Shopchantal Stylefile

Genetic Denim

Everyone has their favorite denim style and we think that’s great, but what about giving a new style a try for 2010.  It is a new decade and a new opportunity to expand your wardrobe is quite possibly the easiest place- your denim closet.

The styles for Spring 2010 are some new trends and some carry overs from Fall that we just love. Here is a quick overview and an idea or two to inspire you to try something new.

The Denim Legging: Commonly referred to as the “Jegging“, this style comes in a variety of denim weights and tends to be in the darker ranges.  We have 4 styles of the denim legging from 4 different designers and each one is fast becoming a favorite of many.

Staff Pick: the Current/Elliott because I love the blue tone and larger pocket.

The Embellished Jean: Long standing reign over this style has been Rock & Republic, but recently we are seeing other designers throwing their versions onto the scene.  This trend ranges from studded details like the popular studded BLANK skinnie classique to prominent stitching not only on the pocket from PRVCY Premium, but elsewhere on the denim.

Most Anticipated Style for Spring: Genetic Denim’s Mesh Studded Inlay jean (AVAILABLE IN STORE NOW).  With just a hint of studded mesh peeking through on various parts of the jean, you get a bit of edge.

The Boyfriend Skinny: Not entirely new for Spring, but the versions we have and are expecting are much more refined.  Malibu’s CoCo Boyfriend Skinny is a great way to wear the skinny jean in a more relaxed style. And with a touch of cashmere in each jean, these will fast become your most- wanted denim.

Style Share: Wear this style cuffed with some Joie Oxfords or Ballet Flats for a fresh take on the Classic Hepburn look

The Denim Sweatpant: We can’t believe it ourselves, but the inspiration must be from our favorite fashion icon of all time: Carrie Bradshaw.  We saw this elastic bottom pant in Sex And The City - The Movie and almost fell off our cinema seats.  We swooned until we were finally shown the styles last year and of course, ordered it straight away.  Styled to wear relaxed with the elastic band scrunched up or worn long - all with a high heel, this is certainly going to be a new trend to watch.

See it when: Available NOW from Genetic Denim, The Val is surely giving us something new to style to show you some fun looks on the site. So far, we are having a ball.

And don’t forget about the great new washes, including the still popular distressed with paint splatters from Current/Elliott, acid wash versions, colored denim is always as a Spring trend and we are loving the crisp white denim offered in many styles this season.  Check out Blank Denim’s skinny white denim with the Ankle Zip detail.

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Newly Arrived Collection! In Store Now. Available Online Soon.

Oonagh, meaning “pure” in Scottish, is the newest diffusion line from Nanette Lepore. Mostly known for her bohemian mix of prints and patterns and eclectic details and embellishments, this line is a departure from what we all consider “Nanette”.  Her traditional collection of tailored suits with ruffles and flirty cami’s with beading most certainly have a place in all our closets somewhere- some more prominent that others - which is why Nanette ventured into a different realm with her new line, Oonagh.

Oonagh is more than just your basic tee and tunic line.  The line is the perfect fusion of what you expect from Nanette’s quality and style but with a young and fresh twist.  Slouchy styles, criss cross strapping, bold pops of color and stripes that actually flatter the figure.  All is a jersey or blend, these tops and tunics are the perfect pieces to wear back to your leggings with boots or flats.  In some cases, some of the pieces are great blended with - dare we say - embellished denim such as the studded pocket and motocross styles.

Already a celebrity and press darling, Oonagh is making a statement by being more than just your basic tee shirt line by reaching an audience Nanette has never been able to reach before: the more casual dresser. Some have even ventured to say Nanette has actually broken into the “tough girl” fashionista wardrobe.

If you have been been a fan of Nanette in the past or are new to the designer or if you are one of the above mentioned styles,  this line will live up the highest expectations and promises to not disappoint.

We expect our first shipment in Early February 2010. Sign up for our email newsletter to get the first look at this amazing new line.

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The combinination of classic black paired with fresh white is always welcome at chantal./shopchantal.com and it is our first addition to our new Lookbook category focusing on Trend Alerts for Spring/Summer 2010.

And for Spring/Summer 2010 our love continues to grow for Black and White with the new ways to mix it up  from our newest designer collections.

The blazer is a piece you absolutely have to have in your wardrobe- whether you prefer black to white or vice versa doesn’t even matter.  It is the essential piece to have and wear for Spring/Summer 2010. We love the versions from Elizabeth and James and the also from Monrow.  Or try a little crop jacket from Shoshanna if you like the shorter style. Layered over a white tee or a black dress this is the ultimate black/white combo.

