike it's a total winner!

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

IBMA Showcase

2009-10-10T10:55:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

Thanks to all of you who came out to the Big IBMA Showcase in our East Nashville Sweet! Allison Williams and Chance McCoy performed wonderfully and I must say the whole thing is surrounded by a golden fuzzy glow in my memory.

I had the great honor of playing this showcase with:

Brent Truitt on mandolin

Richard Bailey on banjo

Jeremy Darrow on bass

Christian Sedelmyer on fiddle

Special thanks to my parents for letting us take over their room for the evening.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

The Down Home

2009-10-07T16:08:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

Last week I had the great honor of playing at The Down Home in Johnson City, TN! This music venue is one you must visit if you like acoustic music. I opened up for my dear friend David Mayfield, of Cadillac Sky, and we had a blast. Rachel Hester was good enough to come with us and sing harmony on a few songs.

I wore this 1950's standard of mine--you've seen it before; it is a wonderful dress. David is wearing Texas Thrift, the lumberjack line, and Rachel glows in short sunshine-yellow.

It was a great show. Thanks to all the kind folks at The Down Home for having us.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

The Perfect Shoe

2009-09-21T12:39:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

I like a nice pair of shoes as much as the next girl and, in fact, I own probably a few more pairs than I need, however, I would like to share wit you the truth about me and shoes: I wear this pair of tan colored heals with 98% of the dresses I own because:

1. They go with almost everything

2. I can dance in them

3. I can set-up, play a whole show, break-down, and still hang-out in them without getting weary-footed.

Moral: Get you a pair of comfortable neutral heals and you will wear your dresses more often.

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

12th South in Yellow Polka Dots

2009-09-14T20:45:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

On Thursday my band, Jeremy Darrow-bass, Brent Truitt-mandolin, Ben Sanders-fiddle, and I had the pleasure of playing at Nashville's own, 12th South Taproom. Thanks to all our friends who came out to see the show! It was a Big Time.

I wore my second favorite dancing dress-- a yellow polka dot number made new, out of vintage material. How cool is that? I purchased this little number a few years ago at Zachary Smile, a NYC boutique located on Laffeyette St. south of Houston. It was more expensive than the kind of dresses I usually spring for, but if you could see how the skirt twirls when I spin, you'd agree it was totally worth it.

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Someone Sketched my band at Jalopy in Brooklyn!

2009-09-13T20:36:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

A lovely women took the time to sketch our band during our debut performance at Jalopy Theater in Red Hook, Brooklyn in July. I was thrilled to find this sketch on her wonderful blog--check it out at http://blog.ukulelechicken.com/tag/jalopy-theater/page/2/

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

1920's Party!

2009-08-30T19:34:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

Last Thursday...no no, two Thursday's ago I joined my two friends, Stephanie McKinney and Rachel Hester in dressing up for a full costume required speakeasy party. It was hosted by Jonathan and Cassandra of the Tin Cup Gypsies-- a rockin' band featuring guitar, fiddle, a small squeeze box and a cajone! Amazing food, music and...costumes!

I wore a dress my mother gave me this past Christmas--it absolutely passes for 20's but I fear it is more probably 60's given the metal zipper up the back.

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Black 50's Dress & Brand New Management

2009-08-22T16:16:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

Yesterday I signed a management agreement with Dan Herrington (top right) and Mitchell Fox (top left). I am so thrilled to have them on my team. Hurray!

Thanks to my legal council David Crow (pictured above, left.)

Thanks for reading.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

I love to Dance

2009-08-19T10:27:00.000-05:00

~~Above is a photo snapped at this year's Appalachian String Band Festival (Clifftop, WV)~~

Dear Friends,

It's true--I love to dance. As a tot I took tap lessons but that is the extent of my formal training. I first discovered what I was missing out on when I ventured down south to the Galax Fiddler's Convention in Galax, VA and discovered flatfoot dancing. Like the music, people dance to participate and be an active part of a community. What a wonderful way to live!

Living in New York I was introduces, by a Virginian friend of mine, to the New York City Barn Dance, held every third Thursday at the Hungarian House on the upper East Side. It was there that I fell in love with dancing as a community activity. If you live in New York-- go check it out sometime; you;ll not regret it.

