Summer breeze – oh Seals and Crofts had it sooo right – makes me feel fine. Finally a cool breeze to ruffle those loose curls on the back of my neck! I'm on on my annual pilgrimage to the East Coast, catching up with old friends and sampling the seasonal bounty that the Northeast has to offer. Up here in the North Country they usually manage to stay pretty cool, but the last week was hot, hot, and hot. You know the weather I’m talking about; hot, hazy and humid – that kind of oppression that makes even us Forever Cool types wilt. So when my friend The Farmer suggested a foray further north, into the (hopefully) cooler mountains and forests, I readily agreed. It seems she had heard about a goat farm that was making some bodacious cheeses and as she is also thinking about adding some goats to her kingdom wanted to visit the farm. So we took the soft top off the Jeep, filled our Nalgene water bottles, and headed north on I87, more affectionately called The Northway. Some time later we came to exit 23 and made our way to Nettle Meadow Farm and Cheese Company. 

A 50 acre goat and sheep dairy and cheese company, Nettle Meadow Farm is the home of about 250 happy goats (all with names!), several dozen sheep and cows and a variety of farm sanctuary animals…and some awesome cheese. It is owned and operated by Lorraine Lambiase and Sheila Flanagan. All the cheese is hand made in small batches with the fresh, fresh, milk from all the happy animals. I was bowled over by the variety. There was Chevre and Fromage Blanc – in so many amazing flavors, infused with herbs like rosemary and lavender and flavored with garlic and honey. Yum yum. Then there were the special cheeses from Nettle Meadow –Kunik is a triple cream wheel made from goat's milk and jersey cow cream, tangy and buttery and OMG so-o-o good. Here’s what Esquire Magazine had to say:

 

The next surprise was Nettle Meadow's newest cheese. It’s called Three Sisters! Made from a combination of sheep, goat and cow milks it has a firm texture and complex flavor. Absolutely wonderful! So this sister loaded up on some fabulous cheese, fetched The Farmer from the barn and headed west to the Northway. On the way home we had to stop at the Warrensburg Riverfront Farmers' Market. The market is a "producer only" market, limiting sales to locally grown, raised and prepared products. Lots of good stuff! Thank goodness we both had our key chain totes, because we filled them right up with local greens, veggies, honey, bread and more. 

Yours Forever,

Forever Cool

And I'm OK with it!

Eek. Swoon. 

Let me repeat that. Eek. Swoon.

That's how I feel right now! Have any of you Middle Sisters ever been swept off of your feet? The rush of excitement, butterflies in the tummy, random hot flashes while you think about someone... it's all happening to me at this very moment :-)

One of my favorite things to do while I unwind and relax is to do crossword puzzles in bed while I drinking my Cabernet Sauvignon. It's a random single-girl behavior that I love. I'm sure all of you have something similar? Haha, maybe not... Anywayyyy, a few nights ago, I'm engaging in my fav single-girl behavior when my cell rings. It is Irish Hottie... Eek! Swoon!

It was pretty late so I was hoping this wasn't going to be a 'booty call' (you've got the wrong Mischief Maker my dude). But he just called to chat and see how my day was. To chat and see how my day was? Whaaaaaat? Isn't he just the sweetest!?

So we chat. And chat leads in to conversation. And conversation leads in to serious discussion over likes and dislikes, family and friends, goals for the future and goals for today, the latest book we're reading on the subway and the books we can't wait to read. We've both got a pile of books by the side of our beds, just waiting to be explored! Ah, it's like a dream...

Assuming I won't wake up from this incredibly exciting and admittedly, terribly cheesey romanticized fantasy with Irish Hottie, I'll be updating you on my adventures with him next week!

What are some of your adventures Middle Sisters? C'mon... spill it! But ah o-my-g, do not ever spill your wine!

xoxo - M.M.

But you need to go!

O-My-G. Monhegan Island is so freakin' pretty, its outrageous. Especially when you're there with a boy :-)

His name is Irish Hottie and he is blowing wind into my sailboat right now. He is the one I met in the bar last week... the one who offered to pick up the tab for all of my friends and I. So chivalrous! Anyway, so I didn't have any real plans for the 4th of July (the water slide party in New Jersey was most def the back-up plan) and Irish Hottie starts talking about this Island he used to go to as a child. It sounded effing perfect!

