NYC never ceases to amaze us. Apparently, this  Shop Gotham owner hasnt walked down West 40th Street in a couple of years. To my surpise today, I discovered that both West 40th and West 39th, between Ninth and Tenth Avenues have become the affordable hotel mecca. I counted 7. Likely, they are “supported” by Javitz Center trade show goers.  But if are seeking a decent (albeit not sexy) hotel in the  $150 range,  here you go.  And if you intend to take Shop Gotham’s Garment Center “insider” shopping tour,you are but steps away. Of the group, I suggest checking out: Four Points Sheraton and the Distrikt.

Recent reviews from Citysearch:

1)”GREAT Shopping program. highly recommend. Last weekend,my girlfriend and I took the Soho tour. Although we live in the Westchester, we dont know that area and were determined to “edge up” our wardrobe. the shops we were taken to were oh so interesting and we found the guide Molly to be as charming and knowledgable as any host could be. We recommend spending your entire afternoon shopping on your own and using the discounts they provide. We enjoyed it very very much and would have enjoyed the tour for several more hours as well”

2)”Fantastic Fantastic Programs for those who like to shop. Last December, I took my 21 and 23 yrd old daughters to nyc and took a shot at the Garment Center tour. We all simply loved the shopping and the entire experience. So much so that we then booked the Soho tour too! And had a blast ont his one too. Both tour guides were stylish, patient, lovely and oh so charming women. Part of the enjoyment was spending time with them. The programs are so very different. If i had to break it down, one is for “deals” and visiting a side of NYC you really cant do on your own, the other is for “now” fashion, in super cute and well thought out spots. Shop Gotham’s tours are really terrific and professional. Go for it!”

Coming to NYC for July 4th?  This is a GREAT time to go shopping! the natives are gone and the sales are MAD. Want to conquer the shopping landscape in an efficient way? try a Shop Gotham NYC shopping Tour. Explore the Chic boutiques of Soho & Nolita or the designer wholesale showrooms of the Garment Center. Deals to be had at every corner.  Girls getaway or family trip with your teens to NYC? you know they want to shop. for Details and bookings our guided NYC shopping tours: www.shopgotham.com

With the stores in Soho & Nolita changing faster than we can keep up with, a full day of reconnaissance was in order. So last week this Shop Gotham owner pounded the pavement (not such a terrible activity). We already reported Erica Weiner, fab & affordable antique & antique like jewelry. Today we also give a shout out to Bit + Piece.  This charming new store carries a well edited selection of designer pieces at discount.  Dresses by DVF, Tory, Oscar de la Renta. Also expect scarves, tops and even bathing suits. Not sure whether are this season or last, but  everything does look current and fresh and the deals are solid. Plus the manager Alex could not be more charming or helpful. Bit + Piece, 246 Mott Street, close to Prince.

Want to SHOWN ALL these great places? take a Shop Gotham Chic Boutiques shopping tour. www.shopgotham.com

Visiting NYC this month and wondering what to wear? If you havent heard, NYC did not get spring this year. We went right from winter to summer. So expect temps in 80’s during the day: 60’s- 70’s at night. 

If you are touring, going to museums, doing the landmark visits, the key is always comfortable stylish shoes. This is a walking city and wherever you are going, anticipate some walking to get there and afterwards, while you hunt for a cute cafe to relax. Women: casual dresses and “current” capris are always in style here. Pair with low espadrilles or cute flat sandles. UNLESS you are 20 something, size 0-2, short shorts is not a good look!!.   On the same note, baggy old longer shorts is not the NYC way here either. Think city, not barbecue. Casual, but stylish!

Want some help picking summer pieces, call on Shop Gotham NYC shopping tours.

www.shopgotham.com

Coming to nyc for Memorial Day weekend? Perhaps engage in what we do best here. Shop! Shop Gotham’s Soho & Nolita shopping tours offer the best of everything:  unearthing New York City’s oh so cool independent boutiques while  enjoying exclusive discounts and learning all about these uber fashiont and charming neighborhoods. Follow-up with a fabulous brunch. Shopping and fashion for the holiday weekend. Whats a better girls get together activity in NYC? What more could you want? for info. and tickets: www.shopgotham.com

