Archive for the ‘What was she wearing?’ Category

Sweater Club: Isabel Marant Spring 2012

Friday, September 30th, 2011

Isabel Marant Spring 2012 Look

Isabel Marant Spring 2012 Look

Isabel Marant showed her Spring 2012 collection today at Paris Fashion Week and it was  a runway of  gorgeous prints and cool-girl styles. 

These two looks from the collection are perfect for Spring  in the Northeast.  It’s still chilly here in Maine in the Spring and shorts with heels and a chunky knit is exactly what the fashion forward yet, reasonably smart girl would wear. Me Included.

 
xo
c.

 

Fall Transition Time + Local Love: LL Bean Signature

Monday, September 26th, 2011

The key pieces to transitioning into Fall in the Northeast are pretty similar to everywhere else. The only difference is, our “transition” pieces usually turn into “everyday” pieces fairly quickly.  This is why it is important to plan ahead and be creative with your Fall purchases.

I chose some pieces from LL Bean, located in Freeport, Maine (just a hop, skip and jump from me) to show highlight my new series “Local Love“. See how I transitioned their collection with some Fall 2011 Trends so that you can wear these pieces all winter long.

Here are my must-have transition pieces and how to extend them into your Winter looks.

Silk Scarf in Tan Oak

Silk Scarf in Tan


A silk scarf: I’m loving the print and color combination of this LL Bean Signature Scarf.

How to wear it this Winter: I love mixing and twisting 2 scarves together. The best way to take your silk scarf into the cooler months is by pairing it with a lightweight cashmere scarf. I adore Me & Kashmiere light-weight cashmere scarves.

You can also tie this cute scarf around your handbag for a great pop of fall color indoors. I’m all about brooches (get ready to see my collection in a post later this week) so I’ll also a brooch to this look.


Cap Toe Booties in Cordovan

Cap Toe Booties in Cordovan



Booties: This gorgeous, 2-tone leather Bootie from LL Bean Signature will  be amazing with dresses for Fall.

How to wear them this Winter: The most simple suggestion is to pair these booties with tights (and don’t forget the Plush Fleeced Lined Tights), but I also suggest a cashmere sock bunched at the ankle for a bit of added warmth and a fashion forward look with that lighterweight skirt or dress you just can’t seem to pack.



Silk Habutai Pullover Blouse

Silk Habutai Pullover Blouse


Blouse: I’m a huge fan of the ladylike trend so, this LL Bean Signature blouse is perfect for fall with it’s longer sleeves and soft tonal print. It’ll be amazing with a brighter color this Fall.

How to wear it this Winter: Pairing this printed blouse with a tweed skirt is a great way to keep this blouse in rotation. And you will Iove the mixture of textures. 


Marled Cable Cardi

Marled Cable Cardi






Gauzy Skirts and Dresses: I just can’t pack these away and this Fall, I don’t have to thanks to designers and their inclusion of these pieces in their Fall collections.

How to Wear in the Winter: Add an on-trend Chunky Knit Sweater over your Fall Guazey dresses and skirts. LL Bean Signature has a really cute, sweater cardi version that is super versatile in color and fit.

Living in the Northeast makes us have to be a bit more creative in with our closets. It’s important that we be able to wear our favorite pieces that much longer. Of course, this theory does not hold true for extending flip-flop season. That is a lost cause in my fashion book.

If you are local, stop by and see the LL Bean Signature Collection in downtown Freeport.  It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Ordering through the catalog by phone is another way.  Let’s be honest though, the online shopping site is the way to go.  Check out more of the Fall Collection here.

And don’t forget to share with me your ideas for transitioning your Fall pieces into your Winter wardrobe. 

xo.

c.

NYFW: The Must- Have “White” Dress from Altuzarra – Spring 2012

Friday, September 23rd, 2011
Altuzarra Spring 2012

Altuzarra Spring 2012

A white dress is a must-have for every closet, yet a floral dress is too.  Being a lover of both, this is the ultimate piece.