Stripes in black and white are the epitomy of chic and this BCBGMAXAZRIA dress not only includes the stripes but a paperbag style skirt as well.  This is the ultimate easy dress.  Stripes in any form are always a fun way to make an outfit your very own. Whether it is a stripe tee or a tank dress, you can always make stripes an easy layering pattern.

Loving tank tops all year round is not a crime especially if it’s this version from BCBGMAXAZRIA.  Available in clean, crisp white or edgy black this tank has printed and draped necklaces. Layered with leggings or black denim and a jacket or long sweater, this tank is the perfect dress it up, dress it down piece.

Whether you like a graphic print, animal print or are are fan of the florals, you will find all them all available in some form or another in a black and white.  The easiest way to wear black and white - accessories.  Shoes, handbags and scarves can all be worked into your Spring update of this fabulous new trend.

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2009 was an interesting year for everyone and we are excited that we can still bring you new and fresh designers and  looks on our site and in the store for the new year.

We’ve already introduced you to Mike & Chris and also to Monrow.  Amazing designers, amazing prices.  We think you will love what they have to offer to your wardrobe.  That is why we are carrying them in the first place.  And new Denim Designers: [BLANK] Denim, Malibu Denim and PRVCY Premium are giving us just one more reason to buy more jeans.

Although BCBGMAXAZRIA needs to no introduction, we wanted to give a warm welcome anyway and give you a little history behind Max Azria and his every growing empire - which by the way, includes us and most importantly, you.

BCBG is an acronym for the French term Bon Chic, Bon Genre meaning Good Style, Good Attitude– 2 things we aspire to be and to have - all for the benefit of our customers.  

How could we not include a designer with our same fashion/lifestyle beliefs, right!  The spirit of BCBGMAXAZRIA is the basis for the Maz Azria brand and has made them an international stylehouse.  Tunisian born, Paris- raised, Los Angeles - based – This is Max Azria.  An international designer who has redefined the contemporary category by offering world-inspired pieces that are right on trend - and in the forefront of the trends- and all at affordable prices.

Our first introduction to you at shopchantal.com and at chantal.  has had an amazing response. The Necklace T-shirt Tank is available in Black and in White and is great under a blazer or over a long sleeve tee.  The Bandage Mini is a Herve Leger-inspired piece currently available in Azalea but we’ve ordered it in black and many other colors for the coming seasons. BTW, Max Azria purchased the Herve Leger house in 1998 and in 2007 began incorporating the inspiration under his design direction (Herve Leger by Max Azria) making the couture house accessible at a contempory collection level.

We also have 2 new BCBGMAXAXRIA collections in store now that will be up on shopchantal.com in the coming days. You won’t believe how great the pieces are and how easy they are to incorporate into your wardrobe. And you must try the bandage skirt- you won’t believe how absolutely fabulous it makes you look and feel.

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All your favorite designers including Original Penguin, VelvetMen, Splendid Mills and the most coveted denim from Citizens of Humanity, Genetic Denim, Rock & Republic, Earnest Sewn, Taverniti So and Chip & Pepper are now yours for the taking.

We have drastically reduced the prices for all our men’s shirts, basic and graphic tees, hoodies, polos, thermals, sweaters, denim and jackets plus more.  All men’s items are now 50% off - 70% off.

Great deals are to be had on current winter merchandise including our favorite Penguin Pea Coat and the VelvetMen Murphy Hoodie as well as the newest denim introduction of the “Dean” from store fav: Genetic Denim.

But, you better act fast!  The inventory is moving out of here at a rate we can’t believe.  Great gift ideas for your man or for yourself, now is the time to get the pieces you’ve been talking about -  ALL at reduced prices. 

Please note that all the sales are final on all men’s sale items.

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NEWS FLASH:  Daily Candy Everywhere did a really nice write up on Plush today too.  Check it out here (after you read our blog first, of course!)

The Winter season has finally arrived and most of us found ourselves completely unprepared.  Lack of new hats, gloves and a new coat is a common overheard conversation.

It’s not that we don’t know or realize that winter weather is coming. It is that in most cases, we just don’t want it to come.  It’s cold, it’s snowy and most of all, it is hard to wear heels when the sidewalks are covered in ice.

This year we have a little something- actually somethingS- to get you excited about dressing for the colder months: Plush Fleeced Lined leggings, tights and arm warmers.

The tights are an opaque black tight that is available in a full foot version like a true tight or footless version more like a legging.  Now you can pull out your minis and your dresses and wear them all season long. 

We also love these tights under our distressed jeans or under denim shorts (yes, this is an acceptable way to wear them). 

