Shopchantal Stylefile

Even Appropriate for Play

Not a new idea, but one that has been finely tuned and edited for the season–the sheath dress is always in style and classically timeless.  It is simply one of those pieces that saves the day when you are unsure about what to wear to the office, out for cocktails, or when you feel like wearing something different than jeans and a tee.

Lucky for us (and for you), Shoshanna is always updating her take on this shape, and this season her offerings are sure to impress even those who feel a bit too “young” to wear a sheath dress.  Her attention to details are never short on impressiveness from pleated fronts, to belted waists, and our new favorite (which pays homage to the 80’s) the Peplum Dress.

Shoshanna Peplum Dress

Shoshanna S/S Belted A-Line Dress

All of her styles are easy to transition from warm weather to chilly days.  They can also be very girly or can take on the appearance of tough-girl chic.  It is all in how you choose to accessorize her designs, which are somewhat of a blank canvas left to the creative influences that make up your own personal style.

We recommend pairing either piece with Twelfth Street’s Boho Cardigan as the weather gets colder as the bright blue’s and blacks against the cream colored background create a rich appeal.  For a more polished finish, Elizabeth and James has created a sophisticated Boyfriend Blazer that works back to just about anything.  Finally, a legging or opaque tight will work perfectly with a tall boot to create a cool-edge that looks effortlessly pulled together!

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We are never at loss when it comes to pairing certain items together to create looks that are both inspirational & practical.  It is something all of us at www.shopchantal.com& chantal. live for, and every day inspiration comes through our doors in the form of new deliveries that keep the creative juices pumping.  We are a little obsessed when it comes to creating looks, and we get super excited when we see a great shot from a recent photo shoot that captures that perfect “style” or “edge” that we are constantly craving.  Our lookbook has become somewhat of a “fashion diary”.  We even archive looks from previous years to help inspire us for looks of the present.

Our latest mini-series focuses around a staple piece that no woman’s closet is without:  the dress.  We have taken 3 different dresses, each style completely different than the other, and put them in 3 different “scenarios”:  drinks and dinner, perfect for the office, and a day of shopping.  The best part about these dresses is the versatility each one offers when accessorized in different ways to become appropriate for just about any occasion or situation you may find yourself at or in.  There is no need to keep a dressy dress in the back of your closet until that next cocktail party or wedding, layer it with Plush’s Fleece Lined Footless Tights or their Footed Tights and Twelfth Street’s Finley Sweater to create a look full of downtown edge that is great for both day or night.

Or how about that strapless number that bares a bit too much alone to be “appropriate” for the office?  When paired over Pencey’s Plaid Tux Blouse, also amazing tucked into a skirt or casually paired back to your favorite pair of jeans, and accessorized with Twelfth Street’s structured “Couture” Smith Bag & Reva Boot the look becomes instantly smart and perfect for the office.

And let’s not forget how we are going to acquire a dress that fits our need or the accessories to take it from a dress you may have only worn once to one that is glued to your body–a day of shopping!  A look that should exude confidence & should represent your style!  Taking a dress that has an easy, comfortable shapethat can be tweaked just so to create the look your after:  cinch in the waist with the Street’s Ahead Stitched Belt, carry a bag large enough to hold items needed for a full days work of shopping like Twelfth Street’s “Atlas” Berkley Bag and most importantly, a comfortable, yet stylish shoe is critical.

Both our website and store have wide offerings of dresses in different styles, colors, and fabrics along with all the accessories you may need to complete the part you are dressing for.

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Yes, Sharon Segal is the daughter of the infamous Fred Segal, but that is not why she is coveted or beloved.  She is admired because she designs the most amazing tees and lttle dresses that make you want to go back to jeans and tees — everyday. We swear.

Segal has taken her years of retail experience and created a niche market for tees that have impeccable quality with a design aesthetic only reached by those who have spent years listening to what the customer wants.  With a super-soft hand and silhouettes that are slightly longer, this line of tees and dresses and other pieces will become a new basic in your closet.

