Archive for the ‘Celebrity Fashion’ Category

As Seen in Vogue September: Elizabeth and James Band Jacket

Monday, August 30th, 2010


I’m not going to insult anyone by suggesting that you don’t already know how important the Military trend is to fashion this season.  Everyone is interpreting the trend in their own way which makes it not only more fun, but more interesting than some of the other hot, seasonal trends.

We all have our own individual style here at shopchantal and yes, we are all influenced by the pieces from our fabulous designers.  Obviously, so are others out there in the world.

Vogue did an amazing September issue and included in this huge issue is a great spread “Green Days” which focuses on the Military trend.  Included in this spread is Brooklyn Decker,  a gorgeous “it” girl/model is shown wearing Elizabeth and James’ Band Jacket in Olive Green which is available online at shopchantal.

We could go into a dozen different ways to wear this jacket (because we have that many, really), but we’d love to hear how you’d wear this jacket.  Let us know.  Leave a comment or send us a photo.

In the meantime, if you need some inspiration, check out our Military Influenced pieces here and pick up September issue of Vogue too- it’s worth every penny.


The Leather Short. Which way will you wear it?

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

The one piece that I was looking forward more than anything this fall is the leather short.  I realize that to some a leather short is a bit of reach, but for those willing to take a chance and try them, we promise you will not be disappointed.

The Joie Denver Leather Short is a beautiful piece that is so wearable.  It is just how you choose to put it together.  It needs to worn in a way that best reflects you and what you feel the most comfortable wearing.

To give you some ideas, we styled this Hot Fall Trend 3 ways.

Classic - a style that never goes out… of style. The key is the downplay of the pieces and up play of the accessories.

Wear the short to work with a little jacket or out for a day of shopping with some short, flat boots.  Top with a button up shirt by Elizabeth and James,  a fun statement piece of jewelry (we chose a Streets Ahead belt) like Gemma Redux or a simple glass bauble ring from TRE, add a wide, strappy heel and a grocery style bag from Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent.

For Night - Perfect for a date night out or a girls night on the town.  We love this Graham & Spencer Lace Back Cami because the lace is subtle, yet sexy.  Not sure you want to share the lace? throw on a Blazer.  This whole outfit is so on-trend with Leather and Lace. The Pour La Victoire Short Bootie is a great way to toughen up this really girly look.

This look would be great with a open toe bootie as well.

For Day - The cool Fall days and nights are quickly upon us so we love that these shorts are super versatile when paired with a tight.  We chose a patterned style (stylists own), but you can do an opaque Plush tight too.  The military-esque details on this Rebecca Taylor sweater is perfected with it’s soft lilac color.  Another way to wear the popular military style  - YOUR way.  Pair this cozy, easy yet sophisticated look with a rugged bootie or an over the knee, flat boot (available soon at shopchantal.com and in store at chantal.).

A statement bag is a must for all these looks.  A gorgeous gold studded Crossbody bag from Treesje or if you dare, the Botkier Ava Slouchy Hobo in Metallic Mermaid would be amazing.

Have fun with fashion this Fall.  Check out our lookbook and trends sections for more fabulous ideas.  We are updating the layouts and look of the site too.

And you can always visit us at the store. We love and live for helping customers try new looks.

Rompers: A Fashion Forward Staple in Many Forms

Saturday, May 22nd, 2010

No matter what your style, there is always a way to incorporate a new piece into your closet. Rompers are super hot this season and there is a style for everyone: classic, military style, one shoulders and of course, the girly girliest of them all, a ruffle cami style.

Seen on celebrities (see Blake Lively and Nicole Richie left for serious inspiration) for a couple of seasons now, rompers began as a definite fashion forward piece, but have evolved into a very wearable piece that is essential for every wardrobe.  The newer romper styles are much easier to wear and come in several styles.

We have the new Joie One Shoulder Raleigh romper in expresso that just arrived in the store that is a fun version perfect back to some studded Joie sandals and a structured cross over bag.  And their military green silk romper is great for both day and night.  The collar and epulets are so on trend too.

The long-sleeved BCBGMAXAZRIA romper in black silk is so sophisticated.  We love it back to heels and a Gemma Redux necklace for a night look or the Joie Elvis bootie for a cool day look.