Since moving to Nashville, Monday nights often find me down on Broadway dancing in Robert's to John England's great western swing band or to country classics rendered expertly by Monty Good and the Honky Tonk Hero's.

Come on down and join me if you're ever in town.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Clifftop 2009 ~Neo-Traditional Band Contest Winners!

2009-08-16T18:48:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

Two weeks ago, neigh, almost three weeks ago, my band entered and won the Neo-Traditional Band Competition at the 2009 Appalachian String Band Festival in Clifftop, WV. Hurray!

Check out our performance of my original "Cowgirl Yodel # 3" in the finals of the competition:

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Vintage 2004 Odyssey -- Vintage 1950's Dress

2009-07-28T10:11:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

At the end of my last tour, actually, on the very last day of the tour, driving from Johnson City, TN in the rain, we had an accident-- I was driving and we hydroplaned into the grassy ditch of a median. Everyone was okay, no one was hurt, which is of course the most important thing.

Unfortunately, the car, my beloved 1998 Honda Odyesey, not ok. We drove her all the way back to Nashville that day and made it in time to play our amazing triple bill, with The Sweetback Sisters and The Rachel Hester Band, at the 5 Spot, but when the insurance company came to assess the damage, I was informed that it would cost more to repair my darling than she was "worth."

So after some shopping around and test driving, I settled on a brand new, used 2004 Honda Odyssey!!!!!! When, however, I realized that I would be trading-in my old darling for the new one, I became very sad. You see, since I moved to Nashville, Last August 17th, I have moved FOUR times, but I've always had my car. It was truly a sad thing to give her up.

To the dealership I wore one of my favorite 1950's cotton dresses--it has a full skirt making it perfect for dancing. (relevant? no.)

Check out the new car:

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

1940's Blue Linen at the 12 South Taproom

2009-07-20T11:10:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

Last Friday night my band played at a Nashville favorite--the 12th South Taproom. I don't know how it happened, but apparently the Nora Jane Struthers band uniform is jeans and a plaid/flannel shirt. I'm cool with it.

I wore a brand new 1940's Blue Linen gem. The white-buttons go all the way up the front and the neckline is just charming. I love love it. It may be my new favorite. And for all of you readers out there who are curious about how I know it is 1940's, the buttons (and no zipper) are a dead give away.

It was a great show:

Ward Stout: mandolin, fiddle, vocals

Ben Sanders: fiddle, mandolin, vocals

PJ George: Bass, vocals

Nora Jane Struthers: guitar, vocals, smiles

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Uncle Dave Macon Days 2009

2009-07-18T14:47:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

Every July there is a festival, Uncle Dave Macon Days, in Mufreesboro, TN, which honors the late musician, performer, and Grand Old Opry Star, Uncle Dave Macon.

I put on my Saturday night barn dance 1940's floral cotton dress, complete with quilted trim around the neckline, sleeves, and sparkly pink buttons.

In the above photos, in order of appearance: Me, Emily Miller (in the grey 1940's--which I found for her :) and Alison Williams, Anna Roberts (Red-skirt and bass), Bailey Cook (red gingham shirt and denim jean skirt overalls).

The video is wonderful. Check it out.

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Sweetback Sister Style

2009-07-14T12:44:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

I spent my July 4th with some of my best friends--The Sweetback Sisters-- in Johnson City, TN at the Acoustic Coffee House. They are AMAZING. Find them--right now-- at http://www.thesweetbacksisters.com/ and buy their brand new album.

Not only are they talented musicians--but they are coordinated dressers! Take a look.

I tried to keep up in my 1950's favorite black flowered dress.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Dress-Up with Nora Jane

2009-07-13T12:34:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

I just moved into a new apartment in East Nashville and one of my favorite features of this new apartment is the wall-bracket dress bar I installed all by myself--and then again with the help of some friends after it proved a bit shaky.

Last Thursday I had some of my lady friends over for dinner and they, overwhelmed by my new display of dresses, decided they better try some of them on!

Here's Emily Miller and Rachel Hester in Nora Jane Vintage:

Rachel's feet are just a little to small for my favorite pair of fancy heels. :)

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

JALOPY!!!!

