Blog: Crossroads Style

March 7, 2022 Staff Style Spotlight: Allie

Model wearing yellow crochet pants with flowers

As part of our Staff Style Spotlight series, meet Allie, a Lead Cashier at Crossroads. We asked employees at our Sunset Blvd store to bring their style and star in our latest Crossroads photoshoot wearing their Crossroads finds. Read about Allie’s personal style, favorite spring trend and favorite thing about working at Crossroads.

Models standing in a bedroom.

What is your favorite Spring trend?

I am excited to see eclectic 70’s style with bright colors.

What are you excited to see come into your Crossroads store?

I am dying to see Vivienne Westwood X Melissa Jelly Heels.

Model wearing yellow crochet pants with flowers

Tell us about your favorite Crossroads find.

My favorite Crossroads find was a Juicy Couture matching pastel yellow tracksuit with green lettering and pink sea horses.

Tell us about the fashion piece that “got away”.

There was a pair of low-rise white denim with rhinestone pockets that were sadly too small!

Allie in yellow crochet floral pants

What is your favorite thing about working at Crossroads?

My favorite part of Crossroads is my team. Since we all work together so well, problem-solving and collaborating are so easy.

Top tips for selling at Crossroads?

Check out the Crossroads website for a detailed look at the fashion we are currently looking for.

Check out our trend guide.

Thanks for the Staff Style Spotlight, Allie! As a Lead Cashier, Allie is a knowledgeable cashier that can offer assistance and guidance to the team. Allie also processes the amazing secondhand fashions that come into their Crossroads. Visit our Careers page to learn more about working at Crossroads.

March 8, 2022 International Women’s Day: Employee Spotlight

In honor of International Women’s Day, we have a special Employee Spotlight featuring our Chief Retail Officer, Melissa Laubstein, and Chief Operating Officer, Aruna Busacca. Having both worked at Crossroads since the year we opened, Melissa & Aruna have played an extensive role in shaping Crossroads into the store you know and love today. Keep reading to learn more about Melissa and Aruna, including their proudest career accomplishments and advice for women in business.

Melissa

Person smiling at camera

What are you most proud of during your journey with Crossroads?

I would say I am most proud of my ability to hire great people. The amazing collaboration and exchange of ideas of all the talented and inspiring people I get to work with every day is the greatest achievement.

What advice would you give to women looking to grow professionally in business or fashion?

Connect your career with your values, stay open to growth opportunities when they present themselves, push yourself out of your comfort zone, and say yes to challenges as often as possible. I said yes even when I wasn’t totally sure I was ready. Believe in yourself and the process. Any failures proved to be some of the most important components of my future success.

Melissa working at Crossroads

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

I was the first employee hired 30 years ago to open and manage the first Crossroads. It was a real leap of faith, and I can honestly say it was the best decision I have ever made. I don’t know a lot of people that can say “I love my job,” especially after 30 years!

Aruna

Person smiling at camera

What are you most proud of during your journey with Crossroads?

My greatest achievement has been my ongoing role in helping Crossroads adapt to our constantly changing business environment.

What advice would you give to women looking to grow professionally in business or fashion?

I’ll tell you what worked for me. Find a mentor who shares your values, lean into what interests you, work hard until you master a new skill, and then move on to the next interesting thing.

Aruna and a man

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

I started as a buyer at our first store in San Francisco, and I just had my 30-year anniversary last October. My journey at Crossroads is a testament to the company’s values and our commitment to growing from within.

 

Thank you, Melissa and Aruna, for being a part of our International Women’s Day Employee Spotlight! We have more Employee Spotlights lined up through the rest of spring. Be on the lookout to see more of the Crossroads team on our blog!

March 7, 2022 Staff Style Spotlight: Jennie

Model sitting on couch

As part of our Staff Style Spotlight series, meet Jennie, an Assistant Manager at Crossroads. We asked employees at our Sunset Blvd store to bring their style and star in our latest Crossroads photoshoot wearing their Crossroads finds. Read about Jennie’s personal style, favorite spring trend and favorite thing about working at Crossroads.

Models standing in a bedroom.

What is your favorite Spring trend?

My favorite spring trend would have to be any floral dress with a pair of Dr. Martens.

What are you excited to see come into your Crossroads store?

I’m looking forward to seeing my dream vintage Dior bag come through.

Model standing in front of mirror

Tell us about your favorite Crossroads find.

My favorite Crossroads find would have to be a Modelo X Diamond collab. Favorite streetwear piece by far.

Tell us about the fashion piece that “got away”.

An incredible piece came into our store, which was quickly picked up by a customer. Their excitement was worth the loss.

Models standing next to each other

What is your favorite thing about working at Crossroads?

