Sometimes nothing is more frustrating than running out of room to keep your clothes, shoes and purses in a cramped apartment or dorm room. Since 1991, Crossroads Trading Co. has provided the perfect solution for any thrifty, yet fashionable, student lacking adequate storage space. Cart that box full of this season's castoffs to the location nearest you, and sell or trade them in for store credit or cold hard cash.

For the past 14 years Crossroads has not only been on the hunt for trendy garments, but for the most creative in fashion photography as well. The company has just launched its annual Fashion Photo Contest.

Crossroads founder, Jerry Block, remarks, “We've made some big improvements this year. We've gone global, putting the contest on the Internet and allowing contestants the opportunity to share their fashion vision with the world.

“Now contestants will be able to register online and upload their photos to our Gallery. And for the first time, the public will be able to view all the entries, and vote for their favorite photos, using our five-star rating system.”

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three entrants ($1,000 for first place, $250 for second and $150 for third). The winners' photos may also be featured in Crossroads ad campaigns in California, Seattle and Chicago.

Crossroads Trading Co. has four Los Angeles locations: 7409 Melrose Ave. in Hollywood (323) 782-8100, 8315 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood (323) 654-0505,1449-B 4th St. in Santa Monica (310) 255-0500 and 12300 Ventura Blvd. in Studio City (818) 761-6200.

All photo entries must be received by May 27. For more information, visit www.crossroadstrading.com.