2009-07-08T12:09:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

One of the highlights of the tour was our home-coming show at New York's newest bestest music venue, Jalopy located in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

On the bill with us was the fantastic performer, Micheal Daves--he owned the stage and rocked the mic and I'm not kidding you brother! Micheal was kind enough to get me up to sing harmony with him on the Louvin Brothers classic "If I could Only Win Your Love".

The guys, Ben and Grant, played great, the sound was great, and the crowd was great! Thanks to everyone who came out!

I wore my favorite 50's paisley-print skirt with a black tank and a big brown woven belt. I mean hey, When amongst hippsters...

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

An Ocean of Plaid

2009-07-07T11:52:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

On this past tour, I brought my band to The Albert Music Music Hall in Waretown, NJ and what a show it was!

As you can see, plaid is the new black. I brought this sweet green and pink plaid early 1950's number in West Virginia on my way back from The Purple Fiddle. Only $15 big ones and it fits like a dream!

Ben and Grant followed suit--I think we look snazzy.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Nora Jane Struthers T-SHIRTS?!!!

2009-07-06T11:35:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

Now you can were MY NAME on YOUR CHEST!!!!!

Just $15 bucks gets you one of these premium American Apparel T-Shirts, available in Dark Brown, Bright Red, and Heather Grey.

My new website is set to launch in about a week, so visit www.norajanestruthers.com to order one of these fine shirts.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Summer 09 Tour: Episode 1-- The Van

2009-07-02T10:45:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

I am on tour! My very first tour! I want to cheers the Honda car company:

Cheers! My Honda Odyssey mini van is serving us well on the road. We fit an upright bass, two mandolins, a guitar, a fiddle, and all of our stuff into this beaut and we still have room for the band! I particularly appreciate the disappearing back seat.

We started in Knoxville, TN playing WDVX's Blue Plate Special radio show hosted by the one and only metro-billy, Matt Morlock. That night we shared the bill with The Hankensaw Boy's at Barley's Taproom. It was great fun.

Many video's to come...

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Ophir's Pass

2009-06-26T10:10:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

If you ever drive from Nashville to Colorado in a loaded down Honda Odyssey minivan, do not take County Road 8 over Ophir’s Pass to get over the mountains in between Silverton in Telluride unless: you like driving as slow as the minivan can possibly go, fording small mountain streams, being really quiet so as to avoid creating an avalanche, hairpin turns on a railing-less rocky mountain road, and have at least one extra person to get out at the top and walk most of the rest of the way moving the larger rocks out of the road so you don’t lose your exhaust pipe or bottom out.

If however, you either do want the aforementioned things to happen or you happen to have a high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle, then GO FOR IT because it was an unbelievably beautiful road from which to experience the Rocky Mountains with my sweetie, PJ.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

A Dress too Pretty for RADIO

2009-06-25T21:40:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

As one of the Troubadours, I had the opportunity to play live on Telluride’s Radio station KOTO on Friday afternoon. I sang two songs, “Greenbrier County” and a new one I co-wrote with my dear friend Rachel Hester entitled, “That Horse’ll Kill You”. Luckily my beau, PJ, was along to sing harmony with my for my radio station debut.

I wore my brand new blue and white early 50’s dress that I bought at an antique store in West Virginia on our drive back to Nashville from The Purple Fiddle. $15 for this sweet number—what a steal! Too bad all the folks tuned in couldn’t see it. But ladies, sometimes wearing a dress is not about being seen.

Thanks to Susanne at KOTO for being so kind and supportive. I look forward to our next meeting.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

P.S. Check out the sun hat I purchased to protect me for the scorching Colorado sun—so practical and stylish too! That picture was taken 15 feet from my campsite. Later that day I washed my hair in that river. It was so cold I almost fell down because my muscles gave up on me.

Telluride Bluegrass Festival

2009-06-24T10:02:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

I was chosen as one of ten finalists in the Telluride Troubadour songwriting contest. The song that I entered, “Greenbrier County” is up on my myspace if you want to check it out. (www.myspace.com/norajanestruthers)

I competed against these other songwriters/performers on Thursday afternoon and did not win, but I did get to play in a song circle on the Elks Park Stage, on the KOTO radio, and….ON THE MAIN STAGE ON SATURDAY afternoon in between THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND and YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND. It was awesome.

