Category Archives: fashion

Baby It’s Cold Outside: Coat Trends

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After perusing my favorite trend websites and combining that with what the manufacturers that I carry focused on in outerwear this season, I have compiled a list of my top SIX coat trends for 2023. 

Quilted Shell: You will likely see this trend represented in two ways this season. Either the coat will be quilted all over or there will be an inner layer that is quilted so it looks like you have layered your coat over a quilted vest, but you don’t have to fight the extra bulk that two layers inevitably causes. Both our Tribal puffers and our Yest Jacket are great examples of this trend.

Statement Puffers: The puffer jacket will just not die, and here in Wyoming, that is a good thing because in outerwear, these coats are some of the warmest available. In order to keep shoppers interested in this outerwear staple, however, this season’s puffers are colorful. From bright Fuscia pink, to hot corals, to apple greens, look for ladies to be sporting colorful coats on the streets this winter. Our Tribal Sportswear puffers are perfect examples of this trend.

Shearling: From all over shearling and faux shearling, to shearling details, this fabric is a must have trend in coats this season. We love our faux shealing zipped hoodie as a great wear by itself or layered with a quilted vest. 

Tailored: Coat trends would be incomplete without a dressy option, and we love the tailored trend for this. From classic camel coats, to leather belted numbers, to classic wool coats, you will lots to choose from this season if a dressy coat is on your list. We love our Tribal Sportswear Car Coat with its classic grey boiled wool look. The 3/4 length is perfect for dressing up or wearing it with jeans. 

Bombers: We haven’t seen this casual style in awhile, but grab your aviator glasses and don your bomber jacket to be trendy this season. This classic style is great paired with jeans and is an easy throw on style. We love our black Bomber jacket from Soya with its satiny soft exterior. 

Leather: This fabric is really making a comeback, and it is again possible to find genuine leather jackets and coats. Here in Wyoming, we love leather because it cuts the wind, and that is a big part of staying warm. Leather jackets are also versatile, as they can be worn inside as a blazer alternative. They look nice paired over dresses too. We love our genuine leather jackets from Amsterdam Heritage with their premium Italian leather that feels as good as it smells!

Whatever type of coat or jacket you are looking for this season, it’s always good to consider the trends. After all, you can ruin an outfit with the wrong coat or an outdated coat. I will be featuring these coats in this week’s Live Sale on 12/16/23 at 9 a.m. MST. You can catch that live video on our Fashion Crossroads Inc business pages on Facebook or Instagram. Or, you can see them in our Baby It’s Cold Outside Collection.

Discover the Elegance of HOBO Handbags: Quality, Craftsmanship, and Style

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Hobo Handbags

Welcome to the world of HOBO handbags, where elegance meets craftsmanship. Here at Fashion Crossroads, our customers have fallen in love with the genuine leather handbag line for its exquisite beauty, soft textures, and unmistakable quality that you can both feel and smell.
HOBO isn’t just another handbag brand – it’s a second-generation, family-owned and operated company that prides itself on the artistry of leather craftsmanship. Working closely with select tanneries, HOBO ensures that the leathers used in their creations are tailored specifically for their designs. The result? Premium, full-grain leather that sets these bags apart, offering a distinctive touch that’s hard to find elsewhere.

What makes HOBO stand out even more is their commitment to ethical practices. No animals are raised or killed solely for their hides. Instead, HOBO works with materials sourced responsibly, promoting sustainability and animal welfare.

Each HOBO piece is a testament to meticulous hand assembly, a process that showcases dedication and attention to detail. From the custom linings to the carefully chosen hardware, every element of a HOBO bag speaks volumes about its superior quality.

Exciting news for all the fashion enthusiasts in Casper, Wyoming, and beyond! You can find these exquisite HOBO handbags at Fashion Crossroads, conveniently located at 228 East 2nd Street in Downtown Casper, Wyoming. Can’t visit us in person? No worries! Simply give us a call at 307-237-9221, or explore our selection online at https://fashioncrossroadsinc.com/collections/hobo-handbags

Join us in embracing sophistication and style with HOBO handbags – where the blend of quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and timeless design awaits you. Elevate your accessory game with a touch of HOBO elegance today!

