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

A Delightful Date Idea

Looking for something to do on a date that won't cost you an arm and a leg? Try one of our date suggestions - pick a neighborhood in Manhattan (or even Brooklyn for those who want to leave the borough) and explore it! Walk around the neighborhood - the less you know it, the better- and see what kind of interesting finds you discover! Maybe a free art gallery, a hole in the wall delicious restaurant, or an outdoor eatery where you can sip happy hour drinks. Other nice spots to discover on this type of spontaneous date are small tree lined park areas, walking along the water, and browsing unique shops . The idea that you won't know what you will find adds some mystery and originality to a date, and that always amps up the fun factor of hanging out with someone new or someone you already have been seeing for awhile. This is also an activity  that can be done with friends or family if you are looking to do something different for the day!

photo courtesy of templates.com

Fall Must Haves: Biker Jacket

Nothing says edge like a leather jacket, and for Fall 2009, the biker-chic look is all the rage. Keep the silhouette slim and fitted so as not to appear like you borrowed your Harley-riding boyfriend’s jacket. Black is always a safe bet, but colors like brown or gray are also great neutrals that soften up the look a bit. On the runway, designers such as Blumarine, Gucci, and Rag & Bone offer body-skimming versions with a tough-girl appeal, but you can score a similar look from much more affordable sources. Urban Outfitters features a great faux leather moto-style jacket from its Silence & Noise brand for only $98.00 (pictured), while Charlotte Russe showcases their crinkle motorcycle jacket for a mind-blowing $36.99. This key piece is surprisingly versatile: throw it over a floral dress to toughen up an otherwise sweet look or wrap on a big scarf to look effortlessly chic. 

photo courtesy of urbanoutfitters.com

Fall Must Haves

Fall’s not far away, and it’s time to start thinking about what to wear! The great thing about this season is that you only need to update your wardrobe with a few key pieces to bring your style up to date. What you need for fall can easily be integrated into what you already own; you just need to be creative and open-minded. Uptown Girls have drawn inspiration from the Fall 2009 runways and translated these trends into more affordable options that can be found at retail stores. Keep a look out for our “Must Haves” installments to keep track of the top ten trends that you should have for the upcoming months.

Celebrate Summer

Summer's still in full swing, and what better way to enjoy the sun and heat than a day at the beach? An easy way to get out of the city for the day is to simply hop on the LIRR to Long Beach. You can catch the train at Penn Station and for only $19 you can get a round-trip ticket plus discounted admission to the beach. Whether you prefer to relax on the sand or walk along the boardwalk, there's nothing like a day at the shore. Bring water, snacks, books, ipods, and your friends and enjoy this weather while it is still here! MTA is offering this deal through September 7, so be sure to take advantage. 

Classically Chic

No one's a stranger to rain, as this summer has proven to be one of the wettest. Getting caught in a surprise thunder storm can leave a girl looking like a drowned rat! Prepare yourself for these occasions by sporting a classic trench coat. It's the go-to of rainy weather jackets, and will transition nicely through the seasons. Of course, dropping hundreds on a Burberry coat is not quite possible but there are plenty of more economical options. The Old Navy coat pictured is a no-frills version of the trench for only $49.50. If it's not the perfect fit, you can always get it tailored and then it will be as if it were custom made. Throw it on top of a floral dress for summer and layer it with thin-knit sweaters for fall and this purchase will tie your look together whether rain or shine.

Photo courtesy of oldnavy.com

Fun Fitness Fact

For those of you that are gym rats, we have another cheap tip for you! New York City Department of Parks and Recreation offers a sweet deal. They have facilities in a variety of locations throughout all of the boroughs that have cardio and other gym equipment and some of the centers even include a swimming pool. But you haven't heard the best part yet. In the centers without a pool, the cost of membership is only $50 for the whole year! And for the centers that have a swimming pool, membership is only $75 for the year. This deal isn't too good to be true - trust us. Just visit this link http://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters to check out the centers that are closest to you and start your new gym routine!

photo courtesy of fitnessbringshealth.com

A Tupperware Tip

When you order takeout, you usually get those black plastic containers with the plastic lid. After you enjoy your pad thai or chicken lomaine, simply rinse out the container, dry it, and reuse it as a makeshift tupperware container. There's no reason to let this sturdy plastic container go to waste! So channel your inner green-ness and make these containers useful. Next time you cook pasta and have a lot of leftovers, reach for one of these reusable takeout containers instead of going out and buying a set of rubber containers. Save money, be green, and help the planet.

D-I-Y Spa Night

Next time you find yourself bored and unkempt on a weekday evening, try the Uptown Girls' own version of an at home spa.

Step 1: Take a luxurious shower that includes a body scrub, conditioning hair treatment, and a lot of post-shower body lotion.

Step 2: Cleanse your face and use an inexpensive facial mask (try the Mint Julep Masque by Queen Helene - it smells so yummy and it's only $4)

Step 3: While your mask is drying, paint your toe nails, watch tv or do some other relaxing activity while it's drying.

