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!