Archival Anecdotes: Fancy that!

Pictured at right is a light and sheer blouse with intricate lace work. It is one of several similar blouses housed at the Eddy County Museum. Known as the shirtwaist, or sometimes simply a "waist," this blouse was designed much like a man's shirt with a collar and a button-down top.

Notable differences in this more feminine design included a series of pleats at the waist (hence the name.) The result was a blooming bust and shoulders and a cinched waist.

Shirtwaists were lightweight, breathable and were worn over several under-layers. The dark item featured at the bottom of the photograph is a black velour hat, embellished with feathers and flowers. The two actually make a smart match, especially when paired with a long skirt and a bow-tie.

For the woman of the early 20th century, it was possible to be both fashion forward and prairie practical.

Just take a look at Grandma Milne in the far right of the 1902 photograph below.  

According to the photo's description, these folks spent their day riding out to the Milne farm to watch construction of the barn. Dated 1902.