Check me out here or on youtube.

Also, a Big Howdy and thanks to our neighbors in “Camp Little Del”—you made our Telluride so warm even when it was so cold outside.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

The Purple Fiddle in Curlers

2009-06-15T23:54:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

This past Saturday night my band and I made our debut at The Purple Fiddle in Thomas, West Virginia. If you've never been and you're a band, book yourselves there! If you've never been and your a music lover, go there for a weekend! It's a restaurant, hostel, bar, and music venue all rolled up in a charming victorian house.

The show was great. Check out some of the video from the show on youtube.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Aprons and Homemade Pizza and MUSIC

2009-06-14T23:44:00.000-05:00

Oh My!

Dear Friends,

What a joy! Helping a pal bake pizza (homemade dough and everything) is one of life's most delicious and relaxing pleasures--especially when your friend knows how to make the pizza and you can just follow directions and munch on the shredded mozzarella.

And the aprons are just so practical!

This music party was organized because Emily's mom was in town visiting and --since she and Emily are both fantastic musicians who specialized in harmony singing--I was not about to let her get away from Nashville without meeting and singing with her. It was a wonderful time and we had some truly rocking three-part harmonies before the evening was through.

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

"Hey, Are those Washingtons?"

2009-05-30T10:20:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

Well, I am sure this will come as a shock to some of you, but amongst Old-Time Musicians and music-lovers, overalls are an impressive piece of vintage apparel and some folks are no less brand-crazy than the teenyboppers of yore. I was gifted this pair of vintage Washingtons (which I was told are from the 1920's) and I have been literally stopped in the fire lanes at festivals and fiddler's conventions by folks, who ask in disbelief,

STRANGER: "Hey, are those Washingtons?"

NJ: "Why yes they are!"

STRANGER: "Those are gettin' hard ta come by." (Very impressed.)

I sure do like em! I especially like that they have an extra button on each side that allows me to have a waist even in overalls! Yeah 1920's!

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Old Red Belt

2009-05-28T11:09:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

On Tueday night I went out to an Itialian Restaurant in Hendersonville with my roommate Justin to hear his good buddy Troy Angle play some classic bluegrass with the self proclaimed, "legend in his own mind' Steve Huber. It was a great show. No cover. Good food. Great music.

I wish I could tell you the name of the place--I'll update later if I can find it.

I wore this pink dress which I bought about a year ago at Brooklyn's biggest vintage and thrift store, Beacon's Closet. The dress itself is Abercrombie and Fitch-shhh don't tell! (It was also $12.)

I paired it for the first time with this vintage belt gifted, as part of a ball-gown / belt combo, to me by my grandmother.

I wore my sole-less firebird beaded Minnetonka moccasins which are both comfy and stylish :)

And I brought my ever-so-versatile tan cardigan which is actually from Brooks Brothers--shhh don't tell that either! Expensive? yes. Well made? yes. The most useful article of clothing I have ever owned? Absolutely.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

New York City Vintage

2009-05-24T22:37:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

Vintage shopping in New York City is awesome. I bought this sweet 1950's zip-up-the-front, white linen with strawberry's on the pockets, for $20 bucks on Thursday and then I wore it Thursday night at my dad and my Dirt Road Sweetheart appearance on the Kings County Opry! Wow! Talk about a tax write-off that's been put to good use!

Dad's got on a red tie--he's so stylish.

Thanks for reading friends!

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Blue Dress, Blue Tie

2009-05-18T16:38:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

Performing at the NJBOTMA (New Jersey Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association) on Sunday with dad was a treat. Great sound man, great crowd, great fun!

I curled my hair for the occasion and one just never knows how ones hair will tun out when curled--this is how mine turned out. I like it.

Dad and I try to be color coordinated when we perform to give our show the feeling of a show.

I wore this vintage bright blue cotton dress and dad matched me with a blue tie. The question is...will he wear a pink tie when I am wearing my new pink dress? Tune in on Saturday folks! We're performing on WDRV's Heartlands Hayride at 6:10pm and 6:45pm EST.

