Blog: Crossroads Style

May 9, 2023 Q&A with Che of @chewhitney

Che of @chewhitney is busy as a journalist, stylist, and fashion curator, so we were excited when she took the time to answer our little Q&A about thrifting, her fashion influences, and her go-to looks. Read on to learn more about her.

Thanks for taking part in this Q&A, Che! Please start by telling us a little bit about yourself. 

I am Che Whitney, a fashion curator from Chicago. I recently started a passion project called Normalize Borrowing that informs fashionistas like me about sustainable ways to shop and care for clothing to prevent textile waste. I love shopping, skating, and getting dressed, because when you look good, you feel great.
photo of Che

Thank you for promoting sustainable fashion and sharing your #crossroadsfinds. How did you find your way to secondhand fashion?

I definitely started at a young age. I used to go to the flea market with my grandmother, which eventually turned into me going to thrift stores and resale shops. I love having one-of-a-kind pieces.
photo of Che

You spend time in both Chicago & New York. How has each city influenced your personal style?

NYC definitely added more glamour to my style. I am a girlie tomboy–I love sneakers with frilly skirts and colorful jackets. Living there, I felt more comfortable taking fashion risks and elevating my style. Chicago is home, so naturally my style influences were in my home via my mother, grandmother, and various aunts.
photo of che

Summer is almost here! What is your go-to summer look?

My summer look is always sporty/preppy. The country club tennis look is my go-to.

photo of che

What is the best secondhand fashion piece you have ever found?

When I first moved to NYC, I found this gold lame’ pleated dress at Crossroads in Williamsburg. It is literally my favorite dress I own!
photo of Che
Thank you, Che, for talking to us about your adventures in secondhand fashion!
See more of Che’s looks on Instagram: @chewhitney. You can find us there too!
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May 4, 2023 Adding Slip Dresses to Your Wardrobe

We included slip dresses in our latest seasonal selling guide. They’re an item we consider a wardrobe staple, since a slip dress can be worn on its own or layered with other pieces.

Here’s how we like to wear them.

With Boots

Tall boots work, but we really love this look with ankle boots. The matching handbag pulls the whole look together.

photo of person in a slip dress

With Sneakers

Yes, you can wear a slip dress with sneakers!

photo of person in a slip dress

As a Layering Piece

For evenings or cooler temps, try layering pieces underneath. We like to add a fitted tee or turtleneck.

photo of person in a slip dress

Vintage

Find one that’s absolutely unique by shopping vintage. Here’s a great one from the 1930s.

photo of person in a slip dress

With a Blazer

Top with a blazer and you’re set for a night out.

photo of person in blazer and dress

Tied at the Waist

Find a sash (we love the contrasting one here) and cinch the waist.

photo of person with dress and sash

See what other trends made it into our spring and summer selling guide. Then, stop into any of our store locations and find pre-loved gems to add to your seasonal wardrobe. Bring in those bags from your closet spring clean and try selling your gently worn clothes too! You may walk away with “new” pieces with your cash or store credit.

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Photos Via

May 2, 2023 Spotlight on Black-Owned Clothing Labels

Every week on our brand’s Instagram feed, we put the spotlight on our favorite Black-owned clothing labels and their latest collections. If you missed any this month, you can find them all here!

Harbison Studio

Harbison Studio is a label created by talented designer, Charles Harbison. Harbison’s designs are inspired by the memory of watching his mother prepare for special occasions through curation and signature accessories. Scroll through the label’s IG feed to see how he transformed these nostalgic moments into a beautiful fashion collection.

photo of person in Harbison Studio look

MARRISA WILSON New York

MARRISA WILSON New York is a label driven by the philosophy that “all women should be able to effortlessly express their unique personalities.”

Led by creative Director, Marrisa Wilson, the designs blend relaxed styling and vibrant prints to capture this sentiment, never leaving quality or functionality out. Check out the brand’s feed to see the collection.

photo of Marrisa Wilson

Kimberly Goldson

Kimberly Goldson is a label created by sisters and resulting in imaginative, dynamic looks.