Oh, the places I could go in this dress…..

See the complete Joseph Altuzarra Spring 2012 Collection here.

xo.

c.

NYFW: For the Love of Leather – Derek Lam Spring 2012

Friday, September 23rd, 2011
Derek Lam Spring 2012

Derek Lam Spring 2012

Expect to see lots of this rich, dark, caramel leather color now into next Spring. It is perfection when paired with a printed skirt in a gorgeous hue like the one shown by Derek Lam.

And, as we all know, I just love a waist belt.

See the complete Derek Lam Spring 2012 Collection here. Wait until you see the first look! A yellow, leather jacket with beautiful caramel leather inserts.

xo.

c.

NYFW: A few of my favorite things – Prabal Gurung Spring 2012

Friday, September 23rd, 2011

 

Prabal Gurung Spring 2012

I can’t help it, I just love dresses over pants. And I love Prabal Gurung.

The mix of purple on white with black leather details and leather pants make me swoon.

Oh, and that lip color! I’m so glad to see pink lips are still going strong next Spring.

See the complete Prabal Gurung Spring 2012 show here.

xo

c.


Fall Trend to Try: Pops of Bright Color

Monday, September 19th, 2011



I tend to wear black more than brown or any other basic color, although I am madly obsessed with camel and always have been. But what I am really excited about is the opportunity to play with pops of bright color this season along with wearing my black or camel or even brown and grey.

When I saw this hot pink sweater with a black and cream stripe, I thought to myself, this will be the perfect way to wear Fall’s hottest trend – Pops of Bright Color. I ordered the sweater from Elle.com when they were doing a special online sale of H&M Fall Preview.  The silk, button up in bright purple is another H&M top. I added a pearl brooch which is somewhat feminine, yet a bit ManRepeller- inspired and a pair of Generra pleated cargo pants in a Almost black.

Whatever basic color is monopolizing your closet, here are some thoughts and ideas to help you wear this trend.

Dior Fall 2011

Brights with Black: Add Cobalt Blue, Hot Pink, Bright Purple and Turquoise. Even a bright tight with a solid black dress is an easy way to add in some color to your basic black.

I’m obsessed with this Fall 2011 Dior Runway look.  The gorgeous mix of Turquoise, Black and a rich Caramel color is absolutely unexpected, yet so stunning.

DKNY Fall 2011

DKNY Fall 2011

Brights with Brown: Add Bright Purple, Bright Coral and Neon Yellow, Red

I love the idea of this Yellow Trench Coat paired with brown slim cut trousers from J. Crew.

Brights with Camel: Add Orange, Red, Coral, Yellow

As seen here on the Fall 2011 DKNY runway: a mix of orange, red and camel is very sophisticated.

Brights with Grey/Charcoal: Add Cobalt Blue, Yellow, Orange, Purple

Emma Stone

Emma Stone

And let’s not forget about pairing Brights with Brights too. Everyone is going crazy for the hot pink and red pairing and I am right there with them. How absolutely stunning is this look on Emma Stone! Did you see Sarah Jessica Parker in Prabal Gurung wearing this same combination? It was and is perfection.

So, wear brights with your basics, wear brights with other brights.  The idea is that you try this trend and make it work for you.

Let me know how you are wearing this trend. 

xo

c.

Mixing Prints: A Must-Try Trend + Missoni x Target Part Deux

Thursday, September 15th, 2011

I love mixing prints. I love it mostly because it is a serious, yet really fun way to express your personal style.

The masters of mixing prints are an impressive group of fashion designers. I’d love to talk in great detail about them all, but I’d rather talk you into trying this trend and how one simple thing can make it easy.

This Dries Van Noten look is a perfect example of mixing some unlikely prints and having it work so fabulously, you can’t pass by the page without wondering how this vision came to be.

