Denim is pretty much the fabric of anyone’s life, and trying to steer clear of jeans for five days of the week is work enough – whew - glad that’s over! Whether you’re a student or a working lady, we bet the only thing you’re thinking of working up right now is an appetite, not a colored pair of pants. But we’re also betting that the strong trend of bright bottoms isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and you’ve been wondering how to work the look too. So before we send you off for a beautiful weekend, we’re breaking down the bold bottom for you, from styles for body types to working them into your regular wardrobe. Fashion Week, smashion week, you don’t need a grand  occasion to rock some palazzo pants, and we’ll show you how right now.

1. Ballerina body? Meet the palazzo pants. If you’re naturally long, willowy and slim, you’re just the kind of person who has the opportunity to don the palazzo pant (and we’re so jealous of you!). Since you’re long, your body won’t get lost in the excess amounts of material. The gathering around the waist of an elastic band pair will create an illusion of curves, and if you’re long but a bit more hip-y than that, find a pair with a tailored waistline.

2. Keep the rest neutral. For a complete bright bottom novice, the easiest way to start playing with your pants color palette is to keep the rest neutral. A beige or white top will keep the outfit looking calm and collected, if that’s what you seek.

3. Junk in the truck? Mullet skirts. Not just a too-cute trend to try, we are big proponents of mullet skirts for practical purposes too. Whereas everyone enjoys a mini in theory, not every body can really rock it. A mullet skirt offers a flirty, fashion-forward solution – party in the front, business in the back. On a side note, the movement of the skirt while you’re walking is simply oh-la-la worthy.

4. Keep it in the family. If your go-to bottom is a pair of blue jeans, then I can see how trying to squeeze some color onto your bottom half would be difficult. As a beginner, coordinate your top and bottom colors by keeping them on the same side of the color wheel, such as blue with green. When you get more comfortable, then you can start to experiment with more bold color combinations.

5. Pear shaped or not, try a  princess-style. In you’re very much a pear like me, you’ll find this season’s other hot commodity, the full skirt, to be a priceless piece in your wardrobe. The whimsical, feminine shape hides hip-iness and accentuates a narrow waistline. At the same time, if you’re narrow at the hips, this skirt can help create the illusion of some. Basically, it’s really a win-win for every skirt-favoring fashionista, and as a side note, tulip skirts can do the same thing!

6. Balance a bold bottom with neutral accessories if needed. In this case, I paired a bold bottom with a bright and poppy skirt. Any more colors to my outfit and it may start to resemble a pack of skittles. If you start to build an outfit and feel the same, move to neutral accessories and makeup to pull the outfit back a bit.

7. Torso talk. The rise of your pants, skirt or short should differ depending on your torso. If you have a short torso, stick with low waist pieces that won’t overwhelm your body but instead elongate it.  At the same time, if you have a long torso, you may have noticed that something about the low waist jean trend didn’t quite sit well with you…literally. High rises are friendly to long torsos, creating just the right amount of balance between upper and lower body.

8. Bring it in the office. It’s amazing how many pair of black and khaki slacks  a working woman can have! If you’re eager to get stylish in the office without making too many waves, try a regular looking pair of work pants in a fun shade.

9.To pleat or not to pleat? As much as I think pleated pants are adorable, I know they just don’t work for me. Again, if your lower body is boyish, pleated pants will do their thing and help create curves. If you’re already endowed, stick with more streamlined, pleat-less waistlines.

10. Hourglass figure? Pencil skirt it. If you’re body is perfectly balanced, well lucky you! A pencil skirt highlights all of your features, but make sure it fits properly. If not sized correctly, pencil skirts can go from bombshell to blah in about three seconds. With this cut in particular, fit is extremely key.

11.  Bring a jacket. If you’re bottom heavy or just self-conscious about wearing cobalt pants, bring a jacket along. It will take attention away from the bold bottom you’re wearing, and provide some extra coverage in the back.

12. Do you. There isn’t a formula to wearing a green mullet skirt or a red pencil skirt. Did you notice I tried to hit a variety of styles in my outfits? Whether you’re the girl next door or the girl with the rocker tattoo, we guarantee you can roll with the colors this summer. Make one yours and own it.