I love seeing my team thrive in their element and interacting with our customers.

Top tips for selling at Crossroads?

Bring in pieces you love and are ready to share with the next finder!

Check out our trend guide.

Thanks for the Staff Style Spotlight, Jennie! As an Assistant Manager, Jennie not only assists customers on the sales floor, but also trains and supervises staff and processes the amazing secondhand fashions that come into their Crossroads. Visit our Careers page to learn more about working at Crossroads.

Celebrating Black History Month:
Staff Spotlight

In honor of Black History Month, we are amplifying the work and stories of Crossroads employees.

Lena, Communications Manager

Lena Spotlight Headshot

Is there a Black leader or figure, past or present, who inspires you?

My Blackness and Queerness are two identities that are most salient to me, so learning about and reading the works of Black Queer figures, like James Baldwin and Audre Lorde, have really inspired me, especially as a writer myself. I also love watching Queer Black representation in today’s media, so shows like Pose and Harlem and have felt super affirming and inspiring to watch, though I think we still need more representation!

What is your proudest career or personal achievement?

I started as a Recruiter with Crossroads but I got my undergrad degree in Media & Communications and was very excited to put my degree to use when I was promoted to Communications Manager. Even though I’ve only been in the position for a little over a year, I feel as if I’ve developed so many personal and professional skills in a short period of time, which I’m very proud of.

What is something someone may be surprised to know about you?

In addition to working full time at Crossroads, I’m also a full time Grad student, studying Counseling Psychology. At Crossroads, I do a lot of work around our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals and have discovered that it’s something I’m truly passionate about. I would love to one day find a way to combine my love for fashion, psychology and DEI.

What does “Black Joy” mean to you? What aspects of your life bring you the most joy?

To me, Black Joy is all about emphasizing the positive, joyous aspects of Black folk’s experience. I think the media loves to hyper-focus on negative aspects of Black people’s history and treat Blackness as if it’s a monolith, when there are so many beautiful parts of our culture that can be highlighted. Building community with other Black, Queer folks brings me the most joy. Over the past few years I’ve built some really amazing relationships that bring me joy everyday. <3

Daniel, Floor Staff

Daniel Headshot

What is your biggest career or personal goal?

To work in sports in some kind of way- specifically for one of my favorite teams.

What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?

Watching and playing sports (basketball, football, hockey and baseball). I love to listen to a variety of different genres of music.

What does “Black Joy” mean to you? What aspects of your life bring you the most joy?

To be able to feel comfortable in myself and to try my best to be kind to anyone. The thing that brings me the most joy in life is being surrounded by my friend and family. Sports, too. Being born and raised in the Bay Area, the teams I root for (Warriors, A’s, 49ers, Sharks) bring me joy when I watch them do well.

Izzy, Floor Staff

Izzy Spotlight Photo

What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?

I am into film: making, acting and watching. I also like to draw and make beats.

What is something someone may be surprised to know about you?

I like to collect shells.

What does “Black Joy” mean to you? What aspects of your life bring you the most joy?

Being happy and comfortable with yourself. An aspect of my life that brings me the most joy is creating.

October 13, 2021 Staff Style Spotlight: Hannah

As part of our Staff Style Spotlight series, meet Hannah, a Floor Supervisor at Crossroads. We asked employees at our Portland stores to bring their style and star in our latest Crossroads photoshoot wearing their Crossroads finds. Read about Hannah’s personal style, favorite fall trend, and favorite thing about working at Crossroads.

Model wearing brown leather jacket.

Model in a floral sweater.

What is your favorite fall trend?

I am excited to wear long leather jackets; they have my whole heart! I love the drama they add to every outfit.

What are you excited to see come into your Crossroads store?

Jean Paul Gaultier inspired printed pants! I would cry tears of joy!

Model standing at bus stop.

What is your favorite winter trend?

I love funky and fun colored rain coats. You need them here in Oregon; it’s fun to spice up a basic necessary garment.

Tell us about the piece that “got away”.

There was a cute & classic vintage Betty Boop and Friends t-shirt that still appears in my dreams!

Model smiling in the sun.

What is your favorite thing about working at Crossroads?

I love seeing different people try on an item I’ve had my eye on in the store. It’s nice seeing its life cycle in the store before it goes to its forever home. It’s fun to think about the ways in which one might style it!

Top tips for selling at Crossroads?

Be aware of current trends!

See our trend guide.

Thanks for the Staff Style Spotlight, Hannah! As a Floor Supervisor, Hannah not only assists customers on the sales floor, but also trains and supervises staff and processes the amazing secondhand fashions that come into their Crossroads. Learn more about working at Crossroads.