Segal’s burnouts are fast becoming a chantal. / shopchantal.com favorite.  We are so delighted to have this wonderful, new line amongst our other great collections.

You’ll see us mixing in Sharon’s lower price tees with lots of pieces from our contemporary collections to show you a style mix of high and low.  Already, the pieces work with one another through her color palette choices, but we love to shake it up a bit and plan to layer these tees under our Elizabeth & James Blazers, our Pencey dresses and, of course, with our Joie Glimmer Vest and Malibu Denim Alexis Straight Leg — talk about a mix of luxury and everyday style.

See our selection (and love) of Sharon Segal continue to grow each month as we get in new styles and colors from her ever expanding collection.

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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

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.

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Just like the Burger King Whopper - the new Fall Style for Leggings is “wear it your way”.  Wear it rocker style, biker style, feminine, chic or just for a casual look - you can wear your look and should.

With styles including full length and cropped and details such as zippers and seaming in fabrics that include spandex, leather and ponte, there really is no end to what you can do with leggings this Fall.

We love the look of the new Rock & Republic Melissa Legging.  It has a bit of sheen and an amazing bottom zipper feature.  The wide waist band and pull on style make it super slimming and easy to layer over just about everything.

Generra’s Skinny Knit legging has a great stitch detail that makes for a more flattering look.  This one is a must for everyone.  This one is a bit more of a trouser with it’s zipper and button closure waist.

The Splendid Legging is a mainstay at shopchantal.com.  We get it almost every delivery in either a full length or a crop.  This season they, and us, have added styles with ruched ankle details, ponte fabrics and even a denim legging.

Ella Moss’ new Ponte style has an insert of ribbing for extra comfort and a cool moto girl vibe.

Elizabeth and James were so on target in their design of a Spiral Seam Legging with it’s hook and eye ankle closures and wide waistband, we couldn’t resist getting them.  They are so wearable and flattering.

Graham & Spencer is always one of the coolest collections available.  They were the chosen ones for the coveted leather legging- see that soon at shopchantal.com

So, you really can “wear it your way”.  The designers know you want what you want and they have stepped up and delivered. See our legging choices at shopchantal.com and just try and pick one- we bet you can’t.

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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.

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Blake Lively fulfilling her cravings

I’m the type of girl that will try just about any color (except green), but I always seem to find myself gravitating towards neutral tones that lend themselves to be versatile when paired back to an accessory that adds a punch of color.  So when I picked up the September issue of Harper’s Bazaar, I was thrilled to turn to page 224 to find a dedication to two of my favorite neutrals out there:  Grey & Camel.  Some may call me boring, but truth be told when these two shades meet it creates a level of sophistication and class that I am calling unbeatable.  The staying power of items in neutral tones is strong and here at shopchantal.com we have an endless amount of offerings from denim to accessories that are sure to fulfill my tonal cravings.

Celia Dolman Sleeve Sweater

Joie’s Celia Dolman Sleeve Sweater is a favorite of mine from last year, and this year they have made it in a rich shade of camel.  The cut alone is timelessly classic, but when paired with [BLANK]’s Denim Destoryed Skinny in Sextin, Joie’s Rockafella Fringe Boot, and topped off with Twelfth Street’s “Couture” Smith Bag it takes on an edgy, tough girl chic look that is also a craving of mine, at the moment.

A few of my other favorite neutral-defined pieces include:  Graham & Spencer’s Washed Silk Dress which would create a fun, flirty look when paired with Foley & Corinna’s Arm Candy Clutch.

Graham & Spencer Washed Silk Dress

Also an option, a jean that fills my need both for tonal desire and motocross edge, Unknown Factory’s Skinny Biker Jean paired with KAIN Label’s V-Neck in Walnut for a weekend look that is comfortable, yet stylish.

