Archive for the ‘The Clothes Hamper’ Category

The Follis NYC Julia Bag: Pre Order for March Still Available

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011
Follis Julia Bag in Vachetta and in Black

Follis Julia Bag in Vachetta and in Black

The winner of InStyle’s 2010 Independent Handbag Designer Award, Follis NY,  is shipping this week. Although this complete delivery is pre-ordered and sold out, it’s not too late. You can still get this gorgeous, coveted bag for a March delivery.

We have the Vachetta leather (seen left above) and the Stingray Leather available on shopchantal.com

The Julia bag is the perfect way to wear the Ladylike trend of the upcoming season.  This bag has a structured body in the most luscious leathers - making it fun to pair with a beautiful suit as well as wide leg denim and a button up blouse.

We have big plans for wearing the Vachetta Leather Julia bag with our floral dresses this Spring. Paired with a beauiful nude sandal (or flatform, perhaps) and probably a belt, this handbag is going to be the ultimate finishing touch. The Stingray will be a wonderful, edgy complement to the blush tones of the season.

Pre Order your Follis Julia bag here.  And start planning your wardrobe.

*Please note: coupon codes or promo codes are NOT allowed on pre-orders.

Kain Label: Silky, Soft and On Sale

Friday, February 25th, 2011
Kain Label Shoulder Insert Tee in Cayenne

Kain Label Shoulder Insert Tee in Cayenne

Kain Label tees are adored by celebs. And, we think they are amazing as well.

The combination of silk and modal makes for the perfect, drapey top wearable with a skirt and blazer for

Audrina Patridge in Kain Label Bell Sleeve Tee

Audrina Patridge in Kain Label Bell Sleeve Tee

work or with denim for a more casual look. Layer the long sleeve under our faux fur or cropped sweaters this spring for a great transition look.

Check out the great selection of Long Sleeve, Bell Sleeve, V-necks and more. The best part — they are now all on sale.

But don’t wait to get your pick. Kain Label devotees are always on the look out for a sale and they will pounce fast.

Shop at chantal. at 229 Commercial Street or online at shopchantal.com for a full selection of Kain Label colors and styles.

Kain Label tees are now 30% off. Don’t miss out on a rare sale on this amazing designer.

Baby, it’s still cold outside: Our Winter Accessory Sale Goes Big

Monday, February 21st, 2011

 

Carolina Amato Long Cashmere Gloves

Cashmere scarves, cashmere gloves and even cashmere hats. One cannot live on only one luxurious cashmere piece a season.

This is why we are making it easy for you to pile on the style for the rest of the winter season.  Add a beautiful printed scarf to your winter coat or pair a lightweight version with a new Spring piece you just can’t wait to wear.  Not only will you be cozy warm, but fashionable too.

And you just won’t be able to resist out fingerless gloves, perfect for texting. Carolina Amato’s pop top mittens are just what you need for that cool morning walk to work with your coffee in-hand. We have a few fun colors left as well as the classic black and classic oatmeal.

And, let’s not forget, Spring has a few chills in it as well so these pieces will have a longer life than originally planned. Layer up now and wear later too. And get it all on sale.

See our complete sale here at shopchantal.com. 30% – 70% off Seasonal Items.

As Seen On: Ashley Tisdale In Genetic Denim The Shane in Slink

Thursday, February 10th, 2011




Ashley Tinsdale in Genetic Denim

Ashley Tinsdale in Genetic Denim



We love this entire look on Ashley Tisdale: the boots, the jacket, the scarf and the amazing Genetic Denim Shane Skinny Jean in Slink. Of course, the puppy is totally adorable too.

We have the Slink wash available and absolutely recommend it for a new Spring Skinny because it is a lighterweight denim, but a darker wash. This is a great combo for a skinny for the upcoming season. Wear it like Ashley with a pair of tough boots and a big scarf.