Christmas Party Essentials

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Dressing for a holiday party can be tricky. Here in Wyoming, we have to contend with our sporty, outdoorsy style, the winter weather and wind, and the struggle with not wanting to buy something we won’t be able to wear very often. I’ve addressed these issues with my top five Christmas Party Essentials in this blog post.

  1. Choose A Solid, Holiday Color Instead Of Sparkle: It is up for debate, but I have always argued that you do not have to wear sparkle and shine to have a holiday worthy outfit. Let’s face it, not everyone is a sparkle girl, and even if you are all in for shiny, these styles limit themselves to a Christmas or New Year’s Eve look. Unless you are going clubbing in Vegas, most of us don’t have much opportunity to wear sparkle in our every day lives. The problem with so many traditional Christmas looks that have a holiday flair is that they limit themselves from being able to be worn again for other holidays and special events. That’s why I like to advocate choosing a solid holiday color over sparkle. The color red, as an example, works not only for Christmas and New Year’s Eve but also for Valentine’s Day and the 4th of July. Whether you are attending a more formal event and needing a dress or a more casual event where a red blouse will do the trick, I like this color for its versatility.
  2. Choose A Color That Flatters Your Skin: I’m also a fan of expanding the typical Christmas party color palate beyond red and green. First of all, those colors are not good on every skin type, and no matter how beautiful your outfit is, if the color is not flattering for you, the look will not work well. If you are warmed toned, for example, you have to choose a warm red, something that can be tricky to find this time of year, as most Christmas reds have a blue undertone. Similarly, warm toned people might have to get into the olive greens to find something flattering, and that doesn’t work very well as a holiday color. Personally, I love burgundy, rust, and pink for the holidays as an alternative to red. I also love black, white and grey, as these classic neutrals are ALWAYS classy. Additionally, I think winter white, cream and champagne are great options.
  3. Don’t Freeze To Death: The trouble with Christmas party attire is it is often thin and slinky. Here in Wyoming in December, light weight fabrics are chilly. But, you can’t just solve this problem with any coat; you have to consider your outerwear when you are creating a party look. You wouldn’t want to put a down puffy coat over a dressy outfit. One option that works well is the vegan leather or real leather jacket. This can be layered over most dresses and looks amazing while still being a functional option for staying warm. Tights are another great suggestion for staying warm. They are much warmer than bare legs…brrrr… or nylons, which might as well be bare legs. A black tight can be paired with most dresses and will look amazing. I also love pairing leggings under trapeze dresses for a winter dress look that is practical.
  4. Choose The Right Handbag: Party planners love standing tables or just having everyone stand and mingle. The problem with this, of course, is that you have to somehow manage your plate of food, your drink and your handbag. If you have a handheld clutch, you are in trouble. Make sure you have a crossbody handbag, a belt bag, or a clutch that can hang over your wrist. This will allow you to keep your hands free so you can actually be able to eat and drink.
  5. Dress Up Your Look With Jewelry: You can make a basic outfit holiday party worthy with some dressy jewelry. This is the perfect place to go for sparkle. A lovely crystal pendant and bright silver chain with some crystal earrings will take an everyday outfit and make it party worthy. This is a lovely way to stay practical too. Instead of investing in a clothing item that can only be worn once a year, a clear crystal necklace and earring set can be worn for any dressy occasion. Adding some dressy heels or shoes is another simple way to elevate your look.

I have created a collection called Kyleen’s Picks that gathers together my favorite items in both dressy and casual looks that are in a variety of colors. I have also added my favorite jackets, handbags and jewelry. You can see that collection here: https://fashioncrossroadsinc.com/collections/kyleens-picks-for-the-week. If you want more information on this topic, watch my Wednesday Wardrobing Live Video tonight at 6 p.m. MST. You can watch that here: https://www.facebook.com/events/697964628974888/697964642308220

Timeless Elegance: Embracing Kendra Scott’s Gold Hoop Earrings at Fashion Crossroads

Posted in beauty, dressing your best, fall fashion trends, fashion, Fashion, fashion trends, Gift Guide, How to spot quality, Jewelry, personal style, product review, What to wear, women's clothing tips by

Hoop earrings have stood the test of time, evolving from ancient cultures to become a modern fashion staple. Among the myriad styles, Kendra Scott’s gold hoop earrings hold a special allure, blending sophistication with a touch of contemporary flair. And if you’re in Casper, Wyoming, Fashion Crossroads at 228 East 2nd Street stands as a haven where you can explore and acquire these exquisite pieces.