So last minute we hop in his car and drive the 8 hours to Maine. Best. Decision. Ever.

We drive to Boothbar Harbor, Maine, catch a ferry over to Monhegan Island and this is the first thing I see:

LIke what? Seriously? Um... yeahhhhhh... I might not make it back to NYC. We spend our days hiking around the Island, our afternoons lounging in the hammock outside of our little cottage and our nights cooking dinner and drinking bottle after bottle of my delish Cabernet Sauvignon.

If it sounds like the perfect weekend... it was :-)

And then the fireworks! The Island sets their own fireworks off from a huge barge about 5 miles off the coast. Ah-mazing. I swear, every heart-shaped explosion and glittery burst sent my own heart fluttering through my tummy and back!

So romantic! How could you not fall in love?

And another one bites the dust...

So long Middle Sisters! I'll update you next week :-)

xoxo - M.M.

Like really hot.

Is there a national heat wave or something? Jimminy Christmas it's boiling outside. And it's not just hot, its HUMID. What a terrible combination. For those of you who are foreigners to NYC heat, its downright awful. These tall buildings might look pretty at night when they're all lit up and fancy looking, but the truth is, they allow no air to flow through the city. It's like an oven! Ugh and yuck. 

If you are like me and need to cool down this summer, I've picked a few of my favorite go-to items for when it's utterly unbearable outside. These light-weight fabrics keep you cool when you feel like you want to melt. Here are a few from one of my favorite designers, Max Azria for BCBG:

So light and airy, this BCBG Silk Drawstring Dress will be super comfy whether you are walking around the city or lounging poolside. The print is beautiful as well, it will really draw attention to your impeccable fashion sense! For day wear, pair it with strappy gladiators and big sunglasses to complete your look.

How divine is this BCBG Tiered Sleeveless Dress? It's like you're on your way to play in a very fashionable tennis match! I heart this. White is sooooo in this summer, so stylize this up with neutral and white accessories to emphasize this glamorous color.

Love love love this BCBG Printed Sleeveless Dress! And the shape of the neckline is so flattering! I would live in this dress if I didn't have other amazing dresses to strut around in, but you get the point. It is perfect. So modern and so chic and so versatile. Wear this during the day or jazz it up with sky high, black leather strappy heels and transition this to a night out look. Mixing the bright colors and dark shoes will instantly shoot you way ahead of the fashion curve!

And finally, the maxi of all maxi dresses. This BCBG Tiered Maxi Dress is gorgeous. And if you belt it, as shown here, you infuse added interest and I guarantee you everyone will be envious. I mean look at it, ah-mazing.

I just checked the weather, it is a stifling 96 degrees. I'm sorry, but that is outrageous. Good thing I have a chilled bottle of my delicious Pinot Grigio and a few light-weight and absolutely adorable dresses to keep me cool and looking, as always, incredible :-)

High heels and heat waves - Marise, Hot and Humid Drama Queen

I know what you're thinking...

Soccer? Such a weird sport where officials have the power to disallow goals with no challenges which is effing ridiculous in this day and age with instant replay and hot tempers. Ok, maybe you weren't thinking exactly that... maybe more along the lines of, Mischief Maker, why are you posting about the World Cup? Wine and sports do not even go together.

On the contrary Middle Sisters, on the contrary. First of all, wine can go with anything and everything :-) Second, how often in history has our entire nation been cheering on our country as we battle it out on a world stage? Yes, there are the Olympics, but that is more of an individual support for talented athletes.

I'm talking about chanting "USA" in the streets and uniting under one goal of World Cup domination. I don't know about you, but I'm not usually the American flag bandana wearing type of American. But now, during World Cup 2010, when the US team is fighting harder than any other team out there and when there is so much to prove as a democratic country playing in the only recently democratic nation of South Africa, I'm sporting the rich colors of Red, White and Blue all across this city.

