Sylvie Markovina is Accessory Royalty

Britney – don’t hold it against us.  But the highlight of V magazine’s 70^th issue (the spring 2011 ‘Star Power’ issue) is not your pretty face on the cover or the ten-page spread inside that reasserts your pop princess status; it’s page 161 where another “femme fatale” model Karmen Pedaru, styled by Andrew Richardson and shot by Mario Testino, dons a Sylvie Markovina headpiece fit for a queen.

Markovina’s 2010/2011 collection began as a merging of two different cultures and aesthetics: 1920s Los Angeles and Mexico; an unlikely combination, both connected by a lost highway.  Inspiration for the collection evolved from the image of the formidable Frida Kahlo (after whom this particular style – the Kahlo Headpiece – is named) and the architecture of the iconic Ennis House in Los Angeles.

Sorry, Britney but who needs a tiara when you can have a crown?  One made of roses -- and thus, so perfectly spring-apropos -- at that.  Get yours at Vivre.com or Pixie Market.

Lisa Maree Charms Lucky

When searching for the perfect staple swimsuit for your spring and summer excursions, look no further than Lisa Maree’s Around the Apple Tree two-piece swimsuit. 

A favorite from the spring/summer 2011 collection “Where the Wanderers Go,” the suit’s brown shade is as warm as the weather you’ll be wearing it in and the intricate crochet pattern will, according to Lucky, give you a Moroccan charm that’s “a little bit boho, a tad tribal and full-on fancy, in that exotic ‘70s casbah way.”

Get the look at She Boutique, which also has the suit in black.  For the cream version, visit Net-a-Porter.

Hammitt Lets the "Bon Temps" Roll

While you were sifting through your WWD Monday paper, you were probably treated to a tasty article on the “Hammitt for True Blood” collection.

Unveiled on Monday, March 28 at the HBO headquarters, the five-piece collection has whet the palate of top editors, bloggers, stylists, and buyers.  Allow me to introduce you to Sookie, Eric, Lafayette, Alcide, and Fangtasia.  See below for who’s talking about the collaborations and shots from the event.

Brad Pitt, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Gosling, and…Hammitt??

It’s a given.  We ladies love our studs.  We also love our luxury handbags.  When the two are harmoniously combined, you get this spring’s “it” bag – the Star, courtesy of Hammitt Los Angeles. 

Featured in Lucky magazine’s April issue, the season’s most eligible bag comes in a color/hardware combination that is a perfect match for every kind of girl – the clean-cut, all-American creme with gold (shown), black with antique nickel for the girl who likes her accessories dark and handsome, and cognac with gold for the girl who goes for the flashy type (in other words, any girl who considers herself the future Mrs. Kanye West).

This is one Star you won’t have to admire from afar, as it is available for purchase at hammitt.com.

It's 7 PM Somewhere...

We’d like to make a toast to Cosmopolitan for acknowledging that swimwear is not just for the beach. 

In the magazine’s April issue, Seventh Wonderland’s 7 PM One Piece in black/white stripe appears in a country-themed spread, paired with polka dot shorts to complete a look that is well suited for summer but sand free.

To get the look, visit ShopBop.com, which carries both the colorway depicted and a more classic all white version.

Cheers!

Ladakh Joins Melt

After nearly two decades of success in their native Australia, ready to wear powerhouse, Ladakh, ventures stateside and joins the Melt family.

The brand smoothly transitions to the US market due to its approachable aesthetic, rapid deliveries appealing to a mass audience, and easy wearability.  Ladakh already has breakthrough success being featured on E! News Live co-host Catt Sadler.  Ladakh's blog features additional behind the scenes looks and sneak peeks at the amazing lines set to come to a store near you.

Left Image:  Catt Sadler in a Ladakh nude dress with lace panels.

Right Image:  Catt Sadler in a spring look with a pink, romantic top by Ladakh.

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Ladkah inspiration board.  

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[Trade Show Tour] First Stop: Intermezzo

January burst through the new year with a penchant for high energy and hard work.  The Melt team just wrapped the first trade show of the year at Intermezzo with Hammitt Los Angeles.  Over the span of three days, the Melt team, along with Hammitt's President and CEO, Tony Drockton, achieved our sales goals and even squeezed in some PR time as well.

Hammitt is constantly moving with the trends while staying true to its classic silhouettes.  Here are the biggest trends coming up as the weather gets warmer toward SS2011.  Hammitt is on point with these fresh trends, which is why the three handbags seen below were the top three handbags ordered during the Intermezzo trade show.  

Next stop... Project in Las Vegas!

Secret Santa/Mystery Macabee Gift Exchange

The Melt girls had a friendly little gift exchange right before the holiday weekend, and with a limited budget, everyone had to get a little creative with the gifting selection.  Luckily, working in close quarters for extended periods of time has helped each Secret Santa/Mystery Macabee in searching for the perfect gift.  See what each girl got here:

Charlie enjoying her read, I Hate Everything, to get in the holiday spirit.

Eva catching up on the Insult handbook. 

Judie taking a break in the day with her Mazel Tov tumbler.

MJ enthralled with her books..typical.

Making a List & Checking It Twice

The Melt girls have been polishing off their Christmas wish list with each new collection arriving at our Soho showroom.  See the collective list below for each Melt girl's personal favorites and a sneak peek into the FW2011 collections.  

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Style Tutorial

Over the past few months, Catt Sadler of E! News Live has become an avid fan of Melt's designers, PeepToe and Paula Herbert.  Catt's amazing stylist for the show, Amelian K. Hamilton, has worked with us in the past for her other high-profile clients including the Kardashian sisters.  Always the consummate dresser, Catt shows us a thing or two about looking chic and put together while dazzling us with bold pieces.  

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