New York City is considered one of the foremost fashion Mecca’s in the world. If you want to know the latest and hottest styles and trends, look no further than the streets of NYC. It’s home to colossal runway shows, exclusive boutiques, top-notch designers, beautiful models – and everything that’s aspiring to fit into those categories. New York City is a city of innovation and class in fashion. There is nothing at all like the energy and personality of NYC. It’s busy and dramatic, deep and rich. No wonder it has millions of visitors every year. They’re all looking to see exactly what it is that is so compelling about the place. And for those looking for fashion inspiration, NYC has plenty. Here are some of the top places to get inspired about your style in New York City.

The Garment District

From Fifth Avenue to Ninth Avenue and 34^th to 42^nd, the Garment District of Manhattan is less than one square mile of fashion heaven. The major concentration of showrooms, warehouses, fashion label headquarters has been a major place for manufacturing and production since the early 1900’s. It is home to the Fashion Walk of Fame, a landmark for American fashion. If you need inspiration, it’s an incredible place to revel in the power of the fashion industry.

Fashion Week

Held for one week each year in February and September, New York City’s Fashion Week is one of the most exciting events in fashion worldwide. The shows are big and spectacular, and anyone who’s anyone in the fashion industry attends, including designers, models and celebrities. It’s an exciting time in the city, and the rest of the world is watching to see the future of fashion. From the newest trends to the hottest styles, Fashion Week sets the tone for style. There is no better time in NYC to be a fashion-lover than during Fashion Week.

The Fashion Institute of Technology

The Fashion Institute of Technology, or FIT, is located in the urban Chelsea neighborhood of NYC, and it’s ranked as one of the top five fashion schools in the world. Many of the future leaders of the fashion industry are attending FIT, and many of the current principle players are alumni. Some famous alumni of FIT are Michael Kors; Nina Garcia; Leon Max, CEO of Max Studios; and David Chu, CEO of Nautica. If you’re looking for fashion inspiration, just visit the campus of FIT where all the fresh young minds in fashion gather.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met, as the Metropolitan Museum of Art is more commonly known as, has over two million pieces of artwork and is one of the largest art museums in the world. It has an extensive collection of many different cultures and periods, from the earliest to the most modern artistic works. There is no better place to view such a vast variety of artwork. The sheer magnitude of the museum is overwhelming and inspiring. You could easily spend days or weeks browsing the different wings, and there is no shortage of creativity and talent on display.

Top fashion creatives check their writing using Grammarly, the most intuitive grammar checker on the web and home to Grammar Rules Handbook

With the ever increasing popularity of the world of online, more and more people are setting up their own online blogs in areas they are interested in. Fashion is one of the areas that are seeing lots of new blogs being created daily and a few of the site owners can actually make a decent amount of money from these. Here are a few tips to help you make your fashion blog a money maker – even if it is only enough to buy yourself a new t shirt.

Make sure your blog is focused on a specific niche and you’re more likely to attract the right visitors. Think how many sites you would come across if you were to search “running shoes” far too many to be able to find anything relevant to what you want. But if you were to create a site about “Japanese fashion in New York” You are more than likely going to be offering your readers something they can’t find anywhere else, and therefore giving them a reason to come back to your site directly next time.

One of the most important elements of making money from a fashion blog is visitors. If you have thousands of visitors to your blog every day looking at your fashion stories and sharing your content, you can sell these visitors on to other sites you think they may be interested in. This is known as affiliate marketing. For people who currently run and maintain their sites, this is a great way to bring in some additional income without actually having to do too much extra work. You simply place a partner’s ad on your site and that’s pretty much it. There is no hard-selling or encouragement needed to click on these. Usually, only a small amount of people tend to click through naturally to an advertisers site so if you don’t really receive a great deal of visitors to your site, you won’t be seeing the money rolling in.

Another way to make money with a fashion blog is to sell space to advertisers. This could be as simple as a banner on one of your most popular pages. You can charge a one of fee or an annual price. For a lot of the major fashion brands, getting their name out there is one of their biggest costs. Marketing is essential in this day and age and the more online presence a company has, the better. If your site is attracting thousands of visitors, big companies want to make sure it’s their brand they see.