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Fall Trend: Slouchy, Cropped Pants

Voluminous, slouchy, and incredibly flattering (when worn the right way)–the new & cropped take on menswear inspired fashion should come with a buyer’s manual.  Worn with the wrong pieces, this high-fashion item can turn into a not so graceful ensemble.  Thankfully, we have taken the time to create a sort of “how to” guide to creating looks that won’t leave you looking like a fashion disaster, but will make you feel cool, confident, and timelessly classic when putting this trend back to all the RIGHT items.

First things first, if you haven’t snatched up a pair, you will need to do so.  Elizabeth and James, becoming a cult favorite amongst all of us at shopchantal.com, has created our “it” slouchy version.  The Suiting Flat Front Peg Pant is the perfect shade of charcoal making it a versatile choice! 

Shown here with Walter’s Chestnut Multi Plaid Tunic, a studded belt, and Pour La Victoire’s Blanche Heel, The Suiting Flat Front Peg Pant is worn both effortlessly & edgy.

The secret to pulling off this look is to balance the proportions of a relaxed, slouchy pant with a slim-fitting top that should be worn tucked in, if the top doesn’t fit snug right at the waist.  Some other important factors to keep in mind include:

1.  Best worn with heels, the slouchy pant can look a bit messy when worn with a flat shoe.  The heel brings a sort of “heightened” illusion to the silhouette that gives your body a longer and leaner look. 

2.  Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize:  Due to it’s menswear-inspired nature, the pant should be paired with bold jewelry, studded accessories, and always a statement belt to create a polished, feminine look that doesn’t skip a beat.

3.  When layering on top with a slouchy pant,  keep in mind to not add too much bulk on top!  Graham and Spencer’s Modal Slub L/S Tee under their Washed Silk Cami creates a group of thin layers that won’t overpower the slouchy fit on the bottom.

When keeping these simple “rules” in mind, the slouchy pant is extremely flattering by disguising not so flattering areas of the hip, thigh, and butt while being super comfortable due to the level of freedom and movement the relaxed shape gives to the wearer.

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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. 

For 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! 

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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.

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It’s official. We have a sibling.  A baby sister site, if  you will.  And, she is not wearing our hand me downs. She is wearing new items from the best designers and with a mantra of “STILL IN STYLE. NOW ON SALE.”, she is gearing up to be a well dressed, financial guru as well.

With a great write up from Grechenscloset.com, this new site is well on it’s way to some fun blogging and shopping.

With a  list including top contemporary designers such as Nanette Lepore, Shoshanna, Rebecca Taylor, Genetic Denim, Trina Turk and a handful of others, www.designersalerack.com is the little sister site of www.shopchantal.com, a website dedicated to offering the hottest selection of contemporary collections for Women & Men.  Designersalerack.com also offers great sale items for men too including selections from VelvetMens, Original Penguin, Earnest Sewn and more.

You can also visit designersalerack.com from shopchantal.com sale for women and sale for men pages. It is a link at the bottom of the page.

In addition to shopping for your favorite designer, you can also shop by category for both women and for men.  Women’s categories include all your favorites: denim, dresses, tops, pants, jackets and others. One amazing piece we love is the Walter Sexy Combo Dress - perfect for the upcoming fall season with a pair of tall black boots.  Men’s categories include denim, shirts, hoodies, jackets, sweaters and more.  Our fav for men is the Edun Shawlneck Sweater.

We also offer a great search feature so you can search for a specific item or designer.

www.designersalerack.com has the same great customer service as shopchantal.com including email (our iphones are ready) sales@designersalerack.com and we are always on twitter @dsignersalerack (follow us for up to the minute sale items).  If you want to chat by phone, we have an 800# available during normal business hours (Monday - Saturday 10 am - 6pm EST and Sunday Noon - 5pm) 1.877.347.5527.

www.designersalerack.com has launched this week and has a great selection of items that are STILL IN STYLE. NOW ON SALE.  And the best part is,  the items are offered at discounted prices starting at 75% off retail.