For those of you not totally familiar with Genetic Denim, they are a celebrity favorite and a favorite at shopchantal too. We call Genetic “the softest jeans in the industry” because they are so unbelievably soft. You have to try them and feel them to believe it.

The Shane is a always a number one seller, but we also carry the popular Kelly Bell Bottom (so right on trend for Spring/Summer ’11) and the Riley bootcut – which is the number one bootcut in the store.

The Twig is another skinny option,but in a higher rise. Seen here on Jennifer Garner.

Stop by chantal. at 229 Commercial Street or shop online at shopchantal.com for the entire collection of Genetic Denim.

Psst. There is also a huge denim sale going on right now which includes lots of popular Genetic styles.

(Photos courtesy of Genetic Denim)

Denim Therapy Gives a Big Shout Out to Shopchantal & DL1961

Saturday, February 5th, 2011
courtesy of DenimTherapy via Steven Taylor Photo

Photo courtesy of DenimTherapy via Steven Taylor Photo

We love a good shout out for our amazing designers and when we are a part of the action, we love it even more. Thank you to Denim Therapy, a blog focusing on all things denim, for this great piece on DL1961 skinnies.
We, too, are big fans of DL1961 and carry a huge selection of the designer denim brand.
Seen on Jamie Lynn Sigler, the Nicole in Onyx is the perfect black “jegging”.  It’s referred to as the Ultra Skinny meaning it is fitted like a legging down to the ankle.  It is, by far, the most perfect cut for wearing any type of tall boot ( as shown above).  We love the Nicole Skinny at shopchantal.com with the Joie Coachella OTK flat Suede boot in Mud. The combo of the black denim with the mud is a amazing.
We also carry the Twilight wash as seen on Amber Lancaster, but in the Kate Slim Straightleg style. The Kate is our best seller with it’s mid-rise and straightleg fit. We also carry the Kate in a Vessel wash with a zip pocket detail. Both are amazing styles and washes.
Check out our full selection of all the lovely DL1961 ladies including the Kim Skinny, the Grace High Rise Slim Straight (chantal’s fav), the bootcuts of Jennifer and Cindy and many more.

Shoshanna S/S 11 Swim has Arrived. Think Prints & Details!

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

We know the weather is a bit blustery, but as all good fashion lovers know, the weather should never be an indication for buying purchases. It’s smart to think about the next season regardless of what the thermostat reads.

Of course, we also know it’s a great opportunity to get in-season merchandise on sale and never miss a great sale. Our seasonal sale includes 30% -70% off your favorite contemporary collections as well as jewelry, handbags and shoes.

It pays to be fashion-forward in so many ways; being a trendsetter is obviously what buying swimwear in February is all about.

Our newest collection for swimwear this year is from Shoshanna. Oh, we’ve been carrying the line for several years now, but this is a new, fresh look for the line. And we think it is not only fashionable in regards to prints – from ikat to python — but also in the special details – from metal U-rings to beads. This season also has mass appeal with the new bottom cuts and one-piece options. Being able to buy separate tops and bottoms has always been a priority for Shoshanna, but this season she also created styles that you can mix and match to give you multiple options.

Let us also be the first to share that you don’t have to stick with black this year as your basic. For Spring/Summer 2011 (S/S 11), Steel grey is the new basic as well as bright prints on a black background.

New fuller bottom cuts and the larger selection of one-piece suits, in solids and prints, will sure to be the top purchases for the season.

See our current selection of Shoshanna swim and check back often as the choices for new pieces and the option of mixing and matching the pieces expands with each new suit style.

Our Winter Sale is under way! Don’t miss out on Great Seasonal Markdowns!

Saturday, January 22nd, 2011

Our Winter Sale is underway and we are having a blast (of snow and fun) helping everyone get amazing pieces at amazing prices.

We have a few suggestions of items recently marked down that you should not pass up.

