Shopchantal Stylefile

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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(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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Jean & Tee Girl: Drew Barrymore

Every year, there are a handful of customers who await for the arrival of certain designers, specific items, and share in our excitement to wear it all NOW.  These same customers also come to us every year looking for similar or the same items that are such staples to their wardrobes that they must “refresh” them every year or simply want more of what they already have.  These women are women after my own heart as I rely on the same basics every year, as well, but I also understand the importance of (this is one of my favorite quotes from one of my dearest friends) “freshin’ it up” - Chantal Young.  Simply put, that favorite t-shirt, pair of jeans, comfy sweater, or warm pair of tights may be a bit worn after living in it all winter long & pieces, such as these, can use a little replacement every now and again.  More importantly, we have picked up some great new designers since last fall (don’t worry we kept all the “old faithfuls,” as well) whose collections include some of the best every-day pieces (especially for the jean & tee girl) we have seen in the 4 years we have been open.

Sharon Segal has perfected the burn out tee in a silhouette that screams, “I am the perfect long sleeve basic!”  For all our customers who have loved Splendid’s Very Light Jersey Collection for tee’s, we are positive that you will fall in love with Sharon Segal’s Cloud Burnout Long Sleeve U Neck, offered in both charcoal and white–my opinion, you’ll need them both.

Long Sleeve t-shirts are always sought after by our customers every year around this time, but it’s also the season for denim!  Basically, it’s a no brainer–what two pieces work more organically together than a tee and jeans?  As most of you know, we are always picking up new denim lines to keep things interesting, and our newest line, [BLANK], has everyone talking.  Not only do their skinny jeans fit perfectly & flatter endlessly, but the price point is very appropriate considering the economy, at the moment.  [BLANK] has offered up two basic washes along with some fun, trend-worthy washes and fabrics, as well.  We are loving their Denim Skinnie Classique in Creamy Asian.  Yes, a basic blue jean in a basic style, but also with just a hint of trends we are loving at the moment (Distressing & Studs–featured, just slightly, on the back pocket).

Important to note, these basics are extremely appropriate for every day and do not have a shelf-life, but they also look best when accessorized just a bit to create a “look” or “style” that is still comfortable, but not boring.  Simply throw on a Me & Kashmiere Scarf, tuck those skinny jeans into a great pair of boots, and find a lush jacket that can be worn with so many different things…and don’t forget the bag!

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Due to my obsession with fashion, trends, and celebrity gossip, I tend to buy a lot of different types of magazines relating to the topics mentioned above:  People, People StyleWatch, Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Lucky Magazine and the list goes on and on.  One thing all of these magazines had in common in the month of August, and even into September, is their obsession with over-the-knee boots.  Not one color (though it’s best to stick to blacks, greys, and neutral tones) reigned, not one heel height sored above the others, and there isn’t one person that couldn’t pull of this look with sticking to a few, simple guidelines.

Reva Boot

So I’ve done the homework for you, read up on all the ways to wear it and all the ways to NOT wear it and believe me, I think once you slip into a pair like Twelfth Street’s Reva Boot or Pour La Victoire’s version (expected soon at shopchantal & chantal.), it will be love at first sight.  As I know was the case for my father’s good friend who can’t stop ranting and raving about her most recent purchase of Twelfth Street’s version at the store (chantal. & www.shopchantal.com), and if she, at over 60 years old, can pull of the look with confidence, sex appeal, and sophistication then I know you can, as well.

Remember, this boot makes a statement all by itself, so keeping everything else pretty minimal will guarantee a flawless approach to wearing this trend.  I recommend wearing the boot with a matching colored tight (hence, black boots are a very sound investment) or tucking a skinny pant into them that will complement the color of the boot.  Keep the top a little longer as it will help to create a long silhouette between the height of the boot and the length of the shirt, Boyfriend Blazers & Tunic-style shirts work best for this.  Remember to add texture, not necessarily color to your look.  Too many bold things at once can turn into a big, loud mess, but pairing the boot back to a lush-textured piece makes the statement even more fabulous.

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The mini-skirt has been around forever, but the new and polished take on this piece is no longer just for those with model thin silhouettes or for those with legs that are miles long.  The key to wearing this trend is balancing the short hemline with more covering proportions either on the top or the bottom.  Paired back to many of our other favorite fall trends (The Boyfriend Blazer, Leggings, and Chunky Knit Cardigans), the micro mini is turning into a daily essential just like your favorite pair of jeans.

