Shopchantal Stylefile

This is part Six of an ongoing series to get you thinking about buying some pieces now that will surely be hot trends for Spring.  

Spring 2012 Must-Try Trend: Style of Gatsby-esque Proportions

Can’t you just picture yourself walking through gardens in a simple dress before changing into a flapper inspired dress complete with beading and fringe?  I’m struggling with the picture in my head only because of my busy life of work, being a wife and mother,  but I am definitiely going to give parts of this trend some much deserved spots in my closet. When I started to see the Spring 2012 last year and the buzz about the Gatsby Girl was starting, I admit, I was really excited about the return of hats and the secretly dreamed of wearing all white

I consider my style to be a littel less boho and a bit more edge so, sometimes I can only embrace elements of a trend; wearing it my way, but still feeling like I am wearing what is new and fresh for the season. There are a few elements of the Gatsby Girl trend that I can definitely embrace including the all – white look, the drop waist dress in modern prints, especially the digi prints and pops of neon, and I adore lace, but only in small amounts so wearing a lace collar or a carrying a bag with lace and leather are right up my style alley.

All White Everything

Ralph Lauren takes on White for Gatsby

 A look so crisp and fresh, it could only be perfected by Ralph Lauren. Nothing says classic like an all white suit with the addition of a white cap and scarf; it all adds up to the perfect amount of elegance represented in the era – yet modern for today.  I can’t wait to try this look for Spring and even found some great, affordable looks from J.Crew including their High Rise Wide Leg Stretch Cotton Pant and Mixed Tape Cardi in White and their gorgeous Edie Attache Bag.  Paired with a Kain Label v-neck tee in white, a lovely silk scarf and white patent leather Miu Miu Wedges and I am ready to accept the Gatsby Girl in me. Now I just need to find that white driving cap! And maybe leather driving gloves?

 

The Drop-Waist

Tory Burch Masters the Drop Waist

The drop-waist dress is a key style for the season, but making it modern is a matter of styling and embracing color and prints.  Neon accessories and digi prints are  so anti-reto there will be no doubt you repesent today’s Daisy Buchanan, not the one of yesteryear. This Tory Burch is perfectly on trend with the silouette and print.. and of course, there is nothing wrong with a little sparkle.

Marc Jacobs

I love this drop waist Marc Jacobs Gingham Organza dress. It would be perfect now with a leather jacket and booties and then paired with some sandals and white blazer for Spring.

Derek Lam did a modern take on the Gatsby-inspired drop waist phenomenon with his 10 Crosby Ikat print dress.  The clever faux wrap style and ruffled hem is a wearable look for every body type and style.  

A Taste of LACE

Rebecca Minkoff

The Rebecca Minkoff Mini Romero is the anwer to every girl who wants to wear lace. Whether you love it, but feel like you can’t wear it for day or if you are like me and feel a bit too girly in any piece of clothing of lace, this is the perfect option for us all.  Thank you Rebecca Minkoff! We love you.

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There was certainly no confetti surrounding my New Year’s Eve party this year, but there was perhaps some potato chip crumbs.  Whichever was the case for you, it’s time to dust them off, vaccuum them up and move on to a year that is sure to fantastic all around – especially in the world of fashion.

This is part one of an ongoing series to get you thinking about buying some pieces now that will surely be hot trends for Spring.  Enjoy and be sure to comment and let me know if there is a trend you’d like to hear more about. This series will continue over the next couple of weeks so sign up to subscribe, follow my tweets  and “Like” me on Facebook  and Follow me on Instagram to see my Outfit of the Day. Trust me, you don’t miss a single post in this series.  It is vital to your Spring shopping plans.

Spring 2012 Must Have #1:  A Touch of Tangerine

3.1 Phillip Lim

I’ve been pushing orange on your for at least 6 months so, if you are a regular reader you most certainly have purchased something in the citrus range by now. And , if so, good for you because you are already ahead of the Spring trend.  Now you just need to style it right and wear it. Here are some looks to try and some suggested pieces to buy.

What to Wear and What to Buy:

If you haven’t picked up some of these juiced-hues, now is the time. I’m a lover of all accessories and encourage you to incorporate this trend with the addition of colorful bracelets, belts and shoes. If you are daring enough, I would suggest these a gorgeous pair of tangerine colored trousers- wide leg and high waisted like this style from Jenni Kayne. Pair with some neutral shoes and a beautiful printed floral top for a complete Spring look. Or reverse the look and wear Leopard loafers and an equally bright top from Equipment.