With a flat rate UPS shipping of $7.00 you can order as many items as you want and only pay shipping once.  With prices this low you will want to have us pack you up a large box full of great designer styles.  Please also note that all items are Final Sale - not returnable or exchangeable.

Visit www.designersalerack.com often or sign up for our email list that will send you the latest posts on added item. You will only receive emails if an item has been added to the site.  You can also keep in the know with RSS Feed.

We hope you enjoy the new site offering items “STILL IN STYLE. NOW ON SALE.”

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We have grown to love Fall here in the Northeast- mostly because it is an extension of Summer for us! Some of our hottest days are during transition into fall. That’s why we really love to make our summer pieces last longer while getting in on the amazing first fall deliveries (I think they are always the best!).

Here are some ideas to help you style your Summer pieces with New Fall items.

1. Boots, boots, boots.  Tall, short or in between.  Boots are a great way to show your fashion forward sense.

2. Layering. Definitely plan to layer jackets and vests over your strapless or cami style pieces - including dresses.

3. Add a scarf.  A scarf can truely give you a style lift as well as some extra warmth on a cool fall day.

4. New Handbag.  It really is best to switch up your bag for fall.  Nothing looks sillier than a floral cotton bag paired with a fall outerwear.

Our favorite look for fall.  A strapless dress by Shoshanna, layered with the hottest trend of the season: a boyfriend blazer by Elizabeth and James, a pair of tall boots from Twelfth Street and a beautiful winter white handbag.

Another great look: Beau Soleil’s Black Beau Slouch dress paired with a pair of Joie Fringe Boots and a Nanette Lepore cropped coat in Iris and a Graham & Spencer Scarf.

Both outfits are a great mix of the best trends of the seasons and are all available now at shopchantal.com.

See our What’s New for new fall items and see our great selection of new sale items too.

Need some inspiration?  See our Lookbook features and our Trend page ideas.

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The Fall collections are arriving daily and the designers are true to form in shipping amazing pieces for their first deliveries.

Nanette Lepore, Shoshanna, Haute Hippie and newcomer Elizabeth and James are all showing gorgeous dresses with a bit of extra detailing.  We have a selection that includes beading, attached necklaces, extreme pleating, faux wraps and wraps and one shoulder styles.

A little bit of something for everyone- if you will.

All these styles and more can be seen at chantal. and shopchantal.com.  See our new LOOKBOOK for some inspiration too.

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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!

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Our adoration for Current/Elliott has evolved into a love of not ony the boyfriend style pant, but slouchy styles in general.  And, our love has grown from denim to silk.

The style has been going through some growing pains, but we think they’ve finally settled and the outcome is amazing.  Not to be confused with the Harem Pant, the slouchy pant has a real relaxed fit, but the crotch is not exaggerated.  We didn’t go there because the Harem Pant is a difficult trend to wear.  And we are jsut so in love with just the Slouch pant look.

Nanette Lepore’s newest collection has a pant we can’t seem to get enough of and want to wear this style all the time now.

Her Pre-Fall/Transition collection includes a skinny, slouchy, silk pant that has a button closure at the hemline so it can be made even skinner -perfect for pulling up the calf to rock the crop.  We love it paired back to a bright colored summer tank and layered with her leapord print jacket and the a pair of Pour la Victoire heels.

Nanette Lepore

Pencey Hobo Pant details

And, you must know by now how much we love Pencey.  Their slouchy hobo pant in grey is beyond amazing.  Not only is a great slouchy style, but it has ink drawings and stitch details all over it.  It looks cute long and rolled up to show off some great heels.  Because it fits like a man trouser, it works with flowing tops as well as fitted.