Want a fun and flirtly and super girly romper?  Then The Rebecca Taylor cami romper in navy blue is for you. All this romper needs is a smile on your face and, of course, some cute Pour La Victoire ballet flats.

Have some fun in the sun this summer with a Romper.  You’ll love the ease of wearing them and you will look so in style.


Trend Alert: Street-Worthy, Safari-Inspired Styles

Tuesday, April 20th, 2010

The beauty of this trend is not in dressing to the nines like Nicole Kidman in Australia (although her style was impeccable throughout), or but to take bits of pieces of the safari trend and incorporate it into your daily wardrobe. It is a very wearable and very chic trend.

Think of pieces such as a sheer t-shirt with a touch of khaki or a military green romper paired with studded, neutral sandals and even a simple canvas belt over a beautiful orange chiffon dress.

All, in some way or another, these pieces inspired by the season’s hottest trend: Urban Safari.  A blend of city, street- worthy pieces with colors, textures and/or a style reminiscent of  a Safari exploration.

Here are a few ways to have some fun and look in style.

Add a short, light suede, Spring Bootie from Joie with a silky, sexy, black romper from BCBGMAXAZRIA for the perfect date night outfit.

Pair a loose fitting Cargo-esque style pant with a floral top for a playful afternoon outfit that will be a big hit at the park or out for a casual lunch. We love the Pencey florals for the season.

Or for the most simplest way: throw a Me & Kashmiere Safari Scarf over just about anything in your closet. We love it over an easy, Kain silk blend tee with some Work Custom denim shorts and Joie Cut Out Booties.

So, take a chance, add a bit of this trend to your Spring/Summer wardrobe.  We think you are going to go banana’s over it.  

See more Urban Safari Looks and Trend Alerts in our Lookbook and Trends Sections.



Are you a GEMMA REDUX Girl? We are!

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

The juxtapositioning of Industrial and Organic is simply one of the most beautiful things you will ever see.

Tough, Edgy materials mixed with Soft, Feminine draping design is exactly what makes GEMMA REDUX so amazingly special and an accessory must-have for any fashion style. 

Whether you are a classic top/blazer/denim girl or a boho fashion lover of prints and flowing tops - this jewelry will fit into your wardrobe in the most unique of ways. We love the pieces paired back to a basic tee for an effortless, statement look, but are also drawn to pairing the pieces with soft, floating silks and chiffons to add a bit of edge to this feminine look.

Designed by Rachel Dooley, the artist strives for contrast & excess in GEMMA REDUX pieces: “I like the contrast of industrial metals and high end jewelry, of thick chains and delicate natural stones, and the excess of massive pieces with too many stones, too massive on the neck or too long on the body.” GEMMA REDUX pieces are never precious - the metals are generally not delicate but rather industrial, and the stones are rough and intense. Intentionally tough and complex designs made for the tough and complex girl – the GEMMA REDUX girl.

Gemma Redux was also named a winner of the 2010 CFDA Fashion Incubator (CFI).  Orginally based in New York City, GEMMA REDUX will continue to maintain it’s business presence in NYC with the support of the CFI.  The CFI is designed to support the next generation of fashion designers in NYC by offering low-cost design studio space, business mentoring and education seminars and networking opportunities. All this is in an effort to help designers reach their full potentional and become an integral part of the New York fashion community.

We are super proud to be a part of the ongoing success of GEMMA REDUX by selling their designs in necklaces, bracelets and earrings in chantal. and shopchantal.com. It fits in so perfectly with our aesthetic.  We also love offering out customers the most beautiful pieces we find in this world full of choices. 

Jennifer Carpenter wearing the liz necklace in black tourmaline

Jennifer Carpenter wearing the Liz Necklace in Black Tourmaline

Also see GEMMA REDUX designs in publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, WWD, Cosmopolitan, Glamour and Zink Magazines, as a regular in the weeklies, and featured on the TV fashion obsessed show, Gossip Girl.

GEMMA REDUX has also been recently photographed around the necks of Cameron Diaz, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Carpenter, Jessica Alba and Molly Sims.


