October 26, 2021 Crossroads Trading Turns 30
Wow, and just like that Crossroads Trading turns 30 years old. Happy birthday to us! It’s hard to believe that it’s been three decades since we first opened our doors on Fillmore St. in San Francisco. Back then in 1991, we could only hope that customers across the country would fall in love with secondhand fashion and selling their clothes to us for cash or store credit. Luckily, the customers arrived, and many can even claim they’ve been shopping with us from the very beginning.
Crossroads was founded by Jerry Block and Chip Gerken, after their wives introduced them to each other. Jerry’s experience in resale fashion and Chip’s experience in traditional retail fashion allowed them to create a secondhand fashion experience that married the value and sustainability perks of resale with the curated shopping racks of traditional retail. Customers soon counted on the company’s in-store buyers to stock the racks with an inspiring mix of contemporary, vintage, and designer brands. To this day, the in-store buyers at Crossroads stores (led by the company’s first employee and current Chief Retail Officer, Melissa Laubstein) remain the heart and soul of Crossroads stores.
You can now find Crossroads stores across the country, throughout California, the Pacific Northwest, Texas, Chicago, and New York. With over 100 “Best of” awards across these regions, we couldn’t be any prouder to have served our customers in their search for fun, affordable, fashionable, and sustainable finds.
Some Fun Milestones for Us Along the Way
1996- Opened our first Pacific Northwest store in Capitol Hill.
1999- Opened our first Southern California store in Hollywood.
2005- Made our debut in Chicago with our Lincoln Park store.
2007 -Ran our first (and only) TV commercial.
2011- Opened our first New York store in Brooklyn.
2012- Opened our sister store and designer consignment boutique, Fillmore & 5th.
2016- Entered the Texas market with our Houston store.
Here’s to 30 more years! Most of all, thank you for being a part of the Crossroads community. There would be no celebrations today without YOU.
October 21, 2021 What Your Jacket Style Says About You
It’s officially jacket weather, and there are so many to choose from! So for fun, let’s play: what your jacket style says about you.
Vintage
You’ve been following fashion for so long that you’re a natural at it. You’re not afraid to buy secondhand pieces and style them into your wardrobe. Why not: vintage pieces are rare and unique, just like your style.
Leather
Your style choices are bold but deliberate. You know that a beautifully made leather jacket will age like fine wine and fit your confident personality for years to come.
Suede
You’re a bit of a flower child, drawn to simple pieces that are gently worn in and in natural hues. You favor soft fabrics and dainty details.
Puffer
You’re practical but ambitious. You know that a solid puffer jacket will keep you warm for hours, which is important because you have things to do. No cold day is going to stop you from making your way around town and getting things done.
Varsity
You’re a quiet rebel. You know that although a varsity jacket is a classic style from the past, you dare to wear it with combat boots and black jeans.
Designer
You love attention and you’re not afraid to show it. You know that a recognizable designer jacket makes your whole look fun and declares your intense love of fashion.
Suited
You like the finer things in fashion: beautiful fabrics, pretty detailing, and a structured shape. You take your time to find pieces that are high-quality and sophisticated, and it shows.
Faux Fur
You love a little glamour in your life. You know that not only will faux fur keep you warm, but it will also make any outfit you pull together look absolutely fabulous.
Whatever your jacket style is, you can count on Crossroads to carry it! Next time you’re looking for a jacket, stop into any of our store locations to see what we have for you. We’re convinced you’ll find it on our store racks.
October 19, 2021 Thrifting for Halloween Costumes
We’ve been thrifting for Halloween costumes for as long as we can remember. In fact, it’s this annual activity that introduces many people to secondhand clothing stores.
You’ll have to put your creative hat on because building your costume from scratch is not as simple as purchasing a packaged Halloween costume. However, the challenge is fun, the thrifted pieces can usually be worn outside of a costume later on, and you’re not going to run into your costume clone on Halloween night.
To help you get thinking of this year’s costume, here are 3 common themes that will help you build your Halloween costume off the racks of secondhand stores.
1. Classic Movie Characters
Focus your search on stand-out pieces. It may take only a sweater to get your Freddy Krueger costume started, or a great coat to inspire a Cruella look.
2. Your Childhood Favorites
Think back on your favorite toys and characters from childhood, and keep them in mind as you shop. Our Dallas team dreamt up these costumes for Hannah Montana and the popular Bratz dolls.
3. Decades
This is usually the easiest costume to build in a secondhand store. Pick a decade you love and shop exclusively for vintage pieces from that era. Most likely, the pieces can be remixed afterward for a more modern take!
Do we have you ready to start thrifting for Halloween costumes? We love to see your creativity shine, so please tag us on Instagram @crossroadstrading when you post your thrifted Halloween look so we can see it!
Photos Via
October 14, 2021 WATCH: Best Finds at Crossroads
While it’s always fun to see photos of #crossroadsfinds, sometimes it’s even more fun to watch them! Today, we’ve rounded up a few customer-created videos that share the thrill of the hunt when shopping at Crossroads. So sit back, hit play, and join us for a few minutes to watch some best finds off the racks at Crossroads.
Thrift Store Style-Off Challenge with One Dapper Street
We love a good style challenge, and it’s double the fun when secondhand fashion is involved!
Shopping with Mary Elizabeth at Crossroads Trading Co. with B. Jones Style
Join B. Jones Style and Mary Elizabeth on a day of thrift shopping at our Silverlake store in LA.
“My Husband Picks My Outfits” with Really Pretty Good
What would your partner style for you off the racks at Crossroads? In this fun video, you can watch this game in action.
There’s plenty more to watch! Visit the Crossroads Trading YouTube Channel for more videos about selling and shopping with us.
Want even more great fall fashion content? See our fall selling guide here, check out the latest items hitting our sales floor on Instagram here, and read about our 5 fall essentials here.
October 12, 2021 8 Things We’re Wearing Right Now
When you love fashion, fall brings new excitement. Add the magic of resale, and it’s even better! Today we share the 8 things we’re wearing right now. After you check them out, take a look at our seasonal selling guide to see even more fall trends we love.
1. Jumpsuits
One piece, one zip, and your outfit is complete. We’re seriously considering a closet full of these!
2. Band T-Shirts
Cropped, oversized, over long-sleeve tees, or worn with pants or skirts, band t-shirts can do no wrong.
3. Fringe
Fringe is one of the 30 trends in our fall selling guide for good reason: it rocks!
4. Vests
That perfect little piece to transition us into cooler weather, without the bulky pieces headed our way for winter.
5. Utility Pants
Utility pants are quickly replacing our go-to denim. They’re just as comfortable, but stand out from the crowd.
6. Chunky Jewelry
We’re talking coin shapes and heavy links. LOVE.
7. Tall Boots
Classic fall, no doubt. There’s still a little time left to wear them with short dresses, and we’re not taking that for granted.
8. Crochet
We loved crochet pieces all summer and are not giving them up yet. Under denim jackets, we can extend their wearability for a few more weeks.
Let us know what you’re wearing right now. Tag us on Instagram @crossroadstrading and we may feature you on our feed!