Blog: Crossroads Style

If you’re building an investment piece wardrobe, it’s likely that an Hermes scarf is on your list. It’s one of the best treasure hunt pieces to find in a resale store like Crossroads! Once you get your hands on one– or a similar large silk scarf with as much versatility– try these 9 ways to wear an Hermes scarf.

1. Old Hollywood

Step 1: Fold it in half into a large triangle and tie it under the chin. Step 2: Add a pair of your biggest sunnies. Step 3: Pretend you’re walking to your convertible for a drive along the coast.

2. As a Belt

Keep the rest of the look casual–jeans and a t-shirt work perfectly here–and weave the scarf through your belt loops for a fresh approach to a belt.

3. Loose Wrap

Loosely wrap the scarf around your next once, similar to how you’d wear a traditional winter scarf.

4. To One Side

There are two ways to get this look: tie the scarf around a low ponytail or wrap the scarf once around your neck. Either way, leave one side of the scarf much longer than the other and pulled over one shoulder.

5. With Leather

A traditional piece like an Hermes scarf looks even better when it’s worn in unexpected ways. Opt for a leather motorcycle jacket instead of a riding blazer.

6. Multi-Wrapped

In this style, it’s wrapped several times around the neck with a small knot to finish. We like how the vintage clip-on earrings make the look even more dramatic.

7. Loose Knot

The mood you’re going for is nonchalant. The knot is below the neckline and a little imperfect.

8. Headband

An Hermes scarf looks amazing as a head wrap, and the headband style is the easiest one to perfect.

9. Giant Bow

Tie a bow and then fluff out the sides for an exaggerated and fun look.

With our 9 ways to wear an Hermes scarf, did we convince you to add one to your wardrobe capsule? Follow our Instagram feed to watch for Hermes and other scarf arrivals in our stores, and learn more about how consignment works at Crossroads.

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Ah, Chanel. Coming across a piece is a thrill, especially in the resale world. However, if you aren’t purchasing directly from a Chanel boutique, you’ll want to know how to authenticate the piece. Let’s talk about what to look for in authentic Chanel pieces.

1. Perfection

Start with this attitude: Chanel is the gold standard of luxury fashion, so their reputation and high cost are tied to a superior product. That means that everything you examine next should look perfect.

2. Stitching

The stitch count is high on Chanel bags– there is no skimping here. Even in a vintage bag you’ll see the stitching has stayed tight. The lines are straight, and the quilt squares are exact in size.

3. Flawless Stamping

A lot of care is taken to get the stamping just right. If imprinted, the stamp should have depth. Gold and silver imprints should be clear and easy to read. See some examples below.

4. Heavy Hardware

Lightweight hardware is a dead giveaway that a Chanel piece is inauthentic. Chains should have weight, and even clasp locks should feel heavy when they’re turned.

5. Quality of Accompanying Materials

Even something as simple as the item’s box, cards or dust bag can be telling. Chanel extends their craftsmanship to everything, so confirm that all accompanying materials are as perfect as the item itself.

So there you have it: exactly what to look for in authentic Chanel pieces. If you enjoyed this guide, check out similar ones we did for Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Coach. You can also follow our Instagram feed to see new pieces that come into our stores, or consign your designer item with us anytime.

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I would like to put it on record that sweater vests get a bad rap. Maybe it’s because we associate them with our dads and grandpas. However, I keep noting these days how stylish they can be, and in so many different ways. Not convinced? For your consideration, I present what I think are the 8 best ways to style a sweater vest.

1. With Your Favorite Tee

So simple, yet so cool.

2. Over a Dress

I’ve seen this look done with short and long dresses. The result is consistently good.

3. Buttoned Loosely

I’m on the hunt for one with buttons now! The half-buttoned styling here makes it more casual.

4. With an Untucked Button-Up

Let your button-up frame the whole vest.

5. As a Top

I don’t know why I never thought to wear it alone as a top!

6. With Layers Upon Layers

Just layers and layers of goodness over here.

7. Tucked into Jeans

No need to hide your waistline with this styling.

8. With Puffy Sleeves

The sweater vest almost exaggerates the puff sleeves. Love this!

Did I convince you with my 8 best ways to style a sweater vest? If yes, let us see your styling by sharing a photo on Instagram.

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We hope you’re enjoying our blog series on designer handbag authentication. Today we’re sharing 3 quick ways to spot a real Gucci handbag. The internet offers a wealth of knowledge on this subject, and we really like this guide from Bagvanity. Often times though, a quick glance is all you need to determine if a Gucci handbag is real. Here are the 3 things you should examine first.

1. Inspect the Interior Fabric.

Since replica makers put their focus on getting the outside of the bag just right (which they often do really well), they skimp on the interior of the bag. A real Gucci handbag shows excellence throughout, which means a high-quality interior fabric with clear logos.

2. Confirm Only One Gucci Logo is Used.

Both the touching G logo and overlapped G logo are officially Gucci, but you won’t see both used on the same handbag.

3. Ensure the Interior Tag Engravings are Flawless.

Again, a replica handbag maker will ignore the fine details of a Gucci bag interior. The interior tag will have an unscratchable, well-aligned logo on the front and a clear unscratchable serial number on the back.

Some Examples

Below are examples of Gucci handbags, shoes, wallets, and belts that we’ve authenticated in our stores. Notice the quality craftsmanship throughout.

So that’s it: 3 quick ways to spot a real Gucci handbag. Do you love Gucci? Follow us on our Instagram feed to see new pieces that come into our stores, or consign your designer item with us anytime.

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There are some things so good they always find their way back on the list of latest trends, and flared jeans are one of them. You’re probably already familiar with the rotation: skinny jeans to straight-leg jeans to flares. Now that they’re back on top of the trend list, it’s an excellent time to find your favorite style of flared jeans. Here are the 3 best styles to consider.

1. Boot-Cut Flare

Boot-cut flares are the best choice for those who love to wear combat boots and booties. They give you a little extra room at the ankle and draw attention to those great boot styles.

2. Cropped Flare

If you love to show off your shoes, then opt for the cropped flare. They are an especially good match with strappy heels and sandals.

3. Wide-Cut Flare

If your style leans towards vintage and retro, then wide-cut flares have your name on them. The bigger the flare, the more they evoke the popular look of the 70’s.

Did we help you find your favorite style of flared jeans? Which did you pick? Let us know which one you chose by sharing a photo on Instagram.

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