Blog: Crossroads Style

March 27, 2025 Women’s History Month Employee Spotlight: LaCienne

For Women’s History Month, we’re sharing stories from some of the women leaders at Crossroads who play key roles in the company’s success.

Today, we’re going behind the scenes at our corporate office to introduce you to LaCienne Bryant, the company’s Controller.

Meet LaCienne

LaCienneLaCienne, what does a typical work day look like for you?

My typical day is a mix of tasks focused on overseeing the financial operations of the company and engaging with my team, department leaders, and bank partners.

What’s your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part is team leadership. I get to collaborate across all company departments through financial planning and problem solving.

What advice would you give to people who want to start a career in finance?

Thinking back, I was really fortunate to have a mentor early in my career. I would advise someone interested in finance to find a solid person in the field that can help them learn beyond the textbook rules and guidelines. That way, they will develop a strong understanding of the fundamentals of finance and accounting.

I’d also recommend that they never stop learning, be patient and flexible, maintain a high level of integrity, and build solid relationships with colleagues. Most importantly, do your best –and remember to smile!

What do you love to do on your day off?

On my day off, I love to have fun with my first and only grandson, create memories with my loved ones, listen to live music, and relax near a body of water. Oh, and going to the spa!

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March 25, 2025 by Salma Habashi Styling The Eclectic Spirit

Eclectic fashion is all about embracing individuality and mixing together different styles, textures, and influences to create a unique, personal look. If you’re drawn to this vibe, you could be an eclectic spirit!

In this case, you’re likely a fan of keeping a wardrobe that reflects your personality and mood– whether the styles are pulled from vintage, boho, modern, or streetwear trends.

If you don’t know where to start, here are 3 key tips to putting together a fabulous eclectic look to match your spirit:

1. Utilize your neutral bases

Contrary to the end result, many times an eclectic look starts with a clean slate like a simple black dress or jeans. From there, layer on pieces that speak to you. Perhaps that’s a chunky sweater, a scarf, or a mesh shirt. Mixing fabrics is key; think silk with denim or velvet with leather in order to create contrast and visual interest.

2. Don’t shy away from bold colors or patterns

Stripes, plaid, and florals can all coexist if you balance them out thoughtfully. The key is to let your creativity shine while keeping the overall vibe harmonious. Maybe placing a statement piece like a bold hat or bright shoes can tie it all together.

3. Accessorize freely

When accessorizing with jewelry, consider layering necklaces and wearing mixed metals, piling on tons of rings and bracelets. You can also pop on a few belts, wear an oversized pair of sunnies, or add a colorful bag. There is never such a thing as too many accessories.

At the end of the day, showcasing your eclectic vibe is an art form. So trust your instincts and have fun experimenting with different colors, textures, layers, and genres. The beauty of styling the eclectic spirit is that there are no rules, only possibilities.

Here’s a few looks to inspire you.

two people dressed in eclectic styles

person dressed in black button-up, cropped floral jacket, rust-colored cargo pants and white leather oxfords

person in black dress with black shrug, silver chain belt, and red shoulder bag

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March 20, 2025 Staff Style Spotlight: Melissa and Lex

Melissa and Lex smiling together wearing spring fashion

As part of our Staff Style Spotlight series, meet Melissa and Lex. We asked our Seattle team to bring their style and star in our latest photoshoot wearing their best secondhand finds. Read about Melissa and Lex’s style, favorite Crossroads finds, and favorite thing about working at Crossroads.

 

Melissa

Melissa wearing a white dress with colorful patterns and a black harness belt on top

Quick-Fire Q’s:

Style Icon: I would say my sister Laurie. As a kid we shared a room and her style was always so different than mine and I loved stealing her clothes and fitting them to my style.

Current Fav Song: Overwhelmed by Tim McMorris

Favorite Brands: I love Doc Martens and Allsaints!!!

Go-to Drink Order: Vanilla Rooibos and or Oolong Tea that I usually make myself!

 

What is your #1 selling tip for new sellers?

Bring us everything!

What is your favorite part about working at Crossroads?

The company culture!

What is the Crossroads Find that got away?

Everything comes back around!! So I never lose sleep over it because I know something better will come by soon enough!

