Pretty Things

Every October, Crossroads holds a management camp in the heart of Sonoma wine country. All store managers travel in to spend three days discussing upcoming trends and outlining ways to better assist our customers. On top of that, we eat lots of fabulous food and enjoy guilty pleasures like Confessions of a Shopaholic.

So what happens when you bring together a group of fashion-savvy retail store managers? Lots of great style. I anticipate I might see some of these fashionable twists on camping wear.

Pretty Plaid Shirts

Beautiful Floral Cardigans

Eternity Scarves

Nature Inspired Jewelry

Who knew that camping could require so much shopping?

The Neo-Hippie

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, Style.com has posted a slideshow of what it calls today’s “neo-hippies.”  These people exemplify a bohemian lifestyle in many different ways:  repurposed fashion, environmental advocacy, organic production.  The photos are really lovely, and I find their styles inspiring.

It was merely a coincidence this morning that one of our buyers was preparing the jewelry pieces below for shipment to our stores.  She explained that the feather pieces are all one-of-a-kind and created by a California designer who works with recycled materials.  These pieces have the soft, natural beauty that a free spirit would truly appreciate.

All pieces by Otterbody. Necklace, $10; Earrings, $9.50

And I couldn’t help but admire these large enamel rings as well.  I think the earthy colors and tribal-like markings make them perfect adornments for a connoisseur of earthly delights.

Rings, $10.50 each

All jewelry is shipping out to our stores next week, with delivery expected for the week of August 24th.

The New Plaid Shirt

I was playing Rock Band with my friends last night, and while “drumming” to Pearl Jam found myself lost in my thoughts.  You know how a certain song can take you back to an exact moment in your past?  Well, that Pearl Jam song took me right back to my first trip to Seattle, the summer after I graduated high school.  Seattle was the place to be, and I was wearing faded jeans, industrial-style boots, and (of course!) a plaid flannel shirt.

Although my heart strings are pulled by the memory of that plaid flannel shirt, I find the modern plaid shirt 100x more flattering.  Look how great Sandra Bullock makes it look on the cover of Glamour Magazine.

Photo: Glamour Magazine

Now for the lucky coincidence: the Crossroads buyers notified me this morning about the great plaid tops we recently sent out to all of our stores.* We even sent out a bracelet that’s eerily similar to the one Sandra is wearing. Count me in with this updated look!

Plaid top by Cielo, $10.50; Charm Necklace, $9.50; Adjustable Bead Bracelet, $7.50

*Plaid top not available at our outlet store in Stockton.

What’s your inspiration?

Have you ever noticed that sometimes all it takes to spark the fashion imagination is a single accessory?

This week our jewelry department sent me photos of some cute new necklaces headed out to our stores.  I took one look at the double wishbone necklace and immediately knew what I’d wear it with: boyfriend jeans, white tank, gold studded gladiator sandals and my favorite blue scarf. Just the thing for a sunny afternoon in wine country or eating oysters on Tomales Bay.

Tell me: what accessories have been inspiring your style this summer?

All necklaces available in silver and gold and come with matching earrings, $9.50.

Anticipation

Yesterday afternoon, I passed a man sitting outside of the French Hotel, his eyes closed and face tilted up towards the warm afternoon sun.  He reminded me how the first sunny days that promise spring weather are some of the best. 

I personally have started peeking into my storage box of spring fashions, impatiently awaiting their seasonal debut.  And new pairs of gold sandals and strappy heels stand ready for printed skirts with bare legs. I’m definitely in my spring mode. So when I saw these Fresh Karma dresses arrive in the Crossroads warehouse this week, I could clearly imagine the feel of the sun on my shoulders. 

I’d love to hear from you, dear readers, about this lovely seasonal transition:  What are you most excited about wearing this spring?

These dresses will arrive at Crossroads stores next week.*

Dresses are new and by Fresh Karma. Short dress, $28.50; Sparrow necklace, $8.50; Long dress, $32.50.

*Except for our outlet store in Stockton.

A Little Luxury

The holidays are my favorite time to indulge in some simple luxuries: a new cocktail ring, a party dress, or a pair of chandelier earrings.  These types of items also make great gifts for those who rarely splurge on themselves.  With that in mind, I picked out the items below for your consideration.  For women, a leopard motif makes these bracelets and earrings fun and flirty.  For men, this soft corduroy blazer will make an evening out feel especially refined.

Both will arrive in Crossroads stores next week.*

Earrings, $4.50; Bracelet, $9.50; Blazer by Positano, $38.50.

*Blazer will not be available at our outlet store in Stockton.

Come Fly With Me

Feathers are everywhere this fall, and it’s no wonder.  Brightly colored ones remind us of luxury and opulence (without carrying the price tag).

We’re shipping the painted feather pieces below to all of our stores for arrival next week.  I’m personally leaning towards the white bracelet. I want to steal one of my husband’s white dress shirts and pair it with this bracelet and jeans. It will scream effortless chic.

Pick up your favorite at Crossroads next week.

Bracelets, $12.00 each; Necklaces, $10.50 each.

The Shirtdress

Q: I am looking for the simplest form of dressing in the morning, maybe something I could make my “uniform.”  What do you suggest?

A:  It doesn’t get any easier than a shirtdress.  No need to find a top and bottom that match; just button and go! 

On those days when you think you can squeeze in 30 more seconds of dressing time, add a necklace, belt or sweater.  You choose.  Any of them will add just a touch of polish. 

Nobody will know you were in bed just ten minutes before you left for work.

Try one of these shirtdresses below. They are expected in Crossroads stores next week.*

Dresses by Fire, $22.50: Green necklace, $12.00; Bow necklace $8.50 (Necklaces expected in stores late next week).

*Dresses are not available at our outlet store in Stockton.

Accessories Alert!

There are so many great pieces headed to all of our stores next week!  Here’s just a sampling…

I’m really eyeing that panther ring.  How about you?

Headband, $5.00 (also available in black, $6.00); plastic bangles, $9.00 each; panther ring, $15; flower rings, $10.50 each; resin necklaces, $12.00 each; wing necklace, $8.00; dog tag necklace with heart, $7.50; bow necklace, $8.50.

The Comfortable Choice

Q: I’m admittedly a comfort gal.  While a t-shirt and jeans get me through most days, I definitely need a cozy option for evenings out.  What should I turn to? 

A:  Consider knits and cotton your best friends!  These soft and lightweight fabrics keep you cool and pretty, all while ensuring you feel undeniably comfy from your apertif to your goodbye kisses.

I liken a jersey knit dress to an upgraded favorite tee.  Look for regal colors like purple to add elegance, and layer an assortment of dainty necklaces.  Mix gold and silver ones for a fun contrast.

I’ve found a few options for you below.  You’ll find these so comfortable you might just retire those jeans.

All items below are shipping next week to your local Crossroads store.*

 

Purple Knit Dress, Forever 21, $16 (Also available in black).

Black Cotton Bib-Front Dress, Gisele, $16 (Also available in white); Wishbone Necklaces, $6.50 each.

Hummingbird Necklace, $6.50; Sparrow Necklace, $8.50.

*Excluding our outlet store in Stockton.