Shopchantal Stylefile

I couldn’t resist this totally soft and great fitting Missoni x Target Tee.  At the time, I think I was the only one buying it because the rack was full when I left, but that’s just fine with me.

I kept thinking about all the bright colors I could layer under (Vanessa Bruno Turtleneck) and over (schoolboy blazer in cobalt) this graphic tee.  And don’t even get me started on the wide legged, red trousers from Zara that I’ve been obsessing over and can’t wait to wear. Are you loving that we can order online from them now?  I am.

Here I paired some Red, Black and Camel checked trousers to show how you can wear not only another print (or texture) with a graphic print, but also to show how neutral prints can make a statement. The Streets Ahead belt is a beautiful perforated leather and is great for giving a more boxy cut a bit more shape.

The addition of a camel Foley & Corinna slouch bag adds a softness to the look.  I’d also have no problem adding a bright, studded Envelope Clutch from Asos to this look, or this Shopper by Marni in a bold yellow.

Have fun mixing your prints and remember, your look can be just as beautiful and powerful in neutral tones. I suggest a bright lipstick or nail color if you want to add a bright to your neutral mix.

xo.

c.

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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

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

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.

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

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

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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.

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Kain Label Shoulder Insert Tee in Cayenne

Kain Label tees are adored by celebs. And, we think they are amazing as well.

The combination of silk and modal makes for the perfect, drapey top wearable with a skirt and blazer for

Audrina Patridge in Kain Label Bell Sleeve Tee

work or with denim for a more casual look. Layer the long sleeve under our faux fur or cropped sweaters this spring for a great transition look.

Check out the great selection of Long Sleeve, Bell Sleeve, V-necks and more. The best part — they are now all on sale.

But don’t wait to get your pick. Kain Label devotees are always on the look out for a sale and they will pounce fast.

Shop at chantal. at 229 Commercial Street or online at shopchantal.com for a full selection of Kain Label colors and styles.

Kain Label tees are now 30% off. Don’t miss out on a rare sale on this amazing designer.

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Ashley Tinsdale in Genetic Denim

We love this entire look on Ashley Tisdale: the boots, the jacket, the scarf and the amazing Genetic Denim Shane Skinny Jean in Slink. Of course, the puppy is totally adorable too.

We have the Slink wash available and absolutely recommend it for a new Spring Skinny because it is a lighterweight denim, but a darker wash. This is a great combo for a skinny for the upcoming season. Wear it like Ashley with a pair of tough boots and a big scarf.

For those of you not totally familiar with Genetic Denim, they are a celebrity favorite and a favorite at shopchantal too. We call Genetic “the softest jeans in the industry” because they are so unbelievably soft. You have to try them and feel them to believe it.

The Shane is a always a number one seller, but we also carry the popular Kelly Bell Bottom (so right on trend for Spring/Summer ’11) and the Riley bootcut – which is the number one bootcut in the store.

The Twig is another skinny option,but in a higher rise. Seen here on Jennifer Garner.

Stop by chantal. at 229 Commercial Street or shop online at shopchantal.com for the entire collection of Genetic Denim.

Psst. There is also a huge denim sale going on right now which includes lots of popular Genetic styles.

(Photos courtesy of Genetic Denim)

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Current/Elliott Jegging in Blue Black NOW: $138.60

Ever heard the saying “Don’t knock it till you try it”? Well, this is the perfect time to make this statement.

Much talk of the Jean Legging or “Jegging” as being unflattering is mostly hype. Typically, it’s not the fault of the style, but of the way it was styled.

We love the clean, darker wash of the Current/Elliott jegging as it gives us more options to create a sophisticated look.

We suggest you never wear a legging like a pant and although the jegging is really a jean, there is a fine line between wearing it properly and not wearing it properly.

Pair with a cropped jacket or slim cut blazer, a longer fit drapey, silk top and platform pumps for a sophisticated and on-trend look.

Over the Knee boots help balance this fitted denim style when worn with a cozy knit or sweater and button up. We are loving Spring’s new look of the cropped sweater worn over a dress like the new Joie Corina dress- wear this look now pairing with your jeggings.

Celebrities from Gwyneth to Charlize love the jegging and show us their take on wearing this great denim style.  

Our Huge, Annual Denim Sale is happening now. Don’t miss out on the amazing deals on your favorite styles and designers happening in store and online at www.shopchantal.com.

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Our pick of the day from our annual denim sale is a bit unexpected, but assured to “lighten up” you and your denim closet.

DL1961 Jennifer High Rise Bootcut NOW: $110.60

We think a fresh wash such as ivory is the easiest light wash to wear. The rich, vanilla wash of the DL1961 Jennifer bootcut works great as a dressed up style now with a Splendid turtleneck and Twelfth Street faux fur jacket or it can take on the boho look with a chiffon, one shoulder print top and sandals for Spring.

We love the idea of making a strong, neutral statement pairing ivory jeans with the tonal lace and crochet already showing up in the store. Both are beautiful looks for the new season.

