Blog: Crossroads Style

Move over cotton! We all know that you’re already “the fabric of our lives,” but your not so distant cousin, linen is quickly becoming a favorite summer textile in the fashion world! Like cotton, linen is derived from nature, the Flax plant to be exact and it is actually one of the oldest textiles in the world, finding its origins in Ancient Egypt. Known for its comfortability and breathability, linen is being used more often in summer styles, as it makes the perfect fabric for those warm, sunny days! The benefits to wearing this amazing textile during the summer will make anyone want to add some styles to their warm weather line-up! Here are five reasons why linen will become your new go-to fabric for summer.

It’s Breathable

Linen is incredibly strong, absorbent and quick to dry, making it ideal for that summer heat! Throw a linen button down on over a swimsuit for a day at the beach and you’ll be set to stay cool and soak up that sunshine at the same time!

It Adds Some Texture

Linen is a slightly stiffer hand than cotton, making it easy for adding some structure to a summer top or an a-line skirt, but it is also a great material for adding some texture to your outfits this season! Experiment with the fabrication and mix and match a contrasting fabric, such as silk!

It’s Sustainable

Not only is this fabric sustainable but it is also natural, ethically produced and can easily be traced back to its source! Unlike synthetic textiles that contribute to pollution, linen is biodegradable and easily recycled!

All-Around Comfort

All of the above reasons contribute to linen being at the top of the comfort list in regards to textiles, but it’s styles are also typically designed to have a looser fit, which makes any piece a bit easier to wear and more comfortable.

It’s on Trend!

Linen has been around for quite some time, but we are seeing it more frequently in the fashion world due to the increased emphasis put on sustainability. Designers alike are finding creative and stylish ways to incorporate the fabric into their collections, making it easier on the consumer to score, stylish, linen pieces!

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As we learn more about the current state and possible future of our environment, we are also learning more about what we can do in all facets of our lives to essentially reverse the damage as much as possible. The obvious answers are to recycle, waste less, use less energy and use more sustainable products. One area of your life that you may not have thought of that can make a difference is right in your closet. It’s not widespread understanding that the creation and disposing of clothing has a large negative impact on the environment, from water waste to toxins produced, to the landfill waste buildup.
Creating an ethical and sustainable wardrobe can seem daunting, but beginning to practice just 5 simple steps is easy and will have a long-term positive impact on your quality of life.

Recycled Clothing

One of the best ways to begin overhauling your wardrobe is to shop at and sell your gently used pieces to recycled fashion stores, such as your local Crossroads Trading Co. Extending the life of a piece of clothing by buying used, selling to a recycled fashion store, or donating is one of the easiest (and fun!) ways to create less waste.

Shop Smarter

You don’t need to completely give up buying new pieces, but when you decide to invest in a new piece of clothing, shop smarter. Invest in pieces with longevity that you will wear time and time again, pledge to only buy something that you can wear at least three different ways, and steer away from fast fashion and mini-trend pieces, focusing on classic, versatile styles.

Seek Out Information

It may take some time, but learning about the way clothing is made or how a brand operates is important and may begin to impact your purchasing decisions. Even something as small as seeking out natural fibers like cotton instead of man-made like polyester make a considerable impact because the creation and recycling of the fabric has a  less harmful impact on the environment.  Also, shopping brands with environmentally safe and sustainable practices will open your eyes about the harm that other methods can cause to our planet. Read The Good Trade’s guide for a rundown of some of the best fair trade and ethical fashion brands here.

Practice Proper Care & Maintenance

Properly caring for your wardrobe, whether it is an investment piece or a fast fashion item, will guarantee that it will last longer and be replaced less often. It seems more than obvious, but following the care label instructions on your garment will ensure a longer life. Another valuable practice is repairing something when it is damaged instead of throwing it out and replacing it. Invest time in learning basic sewing skills or finding a quality tailor instead of using it as an excuse to replace it with a new item.

Consume Less

Maybe the most obvious step to creating less waste in any area of your life is to consume less. For some people, this is easier said than done. I personally understand the tendency of impulse buying, especially in the age of influencers, social media status, and online shopping. An easy rule to follow when you want something, but not sure you need to add it to your overflowing closet? Sleep on it: a day, 3 days, or even a week. If the impulse subsides, you don’t need it.