You can also make money away from your blog too. By continually working on creating a blog that is interesting and that people will return to, you are creating a brand in that niche. If your blog is about 1950’s style in Manhattan, and a local store is promoting their new range of 1950’s underwear, if you are known enough, they may approach you to do a talk or a write up on their range. These sort of partnerships are ideal for both partners because you are both working with the same audience but there is no direct competition. You may also be asked by other sites to provide reviews or content for their sites if they see you as an authoritative voice in your niche. This leads straight back to the first point about working in a niche. The less competition you have in your market, the more likely you are to stand out.

Here are five New York fashion bloggers that have created a successful online business. Take a look at their sites for inspiration as well as ideas on what works and what fails on a fashion blog.

1 – http://whatiwore.tumblr.com/ -Daily fashion pictures

2 – http://www.theglamourai.com/ – Jewellery designer and Stylist

3-  http://www.wheredidugetthat.com/ – New york Rock chic

4 – http://styledefinednyc.com/street-style -Downtown nightlife and fashion

5- http://www.brookandlyn.com/blog/ – Vintage fashion

While a fashion blog isn’t going to let you quit our 9-5 job straight away and travel the world speaking at events, with a bit of TLC and a lot of time and effort, you can start to create a blog that brings in a reasonable income. When starting a business in any field, it’s important to research your market thoroughly and know your competitors before you even think about making tons of profit.

With flights to the Big Apple available at bargain prices, it has never been more tempting to fly over for a bite! And with the city’s reputation for glitz and glamour, as well as boho-chiq, there is definitely something for everyone in New York.

Whether you want to enjoy the gourmet cuisines on offer in New York’s world class restaurants, or have a coffee and chat with your girlfriends like the Sex and the City ladies, there is no shortage of hot locations. If you are after some NYC classic dishes, like rich cheesecake or platefuls of oysters, then Grand Central Station is the place to be. You’ve seen it in the movies, but the real thing is even livelier and grander. For another classic location, enjoy the bustle of Manhattan or Fifth Avenue, while sipping your skinny, half-caf, mocha-latte-chino, and when you are ready to hit the shops hail an iconic yellow cab; this common waving gesture which is now used worldwide to attract the attention of taxis and busses actually originates here, and has spread with the popularity of American cinema.

Where to shop? Surely Bloomingdales has to be your first stop, for all the trendy American brands at good prices. But if it’s the cutting edge of fashion that you are looking for Macy’s has no rivals, with Donna, Calvin and Ralph and every other big name you could think of. For a special souvenir or glimmering gift, have breakfast at Tiffany’s like Holly Golightly, and takeaway some of Audrey Hepburn’s elegance.

Of course, New York is not just about the high-end; with the city’s charming markets and alternative culture it has far more on offer. Foodies can’t miss the Chelsea Market, with food stalls of every possible variety. The Nolita market with the stunning backdrop of Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a classic sidewalk market well worth exploring. Finally, for flea-market lovers there are many options too, from the 6th avenue weekend antique fair, to ‘Greenflea’ on 76th and 77th Streets combining fresh farmer’s fare with a classic flea-market of crafts, antiques, and surprises!

Of course if you’re planning a shopping holiday in New York you’re going to want something typical ‘New Yoik’ to show for it. An I heart NY t-shirt definitely is traditional and no holiday to NY would be complete without one, at least for you if not for all your friends. If you’re looking for something a little bit different, yet still very typically NY, then why not opt for NYPD clothing or a trendier New York City t-shirt or maybe even something with Obama on it.

You’re not going to struggle to find souvenirs in New York, just about every second shop has them, although the quality will vary – generally from bad to shockingly bad if I’m honest, although there are a few stores that sell reasonably decent quality items out there. Of course, most of these products are now available online, so if you do forget to pick anything up, well there’s always the internet.

New York is a city that everyone feels at least a little familiar with, but it really has to be visited to be really appreciated. It has America’s larger-than life vivacity, and it’s multi-cultural variety. It is also truly the ultimate place to shop till you drop!

James writes for Skyscanner, a UK-based travel comparison company who compare flights to NY City (among other destinations) from airports around the world.

If there’s one fashion trend that our generation might be remembered for it could very well be the “hoodie.” The specific garment as we know it was created in the 1930s (though the style and form can be found well before the Middle Ages)—our generation has embraced the hooded sweatshirt in a way that defies history.

