Window Wonderland

It's that time of the year (almost)! Holiday season is upon us, and the mere idea of it probably makes you think of major spending on gifts. Instead of stressing about gift giving and spending all of your hard earned cash, why not channel your inner child and tour the holiday windows at the NYC department stores! It's totally free and is one of our favorite ways to start the holiday season. Uptown Girls have already checked out the windows at Macy's Herald Square - this year, it's truly a classic, displaying miniature scenes of Miracle on 34th Street. Our next stop is Bloomingdale's! Another way to enjoy this even more when the weather starts getting chillier is to grab a delicious wintery hot drink (we love Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks) and sip it as you take in the classic NYC holiday tradition.

Shop Sales and Save

It's the height of the fall shopping season, and it's so hard to walk past those windows that line New York City streets without feeling that yearning of wanting to make a purchase. The key is, you can buy higher priced items at a discount if you find out where the deals are. Many stores are still trying to lure in customers because of the economy, so chances are, a good deal of shops will be offering discounts prior to the holiday season. If there is no sign in the window of a store you want to browse in, ask a salesperson if they offer a new customer discount or a student reduction with an ID. Uptown Girls have been very successful in our venture with this method. We recently got classic black trousers at the Limited pop up store in SoHo at a 15% discount just for being a first time shopper! Cozying up to the salespeople doesn't hurt, either. Start talking about fashion and ask styling tips - they like to give advice, so don't be shy! As an Uptown Girl, the policy for deal hunting sometimes means no shame. So don't be embarrassed to inquire about saving money, they will still be getting your business. Of course, many stores won't budge, but smaller less crowded stores want repeat business! Good luck, city gals!

Step Up Your Game

With the NYC Marathon coming up this weekend, Uptown Girls are inspired! We're not saying we're going to train for a marathon anytime soon, but lately we have been motivated to push ourselves more during our work outs. Its important not only for health reasons, but also to know what you are capable of. Gym routines can get boring and played out pretty quickly and your body gets used to a certain level of exercising. Switching up the speed, intensity, and length of your workouts can save your muscles from boredom! So instead of slogging away on the elliptical while reading a magazine, crank up that resistance and get moving. You should feel somewhat out of breath (as in, unable to really maintain a conversation). Another great way to challenge yourself is to try a machine that you always avoid! Because your body is not used to working those muscles in that particular way, this can be a very beneficial workout. The key is to keep "surprising" your muscles so that they are constantly being worked in new ways. Download some new songs to get you motivated and you will see your hard work pay off.


photo courtesy of nyc.gov

Your Cold Weather Uniform

As the cold weather rolls in, you'll find yourself reaching for your trusty old winter coat and snuggly boots yet again. This is what you will wear on a daily basis to keep you protected from the biting winds, so its important that you love your look. Whether you spend a good deal of the day walking around or you just face the weather on your way to work, this is your chance to show off your great style! Instead of looking like a huge garbage bag, why not take this opportunity to create your own winter uniform? A sleek (yet warm and functional) coat, a great pair of boots, and a scarf can all work together to create a signature look that is all your own. Imagine leaving your house in the morning looking chic and put together even if underneath, you are wearing something simple. If you can, swap out the boots or scarf to switch up the outfit on occasion. Or purchase a statement coat that can work with a variety of accessories as well as pants, jeans, skirts, or dresses. This year's ruffle detail is popping up on coats everywhere and is the perfect option for creating a sophisticated and lady-like appearance. Another great option is a form fitting puffer jacket that not only keeps you warm but also looks neat and polished. If you cannot purchase a new coat, pick up a cozy knit scarf that will make you feel instantly glamorous! Whatever you choose to do for your outerwear this season, make sure it is something that you feel comfortable, confident, and warm in!


photo courtesy of jcrew.com

Spooky City Celebrations

It's almost that time of year again. Actually, Halloween is only a few days away. For some reason, the holiday that is catered to children dressing up and asking for candy is still an adult favorite - calling for wild costume parties, bar hopping, and other wicked events. Living in New York, or close to it, is a good thing at this holiday. There are a few things you can do in the city that are fun for celebrating this festive night. The Village parade on Sixth Avenue is the biggest attraction the city has to offer and obviously it's free. (Costume price not included). Check out the parade to see what whacky costumes people come up with this year, or join in and create an original one of your own. Also, a lot of local bars are having Halloween themed nights and drink specials, so check out your own neighborhood if you would rather steer clear of the crowds and just hang out with friends (and still be in costume). Halloween parties are also another fun and fairly inexpensive activity to participate in, just bring your own bottle and you're set. We're tired of all of the run of the mill costumes, so if anyone has any new and fun ideas, we'd love to hear them! 


photo courtesy of ecorations.com

How-To Hair Dos for Any Style

Whether you know the Uptown Girls personally or not, something we spend a lot of focus on is our hair.  Fortunately, our hair is pretty versatile, meaning we can wear it wavy (natural), curly, or straight with ease. Sometimes there are issues with determining what are the best type of products to use to achieve a variety of looks. Believe us, we've spent years experimenting with different products! We don't go the fancy salon brand route for economic reasons, so we like to stick to drugstore brands. Here, we'll provide you with our favorite products for achieving wavy, straight, and curly styles. 


