Blog: Crossroads Style

There are some labels that cross the selling counters of our stores and make us extra giddy. Today, in honor of Black History Month, we share 3 trailblazing Black-owned fashion labels that left a big mark on the industry (and our closets).

Off-White

In 2013, the late Virgil Abloh founded his Milan-based label, Off-White. His innovative approach to merging streetwear with luxury was born from an architectural background, knowledge of Chicago street fashion, and collaborative work with Kanye West. By 2018, sales and popularity proved that Off-White was the hottest label in the world.

Abloh later took his creativity to Louis Vuitton, where he became the first African-American artistic director at the renowned fashion house.

We’re always excited to see Off-White items from sellers, including popular collaboration pieces with brands like Converse.

Telfar

This Brooklyn-based label was founded by Liberian-American, Telfar Clemens, and is known for its genderless fashion pieces. It’s partnered with a wide range of people and brands, including Solange Knowles, UGG, and White Castle.

The Telfar shopping bag is its star piece. Crafted in vegan leather and embossed with the labels’ signature “T”, it consistently sells out and is often referred to as the “Bushwick Birkin”. We love when they come into our stores!

Fenty

The Fenty label was produced under LVHM from 2017 to 2021. It was founded by Rhianna, who became the first Black woman to head a fashion label with the French luxury company. The brand debuted with pop-up stores in Paris and New York. It carried a full line of clothing, shoes, and accessories.

The timing of the pandemic ultimately proved too much for the brand, but its sunglasses and jewelry often sold out and remain some of our favorite pieces.

Of course, this is only scratching the surface of trailblazing Black-owned fashion labels. Which ones would you name your top 3?

If you’re a fan of both fashion and biographies, we have a treat for you today. In honor of Black History Month, we’re sharing 5 memoirs from Black figures in fashion who’ve truly left their mark.

Not only did they rise to the top of an industry famously difficult to break into, but they faced the added political and cultural challenges of being Black in a historically-homogenous fashion world.

Keep reading to find your next great read. Then, pick up a copy from your favorite retailer, or support small bookstores by purchasing at Indie Bound.

Dapper Dan: Made in Harlem: A Memoir, by Daniel R. Day

Known for his legendary NYC boutique, Harlem Haberdashery, Dapper Dan was a visionary behind the 1980s emergence of high-end streetwear. But his personal journey to that moment is a much deeper story, from a boy with holes in his shoes to a teen street gambler to a young man reading in his prison cell. A must-read.

A.L.T.: A Memoir, by Andre Leon Talley

Especially poignant after his recent passing, read the memoir of Vogue’s former editor-at-large, Andre Leon Talley. First inspired by his fashionable grandmother, Bennie Davis, he was formally trained by fashion icon, Diana Vreeland. As a Southern-born African American born in 1949, Talley vividly shares the details of his Durham, N.C., childhood in a segregated South, and his adult years immersed in his beloved world of fashion. Talley will forever remain one of the most influential Black fashion figures of our time.

Walking with the Muses: A Memoir, by Pat Cleveland

Pat Cleveland was one of the first Black supermodels, and her glamourous memoir takes you through her personal adventures. She started her life making her own clothes in a Harlem tenement, only to later live a bohemian jet-setting life in 1970’s New York City, alongside celebrities and artists.

I’ll Never Write My Memoirs, by Grace Jones

Singer, model, and actress, Grace Jones, initially emerged onto the scene as a fashion model in the 1970’s, but grew to become a fashion icon through her free-spirited style and creative musical experiments. Read about her personal journey, which started as a rejection of her strict upbringing in Jamaica and led her to the international stage. She’s truly incomparable.

Dressed in Dreams: A Black Girl’s Love Letter to the Power of Fashion, by Tanisha C. Ford

Tanisha C. Ford is a renowned fashionista and pop culture expert who beautifully weaves her personal story as a Black girl coming of age in the Midwest with the story of an African American fashion culture that innovatively creates the likes of knockoff culture and “ghetto fabulous,” only to see them appropriated by the mainstream.

Enjoy these wonderful reads!

There are some Instagram creators that magically deliver consistent and inspiring fashion content, and this is definitely the case with Piera of @hipiera.

She was so generous to accept my request for a little Q&A. Keep reading to learn more about her!

Please tell us a little about yourself.

Hi friends! I’m Piera, a Brooklynite living in Los Angeles (like most relocated East Coasters). You can find me on Instagram sharing my sustainable fashion journey and tips on how to style thrifted finds. I just launched a new weekly series called #dressedbythedeck, which has been a fun creative challenge. You’re welcome to join in on it, too!