Enter for a chance to win a pair of [BLANK] Jeans

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

We are so excited to work with one of our favorite blog sites ClosetCravings to offer you the opportunity to win a chance at over $1,000 in giveaways including a pair of [BLANK] Jeans from shopchantal.com

As seen on Kate Hudson, this Motorcycle Skinny Jean from [BLANK] is a must have denim style for every closet that craves fashion.   Available in a wash called “Tentinurpants”, this biker inspired jean has great detailing inlcuding thigh and knee stiching, bottom zippers located on the back of each leg and a worn, slightly distressed denim. The wash gives even a bit more edge with some slight rinsed look.  We love it paired back to boots and a chunky knit. Chantal loves them with her Pencey Faux Fur Sweatshirt and her Joie Motorcycle Boots - of course!

Closet Cravings (Twitter: @closetcravings) is an amazing site dedicated to showing you the best of the best in “As seen on. . .” pieces that we all crave and wonder just where to buy it.  They do an amazing job of showing you the celebrity, what she/he was wearing and an option of where you can buy the item or one very similar if it is no longer available.  It’s a great site to meet up with other fashion/celebrity obsessed people like ourselves.  Closet Cravings readers love Fashion. Beauty and Juicy Drama.

The shopchantalstylefile is working on an “As seen on. . .” edition to our blog as well and hope to show you how we carry many of the pieces your favorite celebs are wearing and how they put their outfit together.

Enter to win here and you could be celebrating the new year in a pair of [BLANK] Jeans. Trust us, you will [THANK] us!


Shopchantal talks Winter Trends on The Brand New TV Show

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

(Sorry all, could not get the youtube video embedded.  Link here to watch on youtube.com)

Chantal Young of chantal. and shopchantal.com appeared on the newest local television show, “The Brand New TV Show”, hosted by Matthew J McDonald (Twitter @mattmc13) and Chrystie Corns (Twitter @ccmaine).

The focus of the segment, which aired November 19th, was Winter Fashion Trends and Chantal discussed some the latest trends and must-haves for the season including styles and specific pieces. Her trend focus included: slouchy styles, biker/motorcycle pieces, the legging and cold winter must-have accessories. With the hosts, Chantal also discussed some other popular styles including Blazers, boot styles and skinny jeans

“I wanted the audience to see that the trends for the season are much easier to wear if you take a look at the variations in the cuts and fabrics and most importantly, how you can incorporate the trends into your dressing style” said Chantal.  She went on to say “For example, they are so many ways to wear the slouchy style and it doesn’t have to be limited to one piece of clothing such as the slouchy pant.  Slouchy styles can be interpreted into many different variations including t-shirts, scarves and one of my favorite, the snood

A trending topic on twitter, the snood is a slouchy hat/hood that has many variations. It is made popular  by celebs such as Lady Gaga, Blake Lively of Gossip Girl and even includes men in the mix. It has made a resurgence lately due to celebrity and television and has been referred to as a possible retail savior for the holidays. We prefer the slouchy hat version at shopchantal and offer it in a few variations.

See The Brand New TV Show (twitter @brandnewtvshow) locally on the WPME station (channels 17 and 3) and on youtube.com.  The show will continue to feature what’s new and interesting in Maine and around. Make sure you check it out.





InStyle & Shopchantal.com: Facebook Fans with Benefits

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

We are so delighted to be a part of the InStyle magazines Facebook Fan Page.  Not only because we love, love, love InStyle Magazine, but we also have an adoration for Facebook.

InStyle brings all of us the best in the lastest styles, trends, celebrity interviews and great tips on how to wear the newest styles.  We love the photography and accessibility to all the best designers and their collections.

Facebook offers us the ability to reach our audience in a way we’ve never had before. Direct contact with our fans is not new, but this is the best of the best (along with Twitter) to reach those that want to be reached.

Our Facebook fan base could use a little boost and we hope you will visit us and become a fan yourself.

While you are there, become a fan of InStyle on Facebook too.  You will see that they are offering their fans discounts and special offers on their favorite fashion sites, including shopchantal.com. 

Thanks InStyle for including us!

Please Note: This InStyle promo is only offered online at shopchantal.com.