I am using this as an example and a way to show how easy it can be to mix your prints.  The first place to start is to find a common color or tone in all the prints. Once you master this, you can start to really have some fun this fall.  I’m all about mixing Florals with Tweed this Fall. And am also loving mixing plaid with bold graphic elements.

I styled this Missoni x Target Zig Zag Cardigan with an H&M Polka Dot skirt and a Nanette Lepore Leopard Belt.  Yes, Stripes, Polka Dots and Animal prints all come together because of a common element: color. 

This works because of the neutrals in all the pieces; beige and tones of browns work beautifully with the corals and blues. I added some pops of color in the Mustard Yellow bag , a bright blue Tre ring and in the layers of necklaces. I am really into mixing my metals too. 

Send me some pics of how you’ve mixed your prints via Facebook or comment here.  I’d love to see what everyone is wearing this Fall.

xo

c


How I’m wearing: Missoni x Target

Wednesday, September 14th, 2011
My Missoni x Target Sweater

My Missoni x Target Sweater

Yes, the Missoni mayhem on the Target.com site continues, but I bypassed the entire situation by going directly to my local Target to shop for the Missoni x Target collection.  Probably the most anticipated collaboration in the past couple of years, the selection was minimal at the store, but I still found it worth the trip.

I promptly arrived at 8:40am on September 13 and was ready to check out the entire collection including home and luggage and even the bicycle, but honestly, I got caught up in the clothing and accessories.  

I’m working on a series of posts about mixing prints and the fall trend of bright colors, but I had to at least share how I am wearing a one of my Missoni x Target sweaters. Paired with a maxi skirt, wide brown Streets Ahead belt, cotton tie dye scarf, a feather necklace and crossbody mustard yellow handbag from H&M.

I think you find the quality and fit not only amazing on the Missoni x Target, but the prices really are TO. DIE. FOR.  I’m not kidding.  I am extremely particular, but still came home with pieces that I felt would easily work for my lifestyle and were truly a good fit on me. The designs were a given: fabulous.  And the prices were equally fabulous.

Definitely go online and visit your local store often to see more pieces from the collection at Target.  They have told us that they are restocking daily, if not multiple times a day so, you should be able to get at least a few pieces from one or more of the collections.

I think the Target.com site is ready to work now too.  Whew! 

Let me know what you think.

xo

c. 


Local Love: My recent shopping jaunt in Portland

Friday, September 9th, 2011

I did some local shopping recently and as usual, the stores look amazing downtown.  Congrats to everyone on a great summer. The weather was spectacular, wasn’t it!

On Commercial Street I stopped by a few stores and I bought two of the cutest pumice stones-on-a-rope at Nicola’s Home.  One is being heavily used in my hubby’s bathroom.  I must admit, I have mine on display in my bathroom with a beautiful bar of soap I picked up at Picnic Portland a couple of weekends ago.  Oh well, I just have to get a pedi for super soft feet, right?

Another shopping stop was at Zane on Exchange Street. They blessed me with the most amazing multi-print scarf. And when I say, multi – I mean, multi.  Take a look at the combo of leopard and tie dye and the mixes of pink with red and mustard. It was love at first sight and I am having so much fun wearing it with just tees and tanks.

Here I paired it with a Splendid white tank, a Calypso St. Barth x Target necklace and my own butterfly pin from a Nanette Lepore top I got years ago. Oh, and I can’t forget my favorite new Revlon lipstick: Fuchsia Fusion. It is amazing and a perfectly on-trend bright pink.

Zane had quite a few different prints and polka dots at the store last week, but I wouldn’t wait if you think you’d like a little something for these cooler nights we are having; the $38 price tag is an amazing deal.  In fact, I keep dreaming about that black/white polka dot one and seriously need to get over there before it is gone.

I am hoping to hear back soon from Zane on a gorgeous sweater I found and needed in a different size. Stay tuned, it may be part of my “Local Love” post.  After all, a girl has to shop and why not do it locally when she can, right.  I hope you like this impromto addition to the blog. If you have something that you think would be worth me writing about, let me know.  I’ll be right over to swoon and take pics.

xo

style=”text-align: center;”>c.

