Blog: Crossroads Style

We’ve been secondhand shopping for as long as we can remember and can easily name what we consider the best thrift store finds. Since we’re in the fashion business, they’re all clothing related of course. The following are the 5 items we jump for joy for when we see them, whether it’s across our store selling counter when we’re buying or on the sales floor when we’re shopping.

Outwear can be an expensive investment, whether a coat, jacket or blazer. With the same budget for a basic mall brand piece, you can upgrade to a designer or higher-quality one when you buy secondhand.

Speaking of higher-quality pieces, we always keep an eye out for premium textiles like cashmere that can cost a small fortune when new. Trust us: a collection of cashmere pieces is definitely within reach with a thrift store budget.

We know you have a unique style all your own and can spot a one-of-a-kind vintage piece from a mile away. We’re the same! We look for pieces that have aged just right, whether in a classic cut, retro silhouette or quirky fit.

Oh denim, you are our daily go-to. Nothing beats finding a denim jacket or pair of jeans in that label you’ve been hesitant to splurge on. You just found it secondhand, so now’s the time to snag that deal!

Sure, we have more handbags than there are days in the week, but when you come across one in a great shape, in quality leather or in the current trend, you can’t help but pick it up. At thrift and resale store prices, you know you won’t regret it.

What have been your best thrift store finds? Let us know by tagging us on Instagram: @crossroadstrading.

Are there really are 8 different puffer coats that work for all styles? Trust us, there are at least 8. As we enter the coldest months of the year, we’ve picked a few to inspire you to find the one that best matches your need for warmth and your personal style.

Ankle-Length

This is the equivalent of wearing your bed comforter outside, and we’re behind it 100%.

Futuristic

The shape of a puffer coat is already eye-catching, so take it one step further and find a futuristic style.

Classic

All boxes get checked here: a detachable hood, shearling lining and big pockets to hold your gloves and beanie.

Cropped

This puffer jacket hits just above the waist, but loses none of its warmth. Extra credit points awarded for the sunny orange color.

Metallic

Because you need some sparkle and shine in winter!

Oversized

We’re drawn to the big sleeves and loose shape. The blanket scarf keeps it from looking sloppy.

Winter White

This choice is for the very brave. Choose a puffer in an unexpected light color like cream.

Vest

We’re sold on the versatility of this vest. It can be worn over a sweater, blazer or fitted jacket.

How did we do covering 8 puffer coats for all styles? Let us know what we missed by tagging us on Instagram with your pick: @crossroadstrading.

With almost 30 years of experience in resale fashion, we’re happy to share our insider tips for selling your clothes in person. We understand that a first-time seller may be nervous about what to expect, but you’ll learn here that it’s quite easy.

Walk the Store

The first step is to get to know the store, and the best way to do that is to “shop” it! Walk the sales floor and ask yourself questions like:

-Which brands and trends do the buyers seem to favor?

-Which department racks are packed? (The store may not buy more maxi dresses if their current rack of maxi dresses is overflowing).

-Which department racks look empty? (The store is likely looking to buy more of these items. This is true of sizes within departments too. For example, a rack with only a few pairs of jeans in a size large means the store may need more of that size).

Ask the Staff

Whether it’s before you sell or during your selling experience, ask staff what they’re currently looking for. They usually have that answer at the top of their head. In the case of Crossroads, you can always review our online selling guide too. It’s based on trends reported directly from our stores.

Don’t Overlook Vintage Pieces

Vintage and retro pieces are very popular right now. Don’t be afraid to bring in an older band t-shirt or a neon jacket from the 80’s. You may be surprised that some of these items are gems to thrift shoppers.

Consider Consignment for Designer Pieces

You’ll likely want a higher price for your designer items, so ask the store if they offer consignment. All Crossroads locations do, except for our outlet store in Stockton. In the case of consignment, you’re paid when the item sells (versus on-the-spot), but the payouts are higher and based on the listed price. You can find the Crossroads consignment payout chart here.

They’re simple, but these are our insider tips for selling your clothes in person to a resale store. Of course, we hope you choose to sell to one of our store locations. If you happen to live further away from one of those, check out our Sell By Mail option.

Happy selling!

Yes, we did it: we reached the end of 2020. In our last post of the year, we’re here to share some New Year’s resolutions you can actually keep. The best part? We can help!

More than ever, we know we need to do our part to protect the planet. It can be done in many ways, big and small. If you’re a fashion lover, one way is to buy and sell secondhand clothes. It decreases the need for new clothing pieces to be created, and it keeps unwanted clothing out of landfill. You know where you find us across the country.

This is one of the most popular resolutions, for good reason. Saving money will help you reach your future goals. We can help you with this goal in two different ways. First, you can bring in your unwanted clothing to sell at any of our store locations or by mail. We give cash on the spot. Or, you can take store credit instead and shop our store for “new” items to add to your closet. You’ll save money on clothing purchases all year long.

We’re all ready to dress up again, aren’t we? Fortunately, things are looking brighter for 2021. But whether you’re attending a Zoom birthday party this spring or finally hosting a dinner party by the year’s end, we know how much fun you have dressing up. See out stores as a revolving closet, where you buy and sell back pieces so you can play with fashion and your individual style. It’s what we do!

Here’s to making New Year’s resolutions you can keep. Welcome to 2021.

The end of 2020 requires us to plan for New Year’s Eve looks for home. If you’re like us, we still like to plan our outfit for the evening. Don’t worry, this year is the easiest ever. We have just a few ideas here that will get you NYE-ready while barely lifting a finger. That leaves you plenty of time to open a bottle of sparkling wine and make a heaping plate of microwave nachos. Actually sounds kind of nice, doesn’t it?

Thick Knits

Did you take up knitting during quarantine? Now is the time to show off your work!

A Jumper

Get in, zip it up and you’re ready. We’re down.

Zoom on the Top

You’ve perfected this look all year on your Zoom work calls! There’s no better fashion tribute than to wear it on the last night of the year.

Sweatsuit Set

If your sweatsuit top and bottom match, is it kind of fancy? Yes, of course.

Onesie

Go ahead and make that second plate of microwave nachos. The onesie has your back!

Here’s to ending a year where we have to count on New Year’s Eve looks for home. Next New Year’s Eve, we’ll be dancing the night away with our best friends, right?  Happy New Year!