The Timeless Allure of Gold Hoops

There’s something inherently captivating about the simplicity of hoop earrings, especially when crafted in gold. They effortlessly elevate any look, transitioning seamlessly from casual outings to formal affairs. Kendra Scott, known for her distinct designs, infuses her gold hoop earrings with an essence that transcends trends, ensuring they remain timeless accessories.

The Kendra Scott Difference

What sets Kendra Scott’s gold hoop earrings apart is the brand’s commitment to quality and design. Each piece reflects a fusion of innovation and classic aesthetics, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. From delicate, slender hoops to bold and intricate designs, there’s a pair to suit every style.

Fashion Crossroads: A Destination for Elegance

Nestled in the heart of Casper, Wyoming, Fashion Crossroads embodies the essence of refined fashion. Their collection of Kendra Scott’s gold hoop earrings speaks volumes about elegance and sophistication, offering patrons an opportunity to indulge in the beauty of these timeless accessories.

Finding Your Perfect Pair

Visiting Fashion Crossroads at 228 East 2nd Street in Casper, Wyoming, presents an opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of stunning gold hoop earrings by Kendra Scott. The expert staff at the store are there to guide and assist, ensuring you find the pair that resonates with your style and personality.

Embrace Timeless Sophistication

There’s an undeniable charm in adorning oneself with accessories that withstand the ever-changing tides of fashion. Kendra Scott’s gold hoop earrings epitomize this endurance, making them an essential addition to any jewelry collection.

Fashion Crossroads at 228 East 2nd Street in Casper, Wyoming, invites you to explore and acquire these captivating pieces. Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast of hoop earrings or looking to delve into their elegance for the first time, the store offers an exquisite selection of Kendra Scott’s gold hoop earrings, ready to complement your style and elevate your ensemble.

Give them a call at 307-237-9221 or pay them a visit to experience firsthand the timeless allure of Kendra Scott’s gold hoop earrings. Discover the perfect pair that resonates with your individuality and adds a touch of sophistication to your wardrobe.

Gift Guides: Safe Gifts For The Acquaintance

Posted in Buying the perfect gift, clothing, clothing, quality, value, fashion, Gift Guide, how to, tips and tricks, value, women's clothing tips by

My fourth and final gift guide to finish off this month’s series is Safe Gifts For the Acquaintance. After covering Sentimental Gifts For The Tenderhearted, Bougie Gifts For the Diva, and Practical Gifts For the Pragmatic, I have saved this one for last because, honestly, it is the hardest.

Buying for someone you barely know is probably the most head scratching, self doubting, truly difficult gift to buy. There are just so many land mines to avoid. If you are considering buying clothing and/or accessories, here are my top six tips:

