How To Wear Long Vests And Jackets

Posted in beauty, clothing, dressing your figure, Fashion, personal style, tips and tricks, trends by kyleen228

One of the fun new trends this season is long vests and jackets. When I say long, I mean at least mid calf if not almost to the floor. It’s a great new look, but it can also be intimidating to know how to wear them. If you feel a bit unsure, hopefully this blog will help you get up the courage to try!

One of the things I do at market is watch what the buyers are wearing. Here in western America, we don’t get too edgy. Trends are dialed down to a more conservative version. I have learned, however, that when I see a significant portion of women sporting a similar trend, it will be one that makes it to good old Wyo.

When I was at market in February, I watched carefully to see the different ways women were wearing this trend. By in large, most women paired their long cardigans and vests with jeans and boots. Several of them added a floppy hat to the look too, which was darn cute! Some manufacturers picture this trend with shorts and boots, but I think that look is harder to pull off than jeans. It is edgier and of course takes great legs. Have no fear, however, if you can’t quite see yourself wearing a long vest and shorts. At 44, I can’t see myself doing it either! The jeans option is very viable and would be age appropriate from 30 to 50.

This style is very Bohemian so when you are putting your look together, keep this in mind. As you can see in the picture, there is a crocheted version as well as a longer fringed style. I paired the one on the right with a denim shirt to bring out the denim blue tones in the cardigan but also because denim shirts are an important item for spring. You could add a white jean to this fringed cardigan, denim shirt combo and have a stylish spring outfit. Keep in mind the length of this jacket. If you are short, you will need to add some heels to get you up off the floor!

The vest on the left is actually easier to pair up. Wear it over a tee shirt or blouse in a natural tone and then add a washed out denim capris, boyfriend or ankle jean. Add some Bohemian sandals like a wrapped ankle wedge, some BoHo jewelry and a fringed purse. You’ll be one hot mama!

Not in Wyoming, but like what you see? We’re adding new items to our online store daily! Check it out here.

4Jan2016

Colors of 2016

Posted in color trends, Fashion, personal style, trends, Uncategorized by kyleen228

We have traveled a long way to get from the deep red wine color Marsala (Pantone’s color of the year for 2015) to Rose Quartz and Serenity, the colors of 2016. They are about as opposite as you can get. From Marsala’s strong presence and blood pressure heightening hue, we have leaped to calming soft pink and blue. Perhaps as we enter into an election year and all the strife it will inevitably produce, the color forecasters felt we’d need a bit of serenity in our closet! Truth be told; I already do.

Rose Quartz

According to Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone’s executive director, “with our hectic lives and the frenzy around us, there is an increasing demand for tranquility.” (In Style, January, 19). Too true, but have you ever considered that societal changes and trends affect the colors stylists choose for the fashions we will wear? It wasn’t until mid way through my fashion career that I realized this truth. A designer once told me that when the economy is good, the colors get lighter and when it is bad, they get darker. When you consider color can cause physical reactions within our bodies (excitement or calm, for example) it isn’t surprising that color trends are impacted by our world.

th (17) Rose Quarts, for example, reminds me of softness, the early stages of a sunset, and everything feminine. Serenity is a soft blue like the light blue sky in springtime. Imaging these two colors causes a relaxed sigh to escape my lips. I find myself smiling as I write this blog post and listen to ocean waves playing in the background. That place – sunsets, blue skies and ocean waves- sounds like a great alternative to the 20 some degrees outside my office window.

Interestingly, Rose Quartz is a warm color and Serenity a cool color, so by combining the two you have a yin and yang, so to speak…a complete picture. Eiseman calls it “balance.” I like it. It feels right to me. Let these two colors lead you into your new spring wardrobe, destined to help you feel calmer, softer, and perhaps a little sweeter to those around you.

2Nov2015

How do I Wear The Military Trend?

