This month we shine the Vintage Crusader SPOTLIGHT on Nora Jane Struthers, an incredibly gifted entertainer and a self-proclaimed vintage fashionista!
This 26-year-old vocalist was a full-time English teacher before moving to Nashville in 2008 to take the leap into professional music. She recently took top honors at the Telluride Band Competition and she’s garnered the attention of producer Brent Truitt who’s also worked with superstars like Dolly Parton and the Dixie Chicks.
Together the pair have produced her debut self-titled album which features eleven songs written by Nora Jane that are infused with touches of bluegrass, Celtic, gospel and folk and tell stories of both heartbreak and hope.
What really sets Nora Jane apart, though, is her style. She’s a vintage fashionista through and through, choosing to wear vintage clothing whenever she performs. In addition, she recently hosted a special event in Nashville called Vintage Voyage. Nora Jane visited several area vintage stores, picked out dresses and invited one girl from each store to model the outfit on stage at her album release party.
Zuburbia recently had an opportunity to cyber-chat with Nora Jane about her vintage fashion style:
1) How long have you been wearing vintage clothing and what drew you to wearing vintage clothing initially?
I’ve been wearing vintage dresses for probably four years or so. Part of what drew me to vintage is the treasure hunt; I love walking into vintage or antique store and getting that feeling that somewhere, hidden, is the perfect dress, and it’s up to me to find it.
2) Why did you decide to wear only vintage clothing when performing on stage?
Well, it wasn’t really a decision…I just started doing it when performing with my dad in New York and then it sort of stuck. I do think it adds to the audience’s feeling of seeing a “show” which is good. (Besides, it gives me a perfect excuse to keep hunting for great dresses!)
3) What are your favorite places to buy vintage clothing (both stores and online)?
There are some great vintage stores in NYC that I miss visiting. One of my favorites is Beacon’s Closet in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. They always have a great selection and great prices. I love Zachary’s Smile in New York too– they have some really beautiful vintage pieces and they also make new dresses using vintage fabric, which I think is super neato. I have never purchased any vintage online, though I do enjoy looking on eBay. Virtual vintage hunting is dangerous because you can do it any (and all) the time. It can become too much!
4) What tips for wearing vintage clothing can you share with fans who want to wear vintage clothing too?
Belt it! Also, my biggest tip for vintage shopping is that you have to be able to look at a piece on the hanger and remove it from the context of the store. Something that looks boring on the hanger may actually look great on you! I also think it’s useful to choose a decade in which the styles and cuts are flattering to your figure. For example, my friend Rachael looks fantastic in 20’s style flapper dresses and 60’s era A-line dresses, while I look much better in 40’s and 50’s era clothing because of the high waist.
5) What is the most favorite piece of vintage clothing in your closet right now?
I have this totally amazing early 50’s pink dress that has the most beautiful angular details on the cuff’s and breast pockets. It also has a row of covered pink buttons running down from the v-neck to the high waist. Best of all, it fits like a glove. That’s really the key for vintage shopping: Only buy it if it fits perfectly.
What inspiring advice from a vintage crusader who is already receiving recognition as one of the top up-and-coming voices on the Americana scene! Learn more about Nora Jane or listen to her music at NoraJaneStruthers.com.
Now for our GIVEAWAY:
Enter to win a copy of Nora Jane Struthers debut album by becoming a Vintage Crusader or by leaving a comment below telling me your all-time favorite country song. Contest ends Friday, July 9 at midnight PST.
And all readers can visit norajanestruthers.com and download a free song by entering promo code: zuburbia
P.S. Know a vintage fashionista who’s promoting the wild and wonderful world of vintage clothing while following her dreams and/or helping the planet or her community? Nominate her to be in the Vintage Crusader SPOTLIGHT with an email to [email protected]