  1. GET THE RIGHT SIZE: Make sure that you quiz either the person you plan to buy a gift for or someone that knows them well, so you know their size. The answer will likely be a size range such as a small to medium or a size 10 to 12. Shop at a store where the person helping you knows how the items in the store fit. Do they run big or small, for example, so you have the best chance of choosing the correct item. For example, if the person you are buying for is a small/medium, I would likely choose something that runs big in a size small or small in a size medium.
  2. CHOOSE A FAN FAVE: There are a few clothing items that have widespread appeal, but one that does is sweater cardigans. I know very few women who don’t like them. They are ideal for an extra layer in winter but can still be removed if needed. They work very well to change up a wardrobe, allowing women to wear an older top and bottom. By adding a new cardigan over the top, it refreshes and updates an older look. Additionally they are forgiving in fit and are more likely to work for a variety of women and sizes.
  3. PRINTS ARE PERSONAL: I love prints and am in no way dissuading you from choosing a printed item, but be very aware that prints are quite personal. I usually recommending paying attention to whether the person wears prints, and if she does, what types of prints she wears. Typical prints are floral, paisley, southwestern, plaid, Camouflage, geometric, animal, and abstract. If you can categorize the prints she wears into a few of these categories, it will really help in choosing a print she will like.
  4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLOR: Research shows that most women choose an item by color first and then look at fabric, style and price. Getting the right color is essential. Again, this can be made easier by some careful observation. What colors does the woman you are buying for seem to gravitate to. Look at the last few years of pictures or check out her Facebook and see what she posts and what colors she wears. Generally, if you stay in the same color family, you will be fine.
  5. CHOOSE VERSATILITY: Especially for someone you don’t know very well, it is always better to go with something that is toned down and easy to pair with many things. Mixed metal accessories are a great example here. Because these necklaces and earrings combine gold, silver, copper, and bronze, you naturally cover all of your bases so you don’t find yourself having to choose gold OR silver.
  6. MAKE SURE IT IS RETURNABLE: Even the most conscientious gift giver gets it wrong sometimes. Get a gift receipt, and be sure the item is returnable after Christmas. With a gift receipt, the recipient of your gift will know the store you purchased it from and how to return or exchange it.

Giving clothing as a gift is thoughtful. It takes time and effort to choose the right item, and this effort communicates “you matter to me.” Yes, it is easier to give a gift card, but it is so much more personal to give an item that required you to really consider the person and what she might like.

You can get more information on this topic as well as see examples when you watch my live video tonight at 6 p.m. MST. You can catch that video here: https://www.facebook.com/FashionCrossroads.

Maximizing Your Wardrobe With Layers and Accessories

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My October Wednesday Wardrobing Series has been all about Maximizing Your Wardrobe, or getting the most looks from the fewest pieces. First we looked at the basic concept of wardrobing. Next we looked at how to use closet staples to provide maximum benefit. Today, I want to talk about how to use layers and accessories to maximize your wardrobe.

First of all, let’s talk layers. Although most people think accessories are the most important tool to get different looks from the same pieces, I would argue that you can get more benefit from investing in layers than you will from accessories. That is not to say there is no value in having a great store of accessories available to you. Merely, I will make the assertion that layers will actually take you farther.

As you can see from the looks pictured at the top of this blog, when you plan your wardrobe around being able to mix and match layers, you can get multiple looks by simply changing up your layers. Let’s break down how you could layer the eight pieces pictured here:

  1. Four looks as pictured (4)
  2. Blue puffy vest with striped sweater, heart sweater, and light blue sweater (3)
  3. Blue denim jacket over both plaid shirts and heart sweater (3)
  4. Shacket over top plaid shirt (1)

This gives you 11 different look with eight pieces. If you were to add a solid, long sleeve, tan top into the mix, you could then pair it under all of layers, including the puffy vest, shacket and denim jacket, giving you 3 more looks with only one additional item, for a total of 14 different looks from 9 pieces. You could also layer three pieces together and combine the tan top under the plaid blouses and then layer over that one of the jackets or vest and add even more looks. And, in this example, we are assuming you are using the same bottom. If you have three different bottoms to rotate through, you could have a month’s worth of different looks.

Now, let’s talk adding accessories.

If we were to take two different handbags and add it to this wardrobe capsule, you would have a handbag that would match each and every outfit we have discussed. In this example, I have chosen a solid tan handbag from HOBO and a mixed blue crocodile handbag from Anushka. One is a bit more casual and the other a little dressier, but they would both work with every look. Add a couple of necklaces into the mix and a tan scarf, and you would be able to change up the looks even more.

This is the art of maximizing your wardrobe with layers and accessories. For even more ideas, watch my live Wednesday Wardrobing Video tonight at 6 p.m. MST. You can see all of these items in store or on our online store here: https://fashioncrossroadsinc.com/collections/fcr-10-21-23

Maximizing Your Wardrobe With Closet Staples

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My October Wednesday Wardrobing series is all about maximizing your closet. Last week, I covered Wardrobing 101 and how to buy smartly and provide yourself with multiple looks with wardrobe capsules. This week, I wanted to talk about maximizing your wardrobe through closet staples.

