Jackpot!

Our corporate buyers recently purchased an AMAZING assortment of new merchandise  that includes many designer favorites.  This past week the shipment arrived and the warehouse was abuzz with collective “oohs” and “ahhs.”  This assortment of items is large and includes many different pieces, but we have to show you a sample of the deals to be had.

This new merchandise started arriving in our West Coast stores* yesterday and will start arriving in our Chicago stores next week.

Sweater by LaRok, $42.50 (Originally retailed for $395)

Dress by Camilla & Mark, $48.50 (Originally retailed for $550)

Dress by Lorick, $55

*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.

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?

Something for Everyone

The latest new merchandise shipment to our stores has something for everyone!  For those who favor a classic fall look,  this Gap cable knit sweater has your name on it.  Invest in a few different colors and match with one of the assorted pairs of women’s Levi’s that will arrive with them, priced at only $22.50.

Gap Sweater, $13.50 (Available in assorted colors)

If your look is trendy, then this floral print dress will hit the mark.  One of our buyers pointed out that this dress would pair perfectly with the riding boots we sent out last week.  I couldn’t agree more.

Delicia Dress, $27.50

Finally, if your style is more fanciful, this feather-print tee is the choice for you.   I love the look of the purple feathers on black, but it comes in purple, teal and burgundy too.

Top by Fashion Magazine, $12 (Also available in burgundy, teal and purple)

All items are shipping out on Monday and will reach our stores by the end of next week.*

*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.

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.

Double Lives

You always hear personal shoppers tell you to buy multiples of an item that you really love.  It seems like a smart idea, especially since most of us can recall the tragic moment when our favorite dress/shirt/skirt was retired.

I like this idea, but even more so when I consider buying the same item in two different colors.  That way, you get two looks over the long run.

I started to think about this today when I saw these two darling blouses shipping out.  I see the black one dressed up with a pencil skirt and bright accessories, while the white one would look playful with navy shorts or sailor pants.  Same great blouse, leading double lives.

So adventurous.  And the cute rhinestone buttons are a bonus!

Both blouses are shipping to all Crossroads stores next week.*

Shirts are new and by Tramp, $17.50.

*Except for our outlet store in Stockton.

Pretty in Pink

Q: Which skin tone works best with pink?

A: Repeat to yourself, “Don’t be afraid of pink.”  So many people steer clear of it, when in reality, all skin tones can carry it off.  The secret is in the shade of pink you select.

“Spring” complexions (creamy white or peach, usually light hair and eyes, freckles) contrast well with a warm shade of pink, similar to the shade in the silk dress below. “Winter” complexions (pale white, yellowish-olive or dark) work best with a bright pink like the cotton tunic shown.  “Autumn” complexions (golden undertone) are best suited with shades of pink that also have golden undertones. And “Summer” complexions (pale and pink, usually blondes or brunettes with pale eyes) will glow against a pastel pink.

Figure out which complexion best describes yours and then give pink a try this summer.

You can start with these pieces by Arden B that will arrive in Crossroads stores next week. *

All merchandise is new and by Arden B.  From left: Silk dress, $25; Cotton tunic, $22.50.

*Except for our outlet store in Stockton.

Think MINKPINK

When our corporate buyers emailed me these photos of the great MINKPINK items they’re shipping out,  I had to run downstairs and take a look in person.  I confirmed it myself: the pieces are as lux as they look!  And they will arrive in Crossroads stores next week.*

All merchandise is new and by MINKPINK.  Red dress, $26.50; purple dress, $27.50; cream top, $25.00; black skirt, $25.00; purple and cream floral print dress, $27.50.

*Except for our outlet store in Stockton.

Saturday Mornings

I tend to run my Saturdays on an unofficial schedule: morning coffee and toast while watching my Friday night recording of Best Week Ever, a stroll to the little neighborhood market to pick up produce for the week, and a long walk through town or a park to make me feel less guilty about avoiding my workout all week.

Although the tasks are routine, I always take a little extra time when dressing for the day.  Sure, those sweat pants would feel undeniably comfy, but so would a lovely cotton dress.  I learned this trick from my sister, who will throw on jeans and a t-shirt, but adds a light scarf, chandelier earrings and ballet flats to fancy the look a bit.  With a pair of oversized sunglasses and a great handbag, you’d think she was a stylish celebrity in hiding.

I’m showing you the two dresses below as examples of “Saturday chic”.  Even flip-flops won’t distract from the polish of the sundress, and I can see skipping around town in the nautical-inspired dress with a pair of super basic white or navy sneakers.  You’ll look like you’re setting off on an afternoon yacht ride as soon as you finish your coffee.

Items below will arrive in Crossroads stores next week.*

All merchandise is new. Dresses by Park Vogel, $25; tank top by Urban Outfitters, $7.50 (also available in light blue).

*Except for our outlet store in Stockton.