Shopchantal Stylefile

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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(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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Just like the Burger King Whopper - the new Fall Style for Leggings is “wear it your way”.  Wear it rocker style, biker style, feminine, chic or just for a casual look - you can wear your look and should.

With styles including full length and cropped and details such as zippers and seaming in fabrics that include spandex, leather and ponte, there really is no end to what you can do with leggings this Fall.

We love the look of the new Rock & Republic Melissa Legging.  It has a bit of sheen and an amazing bottom zipper feature.  The wide waist band and pull on style make it super slimming and easy to layer over just about everything.

Generra’s Skinny Knit legging has a great stitch detail that makes for a more flattering look.  This one is a must for everyone.  This one is a bit more of a trouser with it’s zipper and button closure waist.

The Splendid Legging is a mainstay at shopchantal.com.  We get it almost every delivery in either a full length or a crop.  This season they, and us, have added styles with ruched ankle details, ponte fabrics and even a denim legging.

Ella Moss’ new Ponte style has an insert of ribbing for extra comfort and a cool moto girl vibe.

Elizabeth and James were so on target in their design of a Spiral Seam Legging with it’s hook and eye ankle closures and wide waistband, we couldn’t resist getting them.  They are so wearable and flattering.

Graham & Spencer is always one of the coolest collections available.  They were the chosen ones for the coveted leather legging- see that soon at shopchantal.com

So, you really can “wear it your way”.  The designers know you want what you want and they have stepped up and delivered. See our legging choices at shopchantal.com and just try and pick one- we bet you can’t.

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We have grown to love Fall here in the Northeast- mostly because it is an extension of Summer for us! Some of our hottest days are during transition into fall. That’s why we really love to make our summer pieces last longer while getting in on the amazing first fall deliveries (I think they are always the best!).

Here are some ideas to help you style your Summer pieces with New Fall items.

1. Boots, boots, boots.  Tall, short or in between.  Boots are a great way to show your fashion forward sense.

2. Layering. Definitely plan to layer jackets and vests over your strapless or cami style pieces - including dresses.

3. Add a scarf.  A scarf can truely give you a style lift as well as some extra warmth on a cool fall day.

4. New Handbag.  It really is best to switch up your bag for fall.  Nothing looks sillier than a floral cotton bag paired with a fall outerwear.

Our favorite look for fall.  A strapless dress by Shoshanna, layered with the hottest trend of the season: a boyfriend blazer by Elizabeth and James, a pair of tall boots from Twelfth Street and a beautiful winter white handbag.

Another great look: Beau Soleil’s Black Beau Slouch dress paired with a pair of Joie Fringe Boots and a Nanette Lepore cropped coat in Iris and a Graham & Spencer Scarf.

Both outfits are a great mix of the best trends of the seasons and are all available now at shopchantal.com.

See our What’s New for new fall items and see our great selection of new sale items too.

Need some inspiration?  See our Lookbook features and our Trend page ideas.

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The Fall collections are arriving daily and the designers are true to form in shipping amazing pieces for their first deliveries.

Nanette Lepore, Shoshanna, Haute Hippie and newcomer Elizabeth and James are all showing gorgeous dresses with a bit of extra detailing.  We have a selection that includes beading, attached necklaces, extreme pleating, faux wraps and wraps and one shoulder styles.

A little bit of something for everyone- if you will.

All these styles and more can be seen at chantal. and shopchantal.com.  See our new LOOKBOOK for some inspiration too.

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Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen

We are at it again, adding new designers that you (and selfishly, us!) want the most.  And, with a gorgeous Fall 09 collection, we just couldn’t resist the addition of Elizabeth and James to shopchantal.com

For those of you not familiar with the line, it is a contemporary clothing label co-designed by Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen. The twins are also the muses behind the successful label that is a mix of uptown and downtown, masculine and feminine, and casual and dressy.

Known mostly for their simple, yet sexy button up shirts and menswear inspired blazers - which are a favorite by many and a sell out everywhere, Elizabeth and James is much more than just great shirts and jackets next fall.  The line has evolved into a larger selection of skinny trousers, dresses, mini skirts (most specifically a crushed faux fur that we are already coveting) while still keeping with their use of feminine detailing and gorgeous, unusual fabrics.

Look for the first delivery in mid-June at shopchantal.com.  We’ll keep you posted and send a reminder so you can join in the worship sessions everytime a new delivery arrives. In the meantime, pick up Mary-Kate and Ashley’s successful book, Influence.  It’s full of great photos and much more.

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