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Meet Zameiriah, a Crossroads Buyer. We asked employees at our Oakland store to bring their style and star in our latest Crossroads photoshoot wearing their favorite Crossroads finds. Take a look at her photos, see behind the scenes shots, and read about her style.

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

Oh my, there were these beautiful heeled leather black mules. They were amazingly chic and a sad loss..

What is your summer uniform?

Year round, I long for comfort, so my go-to summer uniform is high-waisted shorts, a crop top paired with a maxi cardigan and some comfy slip-ons.

What is your fall uniform?

My favorite fall outfit is a cute and comfy jumpsuit paired with a cardigan or shawl and ankle boots.

What are you dying to see come into your store?

I am waiting for a comfy, chic & vibrant pair of corduroy pants to find their way into my Crossroads.

Top tips for selling with us?

My top tips for being a Crossroads pro would be to:
-Know what style you are going for.
-Collect store credit through trade.
-Shop for new finds that your <3 desires.

Favorite thing about working at Crossroads?

My favorite thing about working at Crossroads would have to be seeing people light up when they come across things they absolutely fall in love with and can’t find anywhere else.  Also, the environment-can’t forget about that!

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Anyone else find themselves shopping for clothes for hours on end? Same, girl, same. We can’t wait to update our wardrobe with a ton of skirt selections! Whether you’re looking for something that’s work-appropriate or fit for your next vacation, we’ve got you covered! If you’re ready for summer fashion, here are some cute skirts to choose from:

Versatile A-Line

We’re loving how short a-line skirts can style with any top.

Try a Maxi Skirt

Mark our words, 2019 will be the year of the maxi skirt! We’re seeing fashion bloggers everywhere take this trend up a notch by choosing skirts with more volume.

Pleated Skirt Paradise

Add a dose of style to your 9 to 5 schedule with a pleated skirt.

Give Denim a Chance

This denim skirt with an asymmetrical hem is sure to turn heads and we can’t get enough of it. We love that the ruffled makes the skirt more eye-catching.

Tropical Prints For the Win

Whether you’re packing for your next vacation or just want a bit more vibrance in your wardrobe, opt for a skirt in a fun tropical print! Make your skirt pop by sticking to a neutral colored blouse.

We Love Lace

Consider taking a style cue from Annabelle Fleur, from Viva Luxury, and wear a crochet lace skirt with a t-shirt that’s knotted in the front. Tip: the skirt’s lightweight material is great for staying cool on hotter days.

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Happy Friday! The following are my favorite style & pop culture images, articles, and moments to wrap up the week. Enjoy!

Store Finds

Annette found the most perfect, breezy crop top at her local Crossroads to complete her spring inspired look! Remember to share your favorite #CrossroadsFinds on Instagram!

Street Style Inspo

Charlotte perfects her end of spring style with a breezy Reformation midi dress and sneakers.

Celeb Style Inspo

The Smith family slayed on the “Aladdin” red carpet this week!

Rihanna Announces ‘Fenty’ Clothing Line

Rihanna’s collaboration with LVMH includes ready-to-wear, shoes, jewelry, and eyewear. Releasing online next week, the highly anticipated collection is also available via a pop-up shop in Paris currently for the next two weeks.

2019 Cannes Film Festival

The 2019 Cannes Film Festival may be for showcasing the next great film or talent, but the red carpet fashion is nothing to be ignored! See the best of the best here.

Netflix Announces “Next in Fashion”

Netflix has announced its first original fashion show, ‘Next in Fashion’. Hosted by Alexa Chung and Tan France, much in the vein of ‘Project Runway’, ‘Next in Fashion’ is a competition amongst designers bringing their visions to life.

Victoria Beckham Launching Eco-Friendly Skincare

Victoria Beckham gave us one more reason to forgive her for not joining her former bandmates on the Spice Girls reunion tour; she has announced that she is launching an eco-friendly skincare line in September, with packaging made from post-consumer materials, that will be available online and in specialty boutique stores.

Celine Dion Wins at “Carpool Karaoke”

Who knew Celine Dion was an absolute riot!? The diva participated in the popular ‘The Late Late Show With James Corden’ series and not only does Celine prove why she is the creme of the crop vocally, but she also lets loose and shows off her sense of humor. You may never sing ‘Baby Shark’ the same way!

Celeb Flashback Friday

Courteney Cox posted a flashback of our favorite friends on a trip to Vegas before anyone even knew who they were!

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