Today’s Hair “Do”: Free-Form Braids

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

Photo via BellaSugar.com

I’m fascinated by those girls that can do their own french braids. I never learned so I am always on the lookout for ways to do a traditional braiding technique in a unexpected and usual way.

When I saw this free-form, braided up-do on Jennifer Morrison (courtesy of BellaSugar via Twitter), I was certain I could do it and am planning my attempt. In other words, I am off to buy more bobbypins; if I had a penny for everyone of those I have lost over the years…..

Here is how they described how to do this fabulous, braided Up-do and what I will be using to get the look.

  • Start by prepping the hair with a shine - I love Redken Shine Flash 02 Glisten Spray from my recent Birchbox - and body-enhancing product – I use a volumizing spray from Oscar Blandi (P.S. I love his Jasmine Oil hair serum too).
  • Next, using a medium-barreled curling iron, curl the entire head of hair, focusing the wave a few inches below the root. This Amika Triple Barrel  from Sephora.com is a dream!
  • When finished, create a side part, and then part the hair from front to back, leaving layers out to frame the face.  I think I’ll be doing a center part because of my short bangs and to give a little bit more of an edgy look. 
  • To finish, section off around six or so pieces from the back. What you do next is up to you. Loosely braid the outer strands (the sections closest to your ears) and pin towards the center to secure; roll or twist other sections upwards or downwards, allowing some of the curl to pop out. Have fun with it and get creative, focusing on forming a beautiful shape.

Let me know if you give it a try and send me a photo too.  I’d love to hear about any new braiding tips as well.  I just love the look and can’t wait to have some fun with this new on trend look.

xo
c.

What I’m Wearing: The ease of the classic denim shirt

Thursday, September 1st, 2011

There is no mystery in the denim shirt, but the possibilities are there for the taking.  I have a selection of denim shirts, all which vary in wash, so I thought I’d share just a couple of ideas on how to wear this iconic piece of American fashion.  Two key points to remember:

1.  Get a slim fit. You want to look like a woman, after all.

2. Reverse your thought process – in other words, treat it like it was a pair of jeans, just worn on top. In other words, unless you think you pull off a denim/denim combo with total confidence, skip this look.

Pair your denim shirt  with a silk skirt, dress or a colorful pant. I tend to wear a bit of girly-girl so this Rebecca Taylor skirt (pulled from my closet archive) paired with my Blank NYC light-colored denim shirt was just my style and a great look for walking around town.  I paired it with some flats to make it casual because the skirt really does lend itself to a dressier occasion.  Yes, it has sequins and little fairies on it and yes, I am wearing blush pink – who knew! 

I love this dress from Tibi and think it would look amazing paired with a denim skirt and flat, tall boots and a crossbody bag.

I can’t wait to wear my favorite new pant from J.Crew with my denim shirt. I definitely think the Bright Dahlia is the best color, don’t you! Paired with a tweed blazer, this look would be amazing with a gorgeous, structured bag for Fall. Yes, that was a the Lanvin Happy MM Shoulder bag and it is amazing so I had to include it in the post.

The second look is a less girly and a little more “going out” which is, in fact, what I was going to do when this shot was taken.  It was a great outfit for going out for lunch at the piers with the girls (hence the hat).  This denim shirt and the ruffled, silk mini are both from Banana Republic, cropped, cashmere tank: Max Azria (archive), shoes: Pour La Victoire, necklace: GemmaRedux, Bag: Botkier, Belt: Streets Ahead, Fedora: Target.

Another great option is to pair your denim shirt with this Midi-skirt from Asos.  You just gotta love the heart print!  I’d pair with some short booties for a day look or a platform pump for a night out with a blazer or chunky, open weave sweater.

