Of all the vintage thrift stores out there, Crossroads Trading Co. seems to be the one that most proudly embraces an environmental mission. The pre-loved fashion company describes itself as a “recycled fashion retailer,” prominently displays and sells reusable bags at its stores, and donates a nickel to a local charity whenever a customer declines a bag!

Like Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads buy and sells clothes that fall somewhere between high-end designer and low-end discount brands. Bebe, Express, and French Connection are among the typical brands you’ll see, with most items priced between $20 – $40 — though you’ll run into the occasional more expensive Cavalli or Burberry piece.

Then there are all the small brands you’ve never heard of that made fun functional clothes — that got ditched by their former owners. At this store I’ve gotten a comfy black hoodie, a warm black jacket, and a pair of low black heels. I wear a lot of black!

I often wish the shoes were better arranged by size, but considering how much foot traffic this busy store gets, I imagine maintaining order isn’t easy.

Higher-priced designer items are usually behind the front checkout counter or hanging on the walls. I always want the stuff that’s hung up high, but have yet to work up the courage to bother someone about getting it down to try on, mainly because I’d feel bad if I ended up not buying the item.

This Crossroads is just a block west of Third Street Promenade, so shop pre-loved here first before heading to the conventional retail stores. And remember to take your own bag. At the Santa Monica store, the bag donation beneficiaries are School on Wheels and a local animal shelter.

Crossroads Trading Co. 1449-B 4th St., Santa Monica. 310.255.0500. Other L.A. area locations in Hollywood, West Hollywood, Studio City, and Silver Lake.

Update, 1/30/10: Pre-loved fashion shopping in Santa Monica: A Walking guide — 7 stores, 2 miles!

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