July 19, 2022 Q&A with Miranda of @WhatMirandaMakes
Once you start following along with Miranda of @WhatMirandaMakes, you’ll want to get yourself a sewing machine and get creative with your thrifted finds. Or, at least start visiting her Etsy shop on the regular to see what she’s currently selling. We feel very lucky that Miranda answered a little Q&A for us!
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I’m Miranda Barrett, a designer and sewist based in Brooklyn and originally from Mississippi. My interest in clothing as a tool for both function and self-expression began in middle school when I had to wear a scoliosis back brace under my clothes for two years. Now I focus on slow fashion and sustainable design, which I share on my Instagram, @WhatMirandaMakes.
You’re really dedicated to sustainable fashion through thrifting and repurposing fabrics. How did you get started on this journey?
When I first moved to New York, I worked at several fast fashion brands and was shocked to learn that excessive waste is standard practice in the industry. That motivated me to reduce my own consumption by thrifting whenever possible and making my own clothes. I don’t think I could go back – unexpectedly finding the perfect fabric or piece of clothing is so satisfying to me.
We’re so impressed with your sewing projects, like creating a dress from a vintage bedsheet! When and how did you start sewing?
Thank you! I had a sewing machine when I was younger, but I didn’t learn garment construction until I majored in apparel design in college. I appreciate that I learned the traditional design process, but I also love seeing so many self-taught sewists doing thrift flips and designing for themselves. Using thrifted fabric or tailoring thrifted clothing are affordable ways to work on your sewing skills.
We can see you’ve set up an Etsy shop to sell some of your projects. What can people expect to find listed there?
My brand is named Marie Miranda, after my grandmother who grew up in Brooklyn. I make one-of-a-kind tote bags and accessories using deadstock and thrifted fabric. I love combining functional items with whimsical designs. My favorite bag listed right now is shaped like a fried egg (the yolk is a pocket!).
Thank you for sharing your #crossroadsfinds on Instagram. How did you find us, and do you have a favorite Crossroads piece?
I think I’ve been shopping at Crossroads for as long as I’ve lived in New York. I’ve found so many great pieces, but the best example of the thrill of thrifting is when I found a lime green linen top and perfectly matching wide-leg trousers at the same store, but they were from different designers and decades.
July 14, 2022 The Modern Summer Suit
It’s not too late to give a summer suit a try. You’ve heard us talk about the suiting trend for months, and today we share how to wear one specifically for the summer season.
The weather is warmer and color palettes are different, so we went searching for inspiration that met those needs. We also wanted to find styles that felt modern. That meant overlooking summer suits that feel traditional in silhouettes and colors.
What we found was a refreshing mix of suiting in lightweight fabrics paired with great layers and accessories. Here’s what we learned along the way.
Try a Shorts Set
A suit can have shorts! We love this for more casual outings like brunch.
Pair It with a Tube Top or Tank
Why not show off a little skin and your favorite jewelry?
Pick Summer Shades
Some colors automatically say summer, so stand out in brights like hot pink and sky blue.
Skip the Button-Up
Find a double-breasted version and skip the top completely. The suit can be the entire look in itself!
Add Neon Accessories
Amp up a neutral suit with neon accessories. We couldn’t style it any better than this.
We want to see your summer suits! Tag your look @crossroadstrading, and we might feature you on our brand feed.
July 12, 2022 Q&A with Rebecca of @phdinclothes
When Rebecca of @phdinclothes started looking for fashion inspiration for work as a new university professor, she couldn’t find much more than blazers with elbow patches. So, she took it on herself to launch a blog and record what she wore to work!
Thanks go out to Rebecca for sharing her fashion story with us! Follow Rebecca’s fashion adventures on her blog and on Instagram at @phdinclothes.
And follow Crossroads on Instagram for daily sustainable fashion inspiration and peeks into our stores across the country.
July 7, 2022 7 Yellow Fashion Pieces for Summer
Why wouldn’t you consider yellow fashion pieces in summer? Yellow is the color of sunshine and limoncello!
That’s why we found 7 yellow fashion pieces that you should consider for your summer looks.
1. Mini
Add a mini in electric yellow to any outfit to bring all the summer vibes.
2. Plaid
Your next thrifted treasure hunt needs to include a piece (or three) in yellow plaid!
3. Headband
Maybe you just want to test the waters first. Give yellow a try with something as simple as a headband.
4. Cotton Skirt
Lightweight cotton or linen skirts are a summer go-to. Mix it up this year and find one in yellow.
5. Gingham
Yellow + gingham = summer fashion gold!
6. Sweater
Even in summer, we still find ourselves packing a light sweater for evenings and cooler sea breezes. A yellow one is perfect!
7. Hat
A bucket hat is a great and stylish choice for summer, so why not try a yellow hat next?
If you’re still looking for more summer trends to try this season, we have a whole bunch of them listed in our current selling guide. Get some fresh ideas for your closet, and then head over to any of our stores to shop!
July 5, 2022 Black-Owned Fashion Companies to Know
For the last 2 years, we’ve been putting the spotlight on Black-owned fashion companies each week. There are still so many for us to talk about! If you missed our June picks on our Instagram feed, we’ve included them all here for you.
ANIMA IRIS
Philadelphia-founded @anima.iris creates vibrantly-colored leather handbags made in Africa. With summer finally here, we think their ZAZA GRANDE in watermelon hues may be our favorite. Visit the online shop to see all the pretty options here.
Sai Sankoh
Ah, is there anything as luxurious as beautiful resort wear pieces? Black-owned label @shopsaisankoh produces pieces designed by @sai.sankoh, a creator of light-as-air and flowy resort masterpieces like this Blue Eloise Goddess Kaftan. Shop the site here.
Chelsea Paris
@chelseaparisint is a brand that creates luxury footwear inspired by designer Theresa Ebagua’s African heritage. Designs are then crafted beautifully in Italy. Their Izzy style shown here is a customer favorite. See all the stylish pieces on the brand’s website here.
Lisa Folawiyo Studio
We’re excited to feature Black-owned @lisafolawiyo_studio. Using Ankara textiles, and working closely with craftspeople for finishing touches, the label puts attention to detail front and center. Shop the entire line here.
We’ve included only a few of the Black-owned fashion companies we’ve featured on our Instagram feed. Jump over there to see even more. You can also join us back here on our website next month when we’ll feature our July picks!
