Your little black dress is screaming for a new twist, and we have just the jewelry to accomplish this mission.  Any of these statement necklaces or studded bracelets will breathe new life into your simplest attire.  Even a basic tee and jeans will be transformed with a pair of ankle boots and one of these pieces.

They arrive in all of our stores next week.

Neon Beaded Chain Necklace, $13.50

Long Chain Necklace, $8.50

From left: Black Studded Cuff, $10.50; Set of Gold Bangles, $9.50; Skinny Studded Bracelet, $8.00

I can’t help but think of spooky things today.  Befitting this mood is some of the new jewelry that’s being packed up today for shipment to our stores.

Take a look:

Skull Earrings, $12 a pair

Skull Necklaces, $18.50 each

Skull Rings, $18.50 each

Not as spooky, but just as much fun, are these other pieces:

Assorted Rings in Bubblegum Shades, $18.50 each

Assorted Charm Bracelets, $22.50

Assorted Key Necklaces, $18.50

These will be available in all of our stores late next week.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Congratulations to Franko Valencia, the September winner of our Best Fashion Find contest!  He just won a $50 Crossroads gift certificate.  Here are his winning photos and comments:

I found the sweet saggy beanie that can be seen in the left photo. I also found the skinny jeans (Bulldog) that I’m wearing in the right photo. The beanie and jeans went very well together;  I was very satisfied when I found them.  I always find something to buy at Crossroads–I’m planning on going this weekend! Thanks, Crossroads!

These men’s basics have different inspirations, but definitely make a match! The striped sweaters are from the popular skate label, Innes.

New sweaters by Innes, $26.50

These perfectly matching sneakers from Macbeth are music-inspired, and much of the shipment is their award-winning vegan style: the Eliot.  The photos below represent the men’s shipment, but women’s shoes will also be included.

New shoes by Macbeth, $28.50

All items will arrive in Crossroads stores next week.*

*Except for our outlet store in Stockton.

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.

It was designer Laura Bennett from Season 3 of Project Runway who brought riding boots to my attention.  I have admittedly been addicted ever since, something that is no secret to my co-workers who see me in boots, leggings and dresses year round.

When our corporate buyers returned from the fashion shows in Las Vegas, they let me know that an order of riding boots was on the way.  And after much anticipation, they arrived yesterday afternoon in all of their black and caramel glory! These will undoubtedly make many dresses “countryside chic” and are a steal at $28.50.

Boots by Bamboo, $28.50

Compare these with much pricier boots from retailers like Ralph Lauren, Steve Madden and Urban Outfitters:

They start arriving in all Crossroads stores* next week and come in solid black too.  Let the long autumn strolls begin!

Boots by Bamboo, $28.50

*Except for our outlet store in Stockton.