So, get out and pick up a denim shirt in a clean wash (skip the versions with acid wash in the wrong places) and start planning all your outfits; including layering your shirt under all the cute striped, cropped sweaters for the winter.  I”m loving this Rag & Bone one from Saks! I have one coming from H&M soon that I think is going to look totally adorable too.

xo.

c.

Daily Tribute: The VMA’s and Katniss

Friday, August 26th, 2011

In honor of the reported preview during the VMA’s of the upcoming “The Hunger Games” movie based on the Suzanne Collins book, this short and sweet blog is being written with extreme anxiety and excitement.

I just finished the three book series including: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and MockingJay and can’t remember a time that I devoured (ohh, that’s not a good word to use considering the fate of C*** – don’t want to be a spoiler) a book yet alone a series of books so quickly and with such vigor

One of my 2011 New Year’s resolutions (yes, I am one of those) was to take the time to read more.  Of course, I still read my glossies cover to cover every month including Lucky Magazine, Vogue, Marie Claire, Elle, Coastal LIving and many more, but this resolution was to read actual books, not just articles.

I’m happy to say, I am very satisfied with my efforts and have even asked my BFF’s to join me in my new book club.  My book club is taking a different approach, however.  Instead of all reading the same books, we are meeting once a month to discuss whatever book or books we’ve read and to share our books with each other.  I guess my Kindle will have to wait a bit since we will be doing a physical exchange of books. Oh well. My next book: Spiritual Junkie: A radical road to self-love and miracles by Gabrielle Bernstein.  I’ll let you know what I think.

So, stay tuned for MTV’s Video Music Awards this Sunday night to catch not only some fabulous performances and fashion, but also to see the rumored sneak preview of the upcoming “The Hunger Games” movie.

I know I will.

xo.
c.

P.S. I’m off to the beach to read my September glossies and here is my favorite romper which I will probably wear. You know I had to throw some fashion into this post, right. It’s cute right.

Romper: Old Navy, Shoes: Target, Scarf: Graham & Spencer, Sunglasses: Gucci


Scent Obsession: Elie Saab Le Parfum

Thursday, August 25th, 2011
Sample page of Elie Saab La Parfum from Vogue September 2011
Sample page of Elie Saab La Parfum from Vogue September 2011

To some of you it may seem strange that I am writing about a new perfume, but that is what my new blog is all about; exploring and chatting about more than just fashion.

And this is the perfect place to start. If you know me (and after this post, you will) you know that my scent collection is vast.  I choose my scent every morning with as much care as my shoes and lipstick because I think it is as important as how you look.

I have a list of “must-have” perfumes that I’ve been slowly adding to my collection, but no scent has affected me so quickly as the new Elie Saab scent. Simply named “Le Parfum” it has no perceived notions or ulterior motives that can come with a name. The scent is also not presumptuous.

This flowery, woody yet ultra – feminine, scent has notes of Orange Blossom with Jasmine with the base consisting of Cedar, Patchouli and Rose Honey. It is bottled in a Baroque style glass bottle that is a statement on it’s own.

This is the first fragrance from Elie Saab, a Lebanese haute couture designer know for his beautiful gowns worn by celebrities such as Halle Berry, Beyonce and Blake Lively

The campaign in the September 2011 issue of Vogue, where I was first introduced to the fragrance, features famous model Anja Rubik and it is stunning.  Le Parfum is availabe at Nordstrom and at Saks Fifth Avenue where online they have a beautiful video with Saab and Rubik.  Le Parfum is available in two sizes 1.6 oz and 3 oz.  An accompanying collection includes body lotion and body cream.

According to both online stores, this fragrance is in high demand.  Yes, mine is already ordered.

xo.

c.

20% off Shopchantal.com l Suit Up with Shoshanna Swimwear

Thursday, May 19th, 2011

One day the sun will come back out and all of a sudden, it will be Beach season once again. We promise you.