Wavy: Any shampoo will do, especially ones that say curl enhancing or have ''wave'' in the title. Sunsilk's Waves of Envy works great, and you can buy this brand for under five dollars an item. Their combination gel/cream works wonders on creating dreamy, cascading waves in your hair. 


Curly: Our new favorite curly hair product is the Toussle Me Softly line from Herbal Essences. The smell is refreshing and the formula is lightweight so it doesn't feel like you have a ton of goop in your hair. We use the mousse and spray gel together. Want even bigger curls? Flip your head upside down, blow dry with a diffuser on a low setting, scrunch as you dry, and voila, your hair will have tons of volume.


Straight: It's quite a task to get your hair to cooperate and straighten when you're naturally a curly girly. However, use the right combination of products, and your hair will behave itself. Make sure to start out with a frizz fighting serum (we love Garnier Fructis shine serum), and a straightening cream or balm. When you are done blow drying/flat ironing your hair, make sure to use a shine spray to give your locks extra shine. 


All of the products we mention above cost under $7 a piece, so it's not too difficult to be able to test out a variety of different looks with your hair. 


photo courtesy of artlaundry.com

Wok This Party

We love the idea of quick and healthy meals, especially when it can all be cooked in one pot (fewer dishes, less of a mess!) That is why a wok is a kitchen staple - throw all of your ingredients into this Asian-style cooker and you'll get a dinner that delights. It may seem like a daunting task, but its actually easy. First, make sure your vegetables are cut to roughly the same size; this ensures that the cooking will get done evenly and quickly. Heat up the wok, add vegetable oil and spices, then your protein, then vegetables. We like to marinate tofu in an Asian inspired glaze, such as sesame ginger. This gives the dish a flavor-packed kick that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. (But don't go crazy, a serving size is only one tablespoon). Try your hand at a variety of combinations, sampling different flavors and styles. Soon you'll be a pro!

Top 5 Ideas for Fall Fun

We compiled a list of our favorite fall activities that are cheap, fun, and capture the festiveness of the fall season! 


1. Pumpkin or apple picking : You will probably have to venture out to Jersey or Long Island to do this, but nothing says autumn like picking a round, orange pumpkin to take home and enjoy! Definitely inexpensive, fun, and a great date activity.
2. Union Square Market: The farmer's market in Union Square, which we have mentioned before, is a great place to pick up produce, mill around, and experience the nice fall breeze. Our favorite stand carries the most delicious apple cider for only $2.00 a cup. Enjoy!
3. Scary movies: You think fall season, you think Halloween! What better way to celebrate Halloween season than by going to watch a horror flick with your friends! Or go on a date and have an excuse to cuddle during the movie when you're scared...
4.  Fall Foliage Stroll: Bundle up and head to Central Park, where you can view some great fall foliage as the leaves start to turn. Sip on a hot drink as you walk, and take in the view. This one is totally free!
5. Fall Season Bargain Shopping: Head downtown where you can browse cheap stores, flea markets, and vintage shops for cheap finds. Accessories are our answer to being versatile this season, so stock up on big wrap around scarves, big earrings, cuff bracelets, and funky purses. Don't be afraid to ask for a lower price. Allow yourself to spend $50 and see how much you can buy with sticking to a budget. 


photo courtesy of http://www.limoexpressnj.com

A Sweet Easy Treat

One of our favorite meals/snacks is so quick and easy and fills you up! It's something you're likely to already have in your kitchen, so no need to go out and buy ingredients. Just take a whole wheat english muffin, toasted, and add peanut butter, cinnamon, and honey. This delicious sweet snack is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon/evening snack. The honey and cinnamon will provide your taste buds with the sweet flavor you crave, and the peanut butter fills you up with its protein power. A whole wheat english muffin is also a delicious way to get in some whole grains. This cheap, easy snack is something you can enjoy without worrying about packing on the pounds or racking up your Visa bill!


photo courtesy of http://img4.realsimple.com

Fresh Fall Fragrances- For Your Home!

Uptown Girls can't think of anything that's more welcoming to the fall season than making their apartment smell like  fall. We are obsessed with anything that's pumpkin scented and other autumn favorites. Currently, we love the new Yankee Candle fall collection which includes sniff worthy scents such as Autumn Leaves, Spiced Pumpkin, Farmer's Market, Autumn Wreath, and several more. These candles can run up to $20 in price, but our tip is to buy the small sample size votives for only 99 cents each. Bed Bath and Beyond also sells miniature glass votive holders for only 99 cents as well, perfect to fit your new sample size candle in! Your house or apartment will smell inviting, fresh, and comforting as you enjoy the cooler fall weather that is moving in. If you want to get creative, decorate a fall-scented potpourri basket with your own unique decorative touches to display in your kitchen or living room. 

Are Those Real??