And why not? I can think of no article of clothing that better expresses the universality of the way our generation embraces culture. Actually, we demand it. No matter how old you are, gender, race or creed, the hoodie is our great equalizer. Across the world people are wearing hoodies.

RAG New York Hoodie

What’s the appeal, you might ask? It’s just a sweatshirt with a hood. Oh no—but it is so much more! There is something both comforting and invigorating about wearing a hoodie: it’s simultaneously sporty and cozy, stylish and practical. And let’s face it, the hoodie is just plain out cool.

A quick search of the internet reveals no shortage of hoodie love. Blogs devoted to their reverence, people using them as part of their identity, endless shopping outlets and design your own boutiques, and of course, who can forget Adam Sandler’s loving tribute to his Red Hooded Sweatshirt?

Of course, there are some aberrations out there as well. The “Hoodie Footie” comes to mind, with its “marshmallow softness” sounding almost nightmarish. One of the appeals of the hoodie is how quickly it can be thrown on in a moment of sudden need. The Hoodie Footie looks like you might have to beat it into submission before pulling it up and over your entire body. We recently discussed the phenomenon of the most expensive T shirts in the world, so it seems appropriate to touch on the Givenchy “Leather Jersey Hoodie.” Priced at $1,995.00, the short-sleeved hoodie makes up in notoriety what it lacks in coverage. It might be the only thing you wear for the rest of your life.

Lucky for the rest of us, the hoodie remains a part of indie-culture and, along with the pursuit of happiness, is something that exists to be accessible to all. Whether you are sporting a doudoune in Paris, cozying into a 帽衫 in Shang Hai, zipping up a huppari in Helsinki, or pulling over a caperuza in Buenos Aires, you certainly are enjoying life from the vantage point of the wonderfully universal, affectionately termed, hoodie.

Graphic Tees in Sports Rivalry

Rivalries are a nearly universal element in sports. For countless years, passionate fans have argued and fought for their team of choice. Constantly looking for new outlets to vent their emotions, fans have turned to graphic tees. T-shirts offer a continuous public display of the wearer’s loyalties and send a strong message to any adversaries. These creative graphic tees have poured more gasoline on the fires that fuel some of the world’s greatest sports rivalries.

Yankees vs. Red Sox

Arguably the most well-known and extended sports rivalry, these two teams have a history that goes way back. This graphic tee would most likely be found somewhere on the streets of New York City.

Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers

The Celtics and Lakers are two of the most successful franchises in basketball history, together accumulating a total of 33 championships. Inevitably this has lead to a coast vs. coast rivalry that has spanned many decades. This graphic tee displays a mantra that is very common in Beantown.

Michigan vs. Ohio State

The rivalry between Michigan and Ohio can be traced back to a war the occurred during the 1800’s. These two teams have a deep seated hatred for each other that has resulted in intense competition for the greater portion of a century. This t-shirt goes so far as to compare Ohio State fans to less evolved humans.

North Carolina vs. Duke

The rivalry between North Carolina and Duke, commonly referred to as “The Battle of the Blues”, is exacerbated by the fact that the two schools reside only 8 miles apart. With a reputation for some of the craziest fans, UNC fans would be proud to wear this graphic tee.

History of I Love NY T-Shirts

T-shirts with the famous “I heart” graphic design can be found all over the world. Their bold and simple style sends a strong message about the wearer and what he/she “loves”. The font on the shirt, American Typewriter, was used for its readability and has a hint of the nostalgic characters that were once produced by typewriters. The bright red heart contrasts with the black font and stands out on the white shirt.

I love New York City. I truly do. With some many people forced to exist is such close proximity to so many others its expected that we’re all constantly bombarded with crowds of people all trying to do the same thing. Human beings want to be unique creatures so naturally one’s self-image is constantly being refreshed and rethought. This innate desire to be look at as special and as a unique being is clearly manifested throughout the jungle that is the New York City fashion scene.

To truly appreciate NYC clothing one has to go beyond the I Love NY t-shirts. One has to see how urban culture and living has impacted the design of graphic tees. One has to draw parallels between hot and crowded subway cars and the almost frenzied desire to wear light and breathable cargo shorts. NYC clothing is unique because its constantly in demand and in order to stay ahead of the pack designers have to see clothing trends developing weeks in advance and then plan their clothing lines accordingly.