Cameron Diaz in Current/Elliott

Light wash denim is a great wash to have in your denim selection. We love to pair it with this Pencey black and white stripe for more attitude and style. Light denim looks amazing with a nude boot or bootie as it helps to keep the light look all the way to your toes:) Check out Cameron Diaz wearing Current/Elliott recently to promote the Green Hornet movie with Seth Rogan. We have this exact denim and more of their washes in this style still available.

We also love the versatility of grey denim – perfect with Spring’s hot colors, honeysuckle and cobalt.  It also works beautifully with the pretty florals and aztec prints. The moto details of this Unknown Factory skinny is a great way to re introduce the biker trend into your wardrobe as well.

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PRVCY Premium Denim Barbados Straight Leg NOW: $120.40

It’s that time of year again. . . the time of year when you can get the most tremendous deals on the best designer denim styles on the market at chantal. and shopchantal.com.

With prices starting as low as $20.40 you can’t possibly resist adding multiple new styles to your denim closet. Whether you prefer the classic Bootcut, the hot Spring trend of the Flare, the always-in- style Straightleg, the must-have Skinny or a fun, fashion-forward style such as the denim sweatpant (loved by celeb Jessica Alba) or the Jegging; you can totally complete your denim with our huge designer denim sale.

Coveted designers DL1961, Genetic Denim, Blank NYC, Current/Elliott, Rock & Republic, PRVCY Premium, Malibu Denim, Earnest Sewn, Work Custom, The Unknown Factory, Chip & Pepper and even Taverniti So complete the over 65 available styles of denim marked down from 30% to 90% off.

Enjoy picking up your basic, 5-pocket styles, but now it the time to really get a pair that is maybe missing from your closet. At prices as low as $49.70, you can add that skinny jean to your wardrobe without a big commitment of cash and without the guilt of maybe wearing it only on the weekends. And take this opportunity to add a new wash, rise or style.

We will be focusing on a style each day for the next week to show you how much fun adding a new style or wash can be and how it can freshen up your wardrobe. Stay tuned and check back for our “denim pick of the day”. And share with us via our comments and let us know what your favorite denim is and what you picked up at our sale.

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Plush Thigh High

Tis the season…  once again, we are most excited about the presence of the Plush fleece- lined footed and footless tights, leggings and the new addtion of thigh highs, a great alternative when you may already be wearing stockings and just want some extra warmth.  The thigh highs are also a fun way to stay warm and still feel sexy. 

Nikki Hilton wearing Plush Denim Leggings

Nothing keeps are legs warmer in the Northeast than Plush.  After freezing for years in regular stockings and leggings, and tired of uncomfortable, itchy wool tights, designer Jennifer Kim realized women needed a fresh approach to Staying Warm AND Stylish in the cold. Living in NYC, Jennifer was no stranger to harsh winters in which Staying Warm AND Stylish was not always an option. Wearing a skirt to work was out of the question and denim jeans did not hold any warmth.

After traveling the world looking for the perfect combination of warmth, comfort AND style, Jennifer created Plush, a line offering an array of fleece-lined items from hats and accessories to sublimely soft tights and leggings. Jennifer’s goal was to create warm, comfortable AND stylish products so that women can continue to dress how they’d like, even in the coldest of weather.

Plush accessories are a staple in our wardrobe and will be in your’s too.  Each year we continue to sell out of this amazing styles from Plush so don’t wait until January to get your hands on one of the most coveted items in the store. And this year, Plush added a new size in the footed style so we have those available as well.

Shop online or at chantal. at 229 Commercial Street for all the available Plush items. And be on the lookout for the cute Plush legwarmers – arriving soon!

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It’s no secret that we absolutely adore the addition of handbags to chantal. and shopchantal.com. We carried only a small selection for many years, but our new location and insistence from our customers made us take the leap.

And, we couldn’t be happier. We now carry five handbag lines. Each line is distinctly different from the other – from the styling, to the functionality, to the leather choices. Crossbody styles, Cargo styles, totes, and hobos, all with accessible pockets and multiple compartments. These are the styles that are overtaking the streets.

Our newest addition to our handbag designer collection is Olivia Harris by Joy Gryson. The first thing you will notice about these bags is the gorgeous, supple leathers and detailing. However, at close inspection, you will also see a level of functionality that we think is exactly what busy women need. Whether you are a working woman, mom, or a working mom, there is always a need for basic usefulness.

The key to the Olivia Harris bags is that you don’t need to sacrifice the beauty and fashion-forwardness that is totally necessary in today’s handbags in order to get the functionality you need.

Joy Gryson started her career working for industry powerhouses such as Liz Claiborne, Coach, Calvin Klein, and eventually landed at Marc Jacobs.

In 2006 Joy went out on her own and launched the Gryson brand of luxury accessories. The GRYSON brand has garnered much attention in a short period of time.

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Sienna Miller bundled up for the Season

It’s that time of year again… winter is sneaking up on us quickly and before we know it, it will be on our doorsteps.

