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.

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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.

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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.

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Fore Front Fashion recently launched a new blog that highlights the amazing street style fashions of Portland Maine and beyond.  And they are featuring Chantal.  in their Shop Talk Section this month.

In regards to a Street Style Blog: We say “it’s about time!”.  We’ve always appreciated the vibe of Portland fashion and love that our customers and others can now be applauded for their style.  The stylish could be featured on the new blog that has a beautiful, clean style and a great voice from writer, Laura, and fun photography by Nate.

When we received the email about the new blog, we responded immediately and asked “where do we sign up?”.   Not only did we get a quick response, but we were told we were on the top of the list for a store feature in their Shop Talk section. Yeah!  WIth our new move to 229 Commercial Street, we just a quickly responded with a huge YES!

So, check out this great new Portland blog. Read it, comment on it, support it and it’s partners and nominate your favorite street style fashionista and maybe they will get featured.  I think most of it is unplanned “On the Street Style”, but it’s still worth a shot. They do welcome it.  You can email them or follow them on Twitter: @forefrontfash

See the amazing blog they did on Chantal. featuring pics of Chantal (unheard of by those who know her) and shots of the beautiful new store on Commercial Street.

Thanks Fore Front Fashion and welcome to the crazy world of Portland fashion. We are a city full of stylish, beautiful individuals. We look forward to seeing you around.

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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

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No matter what your style, there is always a way to incorporate a new piece into your closet. Rompers are super hot this season and there is a style for everyone: classic, military style, one shoulders and of course, the girly girliest of them all, a ruffle cami style.

Seen on celebrities (see Blake Lively and Nicole Richie left for serious inspiration) for a couple of seasons now, rompers began as a definite fashion forward piece, but have evolved into a very wearable piece that is essential for every wardrobe.  The newer romper styles are much easier to wear and come in several styles.

We have the new Joie One Shoulder Raleigh romper in expresso that just arrived in the store that is a fun version perfect back to some studded Joie sandals and a structured cross over bag.  And their military green silk romper is great for both day and night.  The collar and epulets are so on trend too.

The long-sleeved BCBGMAXAZRIA romper in black silk is so sophisticated.  We love it back to heels and a Gemma Redux necklace for a night look or the Joie Elvis bootie for a cool day look.

Want a fun and flirtly and super girly romper?  Then The Rebecca Taylor cami romper in navy blue is for you. All this romper needs is a smile on your face and, of course, some cute Pour La Victoire ballet flats.

Have some fun in the sun this summer with a Romper.  You’ll love the ease of wearing them and you will look so in style.

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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.

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We love Summer because it gives us the chance to really mix up your wardrobe.  Dare you toss in a bright top with your summer denim or even a floral!  OMG, a bright floral dress would throw some people over the edge!

Well, one thing you can count on each Spring and Summer is the definite need for some shorts.  One cannot live in dresses alone (this is a proven fact as I have tried and failed).  You need a respite from your daily uniform and this season, designers have given us some new styles to throw in the wardrobe mix.

Denim shorts

We have multiple styles available in distressed and clean versions of the basic denim short.  Whether you like the rolled, relaxed style from Work Custom or want a short, distressed style from Blank Denim to pair with tights and booties now, you will definitely need some denim shorts this season.  We also have a new Blank Denim White cut off short that is perfect with a new LnA tee and jacket. White shorts are great with flowing, bright top from Joie Soft and some flats.  Nothing says summer like white denim.

Lingerie inspired

The Edun Purcell short was a definite choice for us on this one.  You will start to really see this style come about as the weather warms, but trust us, this short style is already a huge hit.  The black silk style with a side button detail is certainly inspired by lingerie, but is this one has a bit more edge and is for the true fashionista at heart.  Pair with ballet flats to soften the look or with heels if you’ve got the legs.

Classic

Sometimes seen as boring, but with the styles from Marrakech and Generra, this is far from the case.  with a bit of a paper bag influence, the Marrakech Sofia short is a great length for wearing everyday.  We love the urban safari feel of the khaki, but the graphite is such a great color that it is a must have.  Generra’s silk Knickers have a bit of a higher rise, making it great back to the cropped shirt styles of the season and also if you love the classic fitted tank tucked in and belted.  A true classic style, this longer knicker style short looks great on everyone.

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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.

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Whether a designer opted for the almost basic exposed zipper to the more complicated intertwined chains or the forever adored studs and grommets - hardware has become very sought after as a way to express a bit of an edge to even the girliest of girls.

As one who has always loved the look of hardware on accessories (see GemmaRedux for some serious jewelry crushing), it took me no time to adapt to it on clothing - not because I was already a fan, but because it has become a very easy way to take an outfit to the next level.

We hand-picked some seasonal pieces we are loving from some of our favorite designers.

Rebecca Taylor’s Chain Mail Chunky Knit The quintissential feminine chic designer gave us a bit of a curve ball with this amazing Chain Mail Chunky Knit.  Throw it on with some distresssed denim shorts and sandals or toss it over a slip dress and Spring boots.

Pencey’s Cherry Blossom Mini Skirt Certainly not new to the tomboy chic style- in fact she may have invented the genre altogether (more research to come on this one), Pencey is forever pairing the beautiful feminine ruffles and floral prints with a touch of black, some exposed zippers and definitely some studs. Our fav is the new mini skirt paired with a simple tank and some ballet flats or, if you dare, some tough boots.

Graham & Spencer’s Nailhead Tank These two woman are experts at incorporating nailheads and metal into their extraordinary fits in both dresses and tanks.  We adore their use of color too.  This slub jersey nailhead long tank is a must have for anyone wanting not only a pop of color, but a statement piece sure to rival any tank in your closet.

Genetic Denim’s The Shane Skinny with Metal Mesh Quite possibly the easiest way to incorporate some hardware details is in your denim closet.  The Shane Skinny from Genetic is one of our best sellers and of course, we couldn’t resist them doing our favorite style with metal mesh studding.  Very quite and very cool is the only way to describe the genius behind adding some hardware to your wardrobe.

See our women’s trend section for more of the seasons top trends. And don’t forget that shoes, necklaces, bracelets and handbags are also a great way to incorporate the fashionable hardware style into your closet.

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