The Plush Denim leggings are also fleeced lined and are so amazing.  Paired with boots and a chunky knit sweater, these leggings are more than just your basic black.

And something every arm-bearing, sleeveless wearing girl must have this season…. fleece lined arm warmers. We love to wear these with our favorite tanks and short sleeves tops for some warm under our winter coats.  But, we also wear them long after the coat is removed.  I can’t wait to wear them with a faux fur vest in the Spring as well!

Check out selection of Plush Fleeced Lined items.  We truly sell out of these faster than you would ever believe!

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It is one of the most fabulous season’s for boots - Over-the-knee, Fringe Detailed, Riding, Motorcycle and the staple of every winter season in the Northeast: the Rugged boot.

Our favorite designers did not disappoint this season. We have every style you need to get you thru Winter and in most cases, well into Spring.

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent’s Reva Over the Knee boot could not be more perfect- it’s higher style and small heel are the perfect combination in a luscious black suede. Now: $276.50.

And, her riding inspired Watson boot is a Cognac leather color that cannot be riveled- it is so gorgeous and supple and so easy to wear that we found a ton of ways to pair it with everything from dresses to leggings. Now: $276.50.

Joie had one of the most coveted boots of the season in their New Orleans Motorcycle boot - it’s vintage leather and double buckles made this boot an easy to wear trend.  Now $325.50.

Joie also did a great fringe style boot that is easy to pair with jeans and dresses without looking over the top.  The Rockefella Fringe boot is a gorgeous Mushroom Suede with a heel height perfect for a shorter boot style. Now on Sale: $276.50

A newcomer to shopchantal, CAT (yes, as in Catapillar) Footwear stepped into the ring with a really cool Rugged Cassidy boot in a worn brown leather with buckle.  The best part is the sole- super easy to wear and great in the winter snow.  It just goes to show that you don’t have to give up style in these tough dressing months of winter. Now: $109.20.

It’s the perfect time to get one of these great styles that you can wear now and into Spring. Check out out lookbook for some great styling ideas too.

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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!

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(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.

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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.

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It’s been a ongoing project for us for months, but today is the day we officially launch our NEW LOOKBOOK design layout. 

We felt that it would not only be easier to browse by specific trends such as the hottest new denim, by styles such as the season’s best boots and by designer through our recent homepage features, but the new lookbook design also gives us the opportunity to show you more styled ideas through a combination of all our collections.

You can also view are more product focused pages through our Trend section. Here you will see all the items for each trend grouped together in easy to access product pages.

We have divided the Fall/Winter 09 Lookbook pages in the following groups:

Fall Focus: a place to show you various looks that may include multiple trends of the season or it just may be a focus on a designer that we love.

Denim Trends: with so many options out there, we wanted to highlight the newest, most popular ones so you can make an easier decision to add a new style or all the styles to your denim collection

Accessory Spotlight:  a must have update for every season- handbags, shoes and jewelry are all shown here and the best part, we show each item with an outfit so you can see real ways to wear them and view their sizes.

Boot Styles: this is specific style trend that will change with the seasons. For Fall/Winter we are focusing on the the best boot options and show you some ideas on what to pair them with for a great look.

The Slouchy Pant: a very clear style trend that originated with the harem pant, but has progressed nicely to a more wearable fit for everyone. A real focus, this lookbook is intended to show you how easy it is to wear the styles we have available.

The New Legging: a must have for every wardrobe, we show a lot of different waysto please your personality through the legging styles and designers we offer. Choose by the designer or pick a look we styled.

2 Ways to Wear it: a feature we are known for, this lookbook shows you two very different ways to style one piece we’ve choosen to highlight.  We all want our fashion to go far and this lookbook shows you how to do it.

Lookbook Archive: Looking for a way to wear a past season item?  See how we styled it here.

We look forward to adding more lookbook pages to each of these sections are are already working on showing you “As Seen On. . .” a section showing celebrities and how they wore items we have available on shopchantal.com and in store at chantal. 

Check our lookbook soon for our new “Holiday Style Story” where we will show you the best holiday fashions for all your events and some great holiday gift ideas.

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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

 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. 

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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

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.

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Relaxed Suiting Crop Pant from Elizabeth and James

Obsessed may be an under statement for the affinity we have for the new take on the “Harem Pant” or  “Slouchy Pant”.   It’s the new dress pant.  When worn in a material that is a bit more dressy it can work as an alternative to a dress, or can also work as a new option to denim when worn in a casual fabric.