Or why not try an orange blouse? Paired with some leopard jacquared pencil pants; this combination from 3.1 Phillip Lim defines chic. I love the orange belt too- it adds some preppiness to the look.

The beauty of oranges and tangerine tones is how gorgeous they look with both neutrals such as camel, biege, grey and even winter white.  They also work  well with other bold colors such as hot pink - proven by Marc Jacobs, cobalt and navy blues and greens that are prevalent all over the Runway.

Shoes:

The Boutique 9 Piraya Sandals are the perfect way to subtly wear orange and be able to pair it with other colors or neutrals. I’d suggest a white skinny crop denim with a striped top for Spring.

I also love these  classic Agnes Pumps from Jimmy Choo, this great pop of color with a winter white pencil skirt for now and in the Spring with the season’s new florals for a sophisticated, on trend look ala Jason Wu.

Gorjana Leather Studded Wrap

Accessories:

Jewelry is a more simple wear to wear the citrus colors and it is a so much fun to layer on- especially when it comes to bracelets.  Whether you go big with some chunky cuffs or small with a wrap or lots of bangles, this is a look anyone can wear to capture the trend.

Of course, a ring can add a powerful style punch when it is this beautiful 22 kt Gold and Orange Resin ring from Kenneth Jay Lane. I just love the shiny gold metal when mixed with Orange – it just screams “warmer weather” to me.

 Handbags:

And let us not forget, the option of adding color with a handbag.  There are many versions that I love for Spring that use orange in a colorblock style- and work beautifully. 

If you haven’t seen the Bag Snob for DKNY collaboration, now is the time to get one of these bags while you can.  I adore this Treasure bag with it’s ladylike top handle. It is perfect for work and on the weekends.

Diane Von Furstenberg

 My second is the Diane Von Furstenberg Harper Laurel Colorblock Leather Tote. The punch of citrus paired with creamy white leather and black would be perfection as a Spring bag – especially if you like to keep the option of wearing black close by all year long.

However you decide to bring these juice-color into your closet now and into the Spring, remember to wear it your way and embrace the fun in styling with accessories.

xo

c.

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We are currently obsessed with the colors of Spring and our designers have made it so easy for us to do so.

Whether you prefer an solid pop of color or an expressive print, Spring is all about a great dress, a fabulous handbag and some killer shoes.

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent really stepped up this season with her prints and bright, yet subtle, color choices.  Her Ikat prints have been really popular for transistioning into Spring and the option of wearing a fun belt is making it so easy to wear these pieces.

And don’t forget about switching out your winter handbag for a new Spring version.

The Follis Laced Julia and the Follis Lola in Stingray are our top picks for handbags currently. The Laced Julia in Vachetta leather complements any outfit with it’s luscious butter leather color and feel. And her cross body strap option is great back to your more casual Spring denim and top looks. We like the ladylike feel of the handles when paired with a dress.

The Lola in Stingray is a clutch with the option of a shoulder/crossbody strap. Leather lacing only makes the amazing Stingray leather more enticing. Not only is the Stingray leather soft, but it has a great texture which we love pairing with silk tops and dresses. And, it is the perfect size.

Take Spring as the opportunity to express your right to wear color and prints. It’s easy and we will help you transition your pieces into a great summer look too.

Shop online or in store at 229 Commercial Street, Portland Maine.

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Commonly referrd to as “traffic cone orange”, or as we on the East Coast like to call it “buoy orange”, this color has collided with the Spring and Summer nudes, tonals and military shades to create a strong and fresh color approach.

Nanette Lepore is no stranger to color and prints.  Her new line “Oonagh” embraces the color orange this season and in the perfect soft shade, the Bryan dress   (shown above) has the perfect amount of Nanette details in the fringe and ruffled neckline.  Great back to the neutral shades and a little denim jacket, you will take this dress to every summer event weekend.

And, We love it paired with Joie’s updated Spring Bootie – The Elvis. A great rough- suede short boot in a beautiful shade of Elephant – soft grey/brown, this bootie will work with all the hot colors of the season.

Kain always gives us a pop of color and we fall for it everytime.  Their Spicey Orange V-neck Tee is the perfect complement to denim. Throw on a fun scarf  (which by the way is another perfect way to incorporate Orange) and some white skinnies from [Blank] denim and the summer is yours for the taking.