I'm a proud Middle Sister and with our win today, we will move on to the 2nd Round and once again have the opportunity to prove victorious against the odds. I love being the underdog! Such fight and excitement goes in to every second of the game!

So, join me Middle Sisters! Allow yourself to get swept up in the wave of American pride and cheer on our guys!

And even if you're not that excited to watch soccer... HELLO? Have you seen soccer players? Arguably some of the most attractive men to every walk this great Earth and if you're lucky, they'll take their jerseys off at the end of the game :-) Ah ha! There's the Mischief Maker I know and love!

For the next game, grab a bottle of my Cabernet Sauvignon, invite your Sisters over and have a watch party. I promise, you will not be disappointed...

xoxo - M.M.

Manicures all around!

Break out that nail file and get ready to embrace this Summer's most exciting accessory. Nail color! A very subtle, yet suprisingly sexy way to express yourself in this glamorous world of fashion is to paint pretty colors on your nails. A clean manicure paired with the right nailpolish color can bring added attention to detail that spice up any outfit.

Take for example my last blog post. It was anchored with a modern spin on nautical chic-ness, pairing stripes with bold accessories and beach inspired wedges. Now, just imagine how a perfect nail color could make one of those outfits pop. Take a navy blue and white striped flowy top over dark blue skinny jeans with a long gold chain sporting an anchor pendant and add this color to your nails:

How classy is this color? Really Red by Essie is my absolute fav this summer. I've received so many compliments on this color choice and you can too for just $8! That my darlings, is the cheapest accessory I own and I'm L-O-V-I-N-G it!

A recent trend has been to slather on anything neon you find in your local pharmacy for $2. I am here to dispel the myth that this is acceptable. Instead of attracting bugs with your fluorescent nails, why not choose something a little deeper in hue? Like this:

Midnight Cami. How sexy is this deep blue? It has the edginess of going purley black, but the softness of a star lit sky. Wear this to the beach while donning an all white outfit or bathing suit or on a Friday night when you've finally pulled the tags off of that new cocktail dress. Eek, this color is delicious.

And finally, for day wear, find something nude that compliments your skin tone. For me? I prefer something with pink undertones, like Sugar Daddy or True Love:

 Now, before you go, here are a few manicure tips from yours truly:

1) Always always always go with a shorter nail cut. Length is out (hopefully for good). So cut those nails Middle Sisters! Trust me, it is the much classier route.

2) Try a color before committing! There is no shame in asking the manicurist to paint one nail so you can make a final decision. The wrong color choice can age you, look ridiculously too young for you and/or appear (gaaaaaasp) cheap.

3) Take your own color with you to the nail salon so you can do personal touch-ups as the week goes on. Also, buy your own clear top-coat and reapply daily. Your color will last longer and so will your dollars.

Until next week MIddle Sisters!

High heels and heavenly hues - Marise, Happily Colorful Drama Queen

I'm never eating a cupcake again.

Well, its over. Cupcake Kid and I are through. And do you want to know the worst part? I can't even look at cupcakes the same way again. Me? Mischief Maker with a secret sugar addiction? No more cupcakes!? Aaarrrgggggggh.

So I'm out with the girls right? And we're at a dope little spot called 11th Street Bar. We're sitting at a table across from the bar and everything is fine and fun and dandy. We're laughing and drinking wine and reminiscing and gossiping about boys. Then, out of nowhere, Cupcake Kid walks in. With. A. Girl. And this was not an innocent hey-I'm-just-hanging-out-with-a-really-good-friend-of-mine-who-also-happens-to-be-a-girl entrance. This was, hand on the small of the back, opening the door for her, entrance. Not. Cool.

I immediately inform my girls of the situation I have just found myself in and I'm pissed. Like, really pissed. I mean, hello? I started dating this kid because he practically begged me to, bribing me with delicious cupcakes and intoxicating dinners and here he is with this bimbo?

So I play it cool. Obvi.