Versatile and comfortable, and with offerings as abundant as the dropping leaves, this is one trend almost impossible to not wear no matter what your style preference.  Adored by celebrities and Stylists, this is tThe fit of this pant has been toned down to it’s “Harem Pant” counterpart making it more wearable than ever–narrow at the hip, not overly baggy through the thigh, and fitted just above or at the ankle. It is an easy fit for every body type and height.

We have a great selection at shopchantal.com & chantal., even including a jumpsuit from Twelfth Street that could be my replacement for a dress when choosing that perfect look for a Holiday party.  Offered in black, this piece couldn’t be easier to accessorize with a killer heel & an abundant amount of jewelry.  Slipping on a great blazer just amps up the sophistication of her S/S Jumpsuit.

Twelfth Street also shares our love for the “new baggy pant,” her Slouch Ankle Pant is a great neutral grey & can be dressed up or down.  For a cozy & comfortable look, we love it paired back to Walter’s Z Z Zig Zag Knit Cardigan and a simple rib tank.

Prefer a black pair?  Both Pencey & Joie have provided us with two completely different black options.  I’m loving Pencey’s Drop Pant –a little more fashion forward and has the option of being cuffed!

It could possibly be the most comfortable pair of pants you’ve ever slipped into!  Joie’s Sammi Pant is a bit more polished & dressy than Pencey’s version and is a great option when trying to pull of this trend at the office.

Getting dressed couldn’t be any easier with a style like this!  No zippers or buttons and the ways in which to wear this trend are endless!

Check out our Lookbook for a complete selection of the updated Harem Pant and get inspired to try something new this season.

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My absolute favorite accessory for the winter months is a great hat!  An easy, soft, and warm style that is super versatile and works back to all my coats & outfits for the season.  I couldn’t be more in luck, considering slouchy knit hats are a huge trend and with celebrities like Lindsey Lohan sporting the trend so early in the season you won’t want to miss the boat on this fashion craze.

Dream Muffin Hat

Chef's Hat

We just received our Carolina Amato shipment in and it was packed full with faithful styles we re-order ever year and some new fun styles (like the oh-so popular knit hat) you won’t want to miss out on! Shopchantal.com & chantal. received three great knit hat options making it easy to find one that fits your personal style best!

We love the slouchyness of the Dream Muffin Hat and the lighterweight cashmere of the Chef’s Hat - both have the “snood” quality that we crave.

Pop Top Cashmere Mitten

Personally, no one should be without her Pop Top Cashmere Mittens which are the epitome of functional, also available in an Angora option!  Some gloves make it not-so-easy to find those keys hiding in the bottom of that over-sized bag or when trying to re-touch make up or apply lip gloss.  However, Carolina Amato’s pop top mittens are great for the on-the-go girl who needs to multi-task throughout the day.  The pop top mitten allows the wearer to turn down & fasten the mitten so they become fingerless gloves.  Love the fingerless style?  Check out her other options: Snappy Driver Gloves (offered in Red Leather) and Shearling Fingerless Gloves (offered in Camel Leather & Black Leather)

Quilted Driving Glove

Craving more luxury than functionality?  Her Quilted Driver Glove incorporates both!  The cashmere is extra special making these a great gift-giving option, as well!  We love the quilted upper, black leather, and “cut out” detail.  The glove hits right at the wrist making these easy to pull off and on.  Another great option that hits at the wrist is her 60’s Shorty Glove, also lined in cashmere with hidden elastic at the opening ensuring a perfect fit!

Check out the styles I’ve mentioned along with other great Carolina Amato styles at shopchantal.com .

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Though this season couldn’t be more edgy & dramatic, feminine styles are still big and can be paired with other girly styles to create the timeless & romantic look that we have all come to know and love.

We are loving the glamorous appeal of this look, along with the versatility of the pieces used to create it.  Elizabeth and James is a major player within this arena and has offered up some of our favorite flirty pieces that include jackets, skirts, & tee’s with just the perfect amount of high-style.  The best part about investing in pieces from their fall collection is they work beautifully paired back to all our other designer’s fall collections, and also so much you already have in your closet.

Shoshanna, another cult favorite when it comes to finding that girly & sophisticated look, has offered up some amazing styles that are not only warm, but feature some high style!  Her Shawl Collar Sweater Dress is a classic style that offers an abundant amount of versatility.  Wear it with leggings (or tights) & boots to create a cozy look or pair it with a blazer & scarf for a more polished appeal!

Or you may be looking for that perfect dress to wear to all your holiday parties that is going to give you longevity for the rest of the season?  Shoshanna’s Belted Peplum Dress is sure to impress even the girliest of girls!  We love the gold belt detail with the flirty ruffle at the hip, such a strong & feminine trend!  A statement necklace is all you’ll need to complete this look, and Pour La Victoire’s Blanche Heel wouldn’t hurt, either!

