Just Shipped

We’re printing holiday party posters over here and can’t believe it’s that time of year already! It’s time to start thinking about those holiday party dresses and their festive accompanying accessories.

Here are some of our ideas for staying warm in those holiday dresses. We’ve just shipped an assortment of coats from Plastic Island, Egoist and McGinn.

They’re arriving in San Francisco Bay Area stores today and in the rest of our stores next week.*

Coat by Plastic Island, $37.50

Coat by Plastic Island, $38.50

Coat by Plastic Island, $38.50

*Except for our outlet store in Stockton.

First Look

There’s no need to fear the cool weather ahead when you stock your closet with sweaters and jackets like these.  They represent an assortment of toasty items arriving in our stores next week.*

Sweater by Belle Du Jour, $20 (Also available in Gray and Black)

Jacket by Self Esteem, $20 (Assorted Colors and Styles Available).

Jacket by Self Esteem, $20 (Assorted Colors and Styles Available).

*Except for our outlet store in Stockton.

Personal Style

Our stores will be receiving a large shipment of coats and jackets next week.*  All by the brand Wednesday, the assortment should meet the needs of many different style types.  My favorite is the rose-colored jacket.  How about you?

All jackets and pants by Wednesday.  Jackets, $22.50; Pants, $18.50.

*Except for our outlet store in Stockton.

Jump Into Fall

Q: What do I wear with a jumper?

A: Jumpers are such a cute look for fall! Start with a wool one and then add a cap-sleeve blouse, long sleeve plaid shirt, or turtleneck.  Stripes are hot right now, so I love the striped sweater option below.

And think outside of the box with this piece. You can wear a cropped jacket to give it a whole new look.  Or, add bright leggings and ballet flats.  Anyway you slice it, you’ll look adorable!

The items below will arrive in all Crossroads stores next week.*

All merchandise is new.  Paul Frank wool jumper, $27.50; Paul Frank sweater, $22.50; Forever 21 bow jacket, $17.50.

*Excluding out outlet store in Stockton.

Country Chic

Q: I keep hearing about the “country chic” look for fall.  What is it?

A: Get those images of overalls out of your mind; this look evokes more of the “Let’s meet for tea after the polo match” than “Let’s milk the cows before noon.”

Plaid and houndstooth are the staples of country chic.  They look as lovely on a heavy coat as they do on a ruffle-front silk blouse.  Add a pair of riding boots or your favorite wellies to get the look just right.

These coats and jackets from Last Kiss will get you started on your own country chicness.  They’re headed to our stores this week.*

All coats and jackets by Last Kiss. Plaid coats, $35.00; Houndstooth coat, $42.50; Plaid cropped-sleeve jacket, $20.00; Octopus necklace, $12.50.

*Our outlet store in Stockton will not carry the coats and jacket, but will carry the necklace.

The Seasonal Transition

Q: I get confused this time of year.  I want to start buying for fall, but the summer weather has yet to recede.  What should I be looking for?

A: Remember those first days of school, when you melted all day because you couldn’t wait to wear your new fall clothes?  I think a lot of us have been there, and it’s no surprise we’d like a better plan.

Think of your current purchases in terms of layering.   I think dresses are the simplest choice for this.  When you eye a short-sleeve dress, consider if it could be worn over a turtleneck and tights when the weather chills.  Even a silk dress that you wear for those final summer weddings could be paired with leggings and boots later in the year.

I do recommend snagging a fall jacket early in the season, however, as the best ones get snatched up quickly.  Keep it a light one, though, and you’ll find yourself wearing it on chilly September evenings with your favorite jeans and t-shirt.

All of these Porridge items will do quite nicely.  Retailing for over $100 elsewhere, these pieces will give you a bargain rush that will last you through next season!

Find them in Crossroads stores next week.*

All items by Porridge.  Silk dresses, $38.50; Cotton dresses, $37.50; Jackets, $40.00.

*Excluding our outlet store in Stockton.

Breezy Days

Q: In my neck of the woods, spring can still be quite chilly.  What types of jackets and coats do you think I should count on until summer arrives?

A: Experiencing a gray Bay Area morning myself, I can definitely relate.  Sometimes spring weather can turn on a dime.  But there is no reason to fret; there is a wide array of options for us on days like this.

Try a cropped leather jacket over a soft sweater or invest in a 3/4 sleeve swing jacket.  Sweater coats can be updated when paired with a wide belt.  Or, transform a short sleeve jacket for cooler days by layering it over a long sleeve top.

For evenings, select a fun tuxedo jacket.  And weekend wear would not be complete without a cozy hoodie.  Look for one in a bright color.

When shopping for your spring and summer jackets, keep in mind that an empire waist style is fashionable and flattering.

In fact, these two-piece jacket tops by Porridge fit the bill.  These retail for over $125, but Crossroads has them in stock for a steal!

Look for them next week in our stores.*

Both Jacket Tops By Porridge (New)

$35.00

*Excluding our Stockton outlet store.