Besteam Feature: Wayfaring Magnolia

Fashion has gone through so many changes over the past 50 years.  Skirts hem lines go up; skirt hem lines go down.  Collars are big and pointy; collars are petite and round.  Add a bow to the neckline; oh, but no, let's add a plunging neckline with lots of cleavage showing.  There are so many possibilities, and one person who is very knowledgeable about the changes over all these years is Amanda Esch from Wayfaring Magnolia on Etsy.  She is a member of the Besteam on Etsy, and she truly does her best to provide us with excellent vintage clothing from the past.

Amanda studied history at Michigan State University, and finding the history behind beautiful vintage fashions is something that she loves. Her shop is full of a variety of vintage fashions.  Here are some that I especially like.

Let's start with a fashion I never had an opportunity to wear because I was a child in the 1950s.  However, I have fond memories of ladies wearing similar clothing to this Vintage Light Pink Suit. I imagine the lady who wore this also wore a small hat to go with it, and maybe some short pink gloves. Isn't the flounce below the waist fabulous?  I love the way it curves from short in the front to long in the back.  Oh to be slender enough to wear something like this!

Now take a look at something dear to my heart, the 1960s.  I was young, and loved fashion.  I sewed most of my clothes.  Hem lines went way high in the late sixties and I was about 18 years old.  I loved plaids and bright colors.  So I think this one is just fab!  Just look at the detail: gathered cap sleeves, plaid on the bias, pleated front to the dress, lace up front, a cute string bow at the neckline, and clever plaid on the bias pockets on the jumper.  What fun!  This is for sale in Amanda's shop.  It is called 1960s Red Tartan Plaid Mod Dress.

The greatest invention for modern fashions was POLYESTER!  It came along in the 70s.  At the time I thought it was great.  For the first time in my life I could wear something, wash it, hang it up and have it look perfect for wearing again.  Everyone wore polyester.  Here is a cute Bright Red Polka Dot summertime skirt.

Fast forward to the 1980s.  Puffed sleeves, princess lines, bows.  See this gorgeous Purple Lace 1980s Formal.

Come visit Amy's shop Wayfaring Magnolia to see these fashions, men's clothing, jewelry, ties and other wonderful vintage items.  Amy also pens a blog also called Wayfaring Magnolia.  You can catch up with her on Facebook and on Twitter.