May 4, 2021 Selling is Easy with the Crossroads App
Yes, you read that title correctly: selling is easy with the Crossroads app! If you haven’t heard about the app before, we’re here to fill you in on this new way to sell. For your quick tutorial, watch the 17-second video below.
In essence, you can add your name to our selling waitlist without leaving your home. Just open the app and select your local store to see the number of sellers in line. In some regions with multiple stores (like the SF Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Chicago), you may want to check all stores in that region to find the one with the shortest wait. Then, add your name to the waitlist (remotely!) and you’ll receive a notification when it’s your turn to sell.
Please note that the app is temporarily unavailable for a few stores that still require appointments for selling. Click here to see which selling options your local store is currently offering.
Two Common Questions About the Crossroads App
Is it available for both iPhone and Android?
Yes! You can download it from either the Apple Store or Google Play.
How come I don’t see the “Add Me” button for my local store?
The “Add Me” button only appears when the store is open. It appears a few minutes before the store opens and disappears 15 minutes before the store closes.
Take a few minutes to download the app now so it’s ready for the next time you sell!
Photos Via
April 29, 2021 Neon Fashion is Back from the ’80s
Neon fashion is back from the ’80s, and its bright tones make us so happy about summer days ahead. On top of that, the thrill of hunting for vintage neon pieces makes finding an official ’80s piece even more exciting.
It’s a bold look for sure, so consider your comfort level before you select your piece. Some people will go in 100% with a neon tracksuit, some will pick up just one great piece like the yellow leather jacket below, and some will want to start with a simple touch, like the neon sunglasses we feature here.
Whichever you decide, your outfit is guaranteed to benefit from the fun pop of color.
Neon pieces can be found in all our store locations, as you can see from the photos from our stores’ Instagram feeds below. And if you have a neon piece at home that never really fit into your wardrobe, bring it into one of our stores to sell. Or, sell it to us by mail!
We know we’re thrilled that neon fashion is back from the ’80s, but how about you? If you find a great neon piece in one of our stores, please promise to share it online and tag us at @crossroadstrading so we can see it!
April 27, 2021 What Does Slow Fashion Mean?
We hear a lot of talk about fast fashion, but what does slow fashion mean?
Very similar to the slow food movement, it’s about making deliberate choices about the fashion you buy. It’s about limiting the number of clothing items you own, investing in well-constructed pieces that will last for years, and buying and selling used clothing.
If you’re reading this blog post, you’re probably already a secondhand clothing shopper. We applaud you for that! Here are two more tips that can help you stretch your slow fashion efforts even further.
1. Look for High-Quality, Long-Wear Pieces
High-quality pieces are considered a wardrobe investment because you expect to wear them at least 30 times. They are made of durable fabrics or leather and can be easily repaired or mended to last longer. Below are some examples from the sales floors of our stores.
2. Buy Rare & Special Pieces
I find it almost impossible to pass on a piece that feels special and whimsical because it’s something you’ll hold on to for years. You may not wear it as often, but you bring it out for special occasions or days you just really need a mood lift. These are the pieces that people stop you on the street to
ask, “where did you get that?!”
Take a look at some of the pieces in Crossroads stores that I think fit the bill.
Living the slow fashion movement is just one of the ways to help the planet these days. You can also amplify your efforts by sharing your secondhand finds on social and tagging your #crossroadsfinds. Thanks for spreading the word!
March 22, 2021 by Fiona V. Pitt Why Shop Second Hand?
If you’re like me and get eco-anxiety, you already know about our climate crisis, but why does that mean you should shop second hand? Fashion is a creative outlet for many. However, the fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters on our planet just behind oil, is responsible for 20% of industrial water pollution and releases 10% of all carbon emissions into the air. While the fashion industry doesn’t have a clear answer for sustainability yet, the goal is for a fully circular system. Right now, the most sustainable way to indulge in fashion is to shop second hand.
It isn’t wrong to want to change your wardrobe or to be thrilled by new fashion trends, but the linear model most brands currently use is responsible for immense amounts of waste. In the linear model, fashion brands and manufacturers have no responsibility for the end life of a garment. Sustainability is complicated and not just a buzzword good for branding. It is about our future. Using your purchasing power and shopping sustainably is the first step in keeping clothing out of landfills and lessening your impact on the environment.
Here are steps to having a more sustainable wardrobe:
- Shop sustainable brands that use Earth-friendly materials like organic cotton or have upcycled or recycled materials. Limit purchasing new, fast fashion items as much as possible.
- Buy well-made pieces. They will last longer in your wardrobe and in the resale rotation.
- Sell items you no longer love or wear. If your items have become unsellable, donate them instead of throwing away.
- Take care of your clothing. Learn to mend.
- Best yet, shop second hand. It’s the most sustainable solution to fashion’s impact right now.
Shopping second hand is a personalized and exciting way to find a special piece no one else will have. You will learn about yourself and style, while helping protect the Earth.
Want to shop second hand? Visit your local Crossroads Trading for a curated selection of second hand clothing, shoes and accessories. Ready to (sustainably) clean out your closet? Learn how to get the most when selling your clothes here.
Photos Via
February 26, 2021 by Joseph Weber Styling Classic Menswear Looks from Decades Past
The concept of menswear that we know today has drastically evolved over the years. With the growing popularity of vintage and vintage-inspired pieces, it’s a must that one knows how to style iconic pieces. However, building an outfit that captures the trends of a certain time can be a trying task. We’ve got you covered! Here are some ways to put a modern spin on styling classic menswear looks from decades past.
The 50’s
Incorporate denim and leather into your look to complete the 50’s rebel fantasy!
The 60’s
For a 60’s look, focus on the color palette. Menswear at the time saw the rise in browns, tans, and yellows.
The 70’s
A relaxed and colorful fit makes a 70’s day look work. For the night, turn up the flair with a silk scarf, patterned shirt, and some high-waisted pants.
The 80’s
An 80’s outfit requires neon and patterns! Bust out the ugly sweaters and throw on your loudest colored jacket.
The 90’s
It’s all about baggy for the 90’s. A classic 90’s outfit warrants a little drowning in your clothes!
Vintage pieces not only have the power to completely transport one back in time, but there is a story to every item. This highlights the importance of recycling fashion because it helps preserve the past. Now you too can keep the past alive with your expanded knowledge on styling classic menswear looks from decades past!
Inspired to style a great vintage outfit? Visit your local Crossroads to shop a hand-picked selection of great vintage finds. Find your nearest location here.