Posted in clothing, dressing your figure, Fashion, handbags, personal style, tips and tricks, trends by kyleen228

Utilitarian/Military style offers clean lines. earthy colors and casual chic.

One of the trends I really like this season is what I like to call Utilitarian. It is “utility” in concept, embracing a practical and casual style that works well for every day. This trend can also be referred to as military, but I like Utilitarian better because it is less limiting and doesn’t necessitate military insignia or design.

Military jackets were everywhere at market, indicating the strength of this trend for winter. I saw them in many colors including olive, chocolate brown, black and oxblood. Usually, this style works best with jeans, but In this store window, we highlighted the Utilitarian trend with several items showing different ways to interpret the trend.

The first model shows a dressier look that includes a light weight boxy blazer in cream paired with a soft, draw string waisted harem pant in olive green. Less easy to see is a military style vest with a draw string waist paired with a dark denim jean, a zip top in olive green paired with a black jegging and finally, a military jacket paired with a vintage wash jean.

The style offers clean lines and loose fits that work for many body types and it pairs perfectly with lace up boots. The harem pant on the first mannequin could easily be worn with a heel for a dressy work outfit. But, as a casual jean look, this trend rocks. I love it with a beanie and cross body purse. It is a fashionable way to run errands or meet friends for coffee that is comfortable, easy going and chic.

21Sep2015

Who Is Your Fashion Icon?

Posted in beauty, clothing, dressing your figure, Fashion, heroic women, personal style by kyleen228

Who is your fashion icon? We recently had some fun with Rally to create three iconic looks from clothing in our store. The photos turned out great, and it got me thinking about how fashion defines us as it has been defining women over the years.

Looking very Audrey. Top and necklace from Fashion Crossroads. Photo by Raymond Craig.

Are you a classic Audrey Hepburn, like me? Or, maybe you are an edgy Madonna. Perhaps you identify more with the flirty and voluptuous Marilyn.

Desperately seeking Madonna. Clothing and jewelry from Fashion Crossroads. Photo by Raymond Craig.

To determine your fashion icon, ask yourself about how you choose your clothing. Do you look for timeless pieces and shapes that evoke maturity and class and fabrics that look and feel rich like wool, silk and cashmere? Do you like tailored, figure flattering styles? If yes, Audrey is your girl.

Perhaps, however, you gravitate to black and like a harder edged style. Is there a bit of a bad girl in you? Do you love studs, chains, and zippers? Is leather a personal favorite? If a pencil skirt, a refined motorcycle jacket and shoe boots is your idea of the perfect work outfit, you might just be a Madonna.

Maybe you love color and clothing that shows your assets off. Perfect style for you is part flirtatious and part dramatic. You don’t shy away from prints, you embrace them. A flowy skirt is your idea of a must have item. You were the little girl that chose her dress by its twirl value. You adore cotton and soft fabrics. If this all sounds like you, then Marilyn just might be your icon.

Just a little Marilyn. Elan tiered tank from Fashion Crossroads. Photo by Raymond Craig.

The point is that each of these women knew who they were and they said it with their clothing. Fashion is a reflection of your own unique style and you should have one! What do your clothes say about you. If a stranger saw you walking down the street, could they discern anything about your personality from what you were wearing? If you’re not sure, then spend a little time thinking about what inspires you and who. Then, when you go shopping for new clothing this fall, make sure the items that you pick make you feel great and reflect who you are and who you want to be.

Check out rally.com for some great quotes from these three ladies. My favorite is from my style icon Audrey: “When you grow up as a girl the world tells you the things you are supposed to be: emotional, loving, beautiful, wanted. And then when you are those things, the world tells you they are inferior, illogical, weak, wain, empty.” So here’s to not letting the world define who you are!

