Her's the link to another article on Tift from a fashion perspective.
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20080822/ARTICLES/808220321/1050&title=Singer_songwriter_Tift_Merritt_plans_her_no_frills_wardrobe_around_touring
I think I remember something about Tift getting some grief from her friends on her outfit for the Leno show.