He doesn't notice me at first. But as he's casually glancing around the bar, he sees me. And I'm pretty sure he peed a little. So he walks over. Can you believe it? He walks over to the table where I'm sitting with all of my girls. He's a brave little jerk. And he says, "Hey! How are you!? I was just about shoot you a text." HA. Nice try. I just stare at him. I don't even speak. Just a cold stare with a slight, knowing smile. My girls follow my lead. Imagine a table full of 5 incredibly intelligent and attractive women (what? It's not bragging if it's the truth), all glaring at you because you've just been caught. Yeah. It. Was. Awesome. With his tail between his legs, he returns to the bar to be questioned by the bimbo.

And of course, just as we're asking for the check, the waitress says, "Oh, that gentleman at the bar already picked up your tab." I assumed it was Cupcake Kid attempting to redeem himself, but she instead pointed to another boy... A handsome boy. The type of boy your voice quivers over. The type of boy who can make you forget about other boys... Hehe :-)

xoxo - M.M.

Stripes, anchors, and conches... Oh My!

Ahoy my beautiful Middle Sisters! What is with the ocean and ship theme!? I'm so glad you asked :-) My new favorite t-shirts and accessories for the summer are anything nautical. And with these, you can go wild! You can layer necklaces, wear huge earrings and pile on the bracelets. I know, I know, it might counter a few other pointers I have given you, but it is the summer... go crazy! Ok, below are my must haves:

Striped Tee's

Do not be afraid of wearing t-shirts with horizontal stripes! LIke much fashion heresay, the myth that horizontal stripes make you look bigger is incorrect. When worn in the right size, shape, and fit for your body, the style can be very flattering. Here are my picks from www.shopbop.com

Nautical Necklaces

Throw on layers of these necklaces over any of these striped tee's to sail up your look! And as usual, mix up the golds and silvers. Trust me, it will look ah-mazing. Here are a few from www.aldoshoes.com

Beachy Sandals

Wedges! I love them and Tory Burch does it like no other :-)

Ah, I can't wait for you to rock this nautical look. Pair these tee's and accessories with dark skinny jeans for a saturday night out with the girls or with frayed jean shorts or prim white sailor shorts for a more casual chic day look. Enjoy Middle Sisters!

High heels and high tide - Marise, Captain of the Drama Queens

And truth be told: I like dates.

Who knew!? This Mischief Maker is a date liker. I always thought I was more of a 'Hey, let's get a quick drink' or 'How about brunch?' or even 'Early movie?'. All in order to avoid the obvious dating scene that happens to be my life. Here is the reason: if we're not on a date, then we're not dating, which means that I'm a perfectly happy, perpetually single Middle Sister. So far, it has been a fool proof system and I have done very well for myself in this non-dating realm.

But Cupcake Kid... I am feeling Cupcake Kid. So, I say again... who knew!? Shall we cruise through the evening? Grab a drink Middle Sisters, lets cozy up and chat.

Dinner: we go to Counter (a hip East Village restaurant with a casual/chic vibe, perfect!) and just my luck, it is a BYOB. Yep, that's right. I love BYOB restaurants. So obviously I uncork a bottle of my Cabernet Sauvignon and he loves it. And right then... I knew it was going to be a good night.

Drinks: we follow up dinner with another bottle of Cab on my rooftop. It might not immediately sound romantic, but picture us alone on one of those perfect nights (a little warm with a whisp of cool wind) with the entire Manhattan skyline in front of us. I'm talking the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the Woolworths Building. Everything! It is gorgeous.

Jazz at Blue Note: What is sexier than a jazz show at Blue Note? Now, I'm more of an indie/hip hop/classic rocker girl myself, but a little jazz never hurt anybody right? Eek! It was a perfect date. I gave Cupcake Kid a chance and look at me... I. Am. Dating... for now :-)

xoxo - M.M.

A few sequins never hurt anybody.

This season's girls-night-out fashion tip: sequins! And I already know what you are thinking... Ahhhh! Sequins conjure images of bad 80's fashion and shoulder padded blazers and white-washed denim and skirts with leggings (that never came back by the way, their brief return in 2005 was unwarranted and unnecessary). But there is a new dawn of glitz upon us and if done with a fashionably forward and thoughtful approach, we just might have ourselves a shiny keeper.