Graham & Spencer did the banded bottom in their slouchy pant this season. And it is black, making it perfect for a night out in the city.  Super cute with flats and a fitted tee.  The secret here is to define the waist with a belt or short, crop jacket.

We are looking forward to more of this style and will keep you posted as more collections arrive.

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Long ago, at a job far, far away, I had a woman boss with tremendous style and flair (and yes, brains).

She wore the classic styles, but always in a bright color,  She had a short, chic haircut, but it was always just a bit messy, making it very sassy.  One of her true signatures was the layering of the David Yurman bracelets. They were LOUD and they were gorgeous and she never took them off.

This was her style and I will never forget it.

I’m reminded of it because I have recently found my “David Yurmanish” look.  My DY style meets more of my look and lifestyle: Bracelets by Alex and Ani.  I am having fun layering these bracelets with lots of different looks and outfits.

My two new favs to layer are the Nile Beaded Expandable Wire set in Hematite paired with the new Quill Feather Single Expandable Bracelet.  I love the look and the Hematite ( a glossy brownish-black tone) works great with the Russian Silver of the Feather.  Very Edgy yet Chic.

The Nile set is a set of 7 bracelets priced at $158. for the set and the Quill Feather is only $48.  More metals are available in these styles and others.

Just thought I’d share and give you a little fashion distraction today.

See more Alex and Ani at chantal./shopchantal.com

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Whether it is a work meeting, a weekend event or a night out, you can’t deny the beauty and ease of a “Little Black Dress” (LBD). The right fabric, the fit and the fashion of an LBD are important.

We love that each season our designers can still amaze us with the most gorgeous, new and always fresh styles of the LBD.  There is a time and place for the basic shift (sans pearl choker, please), but we want our LBD to be more current and with some style that speaks to today’s trends.  That is why we want all the new styles out now. They are modern classics and wearable in so many different ways. Here are some of our favs.

Shoshanna is a master.  A bit of pleating here, a little ruffle there.  These are dresses that you can most definitely wear from day to night with a change of shoes and handbag.

Joie has the talent to take the most simple of silouettes- the t-shirt into something special.  Turn the t-shirt it into a dress made of washed silk and it becomes the perfect throw on for a night out.  We love it worn alone and also accessorized with a belt and some long chains. Whichever your mood or event, this LBD is a blank canvas.

Our newest designer, Beau Soleil, has a great, slouchy dress called. . . yes, the Beau Slouch. Full sleeves and a mini style make it modern and fresh with a level of comfort we can’t resist. This is a great piece for wearing on the weekend around town doing some shopping or our for brunch with friends and family.

So, whatever your need or event, take another look at the LBD.  We suggest pairing it up with some color for day and neutral for night.

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Owner of The Unknown Factory, Moshe Azran would tell you that the typical customer of their premium Italian denim line is “A confident girl who knows what she wants”.

We get pretty excited at shopchantal.com when we find a line that fits perfectly in with our attitude and our style.  This is one company that does just that.  We are a group that knows what we want and our customers definitely know what they want as well.

Sounds like a match made in heaven.  We will certainly find out when our first shipment arrives in June. The Robo Cop Skinny and the Biker Skinny are two styles you can plan to see from the Fall 09 collection at shopchantal.com

The Biker in Dirty Used

The Unknown Factory Designers, Eli & Moshe Azran

Made of Premium Italian Denim and designed by two of the youngest designers in the denim industry, Eli and Moshe Azran, this is a collection that focuses on the fit as well as the wash.  With a combination of Cotton and Lycra and a standard rise of 7 3/4″ in front and 12 3/4″ in back, these skinny styles are a sure fit.  

Eli and Moshe are proud to say that they focus on details as well. The Biker has great knee stitching details that has become a recognized feature for the brand.  Clean, slightly detailed pockets is also a signature detail.

Lauren Conrad and BFF Lo Bosworth

Loved by the press and celebrities alike, this is a denim line you will want to get to KNOW.