When it comes to makeup, Uptown Girls like to keep their look natural. However, we were recently enlightened after having false eyelashes put on us! Our light, barely-there lashes were brought to life, giving us dramatic, glamorous eyes. There is no competition: mascara just cannot measure up. This is a quick, easy trick to amp up your glam factor and look like you got your makeup done professionally! When first applied, they can feel a bit bizarre, so make sure you leave ample time to get used to them before leaving the house. Also, make sure they are glued on properly - there's nothing that says hot mess like a girl whose eyelashes are peeling off. So we say, go all out and bring your look to a new level. Just keep in mind, though, there is no way this is a good idea for daily life. The idea is to showcase these falsies at an appropriate occasion such as a night out dancing or a cocktail party - NOT on a trip to the grocery store. 

Nine To Five Fitness

Uptown Girls need their exercise. However, when you’re working, on the go, and living your fabulous social life, there isn’t always time to get in a full workout on a regular basis. Uptown Girls have some ideas for how you can “sneak in” some exercise throughout your day without having to squish your schedule even tighter. If you are a 9-5 office gal, and you work in a cubicle or office of your own, there are several ways you can sneak in some fitness. If you have paper weights, do some bicep curls with them if no one is around, or some other arm exercises that will tone your upper body. If you have a private office, you can take your chair and do some tricep dips or squats while you are taking a five-minute break from the project you are working on. Another idea we have for you is to find the staircase, and on your lunch break, spend half of it eating, and spend the other half walking up and down the stairs. This is great exercise and you don’t even have to leave the office! Also, you can find a “walking buddy” and pack your sneakers every day and spend 2/3 of your lunch break walking around the neighborhood as you chat instead of sitting down and chatting. You can still gossip, but you burn calories while doing it! 

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

We are over the rain. However, there really isn't much we can do about it. But there is something we can do about this all-too-familiar scenario: You are walking down the street while rain is pelting you in the face. Your flimsy umbrella gets blown inside out and the metal sticks get bent and poke out of the fabric, rendering it a lethal weapon. You feel as if there is no point at all in even having an umbrella, considering your clothes and purse are soaked. You are now feeling homicidal. Uptown Girls think it is time to stop this vicious cycle. So take that $5.99 Duane Reade piece of crap and throw it out. It is necessary to step up your game when it comes to umbrellas, and we found something that looks like it can solve all of your rainy day problems. The Shed Rain Windjammer Jumbo Umbrella features a double-tiered design so that the wind just flows through the vent and allows the umbrella to retain its shape. No more inside-out umbrella! It is also rather large so that your gigantic purse will remain underneath its protective shelter. Samsonite also makes a large, wind-resistant golf umbrella that is even larger. If $35 is all it takes to retain your sanity, we think it is worth it.


photo courtesy of http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com

We're Not Saying We're Martha Stewart...

Uptown Girls always love inexpensive decorating tips. Let’s be honest, sometimes, your old apartment setup can get played out and boring. Recently, we’ve discovered a great way to easily and cheaply switch up the look of your apartment, and it comes down to one item: sofa accent pillows. Instead of spending $40 and up on designer pillows, we love the idea of buying a square pillow (as in, just the pillow part) and then getting pillow slip covers in fun colors and patterns to change up the look of your living room. For example, try mixing up one or two patterned pillow covers with several solids that match or complement a color in the pattern. This will make your living room look brand new! And after a few months or a few years, if you tire of these pillows, just store the cases away and get new ones and enjoy a totally different look. A store that offers this option is Ikea (which we love), and pillows cost around $7, while the slipcovers average at around $10. For the price of one or two designer pillows, you can get a whole living room’s worth of accent pillows. Decorate away!

photo courtesy of images.smarter.com

Chilled Cucumber and Dill Yogurt Soup

One of the ways to keep eating healthy food is to make sure that the foods you are eating are delicious with a lot of inspirational taste. It’s easy for your brain to lead you into thinking that vegetables have to be bland and boring all the time and it’s difficult to get out of that veggie rut. One of our favorite recipes, cold cucumber and dill soup, is a convincing way to get out of your veggie rut. This soup is so simple; you will want to have it all the time. All you need is about three cucumbers, peeled and chopped, some salt, pepper, garlic (fresh or powder), fresh dill, non-fat plain yogurt, lemon, and a blender. Combine all ingredients in a blender and add all the spices to taste. You should have enough yogurt in the blender to balance out the amount of chopped cucumber you have. We use the big containers of yogurt to make this, and end up using around half to three quarters of the container to serve 2-4 people. As for the lemon, you only want to put two or three small squeezes of a lemon wedge in the soup, otherwise it will be too overpowering. Sometimes, we even add a little bit of lemon zest to give it some extra flavor. After it blends, pour the mixture into a Tupperware and leave it in the fridge to chill for several hours and to let the flavors settle and blend. Chop, blend, chill, and enjoy!

photo courtesy of http://recipesrecipesrecipes.files.wordpress.com

Evening Ready In A Flash: 5 Tips

1. Simply add some darker eye shadow on top of your existing shadow in the crease, and give yourself a smoky look by adding some dark eyeliner around the rims of your eyes.

2. If you are at work, and say you are wearing pants with a ruffly shirt and a jacket, just take off the jacket, add some big earrings and a clutch, and you’re ready to meet your friends for dinner and a night out!