A Sneak Peek: Shoshanna & Charlotte Ronson Team Up Again

Monday, November 16th, 2009

We all love Shoshanna’s swim styles and wear them all summer long.  Our customers love them too! Every year we get so excited when we see the line-up of her swim collection at Coterie.  For the past three years, shopchantal.com & chantal. has carried her swim collection and every year the prints, selection of styles, and different ways to pair her separates gets better & better! 

As some of you may remember, Shoshanna teamed up with her bff, Charlotte Ronson, last year to bring us one of the best collaborations between two designers that we have ever seen–Made With Love.  Swim that stayed true to the Shoshanna fit we have all come to know in prints with fun, boho inspired details (rope ties & wooden beads) that the two designed together.  Needless to say, the addition of their collaboration both to the store & website was a huge hit, and we couldn’t be more excited to tell you that the duo was at it again for Spring 2010.

Made With Love

Made With Love

Their tie-dye masterpiece will be arriving at shopchantal.com & chantal. in late February, early March.  Both designers are influenced by the era that originated this bohemian print, and touches upon each of their individual styles perfectly:  Shoshanna’s need for bright & vibrant colors and Ronson’s craving for pieces that are both vintage and edgy!  Let’s just say that the collaboration is sure to get an abundant amount of press, once again!
We also picked up a great selection of Shoshanna’s signature swim line in a wide array of styles that you have come to know and expect from both Shoshanna and us.  We ordered some great solids along with some of the best prints we have ever seen offered:  a Missoni- inspired Triangle Top bikini & a great floral psychedelic print with fun rope details (my personal favorite, pictured below).  Also, an amazing ruched-detail black tankini that is similar to her one-piece style that was a customer favorite last year.  Our first delivery will be arriving just in time for the season of giving & her swimwear is always a staff pick when trying to choose that perfect gift.
Shoshanna Bikini Looking for something now:  Check out the amazing deals we have on our swim selection now.  Great styles, Great Prints and Great Fits - everything you’ve grown to love and expect from Shoshanna. 

As seen in Lucky: Rebecca Taylor + Kain Label

Friday, November 13th, 2009

We love it when this happens!  We pair together some great designers for the website and then…. boom, the same look graces the cover of one of the hottest shopping magazines in the country.

We couldn’t have asked for a better “fashion nod”!

Carrie Underwood, an “it” girl not only in the music scene, but in the fashion scene, wears the Rebecca Taylor sequined jacket over a Kain Label tank for the Lucky December cover shoot. Thank you Lucky and thank you Carrie!

We’ve always loved the feminine fits and details of Rebecca Taylor and mixing her with the sexy, slouchy tee style of Kain Label just seemed like the perfect mix for a fresh, new take on dressing for the holidays.  Or for just a night out for drinks and a concert.  There are lots of those going on right now.

We have a fabulous new selection of Rebecca Taylor looks at shopchantal and in store at chantal.  In addition to the tank worn by Carrie, we have a huge mix of Kain Label pocket tees, v-necks, Long sleeved tees and the most recent addition to their line, a racer back tank.  The colors include heather grey, teal, black and white (of course) and the newest holiday color: Spicy Orange- trust us, it is super cool and really wearable.

Stop in and shop these and our other new designers, Monrow, Mike & Chris and BCBG.

MONROW: Supermodel Inspiration, every day appeal

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

We couldn’t be more excited about our new find, MONROW, an LA based contemporary line of knits and t-shirts.  Known best for their original collection of graphic t-shirts that sported the images and names of supermodels:  Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Kate Moss, Helena Christensen, and Naomi Campbell, MONROW’s prints and “fabric burn outs” have become cult favorites amongst celebrities like Halle Barry, Rachel Bilson, and Jessica Simpson.

Rachel Bilson in MONROW

Rachel Bilson in MONROW

Designers, Michelle Wenke and Megan George began the line from a sort of “grass roots” approach.  They met at OTIS College of Art & Design.  After graduating, George began her own line, ”George”, and Wenke became a stylist.  However, when their paths crossed again the two started MONROW out of Wenke’s kitchen and the two began promoting the line, themselves.  

