Phoebe Cates Kline was so fond of the Upper East Side branch of gift store Penny Whistle that when it closed, she simply had to replace it. Blue Tree (1283 Madison Ave., nr. 92nd St.; 212-369-2583) stocks similarly tasteful, hip kids’ toys (check out indoor skateboards by Modern Convenience), but Penny Whistle never had fashion—or Fred Leighton diamonds. Upstairs, there’s an impressive selection of European and lesser-known designers like Les Prairies de Paris, 1/2 Un-Demi, and Holly Krüeger.
West Coast–based store Margaret O’Leary has a loyal East Coast following for its knitwear, and now it has an Upper East Side outlet (1100 Madison Ave., at 83rd St.; 646-216-2830). Cynthia Steffe, Meli-Melo, and Jill Platner hang alongside easy-to-wear knits, clothes, and accessories.
The wait for your highlights to take is easy at Philip Pelusi’s new hair salon (31 Little West 12th St., nr. Washington St.; 888-263-4720)—there’s a café, library, and gallery.