Me & Kashmiere Anaconda Scarf NOW: $123.20

Me & Kashmiere Anaconda Scarf NOW: $123.20

The best purchase you can make right now is a Me & Kashmiere scarf.  Gorgeous, lightweight cashmere scarves that are long enough to wrap for warmth or wear open as a shoulder wrap.  The prints and colors are perfect for wearing now and into Spring. Choose from camoflauge prints to animal prints to soft watercolors. All hand-woven in India, these scarves make amazing gifts for anyone – including yourself. At 30% off, get them before they are gone.

Treesje Crave Slouchy Hobo NOW: $297.50

Treesje Crave Slouchy Hobo NOW: $297.50

Handbags are a crucial fashion statement and a beautiful leather bag is essential to every closet. Choose from our collection of Botkier, Treesje and Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent bags. Now at 50% off, you should not pass on getting a new handbag – it can easily make an outfit.

Denim is a staple and with so many great style and washes to choose from, now is the time to stock up. With up to 90% off, it’s silly not to pick up a few pairs before Spring. We have the best designer denim! Check out the sale.

Dresses are a must have for every season. Our styles from Shoshanna are always a big hit at shopchantal.com and we can’t get enough of her strapless tulip version. The fit, the fabric and the prints are all so fun and easy to wear. Take a hint from us and pair with some tights and a jacket for these chilly days. Come Spring, get out your strappy shoes and a cute clutch for the perfect date night dress around town.

With markdowns up to 70% off on many seasonal items, you need to check out this sale!

Denim Sale Pick of the Day 3: The Basic 5 Pocket – It Doesn’t Have to Basic

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

We altered this a bit, but the saying still holds true “you can never have too many friends, too much money or too many pairs of jeans“. 

We can’t guarantee you will make new friends with new jeans, but you will certainly have more money in your pocket if shop our Annual Denim Sale. With styles up to 90% off, you are certainly on your way to having a new denim wardrobe.  The first step to the perfect denim closet is a basic, 5 pocket bootcut with the basic, 5 pocket straightleg not far behind.

Dare we call these designers “Basic”, but they definitely design denim that we can wear everyday. Rock & Republic and PRVCY Denim are two labels known for their amazing fits, premium denim and embellished pockets.

Kasandra Bootcut Crown Pocket Now: $182

Build your denim selection with the coveted crown pocket from Rock & Republic. Perfect for wearing out for a day of shopping when worn with this new Pencey tee. And even more perfect for a night out when paired with a beautiful, corset top from Shoshanna.

PRVCY Barbados Staightleg NOW: $120.40

PRVCY Barbados Staightleg NOW: $120.40

The PRVCY Premium Barbados Straightleg is a clean, dark wash with a tonal stitched, flap pocket. It’s a great alternative to a skinny, but you can still wear it with a tall boot. We love this style with a more simple, Kain Label tee and a great belt.

These are just a couple of our most popular styles, but check out the entire sale selection from both designers here and in store at chantal. And don’t forget, free ground shipping on all orders over $100.


Annual Denim Sale Pick of the Day 2: The Jegging

Friday, January 14th, 2011


Current/Elliott Jegging in Blue Black NOW: $138.60

Current/Elliott Jegging in Blue Black NOW: $138.60


Ever heard the saying “Don’t knock it till you try it”? Well, this is the perfect time to make this statement.

Much talk of the Jean Legging or “Jegging” as being unflattering is mostly hype. Typically, it’s not the fault of the style, but of the way it was styled.

We love the clean, darker wash of the Current/Elliott jegging as it gives us more options to create a sophisticated look.

We suggest you never wear a legging like a pant and although the jegging is really a jean, there is a fine line between wearing it properly and not wearing it properly.

Pair with a cropped jacket or slim cut blazer, a longer fit drapey, silk top and platform pumps for a sophisticated and on-trend look.