So what is a closet staple? These are the building blocks of your wardrobe. They are your Go To pieces, so to speak. Here is my definition of a closet staple:

  1. Closet staples are always neutrals in the color palate. If your skin tone is a cool, these basics are probably going to be white, black, grey and navy. If your skin tone is warm, they will likely be brown, tan and cream. They are considered “neutral” because they mix and match with many other colors.
  2. Closet staples are basics like leggings, tunics slacks, skirts, tanks, blouses and cardigans.
  3. Closet staples are solid in color and not printed.
  4. Closet staples can be mixed and matched together to create multiple outfits and are easily paired with accessories

So let’s consider the basics at the top of this blog post. I have chosen a black legging with a faux suede front, a black faux suede cardigan, and a black skirt. I have also chosen a grey pant, tunic , short sleeve top and cardigan.

With these seven pieces, you could create multiple looks, getting you through and entire week of outfits

  1. Grey tunic with grey pants
  2. Grey tunic with black leggings and vegan suede jacket
  3. Grey top with black skirt
  4. Grey top, grey cardigan and grey pants
  5. Grey top, vegan suede jacket and black skirt
  6. Grey tunic, black vegan suede jacket, grey pants
  7. Grey top, grey cardigan and black skirt

You might also add into the mix a basic black and white tank and a basic white blouse. If you then amp up your wardrobe with multiple scarves in the key colors represented by this basics capsule, you could add another entire week of looks. This is the basic principle behind maximizing your closet with staples

If you are just starting out in your professional career, this is how I recommend that you begin to build your wardrobe because it is, by far, the easiest and most economical way to outfit yourself for work. Once you have a great base of closet staples built, then you can start branching out to adding more colors and prints.

If you would like to see this concept demonstrated, I will be showing you how to mix and match these pieces in my live video tonight at 6 p.m. MST on our Facebook Business Page. If you missed my video last week, you can find it on my YouTube Channel.

Wardrobing Basics: How To Maximize Your Closet

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Are you familiar with the term wardrobing? In doing a google search for a definition, I learned, to my surprise, that the word can be applied to a type of fraud/theft where a person buys and item with the intention of returning if after it has been worn. Yikes! That is NOT the use of the word, I am referring to. You may be familiar with “wardrobe” referring to a collection of clothing, usually that which is in a closet. You may also be familiar with a “wardrober” who works on the set of a movie and puts together the outfits the actors wear. Perhaps I have made up the term, but I have taken the noun wardrobe and turned it into the verb wardrobing to refer to the act of putting a wardrobe together, smartly.

It is the “smartly,” that I want to focus on in this blog post. We all build our wardrobe each and every time we purchase something new to add to our closets. But, if that item can only be worn with one other thing in our closet, or worse yet, doesn’t really match anything in our closet, we have not made a smart wardrobe choice. When we intentionally choose items that mix and match together, offering us multiple outfits that cover a variety of needs such as work AND casual, that is wardrobing at its best.

Consider the wardrobe pictured above. Within this small collection, there are two bottoms. One is a vegan leather jean which is inherently more casual and a corduroy pant that is dressy enough to wear to work. The tops include three blouses, two that are dressy enough to pair with the cords and one that might be better worn as a casual top. There are also three layering pieces. The vegan leather jacket works to dress up a look and also as a light weight coat. The two sweaters are classic cardigans, one long and one short, that can be layered over any of the blouses and worn either casually or as a work cardigan.

Thus, within this one wardrobe, there are the following looks:

  1. Paisley green blouse (hunter) or (emerald), vegan leather jacket and vegan leather jeans
  2. Paisley green blouse (emerald), vegan leather jacket and cords
  3. Paisley green blouse (hunter), hunter cardigan and regular jeans
  4. Paisley green blouse (emerald), emerald cardigan and cords
  5. Plaid blouse and vegan leather jeans
  6. Plaid blouse, hunter cardigan, and regular jeans
  7. Paisley green blouse (emerald), emerald cardigan and vegan jeans

This is not an exhaustive list of all the possible combinations, but it shows that with these 5 pieces, you could create a week’s worth of looks. The belt bag would match them all so could be worn with each look.