Remember your favorite Crossroads find? Whether it be a sweet patterned sweater or the most badass boots you’ve ever seen, the more you wear it, the more it wears. If you don’t care for your clothing, they may not be your favorites for much longer – there may come a day where that sweater is clad with lint and a pesky pen mark, or those amazing boots go from destroyed chic to just destroyed. Ugh. We’ve all been there.

Thankfully, there are ways to tend to your threads so you can keep them around a little longer, or perhaps save them altogether. We put our heads together here at Crossroads to come up with the most comprehensive clothing-saving tips for you. Read this and see if you can give any of your prized possessions a little TLC…you’ll thank yourself for it later!

1. Get familiar with cleaning symbols. You know how your shirt has all those symbols on the tag? Yes. But do you know what they mean? No. Get familiar with them…often the key to taking better care of your clothing is right inside of them.

2. Zip zippers before washing. Perhaps the reason for the holes in that T-shirt that just came out of the wash, always zip zippers on those jeans or hoodies. The zipper can get caught on other garments and damage them.

3. Don’t hang sweaters. A heavy knit will be pulled down by its own weight if you put it on a hanger, creating pesky indentations or even holes in the shoulders. Keep your sweaters in your dresser or in a hanging sweater organizer.

4. Air dry if possible. This might sound a bit archaic, but I don’t use a dryer for anything but towels. Air drying your clothing will help you get many, many more miles out of them and lower your electricity bill.

5. Rubbing alcohol? Seriously. Little known fact, but rubbing alcohol can remove pen marks almost completely.

6. Wash inside out. Wash clothing inside out to save them from fading.

7. Use the right hangers. There are different kinds of hangers for different kinds of clothing. Use padded ones for more delicate items. Also get the right size – a standard hanger may be too small for a coat.

8. Keep buttons. You always misplace that little bag of buttons that comes with new clothing, right? Store all of them in one place, because you never know when a button will pop off your favorite shirt. Often, we don’t use the very top or very bottom button, so if you misplaced the spare button, just remove one of those two and sew it into the correct place.

9. Use a steamer. Much more gentle that an iron, a steamer is an easy, quick way to remove wrinkles from clothing. A hand held steamer is a lot easier to break out in the morning rush than an iron, and it travels well.

10. Avoid dry cleaning when possible. Dry cleaning wears clothing after time. If possible, spot clean any dry clean only pieces. This will also save you a fortune on your cleaning bill.

11. Try a fabric shaver. Believe it or not, there is a solution to linting clothing. A fabric shaver cuts off those little lint pieces, whereas a lint roller won’t be able to remove them.

12. Dye and sharpie-fy! If a single color garment starts to fade, things aren’t as bleak as it seems. A little bit of dye can bring the color back into it, and a minor scuff on a shoe can be dealt with by using a sharpie.
13. Use a sizing spray instead of starch. Doesn’t it bug you when a nice crisp button-up starts falling limp? A sizing spray will help it keep its shape without making it stiff like starch.

14. See your cobbler often. Continuing to walk on a heel that needs to be replaced could destroy a shoe permanently. Pay attention to the wear on your shoes and when needed, save those heels and boots by resoling.

Images via Paddedhangers.net, Amazon

With just a touch of sadness, it’s time to kiss our summery staples and sandals goodbye, at least for now. Layering will help you get through these cold winter months, but I’m sorry to say your flimsy pink tank top may need to be put to rest until spring. In this 10 step guide, you’ll learn how to store your lighter duds for the coming months…and how to store your winter wonders once these cold months are over.

1. Store your clothing in a plastic bin. Make sure it’s no taller than 6.5 inches so that it can fit under the average bed.

2. Put a dryer sheet in with them! A dryer sheet will keep stored clothing smelling nice and fresh. Ah!

3. Ditch the mothballs and opt for cedar balls. No one wants their clothing to be destroyed by pests, but no one likes them to smell like mothballs either. Eureka! Cedar balls will do the same trick, sans smell.