Let's start small and work our way up the sequin ladder. If you need to test the waters before completely diving in to this sequin phenomenon, start with the accessories:

Like this Steve Madden Black Sequin Tote - it has just enough glitz without falling overboard.

Or these bracelets and earrings from Juicy Couture - add these to any outfit for instant glamour.

Now that your toes are little wet, lets dive in!

Love love love this sequin dress from Express - it is a little short, so I suggest pairing with sheer leggings and killer heel booties.

And how adorable is this tank, also from Express - wear with anything white to give an air of sophistication.

One rule to remember while going glam: keep it simple! It is easy to become addicted to these glittery pieces and feel the need to pile them on. Resist the urge! Wear 1 piece at a time. Trust me, the statement will be made and you will look super chic :-)

Ok, go out into the world Middle Sisters and be glitzy, be luminescent and above all, be your fabulous selves!

High heels and high shine - Marise, Glittery Glamorous Drama Queen

To pick up where I left off...

Yeah, that's right: cupcakes, whenever I want them! I mean, I always knew boys were easy to manipulate into submission, but c'mon, don't make it this easy for me. Play some games, intrigue me, maybe a little cat and mouse to whet my appetite, and give me a chase! If you show your hand this early, you will never have the power in the relationship. This is Relationship 101 my dudes, pay attention. Let me start from the beginning...

So, there's this boy (haha, isn't that how all of my posts start?) and his name is Cupcake Kid. He's a buyer for some menswear boutique in SoHo. I met him at a typically boring Upper East Side apartment overlooking the Manhattan skyline party. He's cute, in that indie-rocker, super hip, I-live-in-the-dopest-neighborhood-ever sort of way. He's always inviting me to more of these boring parties, I usually decline because eh, its not really my scene. Upper East Side parties are more of Drama Queen's thing (shout out to my homie though!).

Anyway, all of sudden he shows up at my door with the cutest box of cupcakes and a bouquet of Star Lillies (um, my fav flowers because they smell effing awesome).

Cupcake Kid says, "Mischief Maker, I dig you. Go out with me tonight."

How could I refuse such an honest and direct proposal?

So, I said, "Bring me another box of cupcakes tomorrow and I'll consider."

Heheeeee... he did, so apparently I'm going on a date with Cupcake Kid Thursday night. If all goes well, cupcakes for all! I hear they pair perfectly with my Cabernet Sauvignon :-) Until next week my Sisters!

xoxo - M.M.

On May 27th history will be made... again!

Ok ladies, it is that time of the year. The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, day dresses are making a fierce comeback and Sex and the City 2 is about to hit theaters. Is it a cultural revolution? Yes. SATC garners love for issues from gender equality to female sexuality to women empowerment to fabulous friendships. Is it a fashion revolution? Yes. Umm... have you seen the show? Those outfits are to die for and who else but Carrie Bradshaw made Manolo Blahnik a household name? Is it also an entertainment revolution? Yes. This show debuted in 1998 and was an instant success due to its sexually relatable dialogue, charismatic characters and fashionista points of view.

Look at these women, rocking classic Little Black Dresses (my favorite), and standing so proud. They are not running from fashion or their sexuality. They are embracing it full on and I heart them!

These four women have changed the face of fashion and will always be remembered for their bold statements. What bold fashion statements will you make? Don't be afraid! Anyone can wear jeans and t-shirt (just like anyone can wear a little black dress), but how will you make yourself standout? It starts with a confidence from within and ends with a poised and alluring woman.

This Drama Queen will happily be attending the premier with her three besties (shout out to my Sisters: Mischief Maker, Smarty Pants and Rebel Red) and we all know that it will be a night to remember! As I run to select my outfit for the premier (yes, it will be absolutely fabulous), I will leave you with my two favorite Carrie Bradshaw quotes:

"It's hard to find people who will love you no matter what. I was lucky enough to find three of them."

"I admit it's tempting to wish for the perfect boss, or the perfect parent, or the perfect outfit. But maybe the best any of us can do is not quit, play the hand we've been given and accessorize the outfit we've got."

High heels and high hopes - Marise, Fashionably Fierce Drama Queen

OMGod, you actually did all of that stuff?