14Sep2015

Ankle: The New Hip Length

Posted in business, clothing, dressing for work and dressing for an interview, Fashion, personal style, travel, travel clothing, trends by kyleen228

When I mention an ankle length pant to a tall woman, she usually responds with a pained look and a determined shake of the head indicated she’d rather die. At only 5:2, I can only imagine what it would be like to fear short pants. I’m on the other end

Ankle length pant from Lisette L. Pantalon.

of the spectrum and at that wonderful height where petite is too short and average is too long. That’s why I LOVE ankle pants. I can usually get an ankle pant to be just the right full length for me. But, if I want to wear the hippest new length for the season, its off to the seamstress I go to get my pant hemmed to the perfect ankle pant length. So you lucky tall ladies, this blog is here to encourage you to put aside your horrific memories of too short pants when you were a kid, and embrace a new trend this season.

So let’s talk about the right length. The picture on the left shows the optimum length for an ankle pant. You want that hemline to fall an inch above your ankle bone. Any higher,and your pant becomes a cropped pant. Any lower, and the look is all wrong. This style looks great with heels, as pictured or with shoe boots. See my blog from last week for more information about these. Notice that this style usually coincides with a slim legged 60’s inspired cigarette pant. Wider legged ankle pants look better with tall boots, and are trickier to pull off.

Full length hemline

Conversely, the picture on the right shows the optimal hemline for a full length pant. Hopefully this will help you visualize the difference between the two hemlines. Notice that the full length pant falls about midway down the back of the shoe or at the bony part of your heel. This is the perfect length for a slim legged pant because the fabric won’t pool or “break” too much on the top of the foot, creating extra and unnecessary bulk.

I find that ankle pants work better on me if I wear some type of a heel, wedge or dressier shoe boot. I think its important to keep your shoe sleek and not boxy. Too chunky of a shoe creates a “cankle” (when your calf goes right into your ankle) and ruins the style. Taller ladies can get away with more shoe options like ballerina flats, for example. They already have the leg length to make the look work perfectly for them.

Fall is the perfect time to wear this style as the temperature is dropping but there isn’t snow on the ground forcing us into boots and socks. This style can be a great work look, as it is dressy and chic.

Don’t know where to buy an ankle pant? Check out our Lisette L. ankle pant on our online store at Fashion Crossroads Inc. This is a great jet black, all stretch, pant that will fit slim through the legs just like the styles shown in this blog as well as tuck your tummy. The fabric is dressy so it can take you from work to evening to travel.

18May2015

Shop Local

Posted in clothing, Fashion, personal style, shopping with friends, trends by kyleen228

I absolutely love downtown! I love the owners and the businesses that find their way there. With a locally owned business, the store becomes an expression of the owner, of their personality. Its merchandise, design, merchandizing, and mission – are like a microcosom, a mini representation of the person whose in charge. Most people are in business because they passionately believe in or love what they are selling. Every day, they get to share their expertise with you, the customer.

Take me, for example, I love fashion and literature and I think women are pretty cool cats, so I totally enjoy how clothing can be an expression of our unique personalities. When you dress how you love, it is like a poster board that says, “this is who I am.” Similarly, when you come into our stores, you get a sense of who I am. I am an Audrey Hepburn with a little Amelia Earhart and Jane Austen mixed in. That’s why you’ll find classic styling paired with a little adventure and punctuated with a desire to see women be themselves, even if it is a bit counter culture. I dig classy, bohemian, lacy and feminine, rocker, artistic and outdoorsy all because either I have a bit of all of those in my own personality or I have a friend who does. My desire is that within our two stores and 10,000 square feet, women will find a style that is an expression of who they are and who they want to become. I bet if you asked any other small business owner, they would say something similar about their passion and its expression within their business.

So why am I ranting about how cool local business people are? Because if you don’t shop your local stores, you are just, plain missing out! In about two weeks, we at Fashion Crossroads will be joining a locally owned marketing firm to be a part of their summer fashion show event that celebrates shopping local. It will feature several downtown Casper businesses. This is just the kind of thing that makes me LOVE downtown. We’ll have some food from a local restaurant and great brews from our fabulous downtown brewery. We will meet in the future location of of the downtown plaza on a summer night. And we’ll combine a boutique, western store, gift store, second hand store and a bead store to create a spring trend fashion show that will be a whole lot of fun. How cool is that?