Thanks for reading!

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Nora Jane Show at The 12th South Taproom...yeah buddy

2009-05-16T11:21:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

Our first show at The 12th South Taproom was a roaring success! I had so much fun and Danny and Christian were playing something mighty fine.

Thanks to everyone for coming out.

All my best.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Big Night at the Bluebird Cafe

2009-05-08T12:51:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

On Wednesday night, I had the great pleasure of attending the Peter Cooper and Eric Brace show at the world famous Bluebird Cafe and what a show it was! The duos mix of comedic interplay, classy showmanship, great songs, and tight harmonies made for a truly entertaining evening.

What I wore:

jeans-- new

belt-- vintage (my dad's from the 60's)

tanks-- new

cardigan--new

sweatshirt thingee--new!

What's the matter with you Nora Jane? What happened to vintage?

Somedays, a girls just wants to wear pants.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Pale Pink 1950's Ribbon Dress for the Ozark Folk Center

2009-05-04T12:19:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

Well, it's official. I love Arkansas.

My band and I played our first big gig this past Saturday night and wow-ee-zow was it a good show. The crowd at the Ozark Folk Center was wonderful (shout out to The White Family from Georgia!) and all the folks behind the scenes were so helpful and kind. Musicians: If you ever get an opportunity to play at the Ozark Folk Center--I suggest you jump on it! In addition to everything else, the sound is great and playing on their stage is a pleasure.

My dress, as you can see, is a pale pink, 50's ribbon dress. I purchased this one in my NYC days at a vintage shop on East 11th St.

I used hot rollers, for the fourth time ever, and found that, like most things, they get easier to use with practice.

Special thanks to Carl Adkins for all of his work at the Folk Center, for giving a young band a big shot, and for the pizza after the show. Carl, you're a keeper.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Ball Gown in Antique Attic

2009-04-30T20:51:00.000-05:00

Dear friends,

After a long, but awesome band practice, I headed down the road to stop into the Library and, wouldn't you know it, but an Antique Store was innocently located just next store! Annabel's Antiques in Goodlettsville, TN is a lovely store run by lovely women of the Southern Bell variety.

I tried on this pale blue ball gown upstairs and would have purchased it, if it has fit a little more snuggly.

I did end up purchasing a dress which I will not reveal in this entry--you have to wait until I have a good reason to wear a beautiful 1950"s mauve crepe dress with bronze bead work. I think Monday night might be the night!

The best part about my purchase, other than the unbeatable price of 10 bucks, was that I got to search through a wooden trunk --of the hope-chest variety--to find it and I felt like a kid playing dress-up again!

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Pink Dress, Black Car

2009-04-28T13:25:00.000-05:00

Dear friends,

Yesterday I purchased this lovely pink gingham sundress (circa 195o) from East Nashville's best vintage clothing shop, The Hip Zipper.

I love this dress. I feel like my five-year-old self in it. I wish I could meet the woman or women who wore it before me.

How handy that this black chevy happened to be parked right near where I ate dinner with my pals.

After dinner we picked a few tunes and my roommate taught me some swing chords. What a night! What a town!

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Sunday Morning Gospel at a Little White Church

2009-04-27T11:37:00.000-05:00

My sometimes band-mate and friends Danny Clark had me back him up at church yesterday morning. He played mandolin and sang lead and I play my guitar and sang tenor.

We performed two songs: Little White Church (how appropriate!) and Let Us Travel, Travel On, which is my favorite song to sing with Danny. I learned it from The Dry Branch Fire Squad, but it is originally a Stanley Brothers song.

Here's what I wore:

Dress: 50's Vintage

Belt: Vintage Hand-Me-Down for Grandma Evelyn

Mocs: Minnetonka

It was a lovely service and the congregation seemed to really enjoy the music.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Tennessee Saturday Night

2009-04-27T11:00:00.000-05:00

Another fine night at The 5 Spot folks.

Skirt: 50's Vintage

Top: American Apparel

Belt: Vintage Hand-me-down from Grandma Evelyn

Heals: Liz Clayborn?

This outfit is such a winner-- I think I am going to wear it often this summer.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Summer is Here!