3. If your daytime outfit consists of jeans, a cute top, and flats, take your look to the evening level by swapping your flats for sky scraping heels, pile on the accessories, and your look is instantly night time worthy

4. If your hair is down for the day and looking quite simple, play up a fun evening look by piling hair into a messy bun and adding a headband with a big flower or bow appliqué.

5. Your daytime work outfit of slim black pants and a button down top can be easily turned into a chic evening ensemble. Just have an evening ready tank top in your tote and quickly change into it before leaving the office. So simple!

photo courtesy of wardrobe911.com

Guest Blogger Ryan: More Men's Do's and Don'ts

DO mix and match the patterns of your shirt and tie. Pair a checked shirt with a striped tie or a striped shirt with a polka dot tie.  If you’re still operating under the assumption that Regis Philbin’s solid shirt/solid tie Who Wants to Be a Millionaire look is a good one…you’re wrong. There are a few rules to keep in mind in order to pull this look off successfully: 1). At least one color from the shirt MUST be present in the tie in its exact hue. For example, a white and navy tattersall can be paired with a pink/navy/yellow varsity striped tie. 2). If the suit has a pattern, stick to a solid shirt and introduce a new pattern with the tie. Again, make sure the tie includes one of the colors in your suit’s fabric. 3). Avoid checks with checks or checks with tartans. Too many lines in too many directions may give your officemates vertigo. Here is a combothat I like.

DO NOT wear button-down collared shirts with ties. Save these shirts for casual Fridays and wear them open collared (with a v-neck undershirt). This is more of a faux pas and would not necessitate an immediate trip to the guillotine; however, it is something to avoid.

photo courtesy of simplywp.net

Fashionable Fall Fingernails

Sorry to say, but it’s about time to pack away your bright and tropical nail polish colors. It’s almost officially autumn now, which means nail polish changes are ahead. Fortunately, we love this season’s fashionable colors, which finally seem to be different from the usual colder weather hues. Don’t be afraid to play with color – we know this summer was promoting lighter blues and fluorescent brights, so just take that polish mentality into a warmer, cozier place and explore what the fall collections have to offer. Uptown Girls suggest some of the colors from Essie’s fall line, which include Midnight Cami (a sultry midnight blue), Angora Cardi (a just right mauve), and Chinchilly (a perfect go-to grey). OPI also has a new fall collection out, Collection de Espana, inspired by Spain. We especially love Here Today, Aragon Tomorrow (a dark, shimmery green) and Pamplona Purple. Uptown Girls suggest investing some dough in about three colors that you can alternate throughout the season, switching it up with your pale standbys for a change so you don’t get tired of your trendy colors too quickly. Most nail polishes run between $6 and $8, so if you spend roughly $18-$20, that’s the price of one manicure that will last you for the entire season!



photo courtesy of dfashion.asia

Cooking Up A Storm

If you're anything like the Uptown Girls, you are constantly plotting out your next meal. When time and money aren't endless, the top priorities for a satisfying meal sometimes get put on the back burner. It's important not to skimp on nutrition - you will just feel hungry 20 minutes later! You probably know that there are several necessary components of a meal, protein being one of the more important ones. We are always trying to come up with new meals to make that will not only be delicious, but healthy as well. Recently, we made vegetarian burritos that came out quite well. First, we heated up soft tortillas in a frying pan and sprinkled some shredded cheese on it until it melted. We cooked brown rice and black beans (from a can, so cheap!), whipped up some quick guacamole (mash up an avocado and add lime juice, salt, and pepper), and threw on some salsa. In just a few minutes, we had a healthy, zesty, wallet-friendly meal. It certainly takes energy and effort to resist popping a frozen dinner in the microwave or picking up the phone to call for delivery - but it ends up being much more expensive and certainly not as healthy. Planning ahead can help you stay on track. Decide what you want to make each night at the beginning of the week so that you can be prepared. We will continue to post fun and interesting meals to cook- and we welcome any suggestions! 

Come Out Of The Closet

Labor Day has come and gone which, in fashion terms, means its time to switch to your fall wardrobe! We were very excited when we went digging through our own winter wardrobes and uncovered pieces that we completely forgot we had. A black knit sweater dress, a vintage handbag, a dramatic wrap sweater, and work-ready trousers were just a few of the items. Leaving off-season items dormant for a few years (or even just one season!) allows you to breathe new life into them when you re-introduce them to the world. You are a little bit older and wiser, and chances are, your fashion perspective has shifted since you last wore these pieces. Creating a chic outfit by incorporating this older item into your repertoire will make it seem as though you have just gone shopping! There are a few rules to go by when it comes to this faux-shopping extravaganza: first, make sure that your "new" old items are classic, timeless pieces so that no one else will know that you are recycling clothes from another season. Also, don't try to pull off a sweater that is completely pilled or has lost its shape - it will not look good. And finally, be sure to switch up the ensembles you wear with your old clothes; pairing it with pieces you've never worn with it before will help to make it seem brand new. Enjoy shopping!