So mark your calendar for Saturday, May 30th to join us for this great event if you are lucky enough to live in Casper, Wyoming. If not, get your hiney downtown and visit your local businesses.

11May2015

The Making of an Excellent Travel Wardrobe

Posted in clothing, Fashion, personal style, travel, travel clothing by kyleen228

This picture shows the Suympli Chakra Tunic layered over the Keyhole tunic and paired with the Diva Legging. The legging is available in the store or online at http://Fashion-Crossroads-Inc.shoptiques.com

This picture shows the Sympli Chakra Tunic layered over the Keyhole tunic and paired with the Diva Legging. The legging is available in the store or online at http://Fashion-Crossroads-Inc.shoptiques.com. The Chakra Tunic is currently in stock and can be purchased at Fashion Crossroads.

How do you design a great travel line? You create pieces in a wrinkle free fabric that can be washed in the sink and hung to dry and that can layer together to create totally different looks. That is Sympli in a nut shell.

Having carried the line now a little over a year, I am just now beginning to understand the myriad of ways you can wear it. The versatility is actually quite astounding. Take, for example, the picture on the left. It shows the Keyhole tunic layered over the Chakra Tunic. The Keyhole is a sleeveless tunic with an uneven hemline and “keyholes” that have been cut around the bottom. The Chakra Tunic is a long sleeved tunic with a layer of mesh at the bottom. Although it is hard to see in this picture, that layer of mesh shows through the keyholes and peeks out under the uneven hem of the Keyhole Tunic creating a multi-media look with depth.

Reversing the same two pieces creates a completely different look. Now, the

The Chakra Tunic layered over the Keyhole Tunic and paired with the Diva Legging.

Keyhole tunic peeks out from underneath the mesh of the Chakra Tunic. You get the the same multi-media look with a completely different presentation. From these same three pieces, you can create four different outfits. The Keyhole and Chakra Tunics also look great by themselves paired with the same legging. Add one more bottom like the Diva Capris or Skess (skirt/poncho) and you now have eight outfits with only four pieces. This is the genius of travel clothing and of Sympli.

It takes some practice learning what pieces pair together, but I’ve found numerous ways I can combine the pieces in my own wardrobe to create different looks. It’s actually a whole lot of fun seeing if I can come up with a new outfit that I’ve never worn before from the same pieces. Every time I add a new item from Sympli to my collection, I think about how I can layer it different ways with what I already have. As we buy the line, we keep this in mind for you too. Just come in an ask us to show you the different ways you can layer what you already own to create different looks. If you’ve never tried Sympli, there has never been a better time. Our collection just keeps growing as this line is quickly becoming a customer favorite. And remember, any piece you see here can be special ordered in nearly 30 different colors. If you don’t live in Casper, you can check out Sympli on our online strore at http://Fashion-Crossroads-Inc.shoptiques.com

13Apr2015

A Brand You Can Get Behind – Sympli

Posted in clothing, dressing your figure, Fashion, heroic women, personal style, quality, shopping with friends, value by kyleen228

One of my great pleasures as a women’s clothing store co-owner is the ability to choose the brands that our stores carry. We always look for quality and value, but it is a special treat when the companies we choose also have a mission that lines up with our own – to empower women. Sympli is just such a company:

This picture shows how Sympli can work for women of different sizes and body types. They have the latest fashion trends in classic year round pieces that work for casual or dressy wear.

