Category 1960’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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Mad Men in NoCal

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





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

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Old Red Belt

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



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
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