Now is the time to start thinking about how you will be “cold weather ready“.  Here are are a few tips to help you get through the season while still looking chic and stylish.

Underlayers are key in the Northeast.  You should never under estimate the extra layer of simple long sleeve tees and turtlenecks.  Splendid is a shop favorite which is why we keep stocked up starting in September and don’t stop until March. An easy cotton/modal blend underlayer can also add a pop of color under a loose woven knit or under the new selection of cropped sweaters.

Sweaters. The obvious cashmere, wool, angora and mohair sweaters, vests and wraps.  Autumn Cashmere, Edun, Joie, Oonagh and more. And let’s not forget cotton fleece and sweatshirts from our other favorites- Kain Label, Monrow and LNA. 

Tights and Leggings. We can’t live without the Fleece Lined Tights from Plush. Each year they come up with another great color or style and they are true must-haves.  This year we are loving the addition of the leg warmers from them – Simple, easy ways to layer your legs for those cold walks to the coffee shop. We also love Commando’s opaque tights for layering too.

Warm Accessories. Scarves from Me & Kashmiere are a done deal – all year long.  We love the all wrapped up under our coat collars for a gorgeous pop of color.  Carolina Amato and Autumn Cashmere have upped the gloves this year with the classic pop-top and fingerless options. They also both did scarves with Autumn Cashmere stealing our hearts with the new neck warmers and tube scarves - Genius!  And don’t forget your skull cap or snood. A hat is a must. I wear one everyday – even indoors sometimes and always will. The snoods are my fav- slouchy and cute with my long hair.

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Demi Lovato rocks the Elizabeth and James Clara Sequin Tee

You may or may not know this, but I adore sequins.  I love them in everyway – simple details like on a pocket or all over on a cami, I even love them on skirts.  But my new favorite way to wear sequins…  on the shoulder like this Pencey top and on sleeves like this Joie top.

Demi Lovato has the same thoughts. Perfectly paired with distressed jeans, lots of bracelets and some no fuss hair makes the look very cool-girl casual.

I can also see this tee tucked into a bandage skirt from BCBGMaxAzria and some platform pumps.  Or with some [BLANK] skinny cargos  and a pair of suede wedge boots.

The ideas are endless for ways to wear this amazing trend. And the season is upon us to add a little Sparkle.

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Miranda Kerr in Genetic Shane in Slink

We have a serious denim crush on Genetic Denim. It’s no secret.  Lots of celebrities do too including Miranda Kerr.  Seen here wearing the Shane Skinny in Slink, she looks stunning as always.

We love the fit and fabric of Genetic and the Slink wash is super sexy and easy to wear with the dark neutrals of the season as well as the pops of color.

Miranda has this styled perfectly. Here is how you can get her look —

Add a slouchy bag like the Botkier Prince Hobo in black, Pour La Victoire Lennox Suede Wedges and tweed snood from Autumn Cashmere.

See our full selection of Genetic Denim with the Shane in Slink and many other washes inlcuding the new Corduroy Blue Blood (looks and feels like velvet!)

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Katy Perry in Nanette Lepore

We loved this dress when we ordered it — way back when, but when we saw Katy Perry wearing it on the cover of Lucky Magazine, we were even more excited. Not only is the dress beautiful, but we adore the individual style of Katy Perry – making it even more exciting.

The dress just arrived in Royal Blue and it is as stunning as we remember. With a beautiful one-shoulder, overlapping, sweetheart neckline and tie knot, the dress is flattering on every figure.  Pleat detailing on the bustline accents the beautiful fit.  We also love the pleat details on the back and the hidden zipper for a totally, flawless look.

We can’t wait to pair this lovely dress with the new Pour La Victoire Irina Platform Heel, GemmaRedux Chaos earrings and Commando Sexy Stripes Tights.

Holiday Parties …. here we come!

Order the Nanette Lepore La Marocain Dress here. Or stop in the store located at 229 Commercial Street, Portland.

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With it’s coveted claim to comfort “the softest denim in the industry”, Genetic Denim has long been a favorite at shopchantal.com.  Not only because they are truely the most comfortable, soft denim on the market, but the styles and fits are amazing.

Anna Kendrick

Kate Beckinsale

Halle Berry

Jessica Alba

Celebrities are also in love with Genetic (see photos).  Sienna Miller, Reese Witherspoon, Kristen Stewart, Jennifer Garner, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez have also been photographed in several pairs of Genetic – proving that they really are fans. And our very own Mainer: Anna Kendrick wears them too!

chantal. and shopchantal.com carries several washes and styles from Genetic including fan favs: The Shane Skinny, The Riley Bootcut, The Kelly Flare, The Twig and a store fav – The Davis Slouchy Skinny.

With several new washes including a Velvet dark blue Shane Skinny and a Convertible Hem Cigarette in Zinc, we are sure there is a fit and wash that is a must have for your closet.

Stop in or shop online and develop your own denim crush on Genetic. It will be a long lasting love – we promise!

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