| Crossroads Trading Co.

4 Shorts Looks We Love

April 18, 2014 by Amber Leave a Comment

Truth: shorts can sometimes be hard to pull off without looking kinda schlubby. And although we love a good skirt, and dresses are a summer staple, we like to mix it up a little and wear something different from time to time. So here are 4 different shorts looks we LOVE.

1. High-waisted denim. High-waisted shorts are the perfect match for another must-have: crop tops. Although high-waisted shorts come in a variety of styles, we say go for denim; it’s a great way to change up what’s otherwise a tired look. Then we went Scandinavian with this gorgeous embroidered crop top and leather clogs.

2. Flouncy Tribal Print. Flouncy shorts in any print are a win in our book, but we just love the tribal print on this pair–and the color palette appeals to our inner desert queen. We paired them with a loose-knit sweater in a desert sunset hue and a pair of grey chukka boots. There’s only one weekend left for Coachella and we’re ready.

3. Sporty Vegan Leather. First there were leather sweatpants; now leather sweat shorts. We say go with it. Take the sporty trend further with a day-glo bomber jacket, but that’s where it stops. We’re not really going to work out in this outfit, so we chose these adorable flatform sandals–still comfy, but way cuter than sneakers.

4. Classic Rolled Chinos. What can we say? We’re suckers for the preppy nautical look. Rolled chinos are truly a classic…plus, they’re super flattering. We paired them with this equally classic nautical striped boatneck top and white leather loafers. This look practically requires a yacht club membership, but a love of Sunday brunch will do.

Which shorts look will you be sporting this summer?

Filed Under: Featured Post, Separates Tagged With: coachella, shorts, Summer 2014, Women's Fashion

the new acid wash

April 17, 2014 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Gone are the days of acid wash. It’s all about the mineral wash this season. We’re really digging the effortless feel that this fabric manipulation adds to any outfit. Plus, these soft jersey tops and skirts mix easily into your existing day and nighttime looks.

Feel daring? Try mineral washed pieces on both top and bottom in a draped and sultry look this summer. And, it doesn’t hurt that a good mineral wash reminds us of some of our favorite fashion vibes from the 90′s. In short, these weathered knits are one trend we hope to see a lot more of in our closets.

Try on our Freebird mineral wash tee on for size in olive, just $25. Go with an all-over mineral look by adding our drawstring drape maxi skirt in charcoal, $28.50.

Looking for your perfect pair of joggers this Spring? Our pin legged joggers, $28.50, come with a drawstring (middle) or without, $27.50 (far left). Choose from various shades including tan, slate grey, and charcoal. Complete the look with a pair of platform sandals and black leather crossbody purse.

Opt for our cascading fringe tank, $26.50, to feed your inner wild child. The long fringe adds some much needed movement to your favorite denim shorts or black leggings. This tank is definitely worthy of a night out on the town.

Dressing up mineral washed fabrics is easy! Our lace insert v-neck does just that with a touch of lace at the shoulder, just $25. Add a pair of black bell bottoms and wide brimmed hat and you’ll be channeling your inner Stevie vibe in no time.

On the weekend, reach for our twist on a classic henley featuring a long line of silver buttons, $25. Pair with the drawstring drape maxi skirt in tan. The mix of soft jersey knits are heavenly.

No time to get into one of our stores? The Music Fest Kimono in the Crossroads Online Shop puts the mineral wash look at your fingertips.

Filed Under: Featured Post, Separates Tagged With: 90's fashion, mineral wash

Look of the Week: Black & Brown

April 14, 2014 by Amber Leave a Comment

Yeah, I know… It’s springtime and one of the biggest color trends right now is bright pastels. But you can’t dress like an Easter egg every day. Let’s talk about understated colors, classic combos, the sophisticated duo that is my go-to when I want to look en pointe without trying too hard: black & brown.

Now let’s talk about how Jennifer of Seeking Style (and Crossroads Style Council member) is killing it in this black/red ensemble with brown accents. Crossroads recently invited Jennifer to join part of our marketing team at Lucky FABB 2014, and she opted for a fresh twist on the cool girl look–all black with a punch of red plaid, made fresh by a brown slouchy bag and round tortoise shell sunglasses.

Here are some more great examples of how to get that laid back/sophisticated look with black and brown:

Photo credits: Fab Sugar, Just the Design, Fashion Diva Design, The Front Row View, The Fashionables, Little Liffner, Elle, Fits of Fashion

Filed Under: Featured Post, Look of the Week Tagged With: Black and brown, model off duty, street style

Our Top 3 Picks from Our Online Shop

April 11, 2014 by Amber Leave a Comment

It’s finally sandal weather, and we feel like celebrating… by shopping. The buyers for our Crossroads Online Shop have been killing it with festival-ready trends and boutique brand pieces, so we’re starting our shopping frenzy there. Here are our Top 3 picks from our Online Shop.