Shoshanna dresses always have a great fit, wonderful use of fabric and the color combinations are true to what wearing a girly girl dress is about.  The Tie Dye Chiffon dress  is wonderful in this strapless version. With a mix of other brights, you can wear the orange trend all summer long. 

And don’t miss out on the Shoshanna Swimwear collection with an abundant of Orange and other great colors.

More orange is sure to come and we promise, but summer’s end, you will want and need this refreshing pop of color in your closet.

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Genetic Denim

Everyone has their favorite denim style and we think that’s great, but what about giving a new style a try for 2010.  It is a new decade and a new opportunity to expand your wardrobe is quite possibly the easiest place- your denim closet.

The styles for Spring 2010 are some new trends and some carry overs from Fall that we just love. Here is a quick overview and an idea or two to inspire you to try something new.

The Denim Legging: Commonly referred to as the “Jegging“, this style comes in a variety of denim weights and tends to be in the darker ranges.  We have 4 styles of the denim legging from 4 different designers and each one is fast becoming a favorite of many.

Staff Pick: the Current/Elliott because I love the blue tone and larger pocket.

The Embellished Jean: Long standing reign over this style has been Rock & Republic, but recently we are seeing other designers throwing their versions onto the scene.  This trend ranges from studded details like the popular studded BLANK skinnie classique to prominent stitching not only on the pocket from PRVCY Premium, but elsewhere on the denim.

Most Anticipated Style for Spring: Genetic Denim’s Mesh Studded Inlay jean (AVAILABLE IN STORE NOW).  With just a hint of studded mesh peeking through on various parts of the jean, you get a bit of edge.

The Boyfriend Skinny: Not entirely new for Spring, but the versions we have and are expecting are much more refined.  Malibu’s CoCo Boyfriend Skinny is a great way to wear the skinny jean in a more relaxed style. And with a touch of cashmere in each jean, these will fast become your most- wanted denim.

Style Share: Wear this style cuffed with some Joie Oxfords or Ballet Flats for a fresh take on the Classic Hepburn look

The Denim Sweatpant: We can’t believe it ourselves, but the inspiration must be from our favorite fashion icon of all time: Carrie Bradshaw.  We saw this elastic bottom pant in Sex And The City – The Movie and almost fell off our cinema seats.  We swooned until we were finally shown the styles last year and of course, ordered it straight away.  Styled to wear relaxed with the elastic band scrunched up or worn long – all with a high heel, this is certainly going to be a new trend to watch.

See it when: Available NOW from Genetic Denim, The Val is surely giving us something new to style to show you some fun looks on the site. So far, we are having a ball.

And don’t forget about the great new washes, including the still popular distressed with paint splatters from Current/Elliott, acid wash versions, colored denim is always as a Spring trend and we are loving the crisp white denim offered in many styles this season.  Check out Blank Denim’s skinny white denim with the Ankle Zip detail.

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It’s no wonder that we’ve found it so easy to get dressed in the morning.  The new collections for Spring are so inspiring that the possibilities are endless.  What are you waiting for – pick one or pick them all and put together something uniquely yours.

From rolled denim to embellished dresses. From scarves and gladiator sandals to long chains and wrap bracelets.  From floral patterns to bright white.  Spring has something for everyone.

Check out some of our favorite celebs already embracing the Spring Trends and see our selection at shopchantal.com.

Rachel Bilson in Spring Trends

Kristen Bell in Floral Trend and Cardi

Reese Witherspoon in wrap scarf

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Bright fabrics and patterns continue to be big for Spring, and Pour La Victoire has created the perfect shoe, the Sabrina, to complement all the bold colors of the season!  All of us at shopchantal.com are eagerly awaiting the arrival of this super soft, super comfortable, and super versatile nude leather, strappy platform.  It is the perfect combination of edge and femininity!  Whether you choose to pair it back to a maxi dress, your favorite pair of Current/Elliott’s, or a playful skirt, with this shoe you can do no wrong!  

Pour La Victoire Sabrina Shoe

 Jessica Alba completes our #2 trend for Spring with a python bag, menswear-inspired white shirt, and cuffed lavender slacks! 

Jessica Alba in Nude Platform Christian Louboutin Shoe

The Sabrina is expected to arrive in late February at both chantal. and shopchantal.com!  Contact us for more information on one of this season’s biggest trends!

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