Shawl Collar Sweater Dress

Belted Peplum Dress

Other silhouettes & pieces we love for creating this look include:  Graham & Spencer’s Washed Silk Cami, Shoshanna’s Strapless Pleat Detail Dress, and Nanette Lepore’s Hollywood Dress.  All portray that true, lady-like persona with details and finishings that are timelessly stylish!

New styles for the season are pouring in everyday.  Pairing a classic style that makes you feel comfortable with an updated trend like a cropped blazer from Rebecca Taylor or moto jacket from Mike & Chris can make your look fresh and interesting. These styles just arrived this week at chantal. and will be on shopchantal.com next week.

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It’s no surprise that outwear is an important topic for us at shopchantal.com & chantal.  Since we are based in Portland, ME we have no other choice than to bundle up during the winter months, and style is a priority when choosing that essential coat for the season.  Since we are in a season where almost anything goes (high drama, girly details, and timeless sophistication), the hunt to find a jacket that meets your “keep warm” needs but portrays your individual style is super easy!

Rebecca Taylor’s Ruffle Me Up Coat is the go-to jacket for all the girly-girls at heart!  The tiered ruffle front detail and ruffled collar are super feminine, and the belted waist gives you shape even with all the layers you may be wearing under it.  The slight balloon sleeve adds that extra special detail without being over powering that all of us crave when looking for that special, unique piece that you will have forever!

More edgy, than girly, Shoshanna’s Zipper Front Coat is military-inspired and touches upon that boy meets girl edge that is so of the moment!  We love the off-center exposed zipper and banded detail at the waist.  The color combo of grey & black make this a super versatile coat that can easily be worn dressed up or down.  We love pairing it back to tough pieces to make the military-inspiration pop even more!  Or pair it back to a beautiful pink cashmere scarf and a chef’s beret for a fun, flirty look to an edgy style coat.  Add a touch of fringe with a bag from Twelfth Street or some boots from Joie.

Craving color when the weather can be somewhat dark & dreary?  Nanette Lepore’s D’Orsay Hoodie in Iris is a rich shade of purple in a slightly cropped style that allows you to show off the layers you wear underneath it.  The jacket features so many great details that makes the D’Orsay Hoodie super fun to wear–the exposed zippers at the wrist, polished slit int he back, worn bronze buttons, and the best part of this piece–the detachable hood.

Don’t wait until it’s too late.  The best styles and choices of sizes are here now - waiting for you to add a Carolina Amato snood and some driving gloves or a Me & Kashmiere animal print scarf and some cashmere mittens.  Whichever your style, we can help you complete the look.

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Cold weather favorites from Twelfth Street, Ella Moss, and Shoshanna are in at shopchantal.com, and we couldn’t be more excited about the offerings for the season.  The designers have refreshed some of our “old faithfuls”:  sweater coats, cardigans, and sweater vests, and we are so excited that it is officially time to stock up on these warm knits as the weather gets chillier every morning we wake up!

Though it may not be cold enough to pull out that down jacket yet, it is still too brisk to simply walk out the door without putting on some form of outerwear.  Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent has given us the perfect solution, her Shawl Collar Coat in Cream is easy & versatile.  When we say it goes with anything, we mean it.  The color works back to brights & neutrals, and the shape goes just as well with a dress as it does with a tee and jeans!

Tired of wearing that same button up or wrap style cardigan that you lived in last season?  We are too!  Thankfully, Ella Moss’s Cambridge Scarf Neck Sweater is an instant update on a favorite classic!  We promise there is nothing boring about this piece and it can be worn in so many different ways:  leave the scarf draped around the front of the cardigan or twist it in the front to create a fun & funky vibe.  The color works easily into your wardrobe, and the “scarf” on the Cambridge Scarf Neck Sweater is great for those who always feel a bit of a chill, even when indoors.

We are kind of obsessed with vests!  We lived in Splendid’s 1×1 Vest all summer long and plan on layering it up for the Fall/Winter months.  However, it doesn’t add all that much warmth.  Shoshanna’s Shawl Collar Cardigan is the answer for those who share our love for vests during these cooler months!  The purple’s in this piece are rich & sophisticated while the shape is modern and can be as funked up as you wish it to be.  It is a sweater that I won’t be without this season.

Check out our other cool weather favorites at shopchantal.com& chantal.; you won’t be left out in the cold with all the great styles from the hottest designers!

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Heidi Montag 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

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!

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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!

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