Hello, sundress. We need you in our closets, please. Everything about this dress–from its gorgeous print and colors to its keyhole opening on the back–is so amazing. The only other things you need to make this dress the centerpiece of your ensemble are metallic sandals, bangles and a warm summer night.

Our personal jewelry collection has been looking pretty tired lately. So we just had to add this shiny, colorful, geometrical necklace to our list. It’s so unique, and we’ve already visualized each of the outfits we’ll be wearing it with. This necklace will instantly add sass and style to anything you wear.

Okay, so the weather may be warming up, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to wear something comfy and cozy every once in a while. That’s where this cropped hi-lo top comes into play. Again, it’s all about imagining what you could wear this with, and we’re all about layering it over dresses, pairing it with high-waisted pencil skirts and taking comfy to the next level by wearing it with skinny sweats (coffee run, anyone?).

Any favorite pieces that we missed? Comment below!

Filed Under: Available Online, Featured Post, Jewelry, Separates Tagged With: Crossroads Online Shop, Women's Fashion

load up on festival accessories

April 10, 2014 by Samantha Leave a Comment

It’s that time again: festival season. With SXSW behind us and Coachella at our doorstep, we’re eager to get our outfit shopping done and get on with the music.

And it’s not all about the short shorts and tank tops. In fact, we’d say the most important part of getting ready for a far-away festival is in the accessories. So, whether you’re gearing up for Coachella this weekend or planning for Bonnaroo or Lollapalooza in the coming months, take a look at our brand new festival-necessary accessories.

(Oh and for all of you who don’t think you’ll be finding yourself at a 3-day desert party any time soon–keep reading! These festival accessories are perfect for any hot summer day!)

Wrapped and belted boots, $20. Every girl needs a good pair of sturdy desert boots. These ones feature wrapping straps with brass colored hardware and a flat bottom for lots of trekking. Pair them with our orange tasseled triangle print scarf for $15.

We wouldn’t even think about going to a summer festival without a hat. Try our solid fedora, $12.50, on for size. Or if you prefer something a little more feminine, go with our fedora featuring a black ribbon and bow, $15.

A faux leather crop top, $22.50, may seem too heavy for the desert heat, but we wouldn’t think of leaving this baby behind. You’ll find us at a late night pool party rocking this leathery crop top with our favorite denim shorts. (Necklace from an assortment, coming soon.)

Embroidered paisley maxi dress, $36.50. Even from the back this white maxi dress is beautiful! It features a v-neck front, empire waistline, and woven paisley print at the bottom hem. It is fully lined but light as a feather, so it won’t weigh you down in the desert heat.

Tip! When I can’t bear the heat of Coachella any longer, I make sure to wear a bandeau under my dress so I can shed a layer–at least on top! Assorted tube tops and bandeau tops in stores now, $6.50-$16.50.

Traveler pant, $26.50. If you’re going to wear pants to a summer festival, let them be these. They feature a pull on waist, arrow print and the perfect bell bottom.

Pair it with our bohemian rhapsody open back top, $16.50. This cute cotton number has an all-over paisley print and an open back. With a boxy crop silhouette, it’s the perfect thing with any pair of flared pants.

Dragonfly scarf, $13.50. Our neutral printed dragonfly scarf is equally perfect during the day to shade you from the hot sun as it is to keep you warm at sunset. It can also double as a picnic blanket!

All items in stores now. For more ideas on what to wear to weekend 2 of Coachella, visit the Crossroads online store! And have fun!

Filed Under: Ask Our Stylist, Dresses, Featured Post, How to, Jewelry, Separates

Interview: Lavenda of Lavenda’s Closet

April 4, 2014 by Amber Leave a Comment

These days Lavenda of Lavenda’s Closet is a busy lady. Besides blogging, she’s a fashion photographer, an actress, a model and a mom. And somehow she manages to do it all and look gorgeous and have a keen sense of style. Oh, and did I mention that she’s super sweet and genuine?

Here’s what she had to say about style on a budget, fashion predictions and the contents of her purse(s).

What’s your favorite album?

I’m pretty obsessed with Bank’s album London.

Somehow you’ve managed to be right on trend with each of your outfits while maintaining a look that’s your own. What’s your secret?

My secret is always being on a budget. I think that I have to challenge myself and be a little more creative when I can’t just go out and buy every shape and color that hits the top-trend list.

I love how you mix high and low in terms of brands, effortlessly mixing H&M with higher-end names like Chanel. Who are your favorite designers and shops (high- and low-end)?

