Things That Apparently Still Exist In New York City: Uncoverted Loft Space

True story: My friend Jen decided, at the age of 36, to start a band. She found a space in DUMBO, Brooklyn and invited all of her nearest and dearest out to watch her sing 90s covers. It was genius.

On Saturday night about 40 of us headed out to Plymouth Street in DUMBO, the one block in the area where it still seems feasible that you could be randomly stabbed. We ended up in an unconverted loft in which a couple lives and throws parties in their apartment. (There was even a free roaming cat!) There was no heat in the hallways and a BB gun shooting range was down the hall. I heard at least one refernce to Burning Man. The quote of the evening was when some guy came up to me and said, "I love the annulet you're wearing. It's very Neverending Story.

The building totally isn't zoned for residential purