Blog: Crossroads Style

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!

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.

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.

If you’re building an investment piece wardrobe, it’s likely that an Hermes scarf is on your list. It’s one of the best treasure hunt pieces to find in a resale store like Crossroads! Once you get your hands on one– or a similar large silk scarf with as much versatility– try these 9 ways to wear an Hermes scarf.

1. Old Hollywood

Step 1: Fold it in half into a large triangle and tie it under the chin. Step 2: Add a pair of your biggest sunnies. Step 3: Pretend you’re walking to your convertible for a drive along the coast.

2. As a Belt

Keep the rest of the look casual–jeans and a t-shirt work perfectly here–and weave the scarf through your belt loops for a fresh approach to a belt.

3. Loose Wrap

Loosely wrap the scarf around your next once, similar to how you’d wear a traditional winter scarf.

4. To One Side

There are two ways to get this look: tie the scarf around a low ponytail or wrap the scarf once around your neck. Either way, leave one side of the scarf much longer than the other and pulled over one shoulder.

5. With Leather

A traditional piece like an Hermes scarf looks even better when it’s worn in unexpected ways. Opt for a leather motorcycle jacket instead of a riding blazer.

6. Multi-Wrapped

In this style, it’s wrapped several times around the neck with a small knot to finish. We like how the vintage clip-on earrings make the look even more dramatic.

7. Loose Knot

The mood you’re going for is nonchalant. The knot is below the neckline and a little imperfect.

8. Headband

An Hermes scarf looks amazing as a head wrap, and the headband style is the easiest one to perfect.

9. Giant Bow

Tie a bow and then fluff out the sides for an exaggerated and fun look.

With our 9 ways to wear an Hermes scarf, did we convince you to add one to your wardrobe capsule? Follow our Instagram feed to watch for Hermes and other scarf arrivals in our stores, and learn more about how consignment works at Crossroads.