Some of our favorite offerings of the micro-mini include styles from Joie, Elizabeth and James, and Nanette Lepore–each one is so different from the other and can be worn is so many different ways that we are having a hard time deciding which is our favorite! 

Joie’s Darcy Skirt gives off the “boho cool” vibe when paired back to a printed blouse, over-sized shaggy vest, and tall boots creating a look that is both luxe, yet exotically edgy. 

For those who prefer a more polished, girly version on this trend, Nanette Lepore’s Too Hot Skirt & Elizabeth and James’ Noguchi Skirt are offered in black which work well paired back to a bright tee and some sky-high heels for a fresh, clean look that is both stream-lined and sexy. 

Transitioning these mini’s into cooler weather is effortless when worn with many of the legging options we have at shopchantal.com.  Adding a legging is also a flattering way to get the look of the moment for those who feel a bit self-conscious baring too much leg.  Another figure-flattering option, pair with a tall boot to create a balancing act as to not bare too much leg.

Appropriate for both office and play, the trend is being seen in many different textures, colors, and fabrications making it easy to find “the one” that fits your personal style and lifestyle best!  Just remember, rock it with confidence–the most important accessory to this look! 

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We love combining a dressy top with a pair of distressed jeans to create a look that is both uber chic with a tiny touch of edge.  With distressed denim making such a huge presence this season, it is super easy to find that perfect pair of jeans to mix back to the most feminine of tops, and celebrities are coveting this “girly chic” style, as well. 

Current/Elliott Bootcut

Flutter Sleeve Top

Miley Cyrus is ever-evolving as she grows up under the spotlight and her personal choice of style just keeps getting better as she out grows her Hannah Montana days and defines her own, personal image as a striking young woman.  Of course it helps when designers are banging down your door to be caught wearing their newest designs, however Miley’s interpretation (along with a team of stylists) is on trend, mature, and always accessorized appropriately. 

Recently, she was photographed in Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent’s Flutter Sleeve Top and a great pair of distressed jeans.  This super girly top is toned down by accessorizing it to lend itself to be a little more bohemian, relaxed, and effortlessly chic.  Her long necklace layered with some shorter pieces from Alex Woo create a fun, young, and modern interpretation of boho style along with her layered bracelets. 

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Easy, versatile styles that won’t break the bank is one of the many reason’s that Splendid is always in such high demand.  Especially now!  A best-seller for shopchantal.com and chantal., Splendid’s take on current trends allow you to get the look of the moment without having feelings of post-purchase anxiety.  However, Splendid’s best attribute is found in their use of soft textiles that lend themselves to be super comfortable, amazingly soft, and easy to wash and care for.

Their offerings include some of best layering pieces we have ever seen, long maxi dresses, fun tops, and an extensive offering of lounge wear.  We love mixing a piece of Splendid into any and all of our looks. 

A crisp, white Shoshanna Dress with a bright Splendid scarf create a bright and pulled together look:

Shoshanna & Splendid

Our #1 Splendid style is their open Flare Cardi which could just possibly be the ultimate transition piece, an essential no girl should be without.

Splendid & Edun

Splendid’s 1×1 basics are always available at shopchantal.com, as well, in a plethora of colors sure to get you in the mood for summer:  1×1 3/4 Sleeve V-Neck, 1×1 Scoop Neck, 1×1 Crew Neck.

Splendid & Rebecca Taylor

Tie Back Tube Top

1x1 3/4 Sleeve V-Neck

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Plaid used to be strictly reserved for the country club, the golf course, or for a Ralph Lauren ad but then came along punk, grunge, and who can forget Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” which featured a plaid clad audience of teenage angst sporting this ever so popular trend.  Needless to say, plaid has played an important role in fashion over the years, and it has made an especially huge come back over the last year.  Every designer is doing their own take on the most, arguably, versatile print out there! 

No matter if your personal style is that of Trey MacDougal (Charlotte’s first husband from Sex and the City), Scottish Kilt as groomsmen attire, anyone?  Or that of Johnny Rotten (Sex Pistol’s), Original Penguin’s plaid short is sure to accommodate The Prepster or The Punk Rocker inside of you, it all depends what you choose to pair it back to.

Shopchantal.com has two easy plaid styles to work into any wardrobe from Original Penguin:  Skip Out Short and Map The Truth Short.  The only question remaining:  How will you make the plaid trend your own?  Well for all of you men eagerly anticipating hitting the golf course in the next few weeks we like the Skip Out Short paired back to The Daddy Polo in Blue Glow.  Subdued, easy to wear, and dress code appropriate!  Or if your prefer a little more edge to your look we love the sex appeal that The Map The Truth Short paired back to Edun Men’s Fountainhead Volta Short Sleeve V-Neck creates.