4. For winter clothing, store in a cotton or linen bag. While we are just gearing up for winter, a cotton or linen bag can save your woolens when spring comes around. Make sure to dry clean them first as moths are attracted to proteins, even natural oils from your own skin. Remove them from the plastic dry cleaning bags as off-gassing can cause discoloration. The cotton helps protect from moths, and make sure to toss a dryer sheet and cedar balls in their with your duds!

5. Space bags can conserve closet space, especially if you’re storing a bulkier item. It’ll also keep them dust free!

6. Use the right hangers. Wood and plastic hangers are great for preventing stretching, while padded hangers are perfect for more delicate items made of silk or lingerie. Regardless, make sure you get the right size.

7. Use boot forms to keep boots looking new. A cheaper alternative is to use socks, which can also be used to stuff purses with the same goal.

8. Use a covered clothing rack to store off season clothing. Be sure to keep it somewhere dry and that clothes are washed before storing. Even if garments seem to be spot free, over time invisible stains can oxidize and become difficult to remove.

9. Put sweaters in a dresser or hanging sweater organizer. Sweaters can be destroyed just by putting them on a hanger – the weight pulls the sweater down and can ruin the shoulder area.

10. Realize you don’t want it anymore after taking it out of storage? Sell it to Crossroads at the start of the season!

Sources: our LA Hub Manager Christie (thank you!), Shop Smart Magazine

From c-c-c-cold to just frigid, the time of flouncy light t-shirts and cardigans has  come to an end…perhaps. We don’t all have an array of fanciful, think winter coats to choose from every morning, and while that’s a pity, there are plenty of ways to use pieces that are already in your closet to bundle up in style. Until spring, your best friends are coats, boots, scarves, and gloves, but the supporting actors are button ups, loose sweaters, thigh high socks, tights, turtlenecks, cardigans, belts, and vests. You know what else is  awesome about layering? With so many combinations possible, you may convince everyone that your wardrobe is a lot bigger than it actually is. Clever you!

Warning: Once you experience the joy of layering, you may never go back. You may become like me and layer all over the place, all the time, just because you love the way it looks. Remember to keep the base layers fitted and close to the body or you run the risk of going from cleverly dressed to frumpy. Please do try this at home!

1. Try a button up under a sweater. Maximize that sweater’s warmth! Put a loose sweater over a button up for a stylish layering effect. Seal the deal with a statement necklace around the collar and an overcoat on top. No one will ever know you were just trying to be practical.

2. Belt your cardigan. You might wear this cardigan in the summer with just a loose tank underneath, but for this time of year, put a thermal tank top underneath and belt it closed. Then, I would personally layer a flannel shirt on top of it for a slightly grunge look, but you could also put this button up under the cardigan. Finish off with a clean trench and a scarf in a nice color.

3. A form fitting turtleneck will take that summer maxi into the winter. Maxi dresses are easily winterized with a form fitting turtleneck underneath. Putting a posh jacket over it adds just the right amount of glam to this layer-happy outfit. A statement necklace and leather clutch don’t hurt it either!

4. Hide a pair of leggings, tights or socks underneath for extra warmth. A pretty maxi gives you leg coverage that you need in these colder months, but your legs may still be tingling with all of that cold air! Toss on a pair of knit tights or leggings to ensure you feel as glamorous as you look.5. Layer your knee high or thigh high socks over your tights. Socks over tights? For the win!  Your tights and socks can combine forces to keep you cozy and cute as you brave the winter air in a skirt. Scrunch the socks downwards for a bit of I-did-this-because-it-looks-cool texture. Cold? Me? Never.

6. Try a fitted cardigan under a blazer. An easy favorite of mine, give your usual blazer a boost by putting a fitted cardigan underneath, and then cuff its sleeves over the blazer’s sleeves. This looks particularly neat-o when the cardigan is another color or has an interesting pattern. Button the cardigan up minus the first and last buttons to expose that cute top a little, or leave it completely open.  7. Double up! Put an oversized vest over a slim jacket. Call me crazy but I can dig a faux fur vest over a leather jacket. The key here is to make sure the base jacket is a slim fit, while the outer layer is a bit loose. You’ll be as toasty as you are rock n’ roll.