I like to balance the colorful images on my feed with unedited, real-life moments because social media is only a glimpse of what someone is really experiencing. I know, I’ve worked in social media for 10+ years and am a part-time content creator. Because of that, I often talk about mental health, community, and feelings. I weave in my passion for connecting with others through my work as the Social Lead at a startup called Quilt, an audio-only app for supportive conversations.

How would you describe your fashion style?

In a nutshell, I’d describe my overall fashion style as vintage eclectic meets art school teacher. My style depends on my mood and how I’m feeling each day. I’ll wear an all-black, simple chic outfit one day and rainbow vomit maximalism the next. The most important thing when I’m getting dressed is that I FEEL good, because sure you can look great in something, but if you don’t feel comfortable in it, who are you dressing for?

Thank you for naming Crossroads one of your favorite thrifting spots in LA! How did you come to find us? Do you have a favorite Crossroads find?

A few years ago, I was searching for secondhand shops and a blogger mentioned Crossroads. I was living in New York at the time, so I immediately went to the closest location.

As for my favorite Crossroads find, that’s a tough one! There have been many gems, but one of my favorites is a metallic pink crop leather jacket. There’s no label in it and the stitching is a little off, so I have a feeling it might be handmade, which makes it all that more special.

Most vintage and thrift shoppers have a burning memory of “the item that got away.” Is there anything you didn’t buy on a thrifting trip that you still regret leaving behind?

I’m someone who documents everything, so there’s an endless supply of photos and videos of things that got away. Ultimately though, I believe (and hope) the things we leave behind end up with someone who rocks the hell out of it! I do remember a vintage silk high-waisted pant and crop top set that I wish I scooped up though. It was cream and pink colored with delicate embroidery and pearl buttons.

Your colorful hair is part of your signature style. When did you start experimenting with different colors, and did something special inspire you?

I started experimenting with my hair when I moved to LA about six years ago. I left New York because I was burnt out from the hustle culture and working three jobs. Coloring my hair was a rebirth for me. And, it makes my inner child so happy. I recommend everyone try it; even with a wig, it’s an instant mood booster!

Thank you, Piera, for taking the time to tell us more about yourself and your amazing style! 

See more of Piera’s style at @hipiera.

If you liked this article, you might enjoy our Q&A with IG influencer, Barbara from @barbara.goes.wear.

We love sharing how to style denim on denim, so if you’re nervous about trying it, we’ve gathered some outfits to inspire you!

Here are 9 excellent ways to style this look:

1. Finish with a Non-Denim Top Layer

2. Accessorize a Jumpsuit

3. Wear a Denim Jacket as a Top

4. Mix Light and Dark Denims

5. Aim for a Loose Boxy Fit

6. Try a Denim Skirt Look

7. Go Monochromatic with Light Denim

8. Monochromatic with Dark Denim

9. Incorporate Chambray

Denim on denim style is always fun to experiment with. Some may see it as a seasonal trend, but we consider it a classic look. Select one of these 9 outfits as your inspiration look and then stop in to any of our store locations to find the pieces you need to give this look a go!

You may have heard about it, and it’s true! There are stores that give money for used clothes, and in many instances, you can walk into them today for cash or store credit.

Maybe you’ve heard of Buffalo Exchange or Plato’s Closet? At Crossroads, we’re very similar.

Here’s how it works:

1. You clean your closet out and select pieces that are still in excellent condition. Maybe they never fit right or didn’t end up being selected over other favorite pieces.
2. Bring your items into any store location to sell them. In the case of Crossroads, no appointment is needed and you can even use our app to add your name to the selling waitlist before you’re even in the store.
3. Decide if you want cash or store credit for the items the store selects to buy from you.
4. Spend your cash or shop the store for new items to add to your wardrobe.

Wherever you decided to sell your clothes, here are three great tips for selling them.

1. Refer to Their Selling Guide

Most stores give you an idea of the trends and pieces they’re looking for with a selling guide on their website. Look for these before selecting your clothes to sell.

2. Ask About Consignment

If you have designer labels or higher-end brands, ask the store about whether they offer consignment. You usually won’t get paid until the item sells, but you’ll receive a larger percentage payout when it does. For example, see Crossroads’ consignment payouts here.

3. Look for Sell by Mail Options

If you can’t find a store location near you, you’re not out of luck. Sell by Mail options allow you to order a free bag with pre-paid postage that you can fill up and send in. Yes, that’s correct. You can sell your clothes from the convenience of home.

Good luck out there selling your clothes! It’s never a bad time for a closet refresh, and we hope to see you at our selling counter soon.