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