Alphabet City In The 1970s

This photo of Alphabet City in the 1970s is making the rounds on Facebook. I have no idea what block it is or what direction it's facing. Amazing what a difference a few decades makes. Parts of the Upper East Side haven't changed in a century, while downtown has had at least nine lives.

And A Good Weekend Was Had By All

, originally uploaded by La Pauline.

I love a busy weekend. Whether it's busy because of clients or due to social obligations, I'd rather be out and about than in the house.

This weekend was overbooked with karaoke with a friend's mother who was in town as well as birthday brunch on Clinton Street on the Lower East Side. I remember when Clinton Street was sketchy -- now there are tourists down there. The Lower East Side is so sanitized. I constantly seek out people who remember it in 2001, 2003 -- long before there were fancy hotels or even legitimate ATMs. And when I do, we all nod in agreement, as if we're part of some pre-gentrification club. We went to to the Luna Lounge. We remember when there was a parking lot where the Ludlow apartment complex now stands. We want it back.

The photo above was taken at Tapeo 29, a really wonderful tapas restaurant. It's won awards for actually serving real Spanish food. In a neighborhood that has become riddled with poseurs, it's nice to find something that's real, at least according to Zagats.

Downtown Studios And One Bedrooms -- Under $2100 A Month

True story: Today, for the first time ever, a client stood me up. She never bothered to show up despite confirming an 11:00 a.m. appointment the night before. I was annoyed. No one puts La Pauline in a corner! Since I already had the keys and the apartments picked out, I went out anyway and took a look at West Village studios and one bedrooms under $2100. (Not everything with me a $5000 two bedroom.) Now I know about lots of nice ones. Lemons into lemonade, kids.

Mulberry and Grand -- $2100
This one bedroom isn't in the West Village, but it's a cool place, one flight up and totally renovated. I love the deco fireplace in the bedroom.


Thompson and Bleeker -- $1750 -- One Bedroom
This is a neat apartment. Sure, it's a walk up with some funny linoleum floors, but it's bright, renovated and a true one bedroom with an eat-in kitchen and a bright living room. All the appliances are new. It's enough space for one person, and there are great closets.


MacDougal and Prince -- $1800 -- Large Studio
This is a place with a seriously great location. It's listed as a one bedroom, but it's really a large studio with an eat-in kitchen. Everything's new: floors, appliances, etc. It's another great space for one person, like a student or a new hire.

An Amazing Place To Live On Union Square -- $6200 A month

Living in Union Square means being in the middle of everything. Subways, nightlife, action, it's all on 14th Street.

This is an enormous two bedroom on the 8th Floor of a high rise right on 14th and Fourth Avenue. It has two large, sunny bathrooms, two new marble baths, a new kitchen and an enormous living room (about 550 square feet) which also has a dining area. $6200 a month. Doorman, elevator, laundry, etc. It's one of the largest apartments I've seen in a long time, and for its size and location it's quite a deal.

New Kitchen


One of two new marble baths


One of two very large and sunny bedrooms that overlook Union Square.


Another view of the living room


Dining alcove