2009-04-26T11:30:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

It appears that old man winter rolled over Spring and now Summer is upon us. Which means...dresses, dresses, and more dresses!

Here's what I wore to band practice yesterday:

This cotton sun dress, from Zachary Smile in NYC, was made with pieces of vintage fabric. My band-mate, Danny Clark, is sporting Liberty Overalls and a neon orange uke.

Life is good!

Thanks for reading friends,

Nora Jane

Always Dress Up-- cause you never know when you'll get to sit in!

2009-04-25T11:29:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

They say "Dress for the job you want" and what I want is to play music on stage so whenever I go out, I put on a dress, just in case a position opens up.

Last night at the Special Consensus CD release party at The World Famous Station Inn, I got my first chance to play on the Station Inn stage with the fantastic bluegrass band, Special Consensus. It was an honor, a pleasure, and a surprise!

I was so glad that I put on this sweet little nautical number. The white strips along the bottom really pop from the stage and I even wore a leather belt with a leather buckle so as to not scratch Justin Carbone's beautiful Collings guitar. Fashion and function should always meet so easily.

Thanks for reading friends.

Sincerely,

Nora Jane

Monday Night on the Nashville Town in 1930's Chocolate Lace

2009-04-03T01:01:00.000-05:00

I just bought this charming 1930's chocolate-brown lace dress on Sunday and if there's one thing that makes me feel good about buying new-old dresses, it's wearing them out for a night on the town the next day!

This dress is facinating because, like all dresses from the earlier part of the 20th century, it has no zipper. However, unlike the other dresses I have seen from the 30's and 40's, this dress closes with beautiful sturdy brass hooks rather than buttons or snaps. Sturdy breass hooks paired with intricate brown lace make this dress seem very much like a work of art.

Monday night is Nashville is my favorite night in Nashville. WESTERN SWING NIGHT!!!

First, dancing at Robert's on Broadway to John Legend's fantastic Western Swing band.

This past Monday was particularly wonderful because a big group of friends got together to engage in some good clean dancing fun. In these photos: Emily Miller, Jesse Milnes, Joe Bass, Allison Williams, Joe Overton, and a new acquaintance; my dear friend Emily Miller recognized the sharp looking gent at the bar as none other than the Manuel, the "Rhinestone Rembrandt." Manuel has been creating couture for musicians, including Johnny Cash, Elvis, and Bob Dylan. We got our picture made with him -- how fashion blog appropriate is that?

After dancing at Robert's, we headed over to the World Famous Station Inn to see the best music Nashville has to offer-- The Time Jumpers. Folks, if you ever come to Nashville, make sure you arrange your visit so that you can stay in town Monday night. The music of the Time Jumpers will change you, for the better.

If you can't make it on a Monday night, try for a Wednesday night and go see the reigning Swing Vocalist of the Year, Carolyn Martin with her fine band at the Nashville Palace. She is a joy.

All of this good music almost makes a gal not care what she's wearing...almost.

Thanks for reading friends.

Fondly,

Nora Jane

Sweet Collared 1950's Sweater

2009-04-02T08:57:00.000-05:00

Well folks I bought this sweat sweater in New York City back when I used to call that place home but I never wore it until my first winter in Tennessee. I've never seen anything like the collar on this which is why I bought it and hung onto it even after months of not wearing it.

As a rule, I try to get rid of clothes that don't get worn. It's such a burden owning things you don't use or need. My friend Big Mike (Grove) and I wrote a song about that very thing and titled it "Just a Few Good Things".

In this sweater, I had one of the most enchanting evenings on Sunday night at, you guessed it, The 5 Spot. There was a benefit show for an East Nashville resident fondly referred to as Cowboy Keith. He was hit by a vehicle while riding his scooter around the neighborhood and his musician friends put on a big benefit to help him get through the months when he wont be able t work. The community of musicians in Nashville is truly a wonderful and remarkable thing.

There were many different bands and acts playing at the benefit, but I came only in time to catch BR549 and Chris Scruggs and WOW-E-ZOW what performances! Chris Scruggs is one of the most talented musician entertainers I've ever seen and BR549 performs classic country the way your souls wants it to be performed. It was enough to help a gal remember how much she loves to dance.

