I used to style my hair the same way for years! Even when I would dress in vintage, my long blown out waves was my go to. Mostly due to the power I would give me hair, thinking it was the only attractive feature I had to work with. The other reason was I didn’t think I could actually style my hair in victory rolls or gorgeous vintage waved! I thought it would be too difficult or I would have to use so many products in my hair. But the more I practiced the more I found how simple it can be once you find what works for your hair type.

My hair is naturally very curly with spirals at the ends. But the texture is fine and very soft making my hair not like going up without a fight. That’s when products can become your best hair friends! I played around with so many different products, some would work but break my sensitive skin out! I currently have found the combination of Sauvecita Argan Silkening Serum with their Grooming Spray works perfectly for my hair type and being able to construct it more easily.

The other thing I realized while practicing vintage styles was just how easy it can be if you simplify it. What I mean is for example when doing styles I love from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, the majority of my hair is pulled back into a low pony then twisted up in different ways like buns, twists, or braids. That leaves you only with having to style 1/4 to 1/2 of your hair that is framing your face! Or for a 1940s inspired look, it’s practically the same idea, the back majority goes into a low pony halfway pulled through to make a low bun. Then wrap the loose ends around your ponytail to give a more sophisticated look. But these simplified techniques make it so theres less hair to have to actually worry about styling! When I only have to worry about 1/4 or 1/2 of the amount of hair to actually curl it takes a lot of the stress out for me!

I love continuously learning new techniques and styles to achieve my vintage hair goals! In finding vintage styles I love it feels like I’m discovering who I am constantly, finding a new confidence and something that’s just for me!

Most of my research is based off of my favorite time piece movies! Some Edwardian Era movies I love are Coco Before Chanel, Howard’s End, Jayne Eyre, Sense and Sensibility, and My Fair Lady!These movies made me fall in love with this era of fashion and began my obsession with hats and hunting them down! And why I have an entire room dedicated to them!

Growing up on movies like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, High Society, Designing Women, To Catch a Thief, and Pillow Talk, it was so easy to fall in love with this era as well as dress it! From thrift store hunts to finding those classic fit and flate silhouettes in modern stores, this for me was the easiest fashion era to emulate! Who doesn’t see old photos of Elizabeth Taylor, and Grace Kelly without wanting to dress with such glamour and class!?

But recently I found myself researching a new fashion era. All because of a flyer for my husband’s Christmas work party. “The Great Gatsby Christmas Party!” It says. At first I admit to being a bit disappointed, I don’t think Christmas cheer when I think of the book The Great Gatsby! If anything I think of the sad depressing story. So after my momentary sulk fest, I decided to do some research! I mean after all, the 1920s was the era of luxurious automobiles, this is one of my favorite eras because of this! If you’re not familiar with the cars of this time, or a motorhead like me, you should look up a Bentley Speed Six and tell me that’s not one of the sexiest cars you’ve ever seen! Anyway off topic… so I decided to look up fashion of the roaring 20s, and boy I was not disappointed!

Some of my favorite shows I had neglected to pay attention to the fashion not realizing they were in this era! Like Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Peaky Blinders, Downton Abbey, and Boardwalk Empire. I think part of the reason I didn’t give much thought or attention to this time of fashion because I did not believe it suited my frame, afterall this was an era were looser fitting clothes, giving a more boyish figure with straight down fabrics or wearing men’s style suits. But the more I actually looked at the styles the more I realized it wasn’t about emphasizing a women’s figure, but giving her freedom instead! More movement and stepping away from the confinement of cinched waists and layers of garments. This was the beginning of famous fashion designers and the influence of art in fashion. With all I am learning the more I think I will want to explore with my own vintage inspired wardrobe! That’s the fun part about fashion history to me! There is so much to learn and finding ways to incorporate in my daily outfits, because you’re never too old to play dress up!

To start off my first time blog I want to introduce myself!

My name is Amanda Crawford, I’m married to my best friend and we have a 3 year old little girl and 3 furbabies! We currently live in Virginia where my husband is stationed with the US Navy. I love being a stay at home mom, and my passions other than clothing are photography, painting, and writing short stories.

Growing up everyone called me “Amanda Panda” and as I grew into myself as an adult I am now Amanda Von Panda! You can call me Panda for short, thanks to my brother! My siblings and I grew up in the military over seas in Japan. There I first found my love and passion for fashion (rhyme intended!). Our mother had us watching classics like Doris Day’s “Pillow Talk” and “Carousel”, as well as “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” with Audrey Hepburn. I fell in love with their timeless style! They were perfection personified in my eyes. But as I grew older I felt I could never be as beautiful since I was too busty and my features were not as delicate looking. I went through a time where I felt I didn’t fit in with any style which was a huge blow to someone near obsessed with clothing! Like many, I found myself torn between trying to be happy and confident with myself but also struggling with comparing myself to other’s. It wasn’t until my mid 20s that I realized how unique and special we all are, and the only one we truly need to please is ourselves. As selfish as that may sound, I truly believe once I found my happiness with myself I was finally able to spread that happiness genuinely to others! I was able to find my love for fashion again, and realized how the style I always was drawn to was actually a perfect match for me! The silhouettes of the 1940s-60s enhanced and celebrated the female form, romanticizing it in a way. It’s what drew me in even as a young girl, dreaming of fairytales. I am no delicate flower though, so I love how vintage inspired fashion can make me feel more feminine and softer. Each week I’ll share an little more about myself and how I was introduced into the world of modern day pinups! I hope you enjoy getting to know me and my fashion obsession!

Welcome to my online vintage inspired diary!

I wanted to extend my love of vintage inspired style from not just taking photos, but to writing about my journey here and how I found my true identity through my fashion journey!

I thank you for joining me and hope you enjoy following me on my continued journey!