Over the Knee boots help balance this fitted denim style when worn with a cozy knit or sweater and button up. We are loving Spring’s new look of the cropped sweater worn over a dress like the new Joie Corina dress- wear this look now pairing with your jeggings.

Celebrities from Gwyneth to Charlize love the jegging and show us their take on wearing this great denim style.  

Our Huge, Annual Denim Sale is happening now. Don’t miss out on the amazing deals on your favorite styles and designers happening in store and online at www.shopchantal.com.




Annual Denim Sale Pick of the Day 1: Light Wash Denim

Thursday, January 13th, 2011

Our pick of the day from our annual denim sale is a bit unexpected, but assured to “lighten up” you and your denim closet.

DL1961 Jennifer High Rise Bootcut NOW:#$110.60

DL1961 Jennifer High Rise Bootcut NOW: $110.60


We think a fresh wash such as ivory is the easiest light wash to wear. The rich, vanilla wash of the DL1961 Jennifer bootcut works great as a dressed up style now with a Splendid turtleneck and Twelfth Street faux fur jacket or it can take on the boho look with a chiffon, one shoulder print top and sandals for Spring.

We love the idea of making a strong, neutral statement pairing ivory jeans with the tonal lace and crochet already showing up in the store. Both are beautiful looks for the new season.

Cameron Diaz in Current/Elliott

Cameron Diaz in Current/Elliott

Light wash denim is a great wash to have in your denim selection. We love to pair it with this Pencey black and white stripe for more attitude and style. Light denim looks amazing with a nude boot or bootie as it helps to keep the light look all the way to your toes:) Check out Cameron Diaz wearing Current/Elliott recently to promote the Green Hornet movie with Seth Rogan. We have this exact denim and more of their washes in this style still available.

We also love the versatility of grey denim – perfect with Spring’s hot colors, honeysuckle and cobalt.  It also works beautifully with the pretty florals and aztec prints. The moto details of this Unknown Factory skinny is a great way to re introduce the biker trend into your wardrobe as well.


ANNUAL DENIM SALE STARTS TODAY: Get up to 90% off Styles!

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011



PRVCY Premium Denim Barbados Straight Leg NOW: $120.40

PRVCY Premium Denim Barbados Straight Leg NOW: $120.40


It’s that time of year again. . . the time of year when you can get the most tremendous deals on the best designer denim styles on the market at chantal. and shopchantal.com.

With prices starting as low as $20.40 you can’t possibly resist adding multiple new styles to your denim closet. Whether you prefer the classic Bootcut, the hot Spring trend of the Flare, the always-in- style Straightleg, the must-have Skinny or a fun, fashion-forward style such as the denim sweatpant (loved by celeb Jessica Alba) or the Jegging; you can totally complete your denim with our huge designer denim sale.

Coveted designers DL1961, Genetic Denim, Blank NYC, Current/Elliott, Rock & Republic, PRVCY Premium, Malibu Denim, Earnest Sewn, Work Custom, The Unknown Factory, Chip & Pepper and even Taverniti So complete the over 65 available styles of denim marked down from 30% to 90% off.

Enjoy picking up your basic, 5-pocket styles, but now it the time to really get a pair that is maybe missing from your closet. At prices as low as $49.70, you can add that skinny jean to your wardrobe without a big commitment of cash and without the guilt of maybe wearing it only on the weekends. And take this opportunity to add a new wash, rise or style.

We will be focusing on a style each day for the next week to show you how much fun adding a new style or wash can be and how it can freshen up your wardrobe. Stay tuned and check back for our “denim pick of the day”. And share with us via our comments and let us know what your favorite denim is and what you picked up at our sale.

Color Coded: Make this the Year you Brighten your Closet

Friday, January 7th, 2011

Yes, it’s a new year and a new season is almost upon us.  That’s right, Spring deliveries start this month and there is one thing for certain: You will need to brighten up your closet to stay on trend.

The good news is that the past few seasons have been strong in with shades of grey and beige making it all that much easier to weave color into that possibly drab winter wardrobe. 

