Blog: Crossroads Style

With almost 30 years of experience in resale fashion, we’re happy to share our insider tips for selling your clothes in person. We understand that a first-time seller may be nervous about what to expect, but you’ll learn here that it’s quite easy.

Walk the Store

The first step is to get to know the store, and the best way to do that is to “shop” it! Walk the sales floor and ask yourself questions like:

-Which brands and trends do the buyers seem to favor?

-Which department racks are packed? (The store may not buy more maxi dresses if their current rack of maxi dresses is overflowing).

-Which department racks look empty? (The store is likely looking to buy more of these items. This is true of sizes within departments too. For example, a rack with only a few pairs of jeans in a size large means the store may need more of that size).

Ask the Staff

Whether it’s before you sell or during your selling experience, ask staff what they’re currently looking for. They usually have that answer at the top of their head. In the case of Crossroads, you can always review our online selling guide too. It’s based on trends reported directly from our stores.

Don’t Overlook Vintage Pieces

Vintage and retro pieces are very popular right now. Don’t be afraid to bring in an older band t-shirt or a neon jacket from the 80’s. You may be surprised that some of these items are gems to thrift shoppers.

Consider Consignment for Designer Pieces

You’ll likely want a higher price for your designer items, so ask the store if they offer consignment. All Crossroads locations do, except for our outlet store in Stockton. In the case of consignment, you’re paid when the item sells (versus on-the-spot), but the payouts are higher and based on the listed price. You can find the Crossroads consignment payout chart here.

They’re simple, but these are our insider tips for selling your clothes in person to a resale store. Of course, we hope you choose to sell to one of our store locations. If you happen to live further away from one of those, check out our Sell By Mail option.

Happy selling!

Yes, we did it: we reached the end of 2020. In our last post of the year, we’re here to share some New Year’s resolutions you can actually keep. The best part? We can help!

More than ever, we know we need to do our part to protect the planet. It can be done in many ways, big and small. If you’re a fashion lover, one way is to buy and sell secondhand clothes. It decreases the need for new clothing pieces to be created, and it keeps unwanted clothing out of landfill. You know where you find us across the country.

This is one of the most popular resolutions, for good reason. Saving money will help you reach your future goals. We can help you with this goal in two different ways. First, you can bring in your unwanted clothing to sell at any of our store locations or by mail. We give cash on the spot. Or, you can take store credit instead and shop our store for “new” items to add to your closet. You’ll save money on clothing purchases all year long.

We’re all ready to dress up again, aren’t we? Fortunately, things are looking brighter for 2021. But whether you’re attending a Zoom birthday party this spring or finally hosting a dinner party by the year’s end, we know how much fun you have dressing up. See out stores as a revolving closet, where you buy and sell back pieces so you can play with fashion and your individual style. It’s what we do!

Here’s to making New Year’s resolutions you can keep. Welcome to 2021.

The end of 2020 requires us to plan for New Year’s Eve looks for home. If you’re like us, we still like to plan our outfit for the evening. Don’t worry, this year is the easiest ever. We have just a few ideas here that will get you NYE-ready while barely lifting a finger. That leaves you plenty of time to open a bottle of sparkling wine and make a heaping plate of microwave nachos. Actually sounds kind of nice, doesn’t it?

Thick Knits

Did you take up knitting during quarantine? Now is the time to show off your work!

A Jumper

Get in, zip it up and you’re ready. We’re down.

Zoom on the Top

You’ve perfected this look all year on your Zoom work calls! There’s no better fashion tribute than to wear it on the last night of the year.

Sweatsuit Set

If your sweatsuit top and bottom match, is it kind of fancy? Yes, of course.

Onesie

Go ahead and make that second plate of microwave nachos. The onesie has your back!

Here’s to ending a year where we have to count on New Year’s Eve looks for home. Next New Year’s Eve, we’ll be dancing the night away with our best friends, right?  Happy New Year!

You can count on us to stock our racks with your favorite everyday brands like Zara, Urban Outfitters and Everlane, but you can also shop our secondhand designer finds from our stores’ dedicated shelves and cases. Prepare yourself to find pricing at a fraction of original retail cost.

To get a feel for the items I’m taking about, just scroll through our regional Instagram feeds to see what our stores have available. Here is only a sample of what I found in the last week alone, marked by store location so you can see what’s local to you.

Houston:

Kenzo Top, Size XS, $37.50

Givenchy Shoes, Size 8, $85

Costa Mesa:

Marni Handbag, $75

San Francisco (Fillmore St.):

Fendi Shoes, Men’s Size 7, $295

Costa Mesa:

Fendi Shoes, Size 36, $125

Portland (NW 23rd):

Off-White Jacket, Size S, $225

Santa Barbara (all items by Gucci!):

Jacket, Size L, $450

Bag, $550

Sunglasses, $350

Wallet, $275

Chicago (Wicker Park):

Saint Laurent Hoodie, Size XS, $175

Saint Laurent Booties, Size 7.5, $250

Do you shop our secondhand designer finds? If so, share them and tag @crossroadstrading. You may find yourself on our Instagram feed!

Winter fashion pieces in the popular check pattern are easily found in your favorite shops when cold weather strikes. Have you been wondering how to wear winter checks this year? Here are 5 no-fail styling tricks that we’re excited to pass along.

Wear Checks With Other Patterns

Some people aim to match a color in each pattern, but nowadays we say just go for it!

Create a Black & White Look

This look requires little thought on a chilly winter morning when you’re rushing out of the house, but the result reads pulled-together.

Bring Pastels into Winter

Pastels in winter outfits are unexpected and ensure your look is a stand-out.

Don’t Overlook Summer Silhouettes

Take this red flannel dress for example. Add a fitted black turtleneck underneath, and it’s winter-ready.

Mix Bright Checks with Neutrals

Don’t hesitate to pick up check patterns in bright colors. You’ll give them center stage by coupling them with neutral pieces.

Check patterns are especially popular in thrifted looks, since they’ve been around for decades and you can find them in beautiful vintage styles. How do you wear winter checks? Tag us @crossroadtrading and share!