Uhhhhh yeah... what kind of Mischief Maker do you think I am? Hola Middle Sisters! As requested, I'm posting pictures from my Costa Rican get-a-way with Julien. Yo, these are intense and hopefully they inspire a little Mischief in you all :-)

Here we are ziplining through the Monteverde Cloud Forest! Otherwise known as that place in the Rain Forest where Julien dropped the "L" bomb and sent me ziplining to another tree... but dude, it was a private tour and I have to say, motoring through a rainforest essentially by yourself is muy dope.

This was my first time ever experiencing crazy-a$$ white water rapids. It. Was. Exhilarating. Seriously, I loved it and anyone with any level of out door love should experience this!

How cute is this super weird looking Three-toed Sloth?? We spotted her in the Nacional Parque Manuel Antonio. I think the permanent smile and big eyes are a sign to predators. These features totally tell them "I'm a super chilled out dude so it would be awesome if you would not eat me."

We horsebacked it up to these secluded waterfalls! There is Julien, showing off his swan-diving skills... I jumped off too, but admittedly not as gracefully. Hey, at least I jumped!

These two are of just me, lounging in a hammock in front of our Cabinas and surfing in Dominical.  Apologies for the dark pictures but my identity must remain in the shadows... ooooo Mysterious Mischief Maker...

Just after we finished snorkeling on Isla Tortuga, we stumbled into a post card.

And thus, the sun sets on a wonderfully adventurous and whimsically exciting journey to Costa Rica and back. I highly recommend this country to get your Mischief on!

Until next week Middle Sisters. I shall further explore this new boy who brings me cupcakes whenever I want them... Can you imagine? Cupcakes! Whenever I want them! I'll update you soon...

xoxo - M.M.

P.S. Shout out to my girl Rebel Red, I heart you!

Pura Vida!

Hola Hermanas! Como estas? Muy bien, muy bien :-) Oh sorry, I totally forgot that I'm not in Costa Rica anymore... chyeah right, I wanted to show off my Espanol skills, what up?

WOW was Costa Rica amazing. It almost feels likes a dream... Good thing I took lots of pictures of my adventures with Julien. Ahhhhh Julien. We ziplined through the Monteverde Cloud Forest, we spotted monkeys and sloths in the Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, we surfed at sunset in Montezuma, we swung in hammocks (I even brought one back with me although it has yet to find a home in my apartment), we drank wine, we did... other stuff. It. Was. Glorious. And all along I'm thinking, is this real?? Well, it certainly got real.

We were zipping through the rain forest on a canopy tour and everything seemed to work out perfectly. Apparently 10:30am is the least popular time to tarzan-it through a cloud forest because it was just us. We embarked on a private canopy tour! It was just us and our two guides, Blanco and Allman (who said that we were a very attractive couple... hehe obvi). So anyway, here we are zipping through the rain forest and Julien drops the biggest bomb ever. He drops... the "L" bomb. Yeah. Can you believe it? Hello! We're motoring around on ziplines, now is not the time to say I "L" you and divert a girl's attention. Jeesh. And what do I possibly say back to that?

"Awwwwwww, you're just so sweet Julien."

Haha. I actually have to laugh at my own awkwardness because I'm at a loss for words here. Fortunately, Julien takes it in stride and zips to another platform, leaving me to re-think the "I'm having so much fun with you" post-card I was going to send him as a welcome back surprise... I don't want him to keep getting the wrong idea.

Anyway, we're back now and needless to say my whirl-wind with Julien has subsided. Maybe if he keeps the "L" bomb in his pocket for all of eternity we'll have a chance to survive some day. Until then yo, this Mischief Maker gots to keep on movin'. There are plenty of fish in the sea (I know, I saw them snorkeling on Isla Tortuga!) and hopefully the next one will have enough sense to keep his feelings to himself. Don't boys know that girls like the mystery? Maybe thats just me :-)

Ok Sisters, I'm going to hang this hammock, pour myself a glass of my dope Mischief Maker Cabernet Sauvignon and curl up with my Costa Rican memories.

Hasta Luego - M.M.

And they understand your plight!