Now, if you were to add in some neutral ivory pieces like the cardigan, blouse, and long sleeve tee pictured above, imagine how many looks could be created??

This is wardrobing! When we are intentional about how we build our closet, the result is a closet that works for us rather than against us. You can see this entire collection here and watch my Live Video tonight at 6 p.m. MST on my Fashion Crossroads Business Facebook Page to see these and other examples in person!

Top 7 Denim Trends For Fall/Winter 2023

Posted in fall fashion trends, fashion, Fashion, fashion trends, how to, tips and tricks, trends, What to wear, women's clothing tips by

In this month’s Wednesday Wardrobing Series, I have covered the key fashion trends for Fall/Winter 2023. First, I reviewed the key colors for this season. Next, I went over the important style trends. Last week, I covered the fabric and material trends. For the last video in this month’s series, I wanted to spend some time on the key denim trends.

First of all, denim IS a trend this season. As discussed in my video on Style Trends, denim on denim is one of the key looks this season. You can match or mismatch your denim, but going head to toe denim is trendy.

With that said, here are my top 7 denim trends for the fall/winter 2023 season:

These looks summarize many of the denim trends I am describing and are all available on fashioncrossroadsinc.com. I have put them in a special collection to make browsing easy. You can find that collection here: https://fashioncrossroadsinc.com/collections/kyleens-picks-for-the-week

  1. Wide leg denim: Whether it is a 70’s worthy flare, a cropped wide leg pant, or an Itty Bitty Bootcut, wide legs are in and especially in denim. These can be tricky for petite women, so this is where the cropped trend really comes in handy. For taller women, this look is designed to be an ankle pant, but it works equally well for shorter women to be able to get a wide leg jean that they can actually wear.
  2. Colored Denim: This has been an important trend for several seasons now and shows no signs of slowing down. You will find an array of colored denim from bright to earthy colors. What we love about colored denim is that for many women, it works for business casual dressing and so is office appropriate.
  3. Denim Skirts: Denim skirts are so back, and whether is it a knee length pencil skirt style or a longer flared style, these skirts are great for any season. Pair a short denim skirt with tights and boots to make it winter worthy.
  4. Denim Jackets: From vintage, to dark, to grey, to colored, the denim jacket is a must have accessory this season. It is the perfect way to pull off the denim on denim trend and also is an indispensable layer as our fall turns colder.
  5. Grey Denim: Stone washed grey is a key trend in denim this season, and the great thing about grey is that it serves as a basic you can pair with so many things. Mixing up light and dark greys is a fun new twist on denim as is pairing grey with one of the many great colors that it compliments. Treat it like your black jeans; the sky is the limit.
  6. Embellished Denim: We are still seeing elevated denim styles that are embellished with fringe hems, embroidery, and sequins. These little additions make your denim distinctive and up your style game.
  7. Dressed Up Denim: With the huge trendiness of blazers this season, dressing up your jeans with a blazer and heels is so in. This classic 80’s style is a great way to take your denim to a new level and perfect for casual Fridays at the office.

I will be doing a live video tonight on my Fashion Crossroads Business Facebook Page where I will be showing examples of all of these trends. You can tune in at 6 p.m. MST to watch live or catch the replay. You can also find the looks from this blog post on our online store at https://fashioncrossroadsinc.com/collections/kyleens-picks-for-the-week

Fall 2023 Fashion Trends

Posted in color trends, fall fashion trends, fashion, fashion trends by

I am beginning a new Wednesday Wardrobing series this week that will focus on Fall 2023 Fashion Trends. Here is the schedule:

9/6: Fall Color Trends

9/13: Fall Fabric Trends

9/20: Fall Style Trends

9/27: Fall Accessory Trends

Each week, I will do a Live Video on Wednesday night at 6 p.m. MST. These will air on my Facebook Business Page. Each of these live videos will be accompanied by a blog post as well.