Kirsten Dunst adds a pop of color

Kirsten Dunst

Keep that beautiful beige blazer and those grey skinny jeans because they will be key pieces to transition you from winter to Spring 2011. Check out how celeb Kirsten Dunst took her basic beige trench to a new level of style by adding a blue knit beret. We love this look!  

Take a look at our the seasonal hues to see some of the newest pieces from Resort and Spring that you can buy now and wear now. 

Pair this sweet, Joie Corina mini dress in a gorgeous green silk with a suede jacket , scarf, a pair of tights and some bootie wedges. Love the green/black combo!

Want a more boho look? We love this Twelfth Street Dress in Khaki paired with slouchy, brown boots and a beautiful leather handbag from Treesje.

This Shoshanna dress is the perfect silhouette in a tomato red. The tiered ruffles give the color a touch of softness. We love this dress over a black turtleneck, tights, some tough boots and a leather jacket.

So, take a cue from us – get started now on brightening your wardrobe and it will most certainly brighten your style and probably your day too.

ICING: The Most Fashionable NYE Event in Portland.

Monday, December 27th, 2010

The must attend event of all the New Year’s Eve bashes happening around town this year in Portland is ICING.

This is the second year of the New Year’s event at SPACE and as a smaller sponsor, we are so excited to join The VIA Group who took on the major sponsorship this year. Those VIA peeps are fashionable – we know.

“Dress to impress and live it up for a wild evening with good food, friends, dancing, and a cavalcade of performances and installations by SPACE’s talented family of artists.”  is the invite poster this year.

As much as we’d love to tell you about the performances, we must first discuss the “dress to impress” portion of the statement above.

Yes, let’s dress to impress. Let’s dress up. Let’s wear something new and fun and joyful. Let’s wear something we don’t wear to our day to day happenings. Let’s wearing something new and festive. Let’s make a statement.

Let’s make some plans for the evening in the “dress to impress” department. There are also lots of new items to choose from in the store. So stop by and take a look. We’ll help you pick a festive outfit for any type of party.

We are leaving the talent and performances to the pros. Here is a list of what you can see at ICING.

Performances include a soulful set by the inimitable Lady Zen, live drumming by Dylan Blanchard and friends plus some time-warping trouble provided by Tin Pan Alley alums Over A Cardboard Sea. Portland’s Dirty Dishes Burlesque Review plan to live up to their name and Kate Cox and Matt Rock have something up their sleeve for when the ball drops and we lift a glass to another year.  Dj King Alberto keeps the soul and funk grooves spinning all night.

Icing starts at 8 pm – 1 pm this year. It is 21+.  Food and a variety of desserts will be provide. Drinks are also available with a champagne toast at midnight.  Come join us as we ring in the New Year. And don’t forget…. dress to impress!

New Soft Joie January Dress is as. . . . Soft as Ever

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010

If you’ve been looking for the perfect, ribbed T-shirt henley dress, look no further. We have found the most amazing version from Soft Joie. The Soft Joie January Dress. A black rib jersey dress with brown leather belt included.

And the best part of this dress, we have it now! 

We couldn’t resist ordering this great piece when we saw it.  Because it is a resort piece, I think I mostly pictured it layered up with Commando tights, the Rebecca Taylor Military coat, the beautiful Joie Coachella over the knee suede boot and an Olivia Harris bag for a look.

But then I started thinking about how I else I could wear it. Just switch out the belt (the belt comes with the dress, but is removable) and replace it with a Streets Ahead black waist belt, some Plush fleece lined tights, the Pour La Victoire Darien bootie and the Pencey Puffer Coat for a totally different look.

And then again….  I started dreaming of the Twelfth Street wedges we are getting in for Spring ’11 and pairing them up with this dress and then adding a gorgeous floral Me & Kashmiere scarf. Another great look to take this dress into the new season!