The fashion industry can sometimes come off as trite, obnoxious and overly self-confident... but, I mean let's be honest, who doesn't at times? We all need to be a little selfish. Otherwise, how would we ever accomplish anything!? And if anyone tells you its not OK to think of yourself ahead of others sometimes, I give you permission to throw a drink in their face. Preferably not my Pinot, but if the situation calls for it... anyway, I digress, I digress.

The point is, many fashion designers are starting to think of the consumer's wallet and not just our impeccable fashion sense. Below are three designers who have created fashion lines exclusively for the money-conscious buyer. Ahhhhh, its refreshing to know that great style and chic self expression can always be affordable :-)

Jean Paul Gaultier for Target

Jean Paul Gaultier for Target® Necklace Sleeveless Top - Black - Love love love this simple black top and its only $24.99 (what??). It can be worn with light denim jeans, silver bangles and flats for a casual night out with the girls or jazzed up with dark skinny jeans, gaudy silver earrings and platform heels for a Saturday night date! But do not pile on the jewelry with this top! The added silver chain on the neckline brings just enough dazzle to support one more piece of jewelry. Heed my warning or else run the risk of looking cheesy and desperate for attention... I'm just being honest!

Isaac Mizrahi for QVC

Isaac Mizrahi - Perfect Crystal Bracelet in Silver - This bracelet has everything and -gasp- its $44.00! It glitzes, it shines, its just the right size. Pile two together and you instantly have a super chic look for less.

 Isaac Mizrahi - Perfect Crystal Ring in Silver - I'm sorry, you have the matching ring? Ah-mazing! Wear this on the opposite hand of the bracelets to complete your ultra glam ensemble!

Jimmy Choo for H&M

All hail Jimmy Choo designers for creating a Drop. Dead. Gorgeous shoe line for H&M. Usually priced between $600 and $2500, these shoes can now be found for under $129 at any H&M! Since H&M doesn't have an online shopping website (what is this, the dark ages??), it has been difficult to acquire images, but never fear Sisters, check this out:

Ummmmmm, I think this is where I thank the oh-so-generous Goddess of Fabulous Footwear for her contribution to mankind.

And that, my beautiful Sisters, will round out my post for this week. If you haven't already noticed, everything you've seen here can be worn together for the ultimate fashion statement :-)

High heels and daring designers - Marise, Positively Posh Drama Queen

whirl-wind: noun. a tumultuous, confused rush

Yo. I would seriously like to ammend this definition. How about: whirl-wind: noun, a tumultuous, confused rush of awesomeness. So my story begins... I met this guy...

And it was perfect. Like wake up on the right side of the bed, find $5 on the street, hear your favorite song at the super-hip indie bar downtown and immediately begin dancing... it was that perfect. I know what you're thinking: really? again? another perfect dude? YES!

His name is Julien. He's a brooding artist. That's pretty much all you need to know about him. I met him last summer and he swept me up in his whirl-wind with serious precision. Tumbling, stumbling, fumbling around the city with Julien is like curling up with my favorite bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and riding Dorothy's tornado swept house to a far-away land. Yeah...

So anyway, he asked me to go away with him for a weekend... eek :-) We're going to Costa Rica! I'm sorry... did you say Costa Rica? Where the oceans are blue, birds sing and there are miles and miles of surfer dudes? Oh, you did? Ok dope, Costa Rica, here I come! He said all I needed to do was smuggle in a few bottles of my Cab and bring some serious Mischief-ness. Done and done.

Stay tuned for a re-cap of my adventures swirling through Costa Rica, twirling through bottles of wine and trying to get my footing with Julien. I'm just gonna put this out there... I'd be jealous too.

xoxo - M.M.

Miranda Priestly put it best:

"Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking." We all know and love The Devil Wears Prada... and whether or not the main character is based off of the fabulousness of Anna Wintour and despite the obvious sarcasm in that statement, this Drama Queen LOVES florals! Seriously... totes loves them.