Channel Your Inner Italian

Mulberry Street hosts one of New York’s most beloved festivals – the Feast of San Gennaro which begins this Thursday, September 10^th. The festival lasts for 11 days, and we bet that you will want to go every day. You can enjoy live music, the best Italian food around, and an atmosphere that can’t be matched anywhere else. Outdoor seating and thousands of people milling around truly create a one of a kind ambiance that brings uniqueness to any old night. The feast takes place to honor the early Italian immigrants to the area of Little Italy, where the first Italians dwelled when they arrived in the United States. Also a religious festival, San Gennaro honors the patron saint of Naples. However, the cultural aspect of the festival is really what draws in participants, such as the opening day’s 8^th Annual Cannoli eating contest! The festival also boasts parades that colorfully line the streets of Little Italy. Many restaurants seek to draw in customers by standing outside and beckoning passerby with their inviting menus and friendly attitudes. One of our favorite spots – a dessert place, mostly – is Ferrara Pastries and Restaurant, located on Grand Street. They have a wide array of Italian pastries and desserts, and an extensive coffee drink list. The event is free to walk around, and the prices in Little Italy are not so expensive that you will be emptying your wallets. We can’t wait!

photo courtesy of flickr.com

Shop To It

Forget Girls’ Night Out – this week, its fashion’s turn to party. This Thursday night, September 10^th, over 800 New York City shops are keeping their doors open late (11pm) so that you can shop long into the night. Whether you prefer department stores like Macy’s or luxury brand flagship stores, this monumental event is accessible to everyone. Appearances by designers, models, and celebrities are expected throughout the city, as well as contests, giveaways, and champagne! However, it isn’t just fun and games – purchase your Fashion’s Night Out t-shirt, and the proceeds will benefit the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center. Furthermore, a citywide clothing drive is being held in order to help the New York City AIDS fund. Even if you can’t help out NYC’s retail industry by digging into your wallet, hopefully you can dig into your closet and donate clothing. From September 10-12, retailers participating in Fashion’s Night Out will be collecting donations at their stores, and on the 12^th, there will be various collection sites throughout all five boroughs where drop-offs will be accepted. So make sure to pencil this fabulous evening of fashion into your busy schedule – you never know who you’ll meet, what you’ll see, or what merchandise you’ll walk away with!

Taking It To The Streets

It’s that time of year again, city dwellers! The top performers from the top Broadway hits and some upcoming shows will perform outside this Sunday, September 13, to give viewers a taste of the new Broadway season. This year, actor Michael McKean is hosting, and Broadway fans will have to arrive early to get a good spot to see the action. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. in Times Square, and admission is free. Beware, theater lovers, because over 50,000 people are expected to show up at this event. The festivities will stretch from 43^rd to 47^th Streets, and most of this area will be shut down to traffic. Some of the shows that you can expect performances from are hits such as Hair, Mary Poppins, In The Heights, Chicago, West Side Story, Wicked, and more. Also, upcoming shows will be performing, including Bye Bye Birdie and Finian’s Rainbow. This is going to be an exciting, fun, and memorable event. So get up early and watch some fantastic performances that will leave you wanting much more.

photo courtesy of silive.com

A Tiny Taste Explosion

As you know, Uptown Girls are basically obsessed with cupcakes. However, one of the problems we run into is after one bite or two, the calorie count is enormous. Problem solved! Literally a “hole in the wall,” Baked By Melissa, located on Spring Street in Soho, is our new favorite bakeshop. Serving up miniscule stuffed cupcakes (a bit bigger than a quarter), Baked By Melissa offers a variety of delicious flavors including Cookies and Cream, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Rainbow, Red Velvet, and several more. You can order these desserts by the number. For example, six mini cupcakes are $5.50. However, you can place orders for party sized boxes that go all the way up to 100 mini cupcakes! At the size of one bite, these teeny treats pack a gigantic punch of flavor that will dazzle your taste buds and leave your dessert desires satisfied.

photo courtesy of lugaluda.com

Cheap Ticket

Theater is essential to the New York experience, but the sky-rocketing costs of a Broadway ticket makes this cultural phenomenon more and more out of reach. But thanks to an unbelievable promotion called 20 at 20, you can experience New York City theater at only $20! From September 8-20, participating Off-Broadway shows allow you to arrive at their box office twenty minutes prior to show time and receive your $20 tickets. The opportunity to see shows that have the potential to become huge Broadway hits down the road gives you an in to the theater world. The flexible show times also let people whose schedules are hectic have the chance to see live theater. Participating shows include Fuerza Bruta, Altar Boyz, Stomp, The Columbine Project, and The Toxic Avenger (pictured). This opportunity lasts for just two weeks so make sure to take advantage of it. Visit www.20at20.com for a full list of participating shows and more details.



photo courtesy of toxiefans.com

Fall Must Haves: Oversized Clutch Purses

Welcome to the Uptown Girls final installment of their Fall Must Haves series. Enjoy!