Ladies, this is the week! May 18- 20 has the hot designer names and the deals we all wait for! Shop Gotham Garment Center tours will take you to the Worthwhile ones. Plus Private Showrooms no one else gets to enter!.  www.shopgotham.com

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Calling all husbands, boyfriends and son. Take Mom or the woman in your life shopping in glorious Soho and Nolita NYC, where EVERYTHING new and fabulous can be found. Mothers Day special. Men come along free  – to hold the bags – “natch”. May 6, 7 & 8. 11am – 1:30pm (then grab a fabulous lunch at a chic cafe and you have will have made your woman happy. www.shopgotham.com Code: men

www.shopgotham.com

Common Dressing Room Question

At Shop Gotham we hear that question over and over.  But guess what?  Sometimes it’s not you, honey, it’s the store.  Blogger Ryan O’Connell posted this hilarious list of stores guaranteed to make you feel fat! See if your favorites (or least favorites) made the list by clicking on the link!

What to Wear:  Spring 2011

If you’re heading to New York this spring, you may be staring at your suitcase unsure of what to pack.  After all, the weather here changes just about every five minutes.  Don’t worry– you can always pick up what you need on a New York City fashion and shopping tour.  Read on for some key spring staples at affordable prices….

Spring 2011 Women’s

1.  Platform Shoes

Inspired by Lady Gaga’s over-the-top footwear, heels this season are drag-queen high platforms.  We’re in love with these nude pumps by Steve Madden with a cute slingback:  another hot trend this season.  And these peep-toe slingbacks by Madewell  put a twist on the classic Oxford.  You can’t go wrong with either of these picks!   These shoes are perfect for a sweet 16 outing or for a night on the town.

2.  White Jeans

Pair your cute platform heels with a stylish pair of white jeans.  This trend has re-emerged hotter than ever after the popularity of white jeans last summer.  This season they’re as blindingly white as possible and come in a variety of cuts and sizes.  Check out this funky take on classic cargo pants by Alice and Olivia:

2.  Tailored Blazer

This bookish, smart blazer by Brooklyn Industries dresses up or down and is the ideal travel accessory.  It doesn’t wrinkle, and be thrown on when the temperature fluctuates, which in New York City is every five minutes.  Purchase it at 15% off on your next Shop Gotham Soho tour!

But for those with the guts to wear it, orange is the hot new shade this season, as evidenced by the orange blazers on socialite Olivia Palermo and  Rachel Bilson.  Ease into this trend with this gorgeous orange cardigan by Tory Burch:

Spring 2011 Men’s

Given that Shop Gotham is now offering a brand-new men’s tour, we want to be sure to update everybody on men’s fashion as well.  Read on for some startling trends in men’s fashion!

1.  Sun-Faded Denim

For those not quite willing to sport floral patterned shorts, no matter who designed them, stick with classic denim.  While a good pair of jeans is essential no matter where you live, here in New York, sun-faded denim is making its way back into the mainstream.

Levi’s has paired up with Opening Ceremony to create this gorgeous, high-quality chambray line:

2. Military, Military, Military

Even if you’re not the type who ever harbored fantasies of becoming a soldier, chances are you will be embracing military-themed clothing this season!

This ultra-sexy leather military jacket from John Varvatos is worth every penny.  Varvatos puts his signature rock and roll twist on a classic jacket in butter-soft leather.  John Varvatos’ Bowery flagship store is among the stops on the newly launched men’s tour.  PIck one up at 20% off on one of our tours this spring.  It’s a must-have for a cool evening.

Orlando Bloom is sporting  sexy skinny cargo pants for men in the Uniqlo ads featured on the subway and billboards of Manhattan.  Here at Shop Gotham, we’ll take one of each:  Bloom and his pants!  Pick up a pair for the guy in your life (also available for girls!) on a Soho tour today.

3. Comfy Slip-On Shoes

We love our heels at Shop Gotham, but we can’t help feeling a little envious of how easy men have it this season.  Slip-on shoes have long been a staple of summer, but this year the uber-casual footwear has caught the eye of one of our favorite designers, John Varvatos.  (Again!  We love him.  We’re shameless.)

This time we’re really excited by his collaboration with Converse for a classic, All-American look that dresses up or down.  On our most recent men’s tour, the employees were quick to point out this top seller:

This urban twist on an American classic is very New York.  For this and other trends, take your man on an NYC fashion and shopping tour today!