I know what you're thinking: uhhhhh, excuse me? Drama Queen? It's March and its cold and its rainy and still a little snowy. Why are you already talking flowers?? Because my Pinot Drinking lovelies. Because you must always be ahead of the fashion curve. Because you must spring ahead. Because if you are not prepared for that random beautifully sunny day amidst the depressing rainy days, some other super chic chica will be and then what? You're going to wish you had listened to me and maybe that cute guy in the park would have taken a second glance :-) Now look at the goodies I've brought with me! 

I just purchased the cutest spring dress - Kimchi Blue - Print Chiffon Sahara Dress It has all of the essentials: a classic cut that gathers at the waist to essentuate my curves; a light, flowy fabric that will keep me cool on hot days; conveniently placed pockets where I can stow my go-to Rosebud - Minted Rose Lip Balm and a modern, chic floral print that puts my Great Grandmother Alice to shame.

I absolutely cannot wait to pair this beauty with my ultra fav Tory Burch - Classic Reva Ballerina Flats and O. M. G. did I mention the newest A-list addition to my sunglasses collection? Diane von Furstenberg has sent me to heaven with these! Jessica Biel was spotted wearing them in L.A. this past weekend. Did I say A-list or did I say A-list? Only the best for my Sisters!

I must run along now Sisters, I still have unpacking to do and my clothes are not going to steam themselves (unfortunately). Talk to you next week darlings!

High heels and beautiful bouquets - Marise, Faboulously Floral Drama Queen

My name is Mischief... Mischief Maker.

Don't laugh. I'm serious. I am a Mischief Maker. Wait really? YES! And it is awesome, try not to be too jealous. Now that we are acquainted Middle Sisters, shall we begin?

I'm writing to share  with you my adventures, my mistakes, my loves, my life. My hope is to excite a sense of mischief and mystery within every Middle Sister and I think you will love me for it  by the end of this first post.

I was on an exceptional date this past weekend with a dude who looked just like Clive Owen, so I thus dubbed him 'Clive Owen kid.' Anyway, Clive picked me up from my apartment and we shimmied down to a swanky restaurant with decor similar to the inside of a genie's bottle. So sexy. Backstory: Clive wants me. Frontstory: I'm in to it... right now.

Even after two hours, our conversation is so intriguing that we're leaning over the table to speak closer to each other. And just as the check comes, I fnish my glass of wine and give him the smile. You know what I mean: THE smile. The 'lets get outta here' smile. I'll spare you the details, but we cab it back to his apartment and the diaologue goes something like this:

Clive: So... do you wanna stay?

Me: Do you have any wine?

Clive: Yes, a Cabernet Sauvignon.

Me: "Ok"

I think, in that moment, it was meant to be. Me and a good Cabernet? I'm drawn to it like a moth to the flame. Touche Clive, touche. And so on and so forth until I jumped in a cab and met my girlfriends for brunch... What happened? I'll never tell :-)

xoxo - M.M.

So, moving can be kinda stressful, who knew?

Oh middle sisters, how I have neglected you so. Many apologies my Pinot darlings! But if you only knew how exhasuted I've been from moving this past weekend, you would completely understand my lack of posts. It has been terrible! First, my movers canceled and I had to scrounge up people last minute from CraigsList to assist me in my move downtown. That's right ladies, this Drama Queen is no longer an Upper East Sider-but I always will be in my heart :-). I am now a resident of the super hip East Village, where style, fashion, and art meet in a beautifully fabulous triangle of all things chic.

With this move came many complications. I mean, how hard is it to walk an antique, cherrywood armoir up 6 flights of stairs? Stop complaining movers, at least the stairs were short. And what am I paying you for anyway? To sit around chatting about how cute I am... that is a given! Now carry my boxes and be careful, the boxes marked 'CLOTHING' are fragile and very vital to my well being!

Good thing Rebel Red was there to calm me down with her delicious wine, I just do not know what I would do without her! When Middle Sisters unite, we are unstoppable! Whether it be helping a friend move, gossiping about the latest fashion do not's or sipping wine after a long day, remember to keep your sisters close :-).

I must retire now sisters, I have mountains of boxes to unpack... if only I could pay someone to unpack them...

Next week I shall return to posting about fashion rules you can feel good about breaking! Until then, cheers darlings.

HIgh heels and high flights (of stairs) - Marise, East Village Drama Queen