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Designer Interview #2:  Shoshanna Gruss, Shoshanna and Made with Love

Shoshanna in her signature look

sc: What is your personal trademark?

SG:  A straplesss dress with a cute blazer or leather jacket, and killer heels (see above).

sc:   Who is your Style icon?

SG: My mother Betty is my ultimate style icon. She is always impeccably dressed and has an amazing sense of style.

sc:  What is your favorite style era?

SG:  I love the 60’s and 70’s era.  The Lolita vibe mixed with a little vintage preppiness is what my collection is about- Innocent, with classic shapes and silouhettes, yet still very sexy.

sc:  Best style advice ever received?

SG: Stay true to yourself and don’t follow every trend. 

sc:  Style advice you like to give?

SG:  Find a shapes that work well with your body and stick with them.  When you find a few shapes, and build your wardrobe around them- you will save tons of time and always look great!!

sc:  What one fashion statement do you wish would come back into style?

SG:  Everything IS back in style

sc:  What is your most memorable fashion success?

SG:: The first time I saw my collection on the floor at Bloomindales was truly memorable.  It was so exciting to see women buying my dresses and spending their hard earned money on them! 

sc:  What is the one item you can’t live without?

SG:  YSL faux cil mascara

sc:  What is the most surprising fact about you?

SG:  I have no sweet tooth. I could live the rest of my life without a cookie or cake and wouldn’t even notice.

sc: What is the one item you carry in your bag everyday?

SG:  Air Kiss Lip Gloss by Clinique and My Blackberry.

sc:  What celebrity would you like to dress?

SG:  I would love to see Kate Moss in one of our dresses, she is THE best accessorizer! I would love to see how she styled it.

For example, we did a really great bandage zipper skirt that is a bit more edgy for our collection, but can be paired with a ruffle blouse to keep it more girly.

sc: What else is new with you?

SG:  I just finished a swimwear collaboration with (my friend) Charlotte Ronson, it’s called Made with Love.  Super cute bikini’s with bohemian and ditsy floral prints. 

I also did a swimwear collaboration with Best & Co.  We did amazing mini bikinis and swim trunks with sailboats and cherries, they are just precious. 

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It’s true, nothing is more transitional than a throw-on cardi.  They work over tees, camis and even dresses. And, they give us that extra statement, as well as that little touch of warmth we seek during these cool, Spring days.

Rachel Bilson in Grandpa Cardi & Shorts

It is no secret that shopchantal.com is a huge fan of the Splendid Flare Cardi (and the greatly missed grandpa cardi from last season), but we have also grown to love the longer, button up versions so sweetly referred to as the Grandpa Cardi.  I say - sweetly- because of my fond memories of my grandpa who, in fact, wore a cardigan.  It hangs ever present in my siblings home- cherished, but not worn.  I say, let’s break it out and embrace the memories while enjoying the trend.

Well, until I can convince my sibling to give up this treasured item, I am happy to wear the new, more girl friendly versions: fitted, longer and with great buttons.  Rebecca Taylor did a wonderful, tie dye version we love throwing on with denim,  Rozae by Rozae Nicols threw in a splash of orange to her neutral design and  Joie did an easy, relaxed, SoCal style that we love in white - perfect over a colorful summer dress.  Of course, as Summer nears, we will be taking our new favorite trend into the new season with the Splendid Sleeveless Grandpa Cardi.  Don’t like the button up cardi version, check this out.

Ashley Tisdale in Twelfth Street Cardi

If you think this trend is short lived, you are mistaken.  Not only has it been around since last fall (See Ashley Tisdale - left ), but it will be back again this fall. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent is actually producing this same sweater again this Fall in a White multi combination- very chic.   Shopchantal.com will have this item just in time for 4th of July!

So, not only is a Grandpa Cardi a fashionable piece for now, but it is also an investment in your fall 2009 wardrobe as well.  Don’t you just love when that happens!

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