Shopchantal Stylefile

Yes, it’s a new year and a new season is almost upon us.  That’s right, Spring deliveries start this month and there is one thing for certain: You will need to brighten up your closet to stay on trend.

The good news is that the past few seasons have been strong in with shades of grey and beige making it all that much easier to weave color into that possibly drab winter wardrobe. 

Kirsten Dunst

Keep that beautiful beige blazer and those grey skinny jeans because they will be key pieces to transition you from winter to Spring 2011. Check out how celeb Kirsten Dunst took her basic beige trench to a new level of style by adding a blue knit beret. We love this look!  

Take a look at our the seasonal hues to see some of the newest pieces from Resort and Spring that you can buy now and wear now. 

Pair this sweet, Joie Corina mini dress in a gorgeous green silk with a suede jacket , scarf, a pair of tights and some bootie wedges. Love the green/black combo!

Want a more boho look? We love this Twelfth Street Dress in Khaki paired with slouchy, brown boots and a beautiful leather handbag from Treesje.

This Shoshanna dress is the perfect silhouette in a tomato red. The tiered ruffles give the color a touch of softness. We love this dress over a black turtleneck, tights, some tough boots and a leather jacket.

So, take a cue from us – get started now on brightening your wardrobe and it will most certainly brighten your style and probably your day too.

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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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The one piece that I was looking forward more than anything this fall is the leather short.  I realize that to some a leather short is a bit of reach, but for those willing to take a chance and try them, we promise you will not be disappointed.

The Joie Denver Leather Short is a beautiful piece that is so wearable.  It is just how you choose to put it together.  It needs to worn in a way that best reflects you and what you feel the most comfortable wearing.

To give you some ideas, we styled this Hot Fall Trend 3 ways.

Classic – a style that never goes out… of style. The key is the downplay of the pieces and up play of the accessories.

Wear the short to work with a little jacket or out for a day of shopping with some short, flat boots.  Top with a button up shirt by Elizabeth and James,  a fun statement piece of jewelry (we chose a Streets Ahead belt) like Gemma Redux or a simple glass bauble ring from TRE, add a wide, strappy heel and a grocery style bag from Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent.

For Night – Perfect for a date night out or a girls night on the town.  We love this Graham & Spencer Lace Back Cami because the lace is subtle, yet sexy.  Not sure you want to share the lace? throw on a Blazer.  This whole outfit is so on-trend with Leather and Lace. The Pour La Victoire Short Bootie is a great way to toughen up this really girly look.

This look would be great with a open toe bootie as well.

For Day – The cool Fall days and nights are quickly upon us so we love that these shorts are super versatile when paired with a tight.  We chose a patterned style (stylists own), but you can do an opaque Plush tight too.  The military-esque details on this Rebecca Taylor sweater is perfected with it’s soft lilac color.  Another way to wear the popular military style  - YOUR way.  Pair this cozy, easy yet sophisticated look with a rugged bootie or an over the knee, flat boot (available soon at shopchantal.com and in store at chantal.).

A statement bag is a must for all these looks.  A gorgeous gold studded Crossbody bag from Treesje or if you dare, the Botkier Ava Slouchy Hobo in Metallic Mermaid would be amazing.

Have fun with fashion this Fall.  Check out our lookbook and trends sections for more fabulous ideas.  We are updating the layouts and look of the site too.

And you can always visit us at the store. We love and live for helping customers try new looks.

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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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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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We just can’t decide which personality we love more this season so we’ve decided to go with a Multiple Personality Wardrobe.  We are going for styles that are Sweet, Sexy & Sophisticated.  With some added accessories including headbands, bangles and long necklaces, we think we can accomplish a new state of mind every time we dress.

Sweet:  The floral trend is so wearable this Spring (FINALLY).  The bright colors mixed with muted tones and natural belts makes this personality a must for any summer afternoon wedding or party you have on your schedule.  Our summer floral selection is definitely inspiring.

Sexy: A Summer night out in the city can make getting dressed difficult, but luckily we can always rely on mini dresses for a sexy, yet totally wearable look.  We love the Current/Elliott Tulip dress in lightweight denim as well as this bratop style courtesy of Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent. 

Sophisticated:  There is something so wonderful about wearing a beautiful, sophisticated dress during the day in the summer.  Being able to show some leg with a shorter style or some shoulder with a halter neck version can make you inspired to show some tanned skin (faux or real tan- your choice). These sophisticated styles are perfect for that late afternoon cocktail party or wedding.

What is your personality. . . today?

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Most of my memories of Geranium include the potted plant versions that seemed to be around every corner at every house in my neighborhood growing up.  I also happen to think my very own mother was the one who started the trend.

I love the bold color of the true Geranium red, but am finding easier to work with softer, more pink and more orange versions popping up this season.

Many of our designers did off color versions of Geranium including Rebecca Taylor, Shoshanna and Carolina Amato’s crocheted gloves for a touch of the trend.  Nanette Lepore went literal with her piece and did a true Geranium red color combo.

I happen to really like the variations in everyone’s color selections- whether it is more pink, or more orange or more blue.

