Shopchantal Stylefile

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.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Everyone, no matter what your fashion interest is or where your fashion taste lies, can agree on one thing: a Little Black Dress is essential in every wardrobe, in every season.

And this Fall is no different.  You will need an LBD for some occasion or event.  The difference this season is that the selection is vast and the return of the Ladylike Looks make it easy to pick the perfect dress for you.

We love the long sleeved mini dress and were so delighted that Joie did a version in black lace.  With a beautiful hemline and neckline, this is a dress we found delightful and fun. 

A little mix of some leather gloves from Carolina Amato, booties from Pour La Victoire and a chunky bracelet and voila, you have the unexpected LBD complete.

In a more traditional manner -  a beautiful heel from Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, a clutch from Botkier some stunning earrings from GEMMA REDUX can make this dress Black Tie worthy.

Graham & Spencer does pieces like no other and they have a clientele to prove it.  This drape sleeve dress is a classic LBD with a fashion forward twist.  The sharp shoulder is a must have this season and having done this sleeve last season (we had it for about 2.2 seconds before it sold out), they are experts at creating a drape sleeve that makes a statement with any painful sharp encounters.

Worn with a Alex and Ani Horn Necklace and a Streets ahead Leopard and Studded Twist belt takes this dress one step closer to LBD nirvana.

Sometimes a jersey dress just has it all and this LNA is one of those times.  A racerback style with a gorgeous, drape neck cowl extending the entire length of this mini make for a fresh statement. Accessorize with a statement necklace and an on-trend Ladylike Leather handbag from Treesje.

Worn with tights and an over the knee boot, we also love this dress layered under a cropped jacket or chunky sweater wrap.

Which LBD will you take on this season and how will you make it your own?  That is the beauty of the LBD- it can be a blank canvas for you to do with it what you please. We look forward to showing you our ideas and seeing your ideas as well.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

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.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

It’s been some time since I’ve been able to get to updating the blog. My apologies to all.  The reason is that we’ve been working tirelessing for weeks on our new location at 229 Commercial Street in Portland Maine.

Our new space has wood floors, exposed brick walls and huge ceiling beams and has a bit more of a warehouse feel than our past location.  We are now completely open on Commercial Street (less a few unpacked boxes) and our selection of designers is as amazing as ever. 

We’ve added some great new designers to the new space including Treesje and Botkier handbags, now featured on our handbag wall. More styles are arriving daily and the wall should be filled with Fall 2010 bags in no time.

A try-on seating section is close by to our new shoe displays with shoe cabinets close at hand so we can check styles and sizes quickly and easily from Joie, Pour La Victoire and  Cynthia Vincent.

Next to the handbag wall is our set of jewely cases complete with a mirror and shelving making it super easy to try on necklaces, earrings and bracelets from Streets Ahead, Gorjana, GemmaRedux, Alex and Ani and our newest ring designer, Tre.

Floating shelving makes viewing our Splendid tees and Me & Kashmiere scarves a pleasure.  For Fall and Winter, you will find these shelves stocked with gorgeous Autumn Cashmere and sweater pieces from Joie, Edun and Rebecca Taylor.

Our new cable hanging rod system makes our collection of contemporary designers like Shoshanna, Elizabeth & James, Nanette Lepore, Son of John, Monrow and so many more really easy to see and pair up with our amazing pieces of denim.

Just beyond the beautiful hanging collections is our glass cube wall filled with your favorite denim designers including Genetic, [Blank], DL1961, Current/Elliott, Rock & Republic, PRVCY premium and more to come soon.

We hope you will come visit our new space and see what’s new for collections including our expanded shoe and handbag designers.

229 Commecial Street (former Decorum space) is next door to Barbour and McKenzieTribe and across the street from Sushi Sapporo.  207.347.4427 www.shopchantal.com

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Their newest collection, Soft Joie, takes all the wonderful elements of the core line, Joie, and gives us a few color choices in about 10-12 different silouettes. Simple, throw-on tanks with pleat details, flowey cami’s , short sleeve tees - with and without the ruffles - and long sleeve tunic styles that is so true to Joie that it is carried in both Joie and Soft Joie.

A favorite at chantal. and shopchantal.com, Joie has the wonderful combination of so many different styles that we love - most notably the “California girl” look mixed with bohomian chic styling.  It’s a look that would generally be hard to carry off on the East Coast, but this is one designer that make it so effortlessly easy that customer keep coming back for more and more. 

We can’t get enough of the throw on dresses for summer.  Flowing and with some ruffle details or picktucking, these dresses are an easy, stylish way to get out of the house and make the most of summer. We also love them belted and with heels for a night out with out all the fuss.

And we love the pleated detail tank pieces back to fitted, cropped, distressed denim from Current/Elliott for a chic, girly look. Pair this combo with Joie oxfords flats - a huge trend that we are loving as a nice change from the typical ballet flat and you have a go - to outfit for day.  Throw on a blazer or button up from Elizabeth and James to complete your night time look.

Already a loyal fan and now having seen Fall 2010 in Soft Joie, I urge you to give this line a try today- you will love all it has to offer now and in the future.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

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.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Commonly referrd to as “traffic cone orange”, or as we on the East Coast like to call it “buoy orange”, this color has collided with the Spring and Summer nudes, tonals and military shades to create a strong and fresh color approach.

Nanette Lepore is no stranger to color and prints.  Her new line “Oonagh” embraces the color orange this season and in the perfect soft shade, the Bryan dress   (shown above) has the perfect amount of Nanette details in the fringe and ruffled neckline.  Great back to the neutral shades and a little denim jacket, you will take this dress to every summer event weekend.

And, We love it paired with Joie’s updated Spring Bootie - The Elvis. A great rough- suede short boot in a beautiful shade of Elephant - soft grey/brown, this bootie will work with all the hot colors of the season.

Kain always gives us a pop of color and we fall for it everytime.  Their Spicey Orange V-neck Tee is the perfect complement to denim. Throw on a fun scarf  (which by the way is another perfect way to incorporate Orange) and some white skinnies from [Blank] denim and the summer is yours for the taking.

Shoshanna dresses always have a great fit, wonderful use of fabric and the color combinations are true to what wearing a girly girl dress is about.  The Tie Dye Chiffon dress  is wonderful in this strapless version. With a mix of other brights, you can wear the orange trend all summer long. 

And don’t miss out on the Shoshanna Swimwear collection with an abundant of Orange and other great colors.

More orange is sure to come and we promise, but summer’s end, you will want and need this refreshing pop of color in your closet.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

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.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

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.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

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.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

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.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

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.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

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!

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

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.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

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!

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

(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.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

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.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

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.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

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. 

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

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.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites