The lovely Maria Shriver may have shed her former life, but she is far from in hiding. Seen last weekend in Soho, she was dressed in tailored summer garb to troll the streets. Our Soho & Nolita tour group had a good time snapping pics on their iphones.  www.shopgotham.com

Shop Gotham loves to report “under the radar” stuff happening in NYC.  Here is a great example. On Wed, June 1st, come listen to a talk between Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire and John Strasberg, son of the famous Lee. discussion topic: the artistic process. Hosted by the Accidental Repertory Theater, the $60 fee is a  part of a fundraising effort for this sublime small theater company. Best part: small audience and ability to meet Steve B. how cool. !

Memphis Cast Member Proposes to the Love of His Life!

Check out this video, which captures a fabulous, only-in-New-York moment.

Shop Gotham aims to impart all ways NYC Rocks, not just fashion and shopping.   Today:  NYC Hotels. While we may not have the space here for ample gardens, pools and even oversized guest rooms, our hotels are soooo uber cool that locals want to go there for a drink, a hang or even just to take in the architecture. Example A: The brand new James Hotel on the western edge of Soho. Definitely for the hipster and urban appreciator, with an outdoor dining floor right above a main avenue, a worthwhile destination rootop bar (and elevators just big enough for 3). Check out the wall one encounters upon entrance. keyboard tiles for miles! in case you ever wondered where these went… 

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Fashionistas everywhere are getting ready for Fashion’s Night Out this Friday, September 10th.  Head to your favorite neighborhood from 6:00 to 9:00 to rub elbows with famous designers and take advantage of VIP discounts and promotions.

Shop Gotham and the Olsen twins LOVE Fashion’s Night Out!

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

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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Alicia Keys was part of the GMA summer concert series this morning. At Shop Gotham we like to throw in to the mix all the reasons NYC rocks, not just shopping. Here are some photos from this morning’s concert. (One gorgeous and talented broad).

And for information on how Shop Gotham can rock your shopping world, please see: www.shopgotham.com

1)Even if you cant afford one item at Bergdorf Goodman, anyone can wander in and almost always spot a celeb. Last week Kelsey Grammer and wife spotted in shoe dept.  PS. Fine dept stores are also very useful for their lovely bathrooms.

2)Street Vendors in Soho.  Some of the best authentic jewelry, hats, art & whatnot are sold on the streets of Soho. Talented folks without the overhead of stores, create and sell edgy & trendy at a fraction of the stores’ prices. TIP: The exception is those located on Broadway. These vendors sell the mass merch shipped in overseas.

3)Because some of the best music can be heard in the subways.

Shop Gotham shopping tours. www.shopgotham.com

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 gra.mer spoted w wife at BG better shoes, shout out to Conrans for bathroom stuff & other cool kitch – give link /address – new subject: shout out?

3 More Reasons NYC Rocks

1) Almost All Shops are open on Sunday (exception: upper Madison avenue). We recommend taking our Soho & Nolita shopping tour at noon on Sunday. Wake up late. Take your tour. Follow it by a late leisurely lunch at a charming cafe in Soho or Nolita. Shop some more. Drag your bags home. Take a nap. A perfect sunday.

2)Cover bands at BBKings. Almost any musician you have ever loved is represented at BBkings by a “look-alike band”, who are often as good as the real deal. Typically $15. Civilized environment with food & bev.

3)Philharmonic in Central Park. True that about a zillion other people also show up to picnic under the stars. But there is always a patch of grass to snag and hey, its the NY Philarmonic for free!  July 17 2009.