“Thirteen years ago, Jan Stimpson, the owner/designer, [ of Sympli] found herself frustrated with the narrow ideals propagated by the fashion industry and this dissatisfaction gave rise to a vision: create an innovative line of clothing that will celebrate the diversity of the feminine figure. Thus, Sympli was born: a collection of high-quality, basics that uses a “fit formula” (including snug, relaxed and tunic) to complement and enhance all body types. Thus allowing women of all shapes and sizes to achieve a similar look. Today, the line has evolved to include exciting novelty pieces that allow women to flawlessly mix and match over 300 designs and 30 colors to build entire wardrobes catered to their unique sense of style. Working mothers from our community make up the majority of our workforce; working to their own schedules, they manage fluctuating workloads, whilst maintaining strong family Lives. They inspire us.”

Having sold this line now for a little over a year, I can tell you they have achieved their goal. Sympli is a line that flatters any figure from size 2 to 20 and beyond. They have recently added Sympli Grand which offers plus sizes as well. The travel knit fabric used to make their clothing is 12 oz, 3 oz heavier than other companies who use the same fabric. You can feel the difference when you take an item off the rack. The weight of the fabric helps it flow and drape rather than cling. It also means the tunic styles are not billowy but rather fit in the right places while allowing extra room in the places most women carry their weight.

Once women try this product on, they are hooked. We carry a large selection of Sympli but the company also offers the ability to customize their line, choosing snug or relaxed fits and customize-able necklines and sleeve lengths. This gives the customer the ability to choose the elements of their tops and bottoms that flatter them in a huge array of colors that compliment their complexion.

Sympli comes in an amazing array of beautiful colors

I’ve also been impressed by the longevity of the product. We have customers that have had Sympli pieces for 8 years and the black is the same black as the brand new pieces in our store. Best yet, care is a breeze. Wash your Sympli by itself or with other Sympli pieces inside out in cold water and hang it to dry. They dry quickly and without wrinkles or stiffness.

Perhaps what makes Sympli special is that it is designed by women for women. No one knows our bodies better than us, and no one feels the frustration more than us when styles seem to cater to the young and thin. I especially love the fact that Sympli employs women who hand sew the product in their homes. You can count on quality workmanship with this product as well as have the satisfaction of knowing you are supporting a company that supports women.

This week we are celebrating Sympli at Fashion Crossroads. All week long, anyone who tries this product on or purchases it, will be registered to win a FREE Sympli item to be given away on Saturday. We will also have our Sympli representative in the store Thursday night for our Trunk Show and Friday and Saturday. Charlotte has been with the company for over ten years and knows the line inside and out. She is excellent at being able to suggest styles that will flatter any body type. We will be taking special orders Thursday through Saturday.

Don’t live in Casper? No problem. You can also purchase Sympli on our online store at http://Fashion-Crossroads-Inc.shoptiques.com. Any online orders taken this week will also be entered to win the free item. You can get more information about our Trunk Show happening this Thursday night at https://www.facebook.com/FashionCrossroads/events. The Trunk Show is a great time to come in and learn about the line while you enjoy wine and appetizers and hanging out with other women who love fashion!

17Mar2015

How To Care For More Expensive Clothing

Posted in beauty, clothing, Fashion, quality, tips and tricks, value by kyleen228

One of the most important things we do in our stores is help our customers find the perfect clothing lines that will suit their fashion needs and lifestyle. I make it a point to end the sale with a few tips on how they can care for their purchase so it will last. One of the things I find myself saying over and over again is beware of the dryer. The simple and unfortunate truth is the dryer is not your friend when it comes to better clothing.

The high heat of a clothing dryer is the culprit in many a washing disaster. Heat will fade your dark colors, shrivel your rayon and cotton, melt your embellishments and twist your lace. The problem is, we all like the convenience of being able to wash and dry our clothing. If that describes you, follow these simple tips to help keep your clothing looking its best.

1. Turn your dark colors inside out. Washing your dark clothing with a quarter cup of vinegar will prevent color running. Drying your dark items inside out will help prolong your color. To preserve your black the best, try hanging the item to dry and then putting it in the dryer for a short 5 to 10 minute cycle to release wrinkles and soften the fabric.