Their first collection in 2007 gained them an abundant amount of press & exposure with the “Kate” tee, inspired by Kate Moss.  Currently, their collections are inspired by a palette of colors (7-9) that set the tone for the rest of the design process:  deciding on fabrics, what prints to use, and most importantly, the fit.

The tone for their Fall 2009 collection is inspired by their own personal taste that just so happens to match up perfectly with the trends of the moment:  dark & vampy jewel tones with a mix of leopard that create an almost Gothic appeal.  We can’t wait to get share the items from the first box that arrives at chantal. & www.shopchantal.com:  tee’s with an impeccable fit that are also fashion forward and knits that can be worn in numerous ways in silhouettes that hit on the pulse of the moment:  blazers & edgy jackets.

If you have come to know us well, you know we are dreaming up looks for our next lookbook series that will showcase the ease and every day appeal of our newest addition, MONROW. 

Stop in the store to see this latest addition.  We think you will be inspired and refreshed by this new line.




Celeb Denim Obsession: Genetic Denim

Monday, October 12th, 2009

www.geneticdenim.com

Heidi Montag in Genetic

Heidi Montag in Genetic

Sienna Miller in Genetic

Sienna Miller in Genetic

Let me start by saying, Ali Fatourechi & Shaun Hurley the masterminds behind Genetic Denim, are two of the nicest guys I’ve ever met, not to mention two of the best looking dudes I have ever met!  We love doing business with companies like Genetic:  good people, great styles, and an impressive amount of press that doesn’t hurt when trying to create a demand for a denim line.  I really can’t think of one “A-List” celebrity that I haven’t seen in these jeans at one time or another:  Jessica Simpson, Lindsey Lohan, Heidi Montag, Sienna Miller, Kate Beckinsale (also a fan of Current/Elliott), Kate Hudson, and you see what I’m saying?

It’s no surprise to me that Hollywood is busy running around in Genetic due to the super soft denim (all of our customer always say, “It feels like I am wearing pajama’s!”), great fit, and a selection of different styles (skinny all the way to sailor pant) that will keep any personality happy.  One could say this is part of their design aesthetic and branding; their logo is a double helix (yes, the kind you see when you google the term “DNA”–hence, the brand’s name Genetic).

The Shane

The Shane


We eagerly await our shipments from Genetic every month (both for men & women), and are super excited about their latest wash in, arguably, their most popular style–The Shane.  A great skinny in a medium blue wash that can be worn day or night, casual or dressy.  We love it back to Joie’s New Orleans boot–super comfortable denim only makes sense paired back to an edgy, yet comfortable shoe!

So whatever your individual genetic code possesses, Genetic will be able to fill your need for that perfect jean that represents your individuality.  After all, “It’s all in your genes.”

THIS JUST IN:

See Georgina in tonight’s episode of Gossip Girl wearing the popular Shane Skinny in a black lace. This is definitely gonna be a  ”tell God the Bitch is Back” moment!


Back to Basics: Jeans & Tees…OH MY!

Thursday, October 8th, 2009
Jean & Tee Girl:  Drew Barrymore

Jean & Tee Girl: Drew Barrymore

Every year, there are a handful of customers who await for the arrival of certain designers, specific items, and share in our excitement to wear it all NOW.  These same customers also come to us every year looking for similar or the same items that are such staples to their wardrobes that they must “refresh” them every year or simply want more of what they already have.  These women are women after my own heart as I rely on the same basics every year, as well, but I also understand the importance of (this is one of my favorite quotes from one of my dearest friends) “freshin’ it up” - Chantal Young.  Simply put, that favorite t-shirt, pair of jeans, comfy sweater, or warm pair of tights may be a bit worn after living in it all winter long & pieces, such as these, can use a little replacement every now and again.  More importantly, we have picked up some great new designers since last fall (don’t worry we kept all the “old faithfuls,” as well) whose collections include some of the best every-day pieces (especially for the jean & tee girl) we have seen in the 4 years we have been open.

Sharon Segal has perfected the burn out tee in a silhouette that screams, “I am the perfect long sleeve basic!”  For all our customers who have loved Splendid’s Very Light Jersey Collection for tee’s, we are positive that you will fall in love with Sharon Segal’s Cloud Burnout Long Sleeve U Neck, offered in both charcoal and white–my opinion, you’ll need them both.