Step 4: Wash off your mask and apply toner and moisturizer to keep your skin smooth

Step 5: Comb your hair and put in a twist up bun to create volumed waves when you wake up in the morning

Step 6: Paint your nails

When you're finished - you should feel relaxed, rejuvenated, pretty, and thrifty!

photo courtesy of http://www.buenosaires.park.hyatt.com

We Don't Mean To Wine

For all of you wine lovers out there, don't fear, this indulgence doesn't have to be expensive. The Uptown Girls have a few ideas for you. Check your local wine store and find out if they offer free samples or wine tastings. In our neighborhood, Cork & Bottle on 1st Avenue offers a free wine tasting once a week on Fridays from 5-7 p.m. This is a great way to sample new wines without having to make a purchase. Another idea is to invite a bunch of friends over and have your own personal wine tasting party. Ask each guest to bring a bottle of wine with a cap of $15 so it doesn't run too high price wise. Then, have glasses ready for everyone (perhaps some cheese and crackers) and start sampling each other's wine! Then vote on who you think brought the best bottle. Another hint we have for you is to find restaurants that are BYOB. A ten dollar bottle of wine from the wine store can be hiked up to thirty dollars or more at a restaurant! Save yourself the money by bringing your own bottle so you can feel more at ease to order a normal sized meal instead of ordering the side salad to go along with the menu's overpriced wine !

photo courtesy of moderndesigninterior.com

On The Air

One of the perks of living in a big city like Manhattan is that many TV talk shows film right here in NYC! A lot of popular shows such as  The View, The Tyra Banks Show, The Daily Show, The Today Show, and more even offer tickets to view a taping of an episode. And the best part is, the tickets are free! Most of these shows require you to fill out requests, but it's not difficult to get the tickets. We think this is a great way to take advantage of living in the city and you don't have to empty your pockets to have a great experience. Check out http://www.nytix.com/index.html for ticket info and other helpful hints. 

Fast Forward to Fall Fashion

The Fall Fashion season is quickly coming upon us. There is a whole new wardrobe that goes along with the change in seasons. But who can think about spending money on clothes right now? We have some great ideas for you to turn your already owned clothing into new styles just by tweaking a few things and purchasing low cost items. For example, if you have a summery skirt with a floral print, simply add a neutral long sleeve top and opaque tights in a fun color to take your summery skirt into autumn. Or you could take a basic solid tee and add an inexpensive scarf in fun fall colors and pair them with your trusty old jeans. Switch from flip flops to flats and you’re ready to head out into the slightly cooler weather. Hate to pack away that floaty summer dress? Add a shrunken jacket on top, pile on some new accessories, and your summer dress turns into a fall frock! Check out stores such as H&M (which has locations throughout the city in SoHo, Herald Square, and more), Laila Rowe, or even the sale racks at your local department store. 

photo courtesy of coutureinthecity.com

Frozen Fix

Next time you're at the supermarket and browsing the frozen dessert aisle, take a second glance at Ciao Bella sorbetto and gelato. They come in adorable single serving cartons with flavors such as Sicilian Blood Orange, Tahitian Vanilla, and Alphonso Mango. Running at about 100 calories a serving, you can enjoy this dessert guilt free without having to run out to the local frozen yogurt shop - stay in your pj's and dig in! Another cute aspect of the packaging - a miniature plastic spoon hidden under the lid! These refreshing, original flavors will make your tastebuds dance and your waistline won't budge!

photo courtesy of freshtomarket.com

Read Between The Lines

A great way to spend some free time is to read a great book - whether it be fiction or non-fiction-as long as it's interesting, we want to read it! But with book prices running high, usually between $10-30, buying books is not really the best investment because you only read a book once, usually. However, buying books becomes more economical when you trade books with friends after you've read them. So here's a fun idea - get a group of friends together who like reading, and read a book and then swap them between the group. That way, you buy one book each but get to read a lot more! Also, books you already own can be a part of the swapping circle, so the collection can keep growing! Just think - you can read a ton of books for the price of one! 

Just The Ticket

Uptown Girls always have to be in tip top shape. That means frequent exercise. Health club memberships in Manhattan are so expensive, that with all of our other expenses, the priority of a gym payment falls to the bottom of the list. However, we've found a great website, called gymticket.com. On this website, you can actually print out free guest passes to attend different gyms throughout the city. So whether you want to try a couple of different gyms per week, or use them to narrow down the facility you like best and want to join, this website is really helpful and money saving. 

Save on Sandwiches

When you live in Manhattan, chances are, you are going to be out and about for the majority of the day. With this comes the big lunch time debate. Getting a sandwich or salad from the local deli or gourmet sandwich shop can end up being pricey day after day, totaling at around 7-10 dollars for a sandwich (and that doesn't include a beverage!) Five days a week and that's a good fifty bucks or more on just lunch food! A cheaper option that we love is to put in the extra effort (five minutes a day tops, we promise) and make your own sandwich and pack it along with you. The healthiest lunch meat you can buy is turkey. Top your sandwich with your favorite add ons such as lettuce, tomato, mustard, dressing, whatever you want! You can also boil eggs at night and make your own homemade egg salad. Take a little snack to go along with  your sandwich like a banana or bag of pretzels. Don't forget your eco-friendly water bottle to take with you! We guarantee you will spend a fraction of the cost on your lunch time meals during the week, and you will be a happy city dweller!