Their innovative design talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. They’ve collaborated with iconic partners like Harlem Fashion Row and Mattel Inc., Barbie Style Collection, Lebron James, Nike, Janie & Jack, GUCCI, and Dapper Dan.

You can find their designs in high-end department stores. Click through to their feed to see their looks.

photo of person wearing Kimberly Goldson pieces

Autumn Adeigbo

Designer Autumn Adeigbo designs colorful, fashion-forward clothing based on ethical and sustainable practices. She’s focused on working with female-owned production facilities in the U.S. and providing global artisans with meaningful employment and fair wages.

She’s been recognized with multiple industry awards and in the top fashion magazines. Click through to the label’s IG feed to see for yourself.

photo of Autumn Adeigbo

These are only a few of the Black-owned clothing labels we’ve shared on Instagram. Follow our feed, or check our website monthly for upcoming featured brands.

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April 27, 2023 Style Inspiration: Lace Dresses

Most of us would say that we haven’t owned many lace dresses in our lives. And the ones we have owned were likely for proms and weddings.

But there are plenty of lace dresses that are made for everyday life. Their versatility is surprising. You can wear them to work when paired with a blazer, on that beach vacation with sandals, or at weekend brunch with your favorite accessories.

We’ve included lace in our seasonal selling guide for a good reason: lace adds a touch of opulence and polish.

Keep scrolling to see a few inspirational looks we found for lace dresses in particular. You’ll see why we already have big plans to start using them as a layering piece.

photo of person in a lace dress

photo of person in a lace dress

photo of person in a lace dress

photo of person in a lace dress

photo of a person in a tea dress

Did you notice the range of looks and formality?

Now we want to see how you style them for spring. Please share your outfit on Instagram and tag us @crossroadstrading. You might be featured on our brand feed! Or, if you need lace pieces to complete your spring looks, stop into any of our store locations to shop and sell. We always have something “new” to add to your closet.

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April 26, 2023 Staff Style Spotlight: Liz

As part of our Staff Style Spotlight series, meet Liz, a Buyer at Crossroads. We asked Chicago employees to bring their style and star in our latest photoshoot wearing their Crossroads finds. Read about Liz’s personal style, favorite Crossroads finds, and favorite thing about working at Crossroads.

Tell us about your favorite Crossroads find.

Honestly, my Mike Wazowski bag that I chose for the shoot is my favorite thing so far. Some people thought it was weird, but I’m obsessed with weird purses (even better if it’s a mini!). I love funny fashion, not everything has to be serious.

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

I really am waiting on either a pair of Demonias in my size or a really cool colorway of sneakers. I need more shoes!

What are your favorite spring trends?

I will always and forever be obsessed with pastels! My absolute favorite color is light purple and “Digital Lavender” is one of the big projected colors for Spring 2023. I’m excited to fill my closet with everything that color!

How would you describe your personal style?

Sometimes I feel like I’m still figuring out my own style, but I love alternative the most. Whether it’s Pastel Goth or 90’s Grunge. that’s one thing I love so far about working at Crossroads, is that I am free to experiment day by day and change it up based on what I’m feeling.

What is your favorite thing about working at Crossroads?

I love it when I’m at the tagging counter helping someone in the fitting room or checking someone out at the register and they excitedly tell me about their Crossroads find. Like “Oh I’ve been looking all over for one of these!” or ” Oh my god I wasn’t even looking for this but it’s perfect!” I love that. I get genuinely really happy for them!

Top tips for selling at Crossroads?

You won’t know until you try. Just like you know know what you’ll find in a secondhand store, you also never know what we’re looking for specifically that day. Give it a try, bring it in.

Thanks for the Staff Style Spotlight, Liz! As a Buyer, Liz plays a crucial role by working with customers who come in to sell and selecting merchandise for the store. Does this sound like something you would be interested in? Join our team! Check out our Careers page to learn more about working at Crossroads.

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