It happens every year; we plan for the summer adventures and beach parties, but the planning of a new, stylish swimsuit is always the last thing we do.

This is the year that we don’t let this happen and our 20% off everything Sale- including Shoshanna Swimwear - is the perfect time to start a new trend.

With ikat prints, gorgeous solids, colorful striped pieces, animal prints and the classic tie dye, we have a suit for every occasion.

A one piece is a must have and we love the bright navy color of this figure flattering, ruched style.  Pair up with denim shorts and let the party begin.  Want a more classic look, try this beaded black one-piece with a colorful, printed sarong and you will be the highlight at the pool.

Mix and match our solid purples and grey bikinis with any of our printed bikini’s and you can have multiple looks to last you all season long. 

 Our favorite is the new purple, bandeau/halter top with a this ruffle, tie bikini bottom or try the multi-stripe bikini top with the solid purple bottom.

Or pair this U- ring bottom with and ikat halter top for a subtle way to add to wear prints with solids. Of course, you can then switch the tops and bottoms for another look.

Make sure to check out our “Goes Good With… ” suggestions to the bottom right of every product including all our swimwear combination suggestions.

Our 20% off Everything event is through Saturday, May 21.  Don’t be the last one to Suit Up this Season.

Friday is Sale day! See our top picks from the best selection of sale items – and they are an additional 20% off with our amazing event happening now.

20% off Shopchantal.com: Dresses, Swimwear, Denim + More

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

Our 20% off Sale continues today with a focus on Dresses. All our dresses – including sale – are 20% off thru Saturday. You know you have at least one event that you need a dress for this season and now is the perfect time.

So many fabulous trends and so many classics to choose from this season, but we chose some highlights of must- haves for our closet.

Tribal Print Dresses

An amazing trend that can be worn so many ways with so many different pieces. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent has always been a shopchantal favorite and this season, her printed dresses are no exception. We love the tribal print paired with a Gemma Redux necklace for a real statement.

Shoshanna dresses are an absolute dress-fit dream.  Not only do they fit amazingly well, but the colors and fabrics are classic and wearable throughtout the year.  This Spring we are loving the classic, one shoulder black paired up with colorful accessories. Choose a handbag, glass bubble ring and a skinny, colorful belt and you are dressed for perfection this Spring.

Animal prints by the queen of Animal Prints: Rebecca Taylor. A fitted, lightweight jersey tee style or faux wrap make wearing the animal print easy and stylish. Keep the accessories simple and chic for a style that will transcend the seasons.

Be a little daring this season and try one of these great styles and by all means, get a dress with some color, add a great pair of shoes and a clutch to finish it all off.

Our 20% off Everything is happening now through Saturday, May 21.

Thursday: Suit Up with new Shoshanna Swimwear.

 

The Best of the Best: Belt Styles you Should NOT live without. Now On Sale.

Saturday, April 23rd, 2011



We’ve always been fans of all type of belts at Shopchantal.com.  It’s a rare occasion that I go without a belt and it’s common knowledge in the store.

There is not a belt I don’t like: skinny, waist or hip, studded, braided or with chains, metallic, textured or the classic patent – I love them all.

Skinny belts are so on trend this season. We saw the classic braided over every floral dress and yes, we loved it. One of our favorites that takes on the trend is this Twelfth Street woven cotton belt with leather. It’s is great with a high waisted trouser and works perfectly over the before mentioned floral dress trend.


Waist belts were once considered very fashion forward (remember Carrie in SATC with the studded black waist belt:) are now becoming the norm in every wardrobe. Worn with dresses, over tunics and a great cincher for wrap sweaters, a waist belt is worthy of staple status.


We love the versatility and the seasonless quality of many waist belts. Our pick is this Double Grommet belt, it gives this simple white dress a totally different style. Pair it with caged heel or with some boots for fall and you’ve got something completely new.