Long Sleeve t-shirts are always sought after by our customers every year around this time, but it’s also the season for denim!  Basically, it’s a no brainer–what two pieces work more organically together than a tee and jeans?  As most of you know, we are always picking up new denim lines to keep things interesting, and our newest line, [BLANK], has everyone talking.  Not only do their skinny jeans fit perfectly & flatter endlessly, but the price point is very appropriate considering the economy, at the moment.  [BLANK] has offered up two basic washes along with some fun, trend-worthy washes and fabrics, as well.  We are loving their Denim Skinnie Classique in Creamy Asian.  Yes, a basic blue jean in a basic style, but also with just a hint of trends we are loving at the moment (Distressing & Studs–featured, just slightly, on the back pocket).

Important to note, these basics are extremely appropriate for every day and do not have a shelf-life, but they also look best when accessorized just a bit to create a “look” or “style” that is still comfortable, but not boring.  Simply throw on a Me & Kashmiere Scarf, tuck those skinny jeans into a great pair of boots, and find a lush jacket that can be worn with so many different things…and don’t forget the bag!



Refined Relaxation: This Season’s Best Knits

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009
Kate Hudson in New Boho Cardigan

Kate Hudson sporting the Twelfth Street Boho Cardi

Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of celebrities sporting more down-to-earth & casual looks that I now find myself dressing down more and buying pieces like chunky knits, super-soft fleece jackets, & lux cashmere.  I’m not sure if the economy has pushed us towards these more cozy, yet stylish looks or if dressing more casually has a more every-day appeal with an unbeatable cool, girl vibe?  Let’s face it–nothing is more easy than throwing on your favorite pair of jeans, a chunky sweater style, and flat boots, and the designers have made it easy to find all of these pieces in fabrics, styles, and colors to make each and all of us happy.

October deliveries are in and the majority of our new inventory focuses around one of the biggest trends this season:  chunky knits.  However, other luscious sweater-inspired styles include the update to one of our favorite fabrics–French Terry.  The carefully updated & polished styles are being offered up in so many different silhouttes & cozy fabrics that one will not be short on ideas on how to achieve this look.

Recently inspired by “The New Casual” an article in October’s People StyleWatch, I am offering up our favorite styles that can be found at shopchantal.com& chantal.


Tattered Elizabeth Blazer

Tattered Elizabeth Blazer

KNIT JACKETS & COATS:  The perfect way to create a sophisticated vibe while still rocking this cozy trend.  Elizabeth & James has created the Tattered Elizabeth Blazer that when paired with a tee & jeanscreates that casual vibe, but when glammed up with Nanette Lepore’s Too Hot Skirt &  Stage Door Shell your look is instantly appropriate for evening!
Vintage Fleece Hoodie

Vintage Fleece Hoodie

STYLISH FLEECE:  The perfect compliment for your everyday look!  Splendid’s Vintage Fleece Hoodie shown here with a burnout from Sharon Segal & a distressed skinny style from [BLANK] is the perfect way to sport this not just for the gym style!


Juliette Vest

Juliette Vest

FURRY VESTS & JACKETS:  Joie’s Glimmer Faux Fur Vest is our pick for this trend!  However, due to it’s larger than life presence we recommend keeping the rest of your ensemble simple by pairing it back to skinny jeans and boots.  Another way to achieve a similar look without the “fur” is to pair your favorite leggings & boots back to Joie’s Juliette Sweater Vest.  Still very much so on trend due to it’s chunky quality!

CAT Cassidy Boot

CAT Cassidy Boot



Finally, when accessorizing your laid-back look, pair with a great flat boot to keep the comfort level high!  We are loving CAT’s Cassidy Boot that looks like you’ve been wearing them for years due to the distressed leather and wooden, stacked heel.

