December 12, 2023 Q&A with Unpicker from YouTube
I’m a middle-aged punk from Scotland, and for the past two years I’ve been sewing as a hobbyist and making videos about it. I’ve always cared about my clothes, but I lost my identity a little when I became a dad. Sewing has been a way to reconnect with that.
How did you originally pick up your sewing skills? What were your very first projects?
My grandma was a Home EC teacher, so sewing skills were passed down that side of the family, as were her old machines. But for years I only did hand sewing like band patches on jackets or repairing rips in my jeans.
My first project was this box of old band tees that I was hoarding. They were too trashed to wear, but I just couldn’t throw them out. At some point I found a tutorial for making a patchwork blanket, one thing led to another, and I had made this useful thing that was imbued with really happy memories. I was hooked.
When and how did you decide to start repurposing pieces?
I had bought additional deadstock fabric for the blanket project. Virgin fabric was ruled out (you know, climate crisis). But by the end I had spent about £100, so if I was going to keep sewing I had to make it much, much cheaper. That’s when I turned to what was in my wardrobe and things that I could find in the charity shops. I was blissfully ignorant when I started: I was deconstructing garments, patchworking the small bits of fabric together, and trying to get enough material to make a panel. I’ve improved a lot since then, and I’m starting to develop a system.
Which of your YouTube projects are you most proud of?
The baseball shirt was a huge step for me. It was the first garment that I self-drafted and required a huge amount of learning. Although there are some faults, I’ll regularly wear it and feel good doing so. It did feel like a cheat using a bedsheet though.
But the forever jeans are my actual favourite. So much work had to happen for me to make those, and now I have a pair of jeans uniquely mine.
What do you dream of sewing up next?
My focus for 2024 is to rework some of the projects I’ve already done and improve on them, like my hanten jacket, the ‘Hamcus’ hoodie, and maybe the kilt. I feel like I have a handle on the basics and now want to refine my skills. I have this nagging idea to patchwork old rain jackets into something waterproof, but that could go very wrong.
I’m led by the gaps in my wardrobe, so the next project can go in any direction depending on the weather, the activities I need my clothing to facilitate, or what brand I’m currently obsessed with. I plan to continue making two videos a month and see where this takes me.
December 11, 2023 Staff Style Spotlight: Joaquin
As part of our Staff Style Spotlight series, meet Joaquin, a Lead Cashier at Crossroads. We asked San Jose and Santa Cruz employees to bring their style and star in our latest photoshoot wearing their Crossroads finds. Read about Joaquin’s personal style, favorite Crossroads finds, and favorite thing about working at Crossroads.
Describe your all-time favorite Crossroads find.
Golf Wang mint cardigan with a blue embroidered bee in the pocket. Either this or a pair of brown leather Bapesta shoes.
Which clothing brand(s) do you get excited to see at Crossroads?
Ben Davis (pants), Vans (basic black shoes), or any band tees I may recognize (no specific brand). Seeing Golf Wang, Supreme, or other common street wear brands is fun to see too.
Describe your personal style in 5 words or less.
“The same black tee… again”
What is your favorite part about working at Crossroads?
What tips do you have for selling at Crossroads?
Make sure there’s no crazy stains or rips. Make sure it’s something you’d want to buy here too; that can be pretty helpful in my opinion.
Thanks for the Staff Style Spotlight, Joaquin! As a Lead Cashier, Joaquin has the exciting job of creating an aesthetically appealing environment that welcomes all customers, assisting customers throughout the store, and handling all sales-related tasks. Does this sound like something you would be interested in? Join our team! Check out our Careers page to learn more about working at Crossroads.
December 7, 2023 Holiday Outfit Ideas to Get You Planning
It’s time to research holiday outfit ideas and get ready for the next few weekends of events! Whether it’s an office party, family gathering, or more formal outing, there’s a look that will match every single event.
Below are some of the holiday outfit themes that inspire us year after year. Pick the ones that work best for your holiday event schedule.
All the Frills
Sometimes you want to go full glam for the holidays. This look with pearls, feathers, and Gucci tights gets it right.
Disco Ready
We turn to sequins and metallics all holiday season. This look is so ready for the dance floor.
Layers of Accessories
Take your look to the next level by piling on your best accessories. We’re inspired by this look’s extra additions: a newsboy cap, bold sunglasses, spotlight scarf, and mini weekender bag.
Classic Glam
We love to recreate classic looks, and this floor-length velour dress with matching gloves is a perfect example.
Traditional Plaid
Who doesn’t love a holiday plaid? We adore this plaid dress with a festive velvet tie waist. The black boots make it modern.
Luxe from Head to Toe
Pull out all the investment pieces in your closet. This look is minimal, but the luxe fabrics shine through.
Haven’t figured out your look quite yet? Get even more holiday outfit ideas by stopping into your local Crossroads store or checking out our latest trend guide.
December 5, 2023 The Denim Skirt You Want This Season
A denim skirt is a wardrobe staple, but there is one style in particular that’s getting a lot of attention right now. It’s the denim maxi skirt, and you can see it everywhere.
From mid-calf to ankle length, we prefer one with a front slit. Heels can make sense, but boots and sneakers are an equally-popular choice.
They pair well with turtlenecks, crop tops, long sleeve jersey tees, you name it. Add an outerwear layer like trench coats and leather jackets.
Keep scrolling to see some of the photo inspiration we collected from Instagram.
November 30, 2023 Designer Resale Pieces in Stores Now
Designer resale pieces have a special place in our heart because while we love luxury pieces, we don’t always have the budget to match.
Plus, there’s something extra exciting about finding a secondhand piece that’s priced at a third of its original retail price!
Gently used clothing and accessories from Balenciaga, Gucci, Prada, Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton…need we say more?
Take a look at some of the designer resale pieces that were recently spotted on the floors of our stores. These are just a sample of what you can find in our consignment cases. (And, ahem, did you know we give 50-70% cash payouts on consigned items? It’s true!).
While you’re in our stores looking for great designer picks, consider selling or consigning your own pre-loved pieces. We offer both cash and store credit payout options, and our experienced buyers buy all day every day.
First, visit our seasonal selling guide to see the styles, labels, and brands we’re currently looking for. Then, locate your nearest Crossroads store, or try our Sell by Mail service from the convenience of home.
Either way, you could earn cash or store credit for your next designer purchase!