Another obsession that Uptown Girls have for Fall 2009 is the oversized clutch purse. Let’s be honest – sometimes large bags can look clumsy and not all that streamlined. We think that the oversized clutch solves this issue because of its functional size and fashionable look. High-end designers like Prada carry oversized clutch purses in materials such as snake print for around $1,000. Marc Jacobs’ Quadri clutch in black leather is also a favorite at almost $2,000. However, Uptown Girls know that being economically savvy is important in today’s economic climate. On that note, we love the Deena and Ozzy Metallic clutch from Urban Outfitters, which is now available for only $19 on the Urban Outfitters website. In a blue-green metallic snake print, this clutch is sure to make a statement in your fall wardrobe. Uptown Girls also recommend the Lodis Lily Large Clutch, which is available in a variety of colors for around $230. A bit more of an investment, this clutch will be useful and stylish for day or night.

photo courtesy of urbanoutfitters.com

Fall Must Haves: Sequins For Day

Decadence is often the word one associates with sequins: it sparkles, it shines, and it can add up to serious cash due to the handiwork it takes to make a piece with these beloved appliqués on it. Though some may believe that sequins are relegated to the realm of evening wear, Uptown Girls say forget that rule and sport this bedazzling look for day! This fall, sequins can make a plain daytime look really pop with a hint of sparkle, giving off a vibe of casual elegance. While lines such as 3.1 Phillip Lim feature skirts covered in sequins, there are certainly cheaper options that are also more appropriate to wear during the day. This top from Forever 21 (pictured) is a great way to showcase this trend while the sun’s out for just $22.80. We love the idea of a sequined tank like this under a thick, cozy cardigan. Let just a hint of sequin peek out from under the sweater; it will leave more to the imagination that way! Remember to steer clear of colored sequins for this trend – black, silver, and gold keep this look relatively subdued and neutral. However you choose to style your sequins, you will certainly feel extra-special when you wear it.

photo courtesy of forever21.com

Avoiding Pricey Products

Uptown Girls are really crazy for beauty products. Lotions, creams, perfumes, makeup, body scrub, and nail polish – if a company makes it, we want to buy it. Problem is, many of the products that we enjoy are steep in price. Sometimes, the indulgence is worth it. For example, we love L’Occitane’s Honey and Lemon Sweet Sugar Scrub; but at $36 a tub, it’s a once in a very rare while purchase.  We also go nuts for Crabtree and Evelyn’s La Source line, which includes hand therapy cream, body lotion, and much more. However, starting at $15-$30 a product, this is also not a realistic frequent purchase. Don’t fear, thrifty shoppers, we have a few suggestions for you of how to get top brand quality at lower brand prices. CVS (yes, the drug store) carries a line of beauty products called Essence of Beauty. With body lotions, butters, hand creams, shower gels, and body sprays in a wide variety of scents, any city girl can get that high quality product feel from this line. Some of our favorite fragrances are Violet Water, Sun Blossom, and Citrus Coconut. Our favorite product from this line is the body cream, which with its thick butter-like texture provides you with a luxurious moisturizing touch. Products in this line are usually priced around $5, but watch out for sales where they can be found for as low as $3. Look good, feel good, and smell good with this Uptown Girls tip.

photo courtesy of blogs.glam.com

Fall Must Haves: One-Shoulder Dress

Whether it’s a dramatic floor-sweeping gown or a flirty cocktail frock, the one-shoulder dress is making a major statement this season. From the clean, minimalist look of Michael Kors to Yigal Azrouel’s 80’s-inspired purple number to the avant-garde shapes from Alexander Wang, there really isn’t one formula for how to make this look work. You may choose to adopt this trend as your go-to “Little Black Dress” – keep your dress versatile by featuring the asymmetrical shoulder as the main event rather than a ton of other details in addition to it. Change up your look by switching out your jewelry, handbags, and shoes. Even your hair and makeup can make the dress look totally new every time you wear it. We like this $68.00 version from Nordstrom (pictured) – even though it’s from the juniors department, the simple, flattering shape and solid color allow for a multitude of possibilities. 

photo courtesy of nordstrom.com

Fall Must Haves: Ankle Wedge Boots

On to another favorite topic of ours: footwear! This fall, city girls can hop on board of the ankle wedge boot trend. As long as you stick to the general silhouette, you can go crazy with color, material, pattern, etc. Designers are making such unique shapes for their ankle wedge boots, such as the Chloe open toed buckle back wedge bootie for the fall. More affordable wedge boots that are available for the fall include the Audrey Brooke Carly II Suede Wedge Bootie from DSW for 79.95. The ankle wedge boot is a versatile option for the autumn season, as it goes well with skinny jeans, leggings, skirts, and dresses. Dress up your simple jeans and blousy top outfit with a pair of bright colored boots, or dress down your floaty fall floral dress with ankle wedge boots in a neutral color for a look that can be worn at any time of day. Use what you already have in your own closet to come up with fun new looks that can seem new just by wearing this great new boot style. 