A Fall Must: Over The Knee Boots

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

Due to my obsession with fashion, trends, and celebrity gossip, I tend to buy a lot of different types of magazines relating to the topics mentioned above:  People, People StyleWatch, Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Lucky Magazine and the list goes on and on.  One thing all of these magazines had in common in the month of August, and even into September, is their obsession with over-the-knee boots.  Not one color (though it’s best to stick to blacks, greys, and neutral tones) reigned, not one heel height sored above the others, and there isn’t one person that couldn’t pull of this look with sticking to a few, simple guidelines.

Reva Boot

Reva Boot

So I’ve done the homework for you, read up on all the ways to wear it and all the ways to NOT wear it and believe me, I think once you slip into a pair like Twelfth Street’s Reva Boot or Pour La Victoire’s version (expected soon at shopchantal & chantal.), it will be love at first sight.  As I know was the case for my father’s good friend who can’t stop ranting and raving about her most recent purchase of Twelfth Street’s version at the store (chantal. & www.shopchantal.com), and if she, at over 60 years old, can pull of the look with confidence, sex appeal, and sophistication then I know you can, as well.

Remember, this boot makes a statement all by itself, so keeping everything else pretty minimal will guarantee a flawless approach to wearing this trend.  I recommend wearing the boot with a matching colored tight (hence, black boots are a very sound investment) or tucking a skinny pant into them that will complement the color of the boot.  Keep the top a little longer as it will help to create a long silhouette between the height of the boot and the length of the shirt, Boyfriend Blazers & Tunic-style shirts work best for this.  Remember to add texture, not necessarily color to your look.  Too many bold things at once can turn into a big, loud mess, but pairing the boot back to a lush-textured piece makes the statement even more fabulous.

Shoshanna & Shopchantal.com in Life & Style

Thursday, September 10th, 2009

Check out our newest press in Life & Style featuring Shoshanna’s Shawl Collar Cardigan.

Shopchantal.com is listed as the source for this amazing Sweater Cardi.  Available now at shopchantal.com

Look for more posts on our press this month including Lucky Magazine for Elizabeth and James‘ Flat Front Peg Pant and People Stylewatch for Shoshanna’s amazing Military-style coat.

We hope you share in our excitement and pick up all these great reads.

Rachel Zoe: Slim Pickings in a Tough Economy

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
Rachel, Taylor, and Brad back for Season 2

Rachel, Taylor, and Brad back for Season 2


Their back!  Team Zoe is back in full effect, and the first disaster of the season includes dressing 5 celebrities (Cameron Diaz, Eva Mendes, Demi Moore, Debra Messing and Anne Hathaway) for the Golden Globes.  What’s the big issue?  Due to the slowdown in the economy, designers have slowed their production of couture gowns, making Rachel’s job difficult to choose the perfect dress for her clients.  Brad even referenced the difficulty with a metaphor that only he could conjure up:


“It’s weird to have an award’s season and not have any clothes to dress people in.  Imagine if you were a doctor, but have no prescription pads so you just go without medicine.  That’s kind of the same situation, maybe?  Right!”

A bit of a dramatic metaphor, but for this fashion obsessed trio saving lives is just as important as saving celebrity fashion reputations.  The team makes do, but not without some little trials and tribulations right before the celebs head down the red carpet:  Eva Mendes spots a stain on her gown, and Zoe needs Karl Lagerfeld’s consent to cut a sleeve off a Chanel couture dress to fit her vision of Cameron Diaz’s look.

All in the name of high fashion!  I’m thrilled for a new season from a group that never fails to disappoint with high drama, incredible fashion, and celebrity guest stars.  Tune in next week for the Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo, Monday nights at 10pm (EST).  To read a little bit more about Season 2 of the Rachel Zoe Project, visit the “About” page on Bravo’s website.

The Micro Mini: An easy, versatile fall trend

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009



The mini-skirt has been around forever, but the new and polished take on this piece is no longer just for those with model thin silhouettes or for those with legs that are miles long.  The key to wearing this trend is balancing the short hemline with more covering proportions either on the top or the bottom.  Paired back to many of our other favorite fall trends (The Boyfriend Blazer, Leggings, and Chunky Knit Cardigans), the micro mini is turning into a daily essential just like your favorite pair of jeans.

Some of our favorite offerings of the micro-mini include styles from Joie, Elizabeth and James, and Nanette Lepore–each one is so different from the other and can be worn is so many different ways that we are having a hard time deciding which is our favorite! 