Realizing the infinite possibilities, I ordered this dress and I hope you take your style and make this dress your own. 

Plush Fleeced- Lined apparel is back in stock

Friday, December 10th, 2010

Plush Thigh High

Tis the season…  once again, we are most excited about the presence of the Plush fleece- lined footed and footless tights, leggings and the new addtion of thigh highs, a great alternative when you may already be wearing stockings and just want some extra warmth.  The thigh highs are also a fun way to stay warm and still feel sexy. 

Nikki Hilton wearing Plush Denim Leggings

Nikki Hilton wearing Plush Denim Leggings

Nothing keeps are legs warmer in the Northeast than Plush.  After freezing for years in regular stockings and leggings, and tired of uncomfortable, itchy wool tights, designer Jennifer Kim realized women needed a fresh approach to Staying Warm AND Stylish in the cold. Living in NYC, Jennifer was no stranger to harsh winters in which Staying Warm AND Stylish was not always an option. Wearing a skirt to work was out of the question and denim jeans did not hold any warmth.

After traveling the world looking for the perfect combination of warmth, comfort AND style, Jennifer created Plush, a line offering an array of fleece-lined items from hats and accessories to sublimely soft tights and leggings. Jennifer’s goal was to create warm, comfortable AND stylish products so that women can continue to dress how they’d like, even in the coldest of weather.

Plush accessories are a staple in our wardrobe and will be in your’s too.  Each year we continue to sell out of this amazing styles from Plush so don’t wait until January to get your hands on one of the most coveted items in the store. And this year, Plush added a new size in the footed style so we have those available as well.

Shop online or at chantal. at 229 Commercial Street for all the available Plush items. And be on the lookout for the cute Plush legwarmers – arriving soon!

DL1961 Denim Event – December 9, 2010

Monday, December 6th, 2010

Finally, The Perfect Fitting Jeans For Everyone!

DL1961 jeans are made with revolutionary 4-way stretch technology fabric that adapts to your unique body shape to give custom fit and comfort.

You’ll never have to worry about these jeans – sagging, bagging or stretching out. They retain their fit to your body unlike any other denim even after multiple wears. So, try them on! Remember, how they fit when you buy them, is how they’ll fit forever.

We are super excited to have our first Try em. Buy ‘em Denim Event with DL1961.

Stop by chantal. Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 229 Commercial Street from 10 am til 7 pm. Fit Experts, Demetra and Lizzie, from DL1961 will help you pick out and find the perfect pair for you. We have all the fits too from Skinnny to Bootcut, from mid-rise to high-rise and all the washes of the season.

The Try ‘em. Buy ‘em Event is a fun way to see for yourself why these jeans are coveted by so many. Bring your girlfriends, boyfriends and who ever else you think would enjoy a fun time picking out great jeans.

Plus,when you TRY a pair of DL1961 jeans on, you will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift certificate from chantal. That’s right, just for trying them on!

If you BUY a pair, you get entered into our drawing for a $250 gift card at chantal. (online entries will win a $250 shopchantal.com gift card for online purchases).

RSVP via phone 207.347.4427 or facebook or twitter and we will reserve a free gift for you.





Black Friday: 30% off Accessories starts Today!

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

We know you don’t need a reason to get a new handbag, a new pair of shoes, some amazing jewelry and a gorgeous new belt, but we decided to give you one more reason anyway. 30% OFF!! 

This Black Friday, we are having 30% off Accessories and it starts on Wednesday so you can get your choices early! Free Shipping on all orders over $150 too.  Accessories make the best gifts too. Our wishlist feature on shopchantal.com gives you the chance to put all your favorite things on your wishlist and you can even email your gift givers every item you want!

Check out these amazing Black Friday Deals!

Oliva Harris Cargo Shopper

Handbags & Wallets:  30% off our new Fall and Holiday handbags from Botkier, Treesje, Olivia Harris by Joy Gryson, Follis (excludes pre-order Julia bag) and Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent.