And who can live without a hip/jean belt?  I don’t see how it is possible. Weather they are actually performing a duty or just an accessory, hip belts are a staple. Don’t have a “go to” style you love? Well, now is the perfect time to take action and add one to your belt collection.


Enjoy our sale on belts this week only in store at chantal. (our last day is April 30th) and shop online any day at anytime at shopchantal.com


Become a fan of Shopchantal on Facebook

Shoe Extravaganza Sale: Joie, Pour La Victoire and Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Shoes all on Sale

Monday, April 18th, 2011

The small list of our favorite Lovely Ladies Now On Sale:

The Astrid

We love the details on the Twelfth Street Astrid Heel; a peeptoe, slingback in the most amazing shades of fatique, tan and military greens with a combination of nappa – smooth and textured – and metallic leathers. It is not only gorgeous, but a classic style that is so sexy.  It is also an easy style to pair back to the wide leg pant trend and also works with all types of dresses. We like it best with a ladylike style or a flowy, floral. 

Originally: $352.00 Now: $97.50

Pour La Victoire is a favorite designer for many, many shoe snobs – including Chantal. The Darien ankle boot is a perfect combination of comfort and edge. Paired back to skinnies and a girly top, it is a mix of tomboy chic; so Kate Moss. You can also give your little floral, maxi skirts a bit of edge by pairing with the Darien too; so very Alexa Chung.

Originally: $353.00  Now: $75.00

Joie shoes are fast becoming a must have in every closet. Not only are they always on trend, but the leather and detailing of their shoes is impeccable. The boots are what we covet and with only a few left, we can see that many of you did as well.  For those of you who passed on their Over the Knee style this season, now is your chance to redeem your shoe wardrobe with the Coachella; an OTK in suede that will be worn for years to come.

Originally: $535.00 Now: $157.50

Check out the entire selection of sale shoes at shopchantal.com.  And remember if you are local, we will be closing our chantal. store on May 1, 2011.

Shoshanna Swimwear: The Bikini Chronicles

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011

Prepping for the great weather that is sure to find us shortly?  Well, let us help you plan all your Beach and Poolside visits with swimwear from Shoshanna

U Bandeau & Brief Bikini

Suns Worshipping

Start the season off right with a little sun bathing this season.  Getting a little golden glow will make all the difference.  Check out the newest bikini style from Shoshanna: the U-Bandeau and U-Brief in a gorgeous Steel Grey. Both the style details and color are unexpected for S/S 2011.

What we love about the steel grey is the option of pairing this suit with floral printed shorts and a bright head scarf.  Grey is the new Black when you want to pair prints and brights on the beach this season.

NEW! Purple Ruched Bikini


From Beach to Street

The newest style from Shoshanna is a favorite already. The convertible bra halter and ruched brief are a classic and so easy to wear. The halter gives great support and can be converted to a strapless top so you won’t have tan lines. The ruched bottom has a bit more coverage; making it super comfortable. We love the bright pop of the purple halter layered under an open linen shirt with some denim cut offs and floppy straw hat. Go from Beach to Street in a flash.

Ikat Print Ring Bikini

Ikat Print Ring Bikini

Stand Up Paddleboarding


Always a number one style, the Shoshanna ring halter and ring brief are a must have in every swimwear closet. Not only does this suit give you full coverage on the top and bottom, but it stays in place too; making it perfect for a day out on your Stand Up Paddleboard or even surfing.  The beautiful Balinese Ikat print of this suit is also great for mixing and matching with the U-Bikini in steel grey and the Ruched Bikini in the bright violet. Buy 2 suits and you can make 4 different styles to last you all summer long.

Poolside Party

High Tide Print Bikini

Looking to show some skin this year? Why not, you’ve earned it and summer is the time to let your hard work show. The tie-string triangles and string bottoms are coveted Shoshanna styles.  The prints are always right on trend too. This season we have three very different choices for you to try: the blue, turquoise and black python print , the Ruffle Trim in a purple watercolor print and the color blocks of the High Tide print. Both are bold and fun and easy to pair with coordinating solid bottoms for a fresh, mix and match too. We love the thought of a high slit skirt paired with a triangle top and some amazing sunnies and a fedora for a poolside party look that is sure to turn heads.

