Blog: Crossroads Style

There are always a few, unexpected trends that pop up at the start of a new season. We all know that tie-dye is the rage and that longer shorts (yes, Bermuda is in!) are the way to go this summer season, but there are a few more, lesser known trends that are about to blow up just in time for the heat! Here’s some of those smaller, but equally as fresh and buzzworthy trends that are slowly (but surely) making their way to the top of the trend list for summer 2019.

Bucket Hats

There are two reasons why I am loving this hat trend! 1) A classic bucket hat is fantastic for sun protection and 2) Bucket hats are casual, versatile and a simple way to add a “cool” vibe to any summer look. At first glance, bucket hats totally reminded me of the 90’s hip-hop culture, as well as the fishing hat my grandpa used to rock, but once I gave the trend a shot myself, I realized how simple this trend is to truly pull off and now I’m hooked! Also noteworthy, fashion forecasters expect this trend to continue through (and maybe even past) the winter season to come as well.

“Dad” Sandals

Chunky and usually featuring a thick foot bed and/or wide straps, “dad” sandals are the perfect alternative to summer’s more feminine footwear trends. These sandals may not be the most visually appealing in style, but you know they are cool when Prada and Chanel are creating some of the chicest pairs out there! The best part about these sandals is that they are incredibly comfortable. I mean, how could they not be with a plush foot bed and those wide, thick straps?! “Dad” sandals are actually a fun option to pair with something a bit flirtier in style as they will balance out the feminine flair of an outfit with some edge and casualness.

Fruity Prints

Fruits are synonymous with the summer season, so it is no surprise that they are finding their way, printed onto summer styles! Bright,citrus-hued colors are already on trend for the summer season, so adding the actual fruit to a pattern seemed like a logical next step to kick this trend up a notch. Fair-warning before you try this trend for yourself, yummy fruit patterns may cause hunger and it is also impossible to not be a in a good mood while wearing a cheery fruit pattern!

The Jonas Brothers are back with a new album, tour, and documentary and I personally could not be more ecstatic; I am a total fangirl for life! While the Boys are front and center on stage as a trio again, their other halves have been quietly stealing the spotlight. Take a look at the ways the “J-Sisters” have outshined their hubbies during their comeback.

Video Vixens

It’s been 3 months since the debut of The Jonas Brothers’ lead single, “Sucker” and I am still not over how amazing Danielle, Sophie, and Priyanka are in front of the camera. Special shout out to the OG Jonas wife, Danielle, who is not a public personality and absolutely killed it in her video debut!

Billboard Music Awards

The Wives have always supported their Husbands whether it be on or off the stage and they continued to show just how big of fans that they are at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards.

Met Gala Mavens

Two of the three Jo Bros + Wives attended The Met Gala last month and we have to be honest: all eyes were on the stunning ladies!

‘Chasing Happiness’ Premiere

The premiere for the Jonas Brothers’ Amazon Prime documentary was held this week. After watching the doc and drying my eyes, I couldn’t help but go back and revel in the J-Sisters red carpet red hot looks! In all honesty, can Nick Jonas ever compete with Priyanka’s thigh-high, chainlink slit dress?

Instagram Game

The girls have been killing it on Instagram and lately I’ve been finding myself giving more likes to their feeds than the JoBro Insta feeds!

Sisterly Support

What I love the most about the J-Sisters’ are their connection and support of each other!

Of course, the “J-Sisters” are so much more than just the women behind the Jonas Brothers. Get to know them a little better below!

Bonafide Star

Sophie Turner rose to fame with her starring role in HBO’s “Game of Thrones” and her new movie “Dark Phoenix” is out this week. No doubt her move from the small screen to the big screen will be seamless!

Triple Threat

Priyanka Chopra Jonas rose to fame as an actress, singer, film producer and even won Miss Universe in 2000. Since then, Priyanka has continued acting but has been applauded for her many philanthropic efforts with children, woman’s rights and the environment, being awarded titles such as one of Times 100 Most Influential and Forbes World’s 100 Most Powerful Women.

Entrepreneur

Danielle Jonas was a hairdresser from New Jersey when she met Kevin Jonas on vacation and has since been a supportive wife, mother, and now entrepreneur. Danielle launched jewelry line “Moments” and created the app, “Amazing Baby Days” to help parents document their journeys from pregnancy through the baby’s first year.

The utilitarian trend for summer combines comfort and street-chic style to create a universally flattering and easy summer look. The key to styling this trend without looking safari ready is all in the details, like the fabrics, the silhouettes, and the accessories that add a feminine touch to the typically masculine characteristics of utilitarian looks. Take a look at 3 ways bloggers are wearing the utility trend this summer.

Utilitarian Accessories

A waist-cinching belt creates a flattering silhouette for a comfortable, cool and stylish utility style shirtdress. I love how Emma paired her dress with contrasting neutral accessories.

Try a Jumpsuit

A linen or cotton jumpsuit is the perfect throw-on-and-go piece for beating the summer heat. Keep this one piece look simple and lightweight with neutral slide sandals and minimal accessories, like Natasha.

Switch Up Your Shorts

Trade your denim shorts this summer for a pair of high-waisted, belted khaki shorts for a comfortable and casual look. Julie created the perfect vacation ready look by tying an embroidered button-down top with her shorts and completing her outfit with lace-up sandals.

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!

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.