I shop Forever21 and Zara for trendier pieces because of their price points. H&M and local shops like Mojave and Sloan Boutique keep me updated as well. As for high-end designers, I love Chloe, Chanel, Marc Jacobs and Alexandar Wang. I also like BCBG and Rag and Bone for mid-range staples.

How would you describe your style?

Classic Chic with an Urban Edge.

When did you first start getting into fashion? Do you remember the first piece of clothing/accessory that you ever really loved?

I loved this blue and black leopard tunic skirt my mother owned. It was a knit material, and I wore it as a dress playing dress up. I couldn’t wait to be old enough to wear things like that myself.

What’s in your purse right now?

Oh, shoot. This is embarrassing. Which purse? My purse with my wallet inside of it carries about six lipsticks from Clinique, Mac and Sephora. Also, a nail file, passport, Cabana match book and a zinc spray bottle.

Who’s your biggest style inspiration?

Currently, I don’t have just one. I have a list of bloggers that I follow on Instagram, and I’m obsessed with The Blonde Salad because of how quickly she blew up as a fashion blogger. She has her own shoe line, and that’s my dream–to someday have my own handbag or shoe line. I also follow Monica Rose, who is a wardrobe stylist. I love her feed with photos of her daughters as well as all the celebrities she styles for.

You mention on your blog that you’ve got Southern roots, and now you’re in Portland, Oregon. Can you tell us a little about how you got from A to B? How have these two regions influenced your sense of style?

That’s a good question… I have this habit of never wearing a coat when I’m supposed to. And I think that comes from my childhood spent in Texas. I moved here just before high school and lived in a small, rural town. I pushed the envelope with trends back then, but it was all Goodwill bins and that sort of thing. Living in the Northwest allows me to a bit more lax about my daily fashion choices. It’s a love/hate thing.

When I lived in Spain for a term in college, I remember being in awe of how women dressed every day just to go to the grocery store or a cafe two blocks from their house. By the end of the term, I was a little exhausted and may have wished for a sweats trip to the market store (haha). However, this influenced my perspective on presentation and personal pride, so that when I returned home, I felt challenged to continue dressing up every day.

Where are some of your favorite places to go in Portland?

Oh, the list could be sooo long! Let’s see. I love Petite Province, St Honore and Love Joy Bakers for lunch. Mirakutei, Screen Door, Departure or Fire on the Mountain for dinner. Love the Doug Fir for concerts, Chopsticks or Alibi for Karaoke and White Owl for drinks, amongst others.

Have you ever shopped in one of our Portland stores? What’s your favorite find?

I shopped the 23rd Ave location recently and scored the most AMAZING neoprene skirt by Nasty Gal. I have been in love with the neoprene trend but hadn’t found a wow-piece that fit perfectly until this skirt. I also found some sweet Adidas tennies that I’ve already worn with hot pink cords and shorts.

Necklace and skirt both scored at Crossroads.

What can you not stop wearing lately?

Black and white. Also, probably my Elly Clay trigger booties. They add about five to six inches to my petite frame, plus the hardware is sick.

What’s your favorite accessory?

I’m a necklace person more than earrings or even rings… I rotate between my Marc Jacobs mixed metals necklace and a show-piece white rock necklace by Tied Up and Tousled.

As the weather warms up, what are you looking forward to wearing?

Slinky, yummy sundresses; minis and high-waisted shorts with wedges and sandals–less clothes, overall. Can’t wait!

Thinking ahead to fall 2014, what runway look are you looking forward to wearing?

Pastels. I just had my nails done in the Pantone color of the year (Radiant Orchid) and I’m excited to layer all the light cotton whites, pale pinks, lavender and blues.

Do you have any favorite blogs you’d like to recommend to our readers?

Outfit of the Day Magazine blog is terrific. They’re easy to follow on instagram or twitter as well. Stylkolik is killing it these days as well.

What do you do when you’re not blogging?

I’m a fashion photographer by day and a superhero mama by night. For reals, I have a four-year-old muffin who has her own hashtag–”Ella’s Closet”–if you’d like to check her out. I’m also a represented actress and model with Option Model and Media.

Sum up your mantra on life in one sentence.

Friends and family first; the rest is just icing.

Thank you for your time, Lavenda!

All photos courtesy of Lavenda’s Closet (photographer Linzy Slusher).

Filed Under: Ask Our Stylist, Blog Love, Featured Post, Interview Tagged With: OOTD, street style, Women's Fashion

fashion paradise: tropical prints

April 2, 2014 by Samantha Leave a Comment

If you haven’t booked your vacation this year but are soooo ready for one (if not two), head down to your nearest Crossroads store. Why you ask? Because our stores are full of new arrivals featuring island style and tropical prints like these.

