We are often asked, ” if I only havea  few precious hours in NYC to shop, where should I go”. Its a quandry to answer this, as shopping is not  “one-size fits all” endeavor. However, we offer this, regardless of what you intend to shop for when visiting NYC (and if you dont intend to shop, you’re crazy) there are 4 places you must not skip, if just for the experience: ABC Carpet and Home; the Apple store on 59th & Fifth ; FAO Schwartz and Bloomingdales on Lexington & 59th.  In our humble opinion.

Want to explore other options, shop gotham is happy to assist. www.shopgotham.com  I

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While shoppers take a break for the beach in late august and the fashion gurus are up to their noses in the grey and black Fall palettes, we at Shop Gotham are preparing for our Fall shopping tours. There are an abundance of new Garment Center “insider” designer showroom partners, offering bags, belts, outerwear and both casual and dressier apparel. Wholesale is the only way to shop and one can only do this special activity on the Garment Center “Insider” shopping tour. Every Wed and Fri @ 10am. for more information, www.shopgotham.com

Came across this marvelous “under the radar” company recently. Ever wonder where those people come from that offer you those tasty new treats  to try on the street? Or how that charity managed to score 10 beautiful/stylish men and women to run the check-in table?  Mustard Lane has a stockpile of trained, talented (and it doesn’t hurt that they are all gorgeous) people to help companies promote their events. As they say, they can help you “promote, serve, smile, pour, hang and dish”. One stop shopping. Too bad you can’t take them home.

www.mustardlane.com

New York City is a shopper’s paradise, and Shop Gotham Tours give you NYC Shopping insider access, exclusive store discounts and exciting perks not available to the independent fashion shopper. From the charming streets of SOHO & Nolita to the behind-the-scenes showrooms of the Garment Center, shoppers and sightseers alike will love exploring NYC’s best-kept shopping secrets. Banish the boring with a Shop Gotham tour! “Must-Do shopping experience for visitors” – says The New York and London Times

Tours start at $38pp. For more information, please go to: www.shopgotham.com

August 18 and Augu 20th are the last days of Shop Gotham’s Garment Center “Insider” tour until Sept. Showrooms are loaded with early fall. Coming to NYC this week, this is could be the best shopping you will find. www.shopgotham.com

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Sure one can get a marriage license whereever they live, but in NYC its a bustling business. Inside 80 Centre Street, hundred of couples apply each day, many of whom get hitched right there and then. A cottage business of florists and photographers flank the building awaiting these brides and grooms and their wedding parties. It aint Vegas but it sure feels like it. Oddly warms the heart

www.shopgotham.com

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In New York City fabulous footwear is a must.  But when the temperatures skyrocket, where do the locals get their cool and stylish summer shoes?  Shop Gotham guides reveal their top five picks:

1.  Since Paris designer Charles Jourdan went out of business in the 1980s, his name has been synonymous with vintage footwear.  But he’s back and we’re thrilled.  Cleverly coupling last season’s gladiator sandal with this season’s jelly sandal, he’s created Cassie:  a hybrid of the two available in white, gray and red.  We’ve always been partial to red…

2.   Shop Gotham tour guides swear by DKNY’s Active line:  tough enough to endure hours upon hours of shopping on New York City streets, but fashionable enough that no one will guess that they’re practical.   Sign up for a Soho/Nolita tour and get a discount of 20 percent.

3.  You can’t go wrong with comfy, cushy Haviana flip flops.  This line, designed by Brazilians, who should know flip flops, has just the right savior faire for an international metropolis like New York.  The ones pictured here were designed exclusively for Kidrobot, and they GLOW IN THE DARK!!!  Buy yourself a pair on our Soho/Nolita tour.

4.  Nothing is hipper or greener than buying a pair of shoes made by the person sitting in front of you.  And this shoe, handmade by a street vendor in Nolita, has saved many a Shop Gotham guest from blistered feet.  This canvas slip on has become almost as iconic as a pair of Chuck Taylors among the hipster crowd.  They are always comfortable and will never go out of style.

5.  Shop Gotham guides aren’t embarrassed to admit that they love Zoe & Zac, the new “green” line from Payless.  We love them for three simple reasons.  First, they’re affordable, with no shoe costing more than $30.  Second, they’re made exclusively from ‘green’ materials such as organic cotton, eco-foam and nickel-free metal.  Third, they’re incredibly comfortable!  Even the huarache sandal with a four inch heel (pictured here) meets the Shop Gotham standard of comfort and style.

Why we like this one:

What you will find: Both old and new items: Antique/vintage fashion, furniture and collectibles, fine jewelry, new handcrafted items, cosmetics, food and flowers, more.

This established market with more than 140 vendors stockng a combination of old and new items. Shop for a 1930’s milk glass lighting fixture as shown above or load up on Lancome mascara. Buy a 1950’s mink stole, an old singer sewing machine table or a trendy new cuff bracelet made of wire. Every category is represented here and in the warm months, the flower vendors have among the best assortment and prices in the city. There is also an excellent but small farmer’s market. If you are seeking fine jewelry, head inside the school to find at least 10 vendors with large inventories of fine antique jewelry.

Pros: A pleasant non-frenetic environment frequented mostly by locals.

Cons: Not the place to seek out that vintage designer label.

www.shopgotham.com

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Do you happen to accompanying your spouse to nyc on a biz trip? or perhaps you are in charge of coordinating some spouse activities for a group while here? Well ,, if they are women, they will undoubtedly crave some shopping while here, so make sure to set aside some time for this. 

Shop Gotham has specific programs for this audience. Spouse Programs are customized to meet the wish list and demographics of each group and can include VIP elements such as meeting a designer or shopping in a store before it opens to the public. For more info.. see. www.shopgotham.com

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