 

Lex

Lex wearing a red dress over a black t-shirt, silver belt and black boots.

Quick-Fire Q’s:

Style Icon: A mix of Gottmik, Orville Peck, and Joan Jett.

Current Fav Song: Boys, Bugs and Men by Paris Paloma.

Favorite Brands: I absolutely love Vivienne Westwood, and Big Bud Press!!

Go-to Drink Order: A dirty chai with oat milk and lavender.

 

What is your #1 selling tip for new sellers?

Dont be nervous about the trends because fashion is all-inclusive, and anything can be stylish when paired with confidence.

What is your favorite part about working at Crossroads?

I love that Crossroads values people with where they’re at. They look at people’s strengths and are always finding ways to allow the employees to grow.

What is the Crossroads Find that got away?

It was a vintage acid wash suede coat with blue trim and blue faux fur collar. It was the ultimate rockstar jacket!!!

Melissa and Lex smiling together wearing spring fashion

Thanks for the Staff Style Spotlight, Melissa and Lex! As Crossroads employees, Melissa and Lex work in sustainable fashion, curate their store’s inventory, and are part of a creative and supportive team! 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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March 20, 2025 What is Utility Fashion?

Utility fashion is where practicality meets style, creating a look that’s both functional and trendy. Inspired by workwear and military aesthetics, it focuses on durable fabrics, structured silhouettes, and—almost always—plenty of pockets.

At its core, utility fashion is about versatility. Cargo pants, jumpsuits, and utility jackets aren’t just stylish, they’re designed to be worn and lived in. Neutral tones like khaki, olive, and black dominate the aesthetic, making these pieces easy to mix and match for a polished yet laid-back vibe.

What makes this trend so appealing is its adaptability. You can embrace the look with head-to-toe monochrome and chunky boots, or subtly incorporate elements like a structured vest or a belt bag. Whether you’re running errands or heading out for the night, utility fashion ensures you’re ready for anything.

Want to bring this trend into your closet? We recommend starting with a pair of cargo pants or an oversized utility jacket. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

Keep scrolling for looks that capture the trend perfectly.

woman wearing utility fashion: cargo pants, tee, and belted jacket

man dressed in utility fashion with a black cargo jacket, black pants, and short brown boots

woman wearing a tan-colored linen jumpsuit

woman wearing a multi-pocketed button-down shirt with jeans and a baseball cap

woman wearing utility fashion in an army green jumpsuit and cream-colored turtleneck

woman wearing wide-leg cargo pants in army green

You can see all the trends we’re looking for right now in our current selling guide.  Or follow along with us on Instagram.

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March 18, 2025 Women’s History Month Employee Spotlight: Mary Lou

For Women’s History Month, we’re sharing stories from some of the women leaders at Crossroads who have played key roles in the company’s 33-year history.

Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Mary Lou Bagatan, our District Buyer Trainer for the Sacramento/Central Valley who is celebrating 16 years with the company next month!

Meet Mary Lou

Mary Lou Bagatan of Crossroads Trading

Please tell us a little about your career journey at Crossroads.

I tell everyone that my career in fashion really started when my mom took me to my first Crossroads. I was in middle school, and it really ignited my love for Crossroads and shopping secondhand.

In 2009, I was hired on as a part-time Floor Supervisor at our outlet store in Stockton. I grew into an Assistant Manager position and transferred to our Sacramento store in 2012, where I continued to develop my management skills and became the Store Manager. I stayed in that role until January of 2023, when I took on my current role of District Buyer Trainer.

Which part of your Crossroads career makes you most proud?

The work in my current role as a District Buyer Trainer is what I’m most proud of. I love that I get to train and develop future buyers for Crossroads. It’s what I’ve found to be the most rewarding, and it’s something that I’m passionate about.

What’s your favorite part of the job?

The people I work with, and the relationships and connections I’ve made over the years with our Crossroads community.

What do you love to do on your day off?

I love spending quality time with my family – reading, thrifting/antiquing, and coffee dates are some of my favorite pastimes.

Mary Lou and family

What advice would you give to people who want to start a career in fashion?

Working in fashion is like finding your own personal style; you might have to try on several different looks until you find the fit that feels right for you. And like the fashion cycle, sometimes that style changes over time as you grow. It’s never too late to try something new!

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