You can also check out all our Shoshanna swim styles including the amazing ruched one-piece in bright navy and the beaded tie neck in black.  Both are great for a day on the boat or a picnic at the beach.

Happy summer swimwear shopping!

Shoshanna Swimwear: The Must-Have One-Piece

Thursday, April 7th, 2011



Rhianna rocks a One-Piece

Rihanna rocks a One-Piece


Each season we get excited to introduce the newest Shoshanna collections; her dresses, her girly tops and expecially her swimwear.

Not only do we love 2011′s colors and prints, but Shoshanna is also introducing us to some of her new styles for both tops and bottoms. And let’s not forget her amazing one-piece suits that are a must-have option no matter where you live. This is the season to bring a one-piece into the mix. It’s versatility and ease of wearing are only two reasons. The number one reason: they are super flattering. Celebs are getting in on the trend too. Just check out Rihanna!

If you are looking for a flattering one-piece, but also want a pop of color, this Shoshanna Ruched One-Piece in Bright Navy (let’s just call it Cobalt Blue) is the perfect choice. The strategically placed ruching and seersucker fabric make this a great suit for beach and pool activities as well as a day on the boat. We love the tie neck detail as well and underwire cups for some serious support.

The Shoshanna black one-piece with the beading neck detail has been extremely popular and is perfect if you prefer the basic LBS (little black suit). Luckly for you, this suit will make you look anything less than basic with it’s full coverage in the back and underwire details. Feel free to tie the beading around the neck or for time of sun worshipping you can tie the beading at the suit for a “strapless” tanning session.

Both suits offer comfortable fits, stylish cuts and details that make being out in the sun this summer so easy. And isn’t that what we all want when on the beach at at the pool? Yes, a look of confidence and style is your best accessory when in a swimsuit.

See all our Shoshanna suits on shopchantal.com. You can also see her collection of dresses for S/S 2011 here.


Prints you will love: Rebecca Taylor Spring Collection is here

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

It’s crazy when you look at your closet and you see one designer that fills every girly – girl fashion need you can imagine.  For me, that designer is Rebecca Taylor.

Rebecca Taylor Rolled Sleeve Blouse

Rebecca Taylor Rolled Sleeve Blouse

This Spring, Rebecca has done it again.  She has created a collection that not only answers our dreams for ruffles and longer lengths, but she has also fulfilled our desire for prints.

Bluebird prints on guaze, python prints on CDC and a mix of Zebra with Leopard on Jersey; these are the newest pieces and already they are catching the eyes of many.

We think this Rolled sleeve blouse is the perfect complement to a pair of Spring must- have flare jeans from Genetic Denim.  Pair this with a gorgeous Follis Laced Julia bag worn cross-body style, of coarse, add a pair of flatforms and you are ready to go.  Chantal would add a her signature fedora hat in denim to complete her look.  What would you add? A statement necklace? or maybe a bold Tre ring?  We like both of these ideas.

If you are looking to add some animal instincts to your Spring wardrobe, we think the Ruched T Dress is a really fun way to wear the trend. Pair with some tall boots from Joie and a chunky knit sweater for a fun transition outfit.  We love the bright pink stitch detail on this dress; adding a pop of color in a super, subtle way is so unexpected and fun. 

Want to try the longer length dress this Spring? We do and this Faux Wrap dress in a taupe python print is exactly what we want. With a gorgeous ruffle detail at the neckline and hem, we see pairing this dress with some Pour la Victoire pumps and an Elizabeth and James blazer for a more playful way to wear the ladylike trend and a great work outfit.

See our full collection of Rebecca Taylor and all our designers at shopchantal.com or at our store at 229 Commercial Street, Portland Maine.