Map The Truth

Fountainhead Volta S/S VNeck

Skip Out Shorts and Daddy Polo

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I love The Hills and it is fitting to write a blog about a character from the reality TV series considering the last season kicks off on April 6, 2009 at 10pm (EST).  As a huge fan of The Hills, I am also a huge fan of the style behind the show and obsessed to figure out which designers all the characters are wearing both on and off the show.

Lo Bosworth, whom I adore for her no-nonsense approach to dealing with drama and how she tells it how it is (no matter how rude she may come off), was photographed with LC wearing a KAIN Label Pocket Tank in Grey.  She pairs it appropriately back to a skinny, dark rinse jean that looks so effortlessly pulled together. 

We just received a new delivery of KAIN Label Tee’s that will be available for purchase early next week at shopchantal.com, and in this shipment we received Lo Bosworth’s pick — The Pocket Tank in Pink.  We suggest pairing this back to just about anything, but to get Lo’s street chic look we recommend pairing it back to the Earnest Sewn Harlan in One Rinse. 

Lo Bosworth in KAIN Label Pocket Tank

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Want to feel elegant and statuesque?  Then the Roman and Greek inspired trend is for you.  The beauty and originality that the draping process gives to a garment is unbeatable, and shopchantal.com has numerous pieces to fulfill your draping cravings!  Here are a few of our staff’s favs:

Print Origami Skirt

Known for his artistry, it is no surprise that Robert Rodriguez has supplied us with numerous draped offerings this season.  Our two favorites include:  The Print Origami Skirt and Kimono Dress

Odessa One Shoulder Top

Edun Uhuru Dress

To achieve this goddess-worthy look, without breaking the bank, Ella Moss and Edunhave created beautiful draped looks for under $200.  Our staff favorites include:  The Ella Moss Odessa One Shoulder Top and Edun Uhuru Dress

Our favorite thing about this trend is the perfect accessory to complement this look, the gladiator sandal!  Let’s face it, the look wouldn’t be complete without them.  Whether your looking for a heel or a flat, shopchantal.com has it all.  Our staff favorites include:  Pour La Victoire Blanche and Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Dinah Sandal

Twelfth Street Dinah Sandal

Pour La Victoire Blanche

Grecian Goddess Draping

Need a little more inspiration to feel confident about wearing this look?  Maybe a glimpse from the Spring/Summer 2009 runway shows will help inspire the goddess within you?  There are so many ways to wear this look and the options for wearing this trend are endless. 

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All of us at shopchantal.com have been on the hunt to find a line dedicated to fun, comfortable, and stylish summer dresses.  

Beau Guard available Spring 09

With a company mission of “Reduce Recycle Renew” it is no surprise that the company’s focus is on sustainability, fair trade and labor, as well as organic raw materials.  And you can see in the designs, the end goal of offering consumers environmentally healthy clothing choices without sacrificing fashion was successfully accommplished.

Expect Beau Soleil at shopchantal.com this Spring.

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Easier navigation, more links to choose from and an overall beauty makeover is almost complete at www.shopchantal.com . With the help of Flyte New Media and FreshTokyo Design Studio, we have created a fashion site that really shows who we are and what we have to offer to you from the hottest designers right now.

We promise to keep it fresh and updated with all the best collections out there.

Some finished highlights to check out on a regular basis:

Shop by Designer, Shop for Women and Shop for Men are all now their own links available on the left side navigation on the homepage. Our commitment to providing shopping for both women and men included separating the categories for each group.

What’s New: See the latest available collections for women and for men in this quick link at the top of page. Now you can visit the site daily and see exactly what came in today.

Trends: The new site includes links to the seasons hottest trends for women and the hottest trends for men.

Denim: Now with its own category link, Denim for women and Denim for men make finding shopping by style easier than ever before.

Lookbook: Check out our inspirationals ideas for wearing current items available on the site. One of our favorite sections because we really get to show you our style and how we like to wear all our designers in different ways.

Sale: Sale for Women and Sale for Men lets you search our great deals for women and men separately. This section is updated daily so check back often.

And of course, don’t forget to check out our Blog page for updated news on the site, our take on some of the collections we’ve seen and just about everything else related to fashion that we are obsessed about including celebrity fashion, fashion tv shows and our favorite section “the clothes hamper” (which at my house seems to have a force field around since nothing makes it in there!). Our “clothes hamper” promises to be full of great articles, tidbits and comments.

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