Shopchantal Stylefile

If it sparkles and shines.

If it makes you remember something special and smile.

If when you wear it, you feel beautiful. Then it is worth every penny.

It doesn’t matter if you get it as a gift or if you buy it yourself, if a piece of jewelry has even one of these qualities, you know you have to get it.

Jewelry has that affect on me and when I saw the new Spring collection from Stella & Dot, I knew I had to be a part of it.  I hope you will check out my blog frequently to see some new Stella & Dot suggestions mixed into my fashion posts. As you’ll see they fit in nicely with the new Spring Collections! And if you are local and want to host a trunk show, send me a message here and we’ll get it booked.  In the meantime, check out my website for these and more pieces from Stella & Dot.

 

Chantilly Lace Cuff

I know this look is not what you’d expect from me, but the trend for Spring also includes some more delicate pieces, especially with bracelets and layering necklaces. And I intend to start with this Chantilly Lace Cuff with as much excitement as the larger, brighter statement pieces. I’d pair this cuff with a leather tank and white jeans and some tough heels for a night out.  Of course, it would look amazing paired back to my new Jason Wu floral skirt and a Rag & Bone Striped Blazer .

Obsessed doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel about these Serenity Drop Earrings! I love the color, the size and I’m so into Gold for Spring I can’t even tell you. These will be gorgeous with my new designer love, Mary Katrantzou dresses. Or pair them with with Elizabeth and James printed pants, a tank, some sandals, a floppy hat and a bright Tory Burch tote for a day out and about.

In case you are not familiar, click for the history/philosophy of Stella & Dot. I think you will find it speaks to all women, especially you. I hope you enjoy my favorite pieces from the new Spring collection. Add them to your jewelry box now before the sell out.

xo

c.

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Welcome to Portland Maine, Urban Outfitters!

Schedule to open at 10 am on December 8, 2011 at 188 Middle Street (the former Pavillion), Portland Maine is the newest addition to the Urban Outfitters family of stores. Founded in 1970, UO operates more than 130 stores in the United States, Canada and Europe, all offering an eclectic mix of merchandise. The Portland store will encompass the entire first floor of the building and will include the full range of UO products. Here is the official invitation.  Note: 10% of  the sales from the first 3 days will be donated to the Maine Collage of Art (MECA). So shop early for more local support.

If you are not familiar with UO, they are known for stocking their stores with what interests them and their customers, ranging from contemporary art to music and fashion. From men’s & women’s apparel and accessories to items for the apartment, UO’s offer a lifestyle-specific shopping experience for the educated, urban-minded individual in the 18 to 30 year-old range — both online and in our stores as well as through their catalog.

I grew up with UO in my hometown of Madison, Wisconsin so I know their products.  I thought I’d pick a few things I’d like to see them carry in their newest downtown location and give you all a quick introduction to the UO brand. 

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The Ropes by Shana Aldrich Bracelet $60.00 

With a following that includes celebrities, bloggers and editors, Shana Aldrich has managed to produce long-standing designs that meet the trends of today’s jewelry lovers and has captured my neon loving heart with her company The Ropes, available at local boutique Ann Veronica.

As a fan of both local shops and accessories,  I have quickly developed a real admiration for both the local designer and the shop that carries her designs and many more.

I purchased this Aldrich bracelet and ordered a custom necklace through Ann Veronica, a locally owned, Cape Elizabeth, Maine merchant located  just blocks from my home.  Ann Veronica is known for her support of local artisans ranging from leather goods to handwoven, wool sweaters and scarves to jewelry from Aldrich and many others.  She currently carries upwards of 30 local Maine designers.  Who knew we had so many local designers?  Ann Veronica, that’s who.  She has been stocking her Cape Elizabeth and York stores for over 6 years with her own bag and tote designs and continues to find more and more local talented designers than anyone else around.

 I’ll be sharing more local love about The Ropes, but in meantime, go and see her and more amazing pieces from other Maine designers at Ann Veronica in Cape Elizabeth (207.767.8181).  Ann Veronica sells her own bags and totes on here website (great holiday gift ideas!), but you can call and order other pieces including The Ropes by Shana Aldrich, Trollbeads and many others by phone. Ann Veronica also offers Free Shipping  all orders.  If you are local, stop by and see the full selection of Maine artists at her boutique in Cape Elizabeth at 546 Shore Road.

You can also visit Ann Veronica on Facebook.

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Our local Maine Historical Society is embracing fashion this season and with Paris Fashion Week in full swing, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share this amazing news. I think I am more excited than most, specifically because it relates to French fashion and to fashion illustration. My own little collection of French fashion illustrations is limited to my Chanel stamps released in limited quantity back in in the 90′s, but that’s enough to have a heavy appreciation, right.

I have 2 sets of Chanel stamps in their original state and I cherish them for many reasons:

1. They are Chanel. J’adore Chanel.

2. They are quirky and are heart shaped. Have you ever seen a heart-shaped stamp?

3.  I am so grateful for the time and effort my mother put into persuading the postal clerk to let her buy several of these limited edition stamps. J’taime Mama.

This last one should probably be the most important, but as I said earlier… these stamps are Chanel, I don’t think I need to say anything more.

If you are local or planning a trip to Maine soon, definitely make a point to stop by and see this exhibit. Historical societies play an important role in our lives and the fact that the Maine Historical Society is showing two fashion- related exhibits goes to show that fashion is an important part of Maine history.

“Having in Paris a Great Success”: French Fashion, 1928-1936

Paris fashion houses whose customers were well-to-do women–including some in Maine–sent them sheets with hand-drawn illustrations of the latest styles, to which they attached fabric samples. The styles probably were selected to appeal to a particular woman’s tastes. A number of these fashion illustrations dating from 1928-1936 are on display in this exhibit. A Mrs. Huntington, probably of Prouts Neck, received the illustrations from Lucile and Christiane of Paris and shared some of them with a friend, artist Mildred Burrage of Kennebunkport, who had lived in Paris as a young woman. 

Exhibit Dates: September 2 – December 31, 2011 

“Dressing Up, Standing Out, Fitting In: Adornment & Identity in Maine”, is also on display in the museum through May 27, 2012

Portland’s First Friday Art Walks are the first Friday of each month (10/7, 11/4, 12/2).

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

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

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

Silk Scarf in Tan

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

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

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

Cap Toe Booties in Cordovan

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

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

Silk Habutai Pullover Blouse

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

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

Marled Cable Cardi

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

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

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

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

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

xo.

c.

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