Posts Tagged ‘Haute Hippie’

Dress Detail: Designers add a little bit more for Fall

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009

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.

The Mini: A short history of this trendworthy style

Friday, June 19th, 2009

The Mini - in all it’s forms- a skirt, a dress and even a jumper and jumpsuit dates back to the 60’s and is clarified by a hemline about 7.9″ above the knee.  That’s not as short as you’d think. And, it actually gives you the opportunity to show some leg (if you dare), flash a pair of colored tights or leggings and even wear over your skinny jeans. It’s a fun piece and one that everyone should have in their closet for Summer.

Rhianna is one celebrity who knows how to pull of The Mini with style and individuality.

The Mini can definitely be referred to a trendworthy piece since it withstands the test of time.  When I use the term “Trendworthy”, I am using it to refer to a piece or a collection of pieces that are often considered “trendy” but in reality are pieces that are “worth” the purchase because of the longstanding wearability.

We are having some fun with some really great mini pieces this summer.  The Beau Soleil dresses are so easy to wear and drape beautifully.  We love these paired with a pair of short boots and a Splendid Vest- a great summer concert look!


Joie did the Chiara dress that we keep selling out of because it has a great boho vibe and is so wearable.  It looks great over skinny crop denim and leggings, but works well alone as a real feminine style.

Haute Hippie has designed a Shirtdress that floats over your body beautifully, but also works belted and layered over leggings.  And the color is amazing - we love it paired back to brights and neutrals.

Our collection of Mini styles certainly has legs (sorry, I couldn’t resist using that!) making it easy to add it to your wardrobe as a “go-to” piece.







New Lookbook: Bring a bit of Boho into your Closet

Monday, June 8th, 2009

We’ve always loved the Bohemian look, but not until recently have we all embraced it with such passion.  I think it is because the “new” boho is a more sophisticated take on the boho looks of the past seasons.


Blake Lively

Blake Lively

Blake Lively is a perfect example of the new take on chic, boho. She embodies the effortless style with a laid back vibe and she does it beautifully in all the designers she wears.

Of course, celebs and designers have dabbled with boho for many seasons. Joie has always designed collections with subtle boho looks such as their best seller cotton voile, embroidered tops. Everyone’s favorite, Rebecca Taylor plays with feminine boho touches in every collection with her use of beading and threading.  Nanette Lepore has the ability to transend into a boho realm with her amazing use of pleating and fabric choices. Alex and Ani have even included boho inspired pieces such a their feather headband and groups of bangles using natural wood beads into their collections.

Our newest designer, Haute Hippie, has it played out in their name perfectly. Haute: meaning “high” in French and Hippie: described as an influentual movement that embraced spiritual and cultural diversity.

Haute Hippie really is just as you would think.  It has boho influences in style and design and in company culture.  They also have high standards in all those same areas creating a company and collections that intertwine Haute & Hippie aesthetics.

Chic, Sophisticated, Classic and Boho - an amazing way to get dressed in the morning.

Haute Hippie: Haute Couture Design with a Bohemian Spirit

Thursday, January 29th, 2009

It’s not always easy to successfully blend different aspects of life - whether it be countries, individuals or more relevantly, fashion.
Haute Hippie has accomplished this improbable feat with a blend of bohemian spirit and haute couture expertise. They’ve combined the spirit of the wayward, the eccentric - blending it with the ethos and style of the sophisticate, the well-traveled, the luxurious and elegant.
The designers embody the line in their very own lives.  Living and creating in their New York City apartment, with a conviction to create their dream on their terms, they are inspired by those who can effortlessly blend the modern with vintage, the urban chic with rustic, the ethnic with elegance
shopchantal.com is excited to bring this line to our storefront, chantal. located in Portland Maine.  The bohemian spirit lives here through our local sensibilities, our huge artist community and our beautiful landscapes and seascapes. 
Many big city lifestyles have been traded for the everyday ease here, however, the haute couture respect is very visible in the demand of quality craftmanship and materials.
Haute Hippie is the perfect complement to our city.  We hope you will stop in and check it out on your next visit to Portland or your weekly stop in town this summer.