This new arrival from Oliva Harris is the must have designer bag of the season. The cargo features and washed leather are perfect for the busy woman. 

With code BlackFriday30 this $495 bag is now only $346.50.

Arden Studded Heel

Arden Studded Heel

Boots and Heels: 30% off new boots and heels from Joie, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent and Pour La Victoire.

The Arden Studded Heel in Black from Twelfth Street is an amazing heel that makes even the most simple outfit take on major Style.

And we can’t get enough of this Pour La Victoire Lennox Wedge. It’s the perfect combination bootie to wear with dresses, leggings and your favorite skinnies.

Alex and Ani Assorted Bangles

Alex and Ani Assorted Bangles


Jewelry: 30% off our collections fomr GemmaRedux, Alex and Ani, Gorjana and Streets Ahead Jewelry.

Whether you prefer the statement necklace or the more subtle style of bangles, jewelry is a great way to show your personal style. We also think it is a great gift from just about anyone in your life.  Who doesn’t love to receive something as special and thoughtful as jewelry.  We love the assorted mix of expandable bangles from Alex and Ani. They come in all the metals we wear and we can mix and match them with all the jewelry in our jewelry boxes.

Streets Ahead Dbl Buckle Waist Belt

Streets Ahead Dbl Buckle Waist Belt

Belts: 30% off all newest selection of Streets Ahead Belts  and Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent. We add belts to just about anything because they are a fun way to add an accessory that you can wear again and again.

waist belt can accentuate your waistline and is a must have for every closet. And everyone needs a  jean belt for their favorite denim. Tuck in a tee, throw on your favorite boots and add a belt. How easy is that!

Our Black Friday Sale starts Wednesday and runs through Sunday. Stop in the store during normal business hours or shop online using Code: BlackFriday30 for 30% off All* Handbags, Shoes, Jewelry and Belts.

*excludes Pre Orders.


Holiday Dressing: 12 Pages of Style Inspiration for all your Holiday Events

Friday, November 19th, 2010

As the invitations start pouring into the mailbox and inbox, we sometimes get overwhelmed with excitement at who we will see and what we will wear. Here are a few ideas for the top 3 events this Holiday season.  See the full collection of ideas in our Lookbook section. 

An Elizabeth and James Blazer tops off a Shoshanna Strapless Dress

An Elizabeth and James Blazer tops off a Shoshanna Strapless

The Must-Attend Event

Dresses are an obvious choice for these events.  The wonderful thing about these parties is that it can be the one place where you can really take it to the next level and go all out. Whether the event is “cocktail” or “black-tie casual“, you can never go wrong with a beautiful dress, stunning jewelry and drop-dead gorgeous shoes. A little hand-held clutch is essential. We love the the zip around wallets from Botkier. They hold everything we need and add a little pop of metallic color. A blazer or faux fur vest or even a cashmere wrap is a nice accent to your entrance and exit. 

Rebeeca Taylor Runway Cami with Treesje bag

Rebeeca Taylor Runway Cami with Treesje bag

The Neighborhood Party

Probably the most fun you’ll have all season, the neighborhood party is the perfect place to mix up your style. We think dark denim is the way to go here. A beaded top, a cropped jacket and the perfect pair of jeans is an easy way to be casual chic and still show your personal style.  Don’t forget to add a fashionable bag because you may have to carry it with you during the entire party. 

Nanette Lepore with Joie OTK boots

Nanette Lepore with Joie OTK boots

The Office Party

Depending on your profession, this event can be on opposite extremes from Black Tie to Casual Chic. The most important thing is to keep it is sophisticated and appropriate.  We love a sweater dress paired with boots and a piece or two of statement jewelry. We also love the idea of the Olivia Harris Baby Ball bag for a night like this. You want dress for the job you want, not the job you have – or so they say. We say better to be overdressed than underdressed for an office party.