Thanks for reading friends.

Fondly,

Nora Jane

Gingham Girl in East Nashville

2009-03-29T17:42:00.000-05:00

I went out last night to the 5 Spot, a wonderful, but smokey bar, over in East Nashville. I try to wear easily washable clothes when I go out to smoker-friendly bars so I put on my red and white gingham shirt and a pair of medium-high waisted jeans. My moccasins are always the perfect accompaniment and they are so so comfortable.

There were three really good bands playing last night. My favorite was Branded Sons. Great harmony on top of 70's/80's country rock. It was a good time.

Thanks for reading friends.

Fondly,

Nora Jane

The Party

2009-03-27T20:35:00.000-05:00

Joe Bass was in visiting from the big NYC and goodness gracious can that man play the bass.

Emily Miller and Jesse Milnes were our gracious hosts.

If life could be one big pickin' party what a wonderful life it would be!

Ward Stout played some might fine fiddle and

Alison Williams brought her fantastic fretless banjo stylings.

1940's Blue Linen

2009-03-27T18:07:00.000-05:00

This past summer I picked up this lovely little powder-blue linen number on my travels between fiddler's conventions. I wore it once, paired with a not so delicate suede brown belt and my brown moccasins and then hung it guiltily in my closet.

Last night I resurrected this smart looking 1940's gem and wore it much more successfully than the first time by pairing it with my favorite heals (farylrobin) and a bronze cloth belt that was gifted to me by my grandmother, Evelyn Struthers. I actually borrowed the belt from a matching dress that my grandmother wore when she was pregnant with my father! That is one reason old clothes are so wonderful-- they have a history all their own. When picking out a new dress to add to my wardrobe, I often ponder over its previous owner and what she might have been doing while wearing that dress; it's a wonderful exercise in creative thinking and historical imagining.

The details of this dress are just darling: the bow tie at the top, the large mother-of-pearl buttons, and the way the back of the skirt is a touch longer than the front. The 40's are alright in my book.

Although the sweet bird-patterned heals were much better suited to the delicate fabric and trim cut of the frock, I must admit that they did not make it with me into the music party I attended. I switched to my new "frost" colored moccasins (the ones with the beaded eagle on top) before I even got into my minivan. Function over fashion ladies...almost always!

Thanks for reading friends.

Fondly,

Nora Jane

Bust Magazine Photo Shoot & Hair-Hopper Heaven

2009-03-25T17:36:00.000-05:00

I never thought I'd get to be a hair-hopper but yesterday I had my chance and boy oh boy was it fun! I played model yesterday for a Bust Magazine photo fashion story (all of this terminology is quite new to me) set in the 60's.

The two other models were musicians from Williamsburg, Brooklyn--Nikki Lane and Joe Plunket.

We shot all over Nashville and I wore more pairs of high-waisted jeans in 10 hours than I've ever worn in my life. The spread should be out in the May or June issue of Bust. It was a very new experience for me and to be totally honest, it made me really glad that I am a full-time musician and not a full time model. It was an exhausting day!

And I get to smile a lot more when I play music :)

Thanks for reading Friends.

Fondly,

Nora Jane

P.S. Check out Nikki Lane and Joe Plunket's band The Weight on myspace

www.myspace.com/cannilyfreeload

www.myspace.com/theweightnyc

Vintage Dresses Galore!

2009-03-23T21:32:00.000-05:00

Howdy Folks! And welcome to Nora Jane's Closet.

This is what my closet looks like right...now. No...now. Well, this is what my closet looked like on March 23, 2009. It may never be the same again.

I like colors.

I like dresses.

I like cotton and linen.

I like dresses that reach my knees.

(I like vintage undergarments. Shhh.)

I like the styles of the 1930's-- hard to find.

I like the styles of the 1940's--less hard to find.

I like the styles of the 1950's--easy to find and oh boy have I found some gems!

I wear dresses almost everyday from March to November. This past year I developed a two-dress-a-day habit. I have a lovely, and ever expanding collection of day dresses and night time dresses.

I wonder what I'll wear tomorrow?

Thanks for reading friends,

Nora Jane