2. Turn your embellishments inside out. If you have sequins, beads, stones, grommets, etc. on any of your clothing, you will want to turn the garment inside out so the embellishments do not rub on other clothing. This friction causes your embellishments to loosen as well as damages the other items in the dryer.

3. Invest in a large lingerie bag. Wash and dry all your more delicate fabrics in a mesh lingerie bag to prevent them from rubbing your other clothing and causing pilling.

4. For most sweaters you will want to wash them in a delicate cycle (or hand wash) and lay them flat to dry. You can put them in a short drying cycle to soften if they feel stiff.

5. Never dry your bras. I’m sure I am not the only one who has taken out a knotted mess when I forgot to remove my bra before throwing my clothing into the washing machine or dryer. Always wash your bras in a lingerie bag that prevents twisting and hang them to dry. They will fit you much better and last much longer if you do this.

When in doubt, wash your clothing on delicate in cold water and hang to dry. Your better fabrics will love you for the extra care and reward you with a long life and many years of great style.

9Mar2015

Four Key Trends For Spring

Posted in beauty, clothing, dressing your figure, Fashion, personal style, spring 2015 fashion trends by kyleen228

Heavy zipper details are a trend to look for this season

As the spring merchandise keeps flowing in, I am getting more and more excited for warmer weather. It is so refreshing to change your closet over from dark, heavy winter fabrics to light, airy, summer styles. But even more exciting than the color and fabric change are the the new trends for the season. I wanted to highlight a few trends you’ll be seeing quite a bit this season and encourage you to try at least one!

We’ve seen zip sweaters play a big role this winter season. The heavy gage zipper as embellishment trend continues into summer with zip necked tops like this one on the left from Lior. Pair this style with a printed legging in a coordinating color and some cute sandals, and you’ll have a trendy look for your summer barbecue! We also have this top in royal blue, and I love it with printed black and white leggings. The two together are edgy and oh so cute! Of course this style also works well with skinny jeans or boyfriend jeans (rolled at the ankle).

The next trend worth highlighting is kimonos. Wear these boxy styled jackets like you would a cardigan with a loose

Kimonos are going to be a fun new spring trend you will want to try

fitting top underneath or a tank. At market, the trendier girls wore their kimonos with shorts but you can dial down the style a bit by pairing them with skinny ankle pants as well. I love this one from Ryu pictured on the right. The soft blue is very denim friendly and the crochet and fringe embellishment make it hip. We’ve layered this one with a lace tank in ivory and finished off the look with a tassel necklace. So cute! This is a great option for denim capris, skinny jeans or boyfriend jeans. These also work well over skirts and dresses too.

Speaking of crochet, it is everywhere this season! You’ll be seeing it as

Crochet is queen this season! And why not, it’s hip and feminine.

an embellishment, but the far more trendy way to wear it is as a crochet top. Look at the example on the left. This is such a light, airy style that works great to hide a thick middle and looks amazing worn as head to toe neutral, paired either as a cream and white or cream and tan combo. (Cream crochet with white pants, for example). While this style definitely hearkens back to the 70’s, it’s more feminine than hippie this season.

The last style worth highlighting is the modified high low. This one from Tribal

Boyfriend style high low looks great with loose silk pants for a casual and chic look.

is a marriage of the boyfriend tee (oversized) and high low tee (shorter front than back). This loose fitting, airy style works well paired with slouchy silk or linen pants. It also looks amazing with jeans. Notice again the strong neutral trend with a white front and heather grey back. Style tip: this top is okay to wear with jeggings but not with leggings. Why? Leggings cling too much in the front so you want to make sure you cover them with a longer top. Because jeggings use a thicker fabric, they don’t cling and can therefore handle a shorter top that doesn’t cover your crotch area. Keep it classy ladies!

I hope this blog inspires you to try one of these new styles this spring. Embrace a new trend this season. It will give your whole wardrobe a lift!

Talking Trends

When How You Look Really Matters

Tag Archives: clothing