Whether you’re headed on an island getaway of your own or just down the street to your local tiki bar, these summer-ready outfits featuring cute tropical prints are just for you!

Blue Print Maxi Dress with Sash, $32.50. This long flowy maxi dress is simply a dream to put on. It’s roomy yet adds definition with a simple tie at the waist. The entire dress is figure flattering with its all-over pattern and simple drape. Add a seashell necklace and you’ll be lounging by the cabana in no time.

Palm Tree Mini Skirt, $18.50, Criss-Cross Crop Top, $16.50, and Crochet Sweater, $28.50. This 3-piece outfit will easily take you from day to night. The flouncy skater skirt is made of breezy cotton and has an adorable palm tree print. Pair it with our most flattering crop top (shown in emerald, but also comes in coral) and throw on our short-sleeved crochet sweater (shown here in mint) for a midnight walk by the ocean.

Rainforest Print Maxi Dress with Tie Waist, $32.50. We love this pattern! Feels like every day is a vacation on a far away island when you’re wearing this lush printed maxi dress. Simple spaghetti straps and a waist tie finish the look. Wear some fresh flowers in your hair or try your own DIY flower crown. Either way, you’ll be looking like a little bit of paradise.

Palm Leaf Print Drop-Waist Dress, $28.50. Perfect for a day of shopping, this drop waist dress is casual with just the right details. Large palm fronds adorn the dress in blue. Three small buttons accent the neckline so there’s no need to wear jewelry with this one. Grab your straw tote and go shopping in town for tonight’s dinner.

All items in stores now. We say shop now and book the vacation later….

Filed Under: Destination, Featured Post, Separates

Look of the Week: Rompers

April 1, 2014 by Amber Leave a Comment

Like tulips and daffodils, rompers keep faithfully popping up each spring, and the never ending variety of styles keeps this trend fresh every year. Floral silk or casual chambray, long-sleeved or sleeveless–if you can imagine it, it’s probably out there.

Mara of M Loves M, and one of our Crossroads Style Council members, shows us how to dress up a romper for date night:

Not only do I adore the royal blue color, but the billowing long-sleeves make this romper all grown up. Plus, Mara’s accessories are just right: The gold tassel necklace echoes the tasseled tie at the waist, and her Tory Burch bag is a beautiful piece of eye candy.

As these other street style shots show, rompers are just about the easiest way to look chic.

Photo credits: M Loves M, Love Joo Kim, Olivia Noel, Life, Love & the Pursuit of Shoes, The Daleigh, Le 21-eme, Fashables, Murphy’s Law, Leather and Lattes

Filed Under: Featured Post, Separates Tagged With: Rompers, Spring 2014 trends, street style, Women's Fashion

10 crop tops we need now

March 31, 2014 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Crop tops are most definitely the ”it” top of spring/summer 2014. You can sport them with shorts or overalls, and they look great paired with a maxi skirt. Personally, we love this springy trend. When done right, the crop top is sexy, chic, and sophisticated all at once.

If hearing the words crop top conjures up scary images of belly-baring ‘90′s pop stars, you’re not alone. It can take a little fashion creativity to pull off (not to mention a toned tummy). But pulling off the crop top doesn’t have to be so intimidating. For one thing, a crop top doesn’t automatically mean a bared belly button. There are plenty of ways to style it so that you’re showing just a hint of skin.

Crossroads to the rescue! This season we have crop tops sure to fit any body type and any budget. Check out these 10 crop tops in fun prints and new shapes. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably be grabbing at least five of these to add to your quickly growing spring/summer wardrobe.

Sunflower crop top, $18.50

Daisy lace crop top in ivory, $20

studio 001 Daisy lace crop top in navy, $20

Swiss dot crop tank with cutout, $20

Diamond print cropped swing tank, $20

Gingham & check bow tank, $18.50

Black eyelette tank, $25

Lace white boxy crop top, $26.50

Tiger crop tank, $12.50

All items in stores now. For next level boutique brand crop tops by JOA, head over to the Crossroads online shop!

Filed Under: Featured Post, Separates

Look of the Week: Skinny Overalls

March 24, 2014 by Amber 1 Comment

Just the other day, I was pining for denim shortalls (I still am), but Bethany of Snakes Nest and one of our super chic Crossroads Style Council members has me rethinking overalls.

These aren’t the oversized type made popular in the ’90s by timeless musical acts such as Destiny’s Child and Marky Mark: These skinny-cut dungarees are a fresh take on an old style. And the rest of Bethany’s outfit… killing it.