Joie’s Darcy Skirt gives off the “boho cool” vibe when paired back to a printed blouse, over-sized shaggy vest, and tall boots creating a look that is both luxe, yet exotically edgy. 

Blake Lively in Micro Mini, Tee, and Boyfriend BlazerFor those who prefer a more polished, girly version on this trend, Nanette Lepore’s Too Hot Skirt & Elizabeth and James’ Noguchi Skirt are offered in black which work well paired back to a bright tee and some sky-high heels for a fresh, clean look that is both stream-lined and sexy. 

Transitioning these mini’s into cooler weather is effortless when worn with many of the legging options we have at shopchantal.com.  Adding a legging is also a flattering way to get the look of the moment for those who feel a bit self-conscious baring too much leg.  Another figure-flattering option, pair with a tall boot to create a balancing act as to not bare too much leg.

Appropriate for both office and play, the trend is being seen in many different textures, colors, and fabrications making it easy to find “the one” that fits your personal style and lifestyle best!  Just remember, rock it with confidence–the most important accessory to this look! 


Fringe: Factor it in your wardrobe this season

Tuesday, August 4th, 2009

Everything in moderation is something my father always told us.  Of course, he wasn’t talking fashion, but it is a good motto to live by and apply to many facets of life - including fashion.

I love mixing trends and styles: slouchy pants with a girly top, tough boots with a flowey dress and my favorite trend of all time- studs.  I will buy and wear just about anything with studs and love to pair it with sweet tops.

Fringe is not a new trend, especially with handbags and shoes, but it is a trend that is worthy of mentioning again because it has longevity.  Really.  Last year we saw fringe details from the top designers and again they did it this year. 

Joie is a perfect example of the fringe trend transcending from last year to now.  The did a cute flat fringe boot and reinvented the style in a heel for fall. The Rockefella is gorgeous and the perfect heel.  We love the Mushroom color- so neutral.

Twelfth Street handbags have a subtle use of fringe making the Smith Couture Bucket Bag a must have for anyone wanting to wear the trend, but wants it in moderation.

Ella Moss Black Label is all about ruffles and fringe and tiers.  That’s why we love it so. The Ella Moss Black Label Coco Cami is a fantastic fit and has the softest fringe.  It moves beautifully with the body.  We love it back to colored denim, distressed shorts from Current/Elliott and even back to white linen pants for a night out.

Looking for an easy way to transition into this trend for fall in a subtle way?

Look at scarves for inspiration.  We love the scarves from Shawlsmith London for the fringe detail and for seasonal colors.

So, wear fringe in moderation with accessories or wear it all out in a top or dress, but whatever way you decide, Factor Fringe into your Fall wardrobe.

Join the [Blank] Revolution: Blank Denim is in!

Thursday, July 16th, 2009

You’ve seen them on celebrities, you’ve seen them in the summer blockbusters, now you can see themand purchase them at chantal. and online at shopchantal.com.

[BLANK] Denim is here! Their motto is “Not all Premium jeans come with a Premium price tag.”  With prices ranging from $68.00 - $78.00, you have to agree with the pricing.  And, trust us, the Premium jean part is right on as well.

[BLANK] Denim has clean pockets and labeling with urban, edgy detailing such as studding and distressing while maintaining an amazing fit.

We are in love with the first two styles we received yesterday.  In fact, we wore them right out of the box.

One style we are rockin’ is a black skinny with a studded back pocket. Both huges trend for fall, the [BLANK] Skinny Studded in black denim is the perfect way to get the look.  The fit is amazing and the look is super cool.  And, at $78.00, you can’t complain.


Or maybe you just want a nice blue denim wash with a clean pocket. The [BLANK] Skinnie Classique in “If U Seek Amy” wash is the jean you need.  A super soft, clean blue skinny leg, this jean is great for pairing with any kind of top.  The fit is great (although we do suggest going up one size), and at $69.00, you will want 2 pairs.  One to wear while the other is in the laundry.

Join the [BLANK] revolution.  We have and we are not lookin’ back.  See our fast selling selection now!