Black pants, gray shirt, black shoes, yawn and yawn. While it may seem like your co-workers are an all-gray-brigade, there’s no rule saying you can’t work it at work. Yes, a bandage mini skirt or tribal print leggings are not work appropriate (darn!), but there are plenty of ways to wiggle around the office dress code without going outside of it. No, really. Allow me to explain.

The key is playing on colors, textures, accessories and prints while staying with work appropriate pieces, shapes and cuts. But why not make this a little more fun and squeeze in a few trends we’re digging right now? So, in 11 nuggets of advice, this is how to dress like the woman you aspire to be. Now all you need is her closet…but then again, there’s a Crossroads for that.1. Trade your black pants for a pair of colored trousers. Trousers are the backbone of work dressing, so how can anyone say anything if you suddenly show up in a pair in a nice shade of mustard, like this sweet pair? Tone down the look with a neutral top and bring it together with a very work-esque blazer. Presto! Instant office garb.

2. While you’re at it, make sure they’re cropped. A kosher way to show a little bit of skin at work, I’m a big believer in cropped pants. Not scandalous, and not at all stuffy, they strike the perfect balance for the workplace and show off your cute heels. If you’re tall like me, you’ll find cropped pants to be an easy way to clothe your bottom half, because honestly, who can really tell where they’re supposed to hit?

3. Put it all together with a cool belt. A belt in a cool color or print makes a statement without taking a whole lot of surface area. It’s a great way to add some oomph to some fancy pants…or even some not-so-fancy pants.
4. I vote yes on menswear workwear. Ah. Nothing says irony like being (sort of) dressed like a working man. The key to menswear for work is to make sure you stay formal enough for the office, but play up your girl factor with heels, feminine prints and colors and jewelry. This season is seeing a lot of tweeds and plaids, as well as the coming of heeled loafers in a variety of colors – all things I like. Get it, girl.

5. Throw in a colorful bag for good measure. Even if you work in the kind of office where everyone wears uniforms of gray and black, a colored bag is easy to get away with. It gives any outfit just a little pop, and you’ll smile at it every time you see it at your desk. At least that’s what I do…is that normal?

6. Bows just for the frill of it. Don’t get all Carrie Bradshaw on me – a simple bow will add just a dose of flirtiness to your office outfit. In scientific terms this is called the “pussy bow,” but we just like to call it cute. How else can a button up look this feminine?

7. Try the work staple, a blazer, in a fascinating print or color. Blazers are the basis of office dressing, the counterpart to those trousers. Throw everyone’s expectations out of the window and try one in an interesting color or pattern.

8. Alternatively, try a trench coat. A trench coat may not read “work” just as much as a blazer, but it definitely holds a certain kind of professionalism. I like this burnt orange tweed one, but a classic trench in a beige will look equally chic. Plus, you’ll be dubbed the office fashion maven for being so on top of it – it’s hardly come down the runway and you’ve already mastered it!

9. Shirtdresses can be completely work appropriate. No longer reserved for Sunday brunch, shirtdresses come in a variety of prints, colors, fabrics and cuts. A heavier material will keep your shirtdress from looking too weekender, and pairing it with some dark tights and cinching it with a belt brings it into the office.

10. Pencil skirts never die. As long as it’s not too short, a pencil skirt will never go out of style for the office. Unfortunately a plain black version will leave you feeling a little law office, but finding a pencil skirt in a nice color like this coral updates the look and brings it into the modern era.

11. Don’t be afraid of patterns. Sticking within work appropriate silhouettes, a patterned top could be all you need to update your work look. If you’re afraid of being too loud, try one that only uses neutral colors like this one. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing it with a colored bottom like I did here, see step number 5!

You never want to feel uncomfortable at work, so feel free to take what you will from this and leave what might not fly in your office. Every work environment is different. The key, as always, is it be confident in whatever it is you decide to wear.