Check out our lookbook for more ideas.  Just remember: It’s never to early to start planning for these events.  We all know the holiday season comes up fast.  Don’t worry though, we are here to help. Stop in to see us or check out shopchantal.com for some inspiration.

New Handbag Designer: Olivia Harris by Joy Gryson

Saturday, November 13th, 2010

It’s no secret that we absolutely adore the addition of handbags to chantal. and shopchantal.com. We carried only a small selection for many years, but our new location and insistence from our customers made us take the leap.

And, we couldn’t be happier. We now carry five handbag lines. Each line is distinctly different from the other – from the styling, to the functionality, to the leather choices. Crossbody styles, Cargo styles, totes, and hobos, all with accessible pockets and multiple compartments. These are the styles that are overtaking the streets.

Our newest addition to our handbag designer collection is Olivia Harris by Joy Gryson. The first thing you will notice about these bags is the gorgeous, supple leathers and detailing. However, at close inspection, you will also see a level of functionality that we think is exactly what busy women need. Whether you are a working woman, mom, or a working mom, there is always a need for basic usefulness.

The key to the Olivia Harris bags is that you don’t need to sacrifice the beauty and fashion-forwardness that is totally necessary in today’s handbags in order to get the functionality you need.

Joy Gryson started her career working for industry powerhouses such as Liz Claiborne, Coach, Calvin Klein, and eventually landed at Marc Jacobs.

In 2006 Joy went out on her own and launched the Gryson brand of luxury accessories. The GRYSON brand has garnered much attention in a short period of time.

In 2007 Joy introduced the Olivia Harris brand of contemporary accessories. The OH line of bags is younger, edgier, and a little grittier then her older sister ‘Gryson’. The OH line is inspired by rock n Roll, girl power, and it is a lot of fun.

Check out our newest selection of Olivia Harris by Joy Gryson handbags including the ever popular Baby Ball in the season’s hottest color, the Cargo Shopper, a must have bag for a today’s busy woman, and the metallic corset leather sack, a fashion forward bag with tremendous details and functionality.

As the Temp drops, Raise your Style with Layers

Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
Sienna Miller bundled up for the Season

Sienna Miller bundled up for the Season

It’s that time of year again… winter is sneaking up on us quickly and before we know it, it will be on our doorsteps.

Now is the time to start thinking about how you will be “cold weather ready“.  Here are are a few tips to help you get through the season while still looking chic and stylish.

Underlayers are key in the Northeast.  You should never under estimate the extra layer of simple long sleeve tees and turtlenecks.  Splendid is a shop favorite which is why we keep stocked up starting in September and don’t stop until March. An easy cotton/modal blend underlayer can also add a pop of color under a loose woven knit or under the new selection of cropped sweaters.

Sweaters. The obvious cashmere, wool, angora and mohair sweaters, vests and wraps.  Autumn Cashmere, Edun, Joie, Oonagh and more. And let’s not forget cotton fleece and sweatshirts from our other favorites- Kain Label, Monrow and LNA

Tights and Leggings. We can’t live without the Fleece Lined Tights from Plush. Each year they come up with another great color or style and they are true must-haves.  This year we are loving the addition of the leg warmers from them – Simple, easy ways to layer your legs for those cold walks to the coffee shop. We also love Commando’s opaque tights for layering too.

Warm Accessories. Scarves from Me & Kashmiere are a done deal – all year long.  We love the all wrapped up under our coat collars for a gorgeous pop of color.  Carolina Amato and Autumn Cashmere have upped the gloves this year with the classic pop-top and fingerless options. They also both did scarves with Autumn Cashmere stealing our hearts with the new neck warmers and tube scarves - Genius!  And don’t forget your skull cap or snood. A hat is a must. I wear one everyday – even indoors sometimes and always will. The snoods are my fav- slouchy and cute with my long hair.