In my tribe, going without a pedicure in the summer is almost like walking out of your apartment naked. You just wouldn't do it. And if you did, you wouldn't feel right about it.  Pedicures are an important part of our summer uniform. This form of ritualized adornment and self-display says, "I took the time to do this." We believe it makes us more attractive to men....or do we do it for each other?

There's a heatwave in Manhattan right now. The temperatures will be in the upper 90s all week. These feet belong to a couple of women waiting for the Hampton Jitney at E. 86th St. and Third Avenue. I noticed the nail colors — blue is big this summer, and does classic orange red ever go out of style? — as well as the sparkly footwear. (A woman with a bright yellow pedicure asked me not to post a photo of her foot; she was afraid her co-workers might recognize her and figure out she was taking a "mental health day" from work)