And The Most Popular Nail Polish Color On The Upper West Side Is…

Lady Gaga wearing Merino Cool last fall

…Essie’s “Merino Cool.”

I have absolutely no scientific data to back this claim up, only anecdotal evidence based on what I see in my (not insignificant amount) of time spent in various Upper West Side nail salons.

Essie released this color in its Fall 2010 collection, and it shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. In the “greige” family (this is a new color invented by the beauty press to describe a grey/beige hybrid), it has purple undertones. Every time I go to a salon, someone has it at their station. Last week I was in a salon and I had it, then two more people came in wanting it, too.

Plus I am constantly being stopped in shops, etc: “Oh, Merino Cool? Me, too!” I’m telling you, it’s huge. It’s the perfect multi-season color, too. Not too dark and not pastel. So for heaven’s sake– go try it out  so you’ll fit in with the rest of  the neighborhood.

If You’re Going To The Gap This Weekend, Bring This Coupon To Benefit Leukemia/Lymphoma Research

The Gap as a company is having lots of problems: They’re not making money, they’re not fashionable. OK, but I still find myself there buying things. I’m sure you do, too. Their jeans and pants still appeal to me, and they fit well.

If you’re planning to run into any of the Gap stores (which means Gap, Banana Republic, or Old Navy) this weekend, please print out this coupon and bring it with you. From March 17-20, you can get 30% off your purchases, but most importantly, 5% of sales will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

I’m not usually so serious in my posts here, but many of you know that I’m a pediatric nurse practitioner–most of my 15 years in this business has been spent in Pediatric Oncology. I’ve seen way too many kids die from these horrible diseases. So when an email from the LLS hit my inbox, I had to post it here.

I know there’s a lot going on in the world right now, but this is a small request: Just go shopping!

Go See The “Women’s Voices” Exhibit At El Taller Latinoamericano

There are many small treasures in our neighborhood, and despite the fact that I’ve lived on the Upper West Side for almost 10 years,  I’m still constantly discovering things.

Over the fall and winter I’ve been lucky to get to know the gracious and gentle family who owns El Taller Latinoamericao (“The Latin American Workshop”- 2710 Broadway, 3rd Fl @ 104th). El Taller is a not-for-profit cultural arts center that highlights music and art, as well as functions as a language school. (I should really resume Spanish studies there. After years of taking classes–high school, college, and community classes on and off–I still can’t make a proper sentence to save my life.)

Anyway, it’s a gem of a place, and I can personally attest to the quality of the sangria. The current exhibit at the Grady Alexis Gallery there is called “Women’s Voices” and it’s running now until April 7. Check the website for logistical details. Three artists’ work is displayed: Susan Hoeltzel, Beatrice Lereton, and J. Maya Luz.

So walk a few blocks out of your comfort zone and go take a peek.

The Upper Breast Side Tells The Pythian To Go Suck It As Real Estate Battle Begins

Supermodel Miranda Kerr nursing her newborn. Dad is Orlando Bloom

The Upper Breast Side (135 W. 70th, between Broadway & Columbus) has to win the award for most ridiculous yet most clever store name of all time. Motto: “You bring your breasts, we’ve got the rest!”

If you’re not familiar with this Upper West Side institution, it’s because you don’t have breasts. Or kids. Or both. It provides all manner of goods, services, and support groups for Upper West Side mothers who are nursing babies.

Today the NY Times reported that the UBS is embroiled in a legal battle with the Pythian, the condo building in which the store is housed. Wait, is it actually a store? That’s the question that’s at the heart of the battle.

What It’s Like To Have Pink Hair On The Upper West Side

From the March Harper's Bazaar

So I dyed my hair pink. There are lots of reasons I did this. I’ve always loved how pink hair looks. Remember when Gwen Stefani did it with that 70s feathery ‘do? Fantastic.

Pink hair is having a moment in fashion now, though perhaps not for the Upper West Side mom contingent. Since I straddle a lot of different roles simultaneously, I decided what the hell. Using my beauty editor gig at Fashionista as my rationale (research, you know), I emailed Misty (my beloved hair stylist from Scott J on 72nd and Columbus) the Harper‘s picture above and asked: “Can you do this to my hair?” Her answer: “Hell, yes! Make an appointment. ” So I did.