Category 1940’s

Mystery Vintage found in Lawrence, KS

by Nora Jane Struthers in 1940's, 1950's, 1960's, Vintage Fashion Blog

Dear Friends,

I bought this charming wrap-dress last week at an antique mall on Massachusetts Ave. in Lawrence, Kansas– which happens to be one of my all-time favorite vintage shopping towns! This dress is so soft. Seriously- it’s crazy soft. The top is red with small white polka dots and the skirt is a unique purple color featuring two roomy pockets each trimmed with the red and white polka dot material. The beauty of a wrap dress is that, if it fits at all, it always fits perfectly.

The mystery of this dress is, I cannot figure from what decade it hails! The fabric and the wrap style would point to the 1940’s but hemline may be too short for that era. The fit evokes sixties, but the buttons are reminiscent of the early 50’s. Can you help me solve the mystery?

Addition clues:
-ruffle around collar
-white buttons up the front bodice
-one white button fastening the top if the back
-the fabric is thin, made of natural fibers- cotton, I believe

Alright friends! Let me know your best guess!

Best,
Nora Jane

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Grandma Nora's House Dress Circa 1940

Grandma Nora’s House Dress circa 1940

by Nora Jane Struthers in 1940's, Vintage Fashion Blog

Dear Friends,

This beautiful hand-made 1940’s house dress belonged to a woman named Nora, the great-grandmother of a good friend of mine, Ms. Macon Gurley.  Nora lived in north-eastern Virginia and she was a darn good seamstress with impeccable taste in fabric.    This is a wrap dress featuring a side tie, collar, and pocket.  Primary colored flowers pop out on a teal and white stripe backdrop.

Thanks Nora!  And thanks for reading friends.

Best, Nora Jane

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1940’s Lounging Apparel

by Nora Jane Struthers in 1940's, Vintage Fashion Blog







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

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Country Girl in 40’s Checks

by Nora Jane Struthers in 1940's, Vintage Fashion Blog



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

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The Details

by Nora Jane Struthers in 1940's, Vintage Fashion Blog




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

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