NYC clothing is all about standing out in a crowd and still being able to travel across the city comfortably and easily. The speed and quality of NYC fashion is present in all the boroughs but a native New Yorker can pick apart someone’s outfit, demeanor and the speed in which they walk down our crowded city sidewalks and almost immediately determine whether or not someone is from NYC. Its important to remember that wearing the proper clothes is only part of what it means to be a New Yorker, its also very important to walk with confidence and to walk fast!

New York City boasts some of the trendiest, most impressive clothing in the world. As a major center for culture, this city of over 8 million people offers everything from lavishly chic haute couture down to amazingly cheap thrift shop vintage. Yet, the beauty of New York clothing is that you can always find something fabulous, no matter where you go or what the price. Every clothing store display window exhibits all of the season’s hottest trends, screaming “buy me!” to every consumer walking in its path who dares to take a gander.

You can’t deny that fashion is ubiquitous in New York. No matter what neighborhood you are in, you will undoubtedly see unique and edgy style in the hundreds of people who peruse the streets every day. For instance, a casual stroll through the East Village will expose you to every trend from hipster to preppy to bohemian. You can find anything from the tightest skinny jeans you’ve ever seen in your life to wildly-colored knapsacks and fedora hats. Virtually every person, male or female, carries a bag whether it’s a messenger bag, designer satchel, or purse made out of men’s trousers. New Yorker’s seem to love toting around a ton of stuff. On a sunny day, it’s likely that you’ll see almost everyone sporting a great pair of shades, whether they’re purple-framed aviators or retro cat eye sunglasses. Yet, the best part of New York clothing is there is always a definite sense of eccentricity.

If luxury brands are more your style, a visit uptown to the more opulent part of town will typically flaunt the more sophisticated and extravagant side of New York clothing. This is where you will find many of the famous designers and fashion houses that are renowned by luxury brand aficionados all around the world. Wide-leg jeans and classy blazers are a prevalent sight among both men and women alike. Ruffles, bows, and sheer materials are an upcoming trend among “fashionistas” who have a slightly more expensive taste for fashion. Top name boutiques line the streets of Madison and Fifth Ave, and it is not uncommon to see celebrities and popular socialites casually browsing their favorite stores. Along with Paris and Milan, New York is one of the biggest, most influential fashion capitals of the world.

No matter what your own unique fashion statement is, showing your New York pride will never go out of style. I Love NY t shirts and FDNY sweatshirts can be personalized with whatever perfect accessories you choose to compliment them with. Whether you are a downtown hipster or an uptown businessman, showing love for this amazing city will never get old!

The meaning of what being in-style meant has changed over the years, continually breaking barriers and crossing new lines. Or taking a step or two back. Styles are re-visited, remixed and recycled to create new ones. Every time, a movement is born and another is phased out.

Here is a summary of what has happened in men’s New York clothing trends over the past 60 years.

In 1950, we have 2 extremes, the tidy and the dirty. One young man may be dressed in very formal attire:

Or be playing ball on the street in jeans and white t-shirt:

Then came the 60’s and the revolt from this:

Resulted in this:

The ideas was that you should wear whatever you want as long as you don’t look like everybody else. Which is exactly what happened. Hippies started their own look and many joined in and so started “looking like a hippie.” This involved leather, tie dyed t-shirts, beads, jeans, bell-bottoms, and much else.

1980’s New York clothing was a reflection of much of what was going on during those days. The graffiti “epidemic” was in strong at the time as could be seen on New York City subway cars, and Blondie was popular.

This meant that fashion was an eclectic mix of drab and eccentricity. Subtle, yet ridiculous.

Then came hip-hop and the influences that it brought with it. Baggy jeans galore.
(source: NY Times)

And here we are wearing plaid shorts in the 2000’s.

One usually associates plaid with the Scottish highlands. Or perhaps grunge rockers such as Nirvana. That was back in the early 90’s. Now plaid is back and so is summer. Colorful designs have become the norm at many Manhattan boutiques and we at R.A.G. carry them on the regular. But don’t expect to find a lumberjack’s wardrobe on sale here, we offer you an eclectic collection of urban plaid shorts.

Take a look at our collection here, starting at just $15:

These are plaid shorts that come in a variety of colors that are perfect for walking in the summer season.