photo courtesy of popbee.com

Do's and Don'ts For Men From Guest Blogger, Ryan

DO wear critter ties. Critter ties have small objects (usually animals or other icons) repeated a number of times to create a uniform pattern. These ties give those who wear them a classic, preppy look. Both Hermes and Ferragamo are known for their critter ties (priced at $170 and $160 respectively); however, there are cheaper alternatives available from Vineyard Vines and J. Crew (priced at $75 and $60 respectively). Since it is oftentimes difficult to distinguish among brands, pairing a critter tie with a moderately priced (albeit properly fitting) suit can add $100s to the appearance of your outfit. Also, critter ties can make great conversation pieces. Many critter ties feature various types of marine life. Your boss may notice your tie and remark, “The bluefish on your tie looks exactly like one that I caught this weekend.” If you are good at pretending to care about your boss’s fishing escapades, a promotion may be in your future!
DO NOT wear crew neck undershirts. Nothing makes homicide more tempting than when an office mate wears a crew neck undershirt underneath an open-collared dress shirt on a casual Friday. What is even more appalling is if that crew neck undershirt is a color other than white. Men, do not be afraid of the v-neck. While v-necks with nipple-level plunges may be reserved for gays and Staten Island natives/Jersey Shore frequenters, normal v-neck undershirts are appropriate for all! You can pick up a 3-pack of Hanes v-neck undershirts from your local drugstore for approximately $10 (as anyone who has gone on birthright is aware), or, if you prefer a higher quality undershirt, American Apparel has recently reduced its 3-pack of white v-necks from $57 to $45. Reminder: if you are preparing to make the recommended transition from the crew neck to the v-neck, some upper-chest hair maintenance may be necessary.


(In response to a comment on my previous blog entry, I am going for an urban lumberjack look this fall...rugged man wandering out of the forest and into the [east] village).


photo courtesy of store.cstv.com

Supermarket Alternative

An important aspect of being green is making sure that you eat local products. The Union Square Greenmarket, held Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, is the perfect spot to stock up on all different kinds of delicious, locally grown products. An ample assortment of cheese, fish, beef, produce, and bakery goods line the walkway of this downtown market place. Most of the products featured here are organic or naturally grown, and the variety is truly astounding. There are plenty of samples to be had from many of the vendors - a great opportunity to try different things and see what you like! Uptown Girls love the different varieties of cider that many of the booths offer, such as pear and raspberry. Or try something you have never eaten before, such as an exotic fruit or vegetable (edible flowers, anyone?) Head to Union Square on a beautiful morning and check out the fare from these local farms - pick up some fun ingredients to make dinner with and enjoy!

Order Online For Your Health

A great way to stay in shape for less cash is to use at-home DVD workouts. You can get a wide variety of different types of workouts including yoga, pilates, cardio, sculpting, and even dance. The great part about doing your workouts at home is that you can look as silly as you want trying out the moves and you don’t have to worry about scrutinizing onlookers! That being said, don’t be afraid to try new workouts, such as belly dancing or salsa. Check out websites, like amazon.com to stock up on fitness DVD’s. One of the benefits of ordering from a website such as Amazon is that you can purchase slightly used copies for a lower price. Uptown Girls love the “Crunch” video workout series, and Amazon offers copies as low as $4.00! If you browse the website, you can also find other workout favorites like TaeBo, yoga, and dance workouts. 

Fall Must Haves: Boyfriend Jacket

Menswear styles have been going strong for years; this fall, it’s all about the boyfriend jacket. We love the long, loose-fitting look of a menswear-inspired blazer. Details like a rolled-up cuff that display a striped lining show personality and a hint of prep. Whether you prefer a boxy cut or a more body-hugging silhouette, this trend will make any fall look polished and complete. The boyfriend blazer is the perfect topper to your fall “uniform” and we promise, it is versatile! Wear it with skinny jeans and a cotton shirt with a ruffle or appliqué detail or over a party-worthy dress. This is the perfect item to help transition your wardrobe into chillier weather; layering is key. Ann Taylor Loft has a great version of the boyfriend jacket for $89.50 (pictured). While it’s a bit of an investment, this is actually fairly inexpensive for a blazer. Get your money’s worth by featuring this item in your fashion repertoire regularly. Just remember to keep the bottom portion of your outfit slim-fitting to offset the boxy cut of the jacket.

photo courtesy of anntaylorloft.com

Fall Must Haves: Mini Skirts

Mini skirts are big, big, big for this fall! (And we don’t mean big in size, by the way!) Minis are showing up in a variety of shapes, such as the tulip, ruffled tiers, and A-line. The great thing about mini skirts is that they make a statement without having to go all out. There are several ways you can wear this item. The looks you can create with this trend will easily take you from day to night. The key about minis is the fact that they are short; thus, you don’t want to be too revealing on top. For day, pair a cute mini with a drapey tunic top and flat boots for a chic fall look. We love minis that have a thick waistband, because they hide all the flaws that need to be hidden! So for night, try a thick waistband mini such as the one pictured here from Forever 21, and tuck in a form-fitting top, add a bright necklace, some fun wedges, and you have a great outfit for a night with the girls.



photo courtesy of www.forever21.com

Men's Tips From Guest Blogger, Ryan

Meet our guest blogger, Ryan. The Uptown Girls mainly give tips for  city girls, so Ryan is here to give NYC business men ''Do's and Don'ts" for fashion. Here's his first installment.

DO invest in Brooks Brothers Non-Iron Shirts. Brooks Brothers is not just for your grandfather or the snobs at the country club; their Non-Iron Shirts are great for guys of any age. The shirts come in either a Classic Fit or a Custom Fit for the different builds out there and a number of different solids, stripes, checks, tattersalls, and ginghams. While they are usually priced at 3 for $199 (reduced a few times a year to 3 for $149), you will save a ton on dry-cleaning.