I look forward to seeing more of this color for Fall.  I think it will work nicely back to black for an edgy, urban style as well as back to denim, of course.  

My favorite combo is the light wash Current/Elliott boyfriend in Hickory Stripe with an Ella Moss Black Label Carmen top and Pour La Victoire’s Sabrina Nude Heel.

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An effortless style is never really . . . “effortless”, however, we can make it seem that way.

One look we love this season is the colorful dress with the bold accessory.  It is easy, chic and looks effortlessly unexpected. Whether you choose a belt, scarf or handbag, all these pieces can turn your simple piece into something even more stylish.

Effortless Glamour: We love the look of a bright dress with a studded belt.  Shoshanna is known for her great style and her summer dresses do not disappoint.  You can always find a Streets Ahead belt to add the touch of glamour.

Effortless Neutral: Or maybe you’d like to try a neutral color dress with a bright scarf.  The scarf is still on track to being one of the most popular trends this season.  Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent always accomplishes the most beautiful neutrals without being boring.  We love the Shawlsmith London choices of scarf colors too, but you can never go wrong with Graham & Spencer.

Effortless Cool:  A bold handbag can take the most simple style dress (or any item) to a new level of cool. A white dress with a colorful, unexpected bag can certainly make a statement. Foley + Corinna took the tie dye trend and did is amazingly well in their signature Mid City Tote.

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Everyone once in a while, you have to admit, wants to wear something really sweet and girly.  We all do. And, some more than others.  We are excited to have such an amazing group of designers this season who really took the sweet dress trend to another level.

Natalie Portman in the flirty ruffle trend

Walter & Shoshanna really nailed the flirty ruffles trend.  We love wearing the girly girl look, but also like the option of making it a bit more edgy with a tough belt and shoes.  Adding fun accessories can really make a dress wearable for so many other things.  

I’d wear this Shoshanna Batik Bouquet Floral to a summer garden party -as is-  with simple, strappy flats and a small clutch.  And, then I’d love to wear it with my favorite accessories for a date night out in town.  

We also love the simple, yet sweet, slip dresses from Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent.   These are quite possibly the easiest dresses to glam up or glam down.  Wear them as a dress, wear them as a top.   They are so easy they could be sold by the Sham Wow guy.

Thank goodness fashion doesn’t work that way, but you get the idea.  See our selection of girly chic dress ideas from our amazing designers and start planning your personalized 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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It’s true, nothing is more transitional than a throw-on cardi.  They work over tees, camis and even dresses. And, they give us that extra statement, as well as that little touch of warmth we seek during these cool, Spring days.

Rachel Bilson in Grandpa Cardi & Shorts

It is no secret that shopchantal.com is a huge fan of the Splendid Flare Cardi (and the greatly missed grandpa cardi from last season), but we have also grown to love the longer, button up versions so sweetly referred to as the Grandpa Cardi.  I say – sweetly- because of my fond memories of my grandpa who, in fact, wore a cardigan.  It hangs ever present in my siblings home- cherished, but not worn.  I say, let’s break it out and embrace the memories while enjoying the trend.

Well, until I can convince my sibling to give up this treasured item, I am happy to wear the new, more girl friendly versions: fitted, longer and with great buttons.  Rebecca Taylor did a wonderful, tie dye version we love throwing on with denim,  Rozae by Rozae Nicols threw in a splash of orange to her neutral design and  Joie did an easy, relaxed, SoCal style that we love in white – perfect over a colorful summer dress.  Of course, as Summer nears, we will be taking our new favorite trend into the new season with the Splendid Sleeveless Grandpa Cardi.  Don’t like the button up cardi version, check this out.

Ashley Tisdale in Twelfth Street Cardi

If you think this trend is short lived, you are mistaken.  Not only has it been around since last fall (See Ashley Tisdale – left ), but it will be back again this fall. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent is actually producing this same sweater again this Fall in a White multi combination- very chic.   Shopchantal.com will have this item just in time for 4th of July!

So, not only is a Grandpa Cardi a fashionable piece for now, but it is also an investment in your fall 2009 wardrobe as well.  Don’t you just love when that happens!

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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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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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This season the designer shoe collection at shopchantal.com has taken a turn upwards—

Last year, Rebecca Taylor threw us a loop at her Spring runway show that made us leap out of our seats – a pair of slouchy, laser cut, leather open-toe boots!!  OMG! is all that came to mind at the time, followed by “I am going to wear those with my Current/Elliott boyfriend jeans” and then “And with all my dresses, shorts and whatever else I can find”.  This was all followed by a moment of reflection in silence as we planned and plotted all the things to buy for shopchantal.com that would revolve around those boots.  Of course, not everything has to be or can be worn with this boot, but it is fun to think about.

Well, the boot is here and we are not disappointed.  They are beautiful and we are, in fact, wearing them with our Current/Elliott jeans in just about every style- the boyfriend, the skinny slouch and even the rolled shorts. 

Check out the new Rebecca Taylor Collection and Celia Boot at shopchantal.com and join us in planning a summer full of outfits. 

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