Shopchantal Stylefile

There is no mystery in the denim shirt, but the possibilities are there for the taking.  I have a selection of denim shirts, all which vary in wash, so I thought I’d share just a couple of ideas on how to wear this iconic piece of American fashion.  Two key points to remember:

1.  Get a slim fit. You want to look like a woman, after all.

2. Reverse your thought process – in other words, treat it like it was a pair of jeans, just worn on top. In other words, unless you think you pull off a denim/denim combo with total confidence, skip this look.

Pair your denim shirt  with a silk skirt, dress or a colorful pant. I tend to wear a bit of girly-girl so this Rebecca Taylor skirt (pulled from my closet archive) paired with my Blank NYC light-colored denim shirt was just my style and a great look for walking around town.  I paired it with some flats to make it casual because the skirt really does lend itself to a dressier occasion.  Yes, it has sequins and little fairies on it and yes, I am wearing blush pink – who knew! 

I love this dress from Tibi and think it would look amazing paired with a denim skirt and flat, tall boots and a crossbody bag.

I can’t wait to wear my favorite new pant from J.Crew with my denim shirt. I definitely think the Bright Dahlia is the best color, don’t you! Paired with a tweed blazer, this look would be amazing with a gorgeous, structured bag for Fall. Yes, that was a the Lanvin Happy MM Shoulder bag and it is amazing so I had to include it in the post.

The second look is a less girly and a little more “going out” which is, in fact, what I was going to do when this shot was taken.  It was a great outfit for going out for lunch at the piers with the girls (hence the hat).  This denim shirt and the ruffled, silk mini are both from Banana Republic, cropped, cashmere tank: Max Azria (archive), shoes: Pour La Victoire, necklace: GemmaRedux, Bag: Botkier, Belt: Streets Ahead, Fedora: Target.

Another great option is to pair your denim shirt with this Midi-skirt from Asos.  You just gotta love the heart print!  I’d pair with some short booties for a day look or a platform pump for a night out with a blazer or chunky, open weave sweater.

So, get out and pick up a denim shirt in a clean wash (skip the versions with acid wash in the wrong places) and start planning all your outfits; including layering your shirt under all the cute striped, cropped sweaters for the winter.  I”m loving this Rag & Bone one from Saks! I have one coming from H&M soon that I think is going to look totally adorable too.

xo.

c.

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That’s right, only 3 days to take advantage of our 5th Birthday Celebration gift to you!  

Our in-store 20% off Everything Sale starts Friday and ends Sunday. chantal. moved to 229 Commercial Street, Portland in July 2010.

And, we will be open until 8 pm on Friday as we celebrate 5 years and proudly present a collection of artwork from local artists inlcuding Jessica Weiser of Fidelio Photo, Illustrator Meagan Anderson and Painter Kelly Rioux.

Don’t miss out on new Fall & Holiday collections from Rebecca Taylor, Joie, Nanette Lepore and many more. 

Shoes and boots from Joie, Pour La Victoire and Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent heels are a must have for the season.

Handbags from the best and brightest: Botkier, Treesje, Oliva Harris by Joy Gryson are all brand new arrivals for Fall and Holiday.

New denim styles and washes from DL1961, Genetic Denim and the must have, sell out [Blank] Cargo Pant is also still available. Don’t miss out on the perfect pair of black skinnies. We have them from all our designers so you can find just the right fit.

Dresses from Shoshanna are absolutely necessary in the coming months.  Get a jump start and pick up the newest styles before they are gone.

Cashmere and accessories from Autumn Cashmere is flying off the shelves and we are excited to see such a love for this amazing brand.

Shop in store at chantal. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to get 20% off everything.

Plus, with every purchase you can enter our raffles to win a pair of Autumn Cashmere gloves, a Botkier wrap around leather bracelet, a complimentary cut and style from our photo hair stylist, Miranda Condon.  And, SoPo SUP (South Portland Stand Up Paddleboard) will be here to show off one of their boards and are giving away a Free 1 hour Paddleboard lesson.

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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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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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A little bit goes a long way with some of the new fashionable hardware options on the Spring/Summer 2010 Collections.

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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With only 2 more days until the official start of Summer 2009, we thought we’d celebrate the season with a 20% off promotion on all our summer shoes & handbags and our wonderful selection of swimwear.

Choose from great designers such as Shoshanna & Ella Moss for swimwear.  For men, we have a great style from Penguin that should not be missed.  All 20% off.

And, it really is time to switch out your winter handbag and carry something more seasonal.  Foley + Corinna  & Donald Pliner did amazing summer style bags that are perfect for all the summer essentials.  Now is the time to get one.

Summer sandals in a heel or flat, whichever your style (or passion) are a must for hot weather events or just the daily grind.  Pour La Victoire, Rebecca Taylor and Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent are all comfortable and stylish choices.

Visit shopchantal.com and use promo codes: bags20, shoes20 or swim20 and receive 20% off all these items.

Or stop in and see us in Portand Maine @ 195 Middle Street.  We look forward to your visit.

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With a change of shoes comes of change of attitude.  Ask any woman- it’s true.   Not only do you feel differently, but you walk differently (this is medically proven I swear!- I’m still trying to find the link for this blog).  And think about how great your legs look and how immediately your posture improves.  All good things when trying to look sleek and slim in our summer mini dresses.

This season we are loving all the heels from Pour La Victoire and the fact that they are so overwhelmingly comfortable just makes it all that much easier to wear them everyday.

Sabrina Heel in Nude Nubuck

With a padded platform in front – up to an inch and a half on some styles- you don’t really feel like you are walking in a a 4.5″ heel.  That is the beauty of innovation and design.  We get to look and feel almost five inches taller and still feel great at the end of the day.

Pour La Victoire also does the most amazing leathers and detailing.  My fav is the Ange Platform Sandal in Whiskey.  It is a gorgeous neutral leather with studs – perfect for my Shoshanna dress that can look too dressy for day if not paired with the right accessories.  This shoe helps makes it easier for me to wear during the day, but also takes me out to dinner right after work.  I love that!

Rebecca Taylor also did some great towering styles this season.  Her Cut Out Platform boot is still wearable even into June.  And the Carrie Studded Platform Heel looks great with everything we try it with and is also really comfortable with it’s extra padding and criss cross straps.

Celia Cut Out Bootie

So, will you be reaching for new heights this summer in your heels?  We know we will.

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We love preparing for the new season of styles.  Prepping the racks, dressing the mannequins, planning and styling the shots of our web Lookbook and most of all, helping our customers build their wardrobes with the most important pieces of the season

We get new deliveries frequently and if you are in the neighborhood, the smell of our steamer working overtime is a good indication that new collections have arrived.

At shopchantal.com, we try to let you know as soon as we get in shipments.  Make sure to sign up for our email newsletters to get first notice!  You can always check out our “what’s new” link as well.

Just in case you missed an email or haven’t been in the store lately, here are our favs for Summer 09 and what we think are the essentials for your closet.

1. Maxi Dress

2. Nude Shoe 

3.  Silk Tee or Tank

4. Bright Dress

5. Cropped denim

6. Cardi

Just an fyi:  Feel free to call anytime at 1.877.347.5527 or email us at c.service@shopchantal.com if you ever have a question or need assistance. We are always happy to help. 

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At shopchantal.com, we have been blessed with many staffers having their own “look” and I think it is about time we celebrate this individuality and style.

Every so often, we will be posting favorite looks, designers and overall current style of one staff member. It is inevitable that you will connect with one particular staffer and will gravitate towards their choices.  We think that is awesome and want to help you get a bit more insight into what inspires them to pick what they pick to wear to work and out on the town.

We hope you will look out for this new addition to our blog.  Who knows, maybe you’ll even feel inspired to send us your favorite look from shopchantal.com and we’ll add you to our inspiration board here on the shopchantal style file.

This Month’s Staffer:  Chantal- web/store manager and buyer,  lookbook stylist, social media-aholic (especially Twitter), wife, mother and beach lover.

 A self-proclaimed “girl of the 80′s”, Chantal adores anything with zippers, hooks, pins, asymmetrical closures and hems, waist belts in every size and color and layering.  You will often see her in hats (fedoras are her fav) and scarves, always see her in Current/Elliott jeans and heels, and forever with a large handbag.  She is never without her signature “c” necklace from Alex Woo and loves rings and bracelets from Gorjana – always in multiples!

Her IPod features: The Clash, T.I., Linkin Park, M.I.A, Kanye West, Coldplay, Akon, Jay-Z, and David Bowie and more.

It is no surprise that she is obsessed with anything and everything Pencey and gets all their pieces from each delivery.

Check out Chantal’s Pencey picks for Spring and Summer available now or soon at shopchantal.com. She is wearing a Pencey top in her pic too, of course!

Pencey Slip Dress

Pencey Halter

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Simply elegant, extremely timeless, and worth every penny is Edun’s Zimba Wrap dress from their Spring/Summer 2009 collection.  As every “in the know” fashaholic knows, DvF made this simple silhouette an international celebrity and Edun’s modern interpretation is simple, sleek, and polished!  We view this piece as a blank canvas that can be accessorized to portray any individual style and a piece that can be worn to any event. 

Street chic:  Throw on a Me & Kashmiere scarf, Pour La Victoire’s Blanche, the Street’s Ahead Roger Belt, and a Foley & Corinna Mid-City Tote

Office Appropriate:  Wear some black opaque tights to transition into Spring, Twelfth Street’s Seema or Allison Bootie, and a Splendid Flare Cardi

Date Night Essential:  Throw it on with Pour La Victoire’s Tatienne Heel, accessorize with a fun, navy waist belt, and Gorjana’s Ludlow Earring

Pictured below:  Edun’s Zimba Wrap Dress available at www.shopchantal.com and Angelina Jolie wearing a longer version of this essential style!

Edun Zimba Wrap Dress

Angeline Jolie in Black Silk Wrap Dress

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Press coverage, blog write ups and celebrity fans are making Pour La Victoire the new must have shoe for your closet.

Seen here on Gossip Girls’ Leighton Meester (a fav celebrity at shopchantal), the Tatienne Heel is looking as prime and proper as it is sexy.  We have it in a more everyday wear color – Navy – which works with so many Spring dresses and, of course, denim.

Check out the other press and see what all the fuss is about.  We are big fans for a reason – you will be too once you give them a try. 

One can never have too many shoes, right.

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This has been the best season to pick up accessories. I am so in love with all the great accessories to pick from that we did a “accessory spotlight” in our lookbook just to show you how many we have to choose from this season.

Pour La Victoire Bianca Bootie

Fabulous scarves, hats and gloves, booties, handbags and jewelry have all taken it up a notch with the addition of great fabrics, colors and textures. And, of course, as many of you know I can never have too many belts. I am obsessed and always have been. This is my year. Belts are hot and we have the best selection from waist belts to skinny trouser belts to studded jean belts.

My favorite accessories so far have been the Foley & Corrina Glazed Mid City Clutch in blue and the new Pour La Victoire Bianca cut out bootie sandal and I live in my Streets Ahead Roger belt (or as we call it “sex and the city” belt). Pair this all with a little Generra dress and some Rebecca Taylor tights and I’m ready to go.

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Well, we did it. We’ve been wearing their shoes for months now and we absolutely adore the styles and the fit. Welcome to www.shopchantal.com Pour La Victoire shoes!

Our first delivery is set for October 2008 and we promise the selection we chose for the site will not disappoint. The Bianca is one of our favs and is in our first delivery.

Pour la Victoire Bianca Sandal

Just to help whet your appetite here is a trend editorial page from the August 2008 LuxeStyle magazine. LuxeStyle is a shoe and accessory trend magazine published by WSAToday . LuxeStyle states that the Gladiator Heel trend is here to stay and will be strong for seasons to come.

Pour La Victoire Bianca Sandal

Check out Pour la Victoire shoes at www.shopchantal.com

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