DO NOT wear rubber soled shoes with a suit. Save them for casual Friday and stick to a wooden soled oxford or chukka for the balance of the week. My office mates and I love wearing Allen Edmonds on business professional days. Allen Edmonds can be found at Nordstrom where they are frequently put on sale for up to $200 less than retail price (which is usually around $350). If price is your concern, Allen Edmonds offers its legendary “Recrafting Package” for $95, in which your shoes can be rebuilt from sole up. It’s almost like having a shoe with a life-time guarantee!

photo courtesy of www.hunch.com

Artsy Adventures

One great thing about being a city girl is that you can enjoy the wide variety of museums that Manhattan has to offer. The admission prices are generally not expensive, so visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, the MOMA, or the Whitney can prove to be a fulfilling and worthwhile way to spend your time. However, the MOMA offers a great deal. Every Friday evening, the MOMA has the Target Free Friday Nights which runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The only downside to this freebie is that you cannot get these tickets in advance; which can lead to some waiting in lines. On the bright side, waiting in line can be a great way to talk to new people! Some highlighted exhibits that are going on right now at the MOMA include works by James Ensor, a Belgian artist who was key in the development of Expressionist art in the early twentieth century. His paintings are unique and dark – and definitely worth seeing. This exhibit is running through September 21. Another great exhibit to check out at the MOMA is the Cezanne and Picasso exhibit, which only runs until August 31. The MOMA is located at 11 West 53^rd Street, so use your next free Friday night to check out these exhibits and others!

photo courtesy of www.moma.org

Fall Must Haves: Leggings

Many people are wondering if the leggings trend is still “in” for this fall. Well, the answer is yes. A big mistake that many women make with this look, however, is wearing leggings as pants, which leaves you looking like a hot mess. Think of leggings as tights and as a rule of thumb, your top must cover your butt. For this trend to work off the runway, make sure your leggings are opaque and thick enough so that there are no hints of skin showing through the fabric. Newport News has a great pair with scrunch detail at the ankle for only $16.00, while Victoria’s Secret offers a versatile and comfortable Yoga legging for $29.50 (pictured). Black is our favorite color for leggings, as they make a great base to build your look around, but darker neutrals like gray, brown, and navy also work. We love the look of leggings with a big cozy wrap sweater and comfy boots. Or go all out Marc Jacobs style with a great 80’s-inspired party dress and ankle booties for a night out. This is a great wardrobe staple that will allow an array of on-trend, chic looks for the price of just one item! 

photo courtesy of victoriassecret.com

Smooth(ie) Sailing

Uptown Girls are obsessed with our new blender. Our favorite thing to make in it is smoothies. Not only is it a refreshing summer treat, but it can also make a quick, nutritious breakfast. Just buy some frozen berries, add non-fat yogurt, ice, and in a few seconds, you have a delicious smoothie. Forget wasting calories and money at Jamba Juice - this is the solution to your cold drink cravings! Our other favorite smoothie? Banana and peanut butter. Don't be afraid to experiment with different fruit - and keep the calorie count low by nixing added sugar, orange juice, or ice cream.

Fall Must Haves: Statement Necklace

An easy way to add some flair to your already existing wardrobe is with the perfect accessory. This season, big bold necklaces are still on the map. Liven up your uniform of skinny jeans/blousy solid color top/blazer or cardigan by throwing on an eye-catching, statement-making necklace. Or simply wear it with a plain white tank (as in: Hanes) tucked into your favorite skirt with heels and you have a great night-out look. Whether you prefer the dramatic bib style a la Oscar de la Renta or Lanvin’s geometric, heavy metal look, this trend will certainly get you noticed. When it comes to scouting out cheapie alternatives, the possibilities are never-ending. Uptown Girls love Forever 21’s offerings, such as the Spiral Disc Floral necklace (pictured). It’s even appropriate to wear for day, as long as you have the attitude to match!

 photo courtesy of forever21.com

Fall Must Haves: Purple

This fall, bland colors don’t have to be part of your fashion repertoire. A big color this season is purple, and you can apply it to any article of clothing. Shirts, pants, jackets, shoes, and accessories – you can be assured that you will be in style with purple. We love purple as a shoe color; it’s unexpected and can really make an otherwise neutral and toned down look pop. Try pairing skinny black jeans, a blousy black top, and a simple silver necklace with high-heeled purple booties for a modern twist on a classic look. We like the Miss Me Agnes suede purple bootie for only $29.94 on shopstyle.com. For those of you that are intimidated by the idea of a purple bootie, a classic purple pump is sure to amp up your look without being as edgy as a bootie. A darker purple color also serves as more of a neutral accent than the brighter options. Franco Sarto makes a classic colored violet Mary Jane pump that is available at Zappos.com for $88.95.  Purple also showed up on the runways for Fall 2009, such as the purple suit in Donna Karan’s fashion show. This just goes to show that you can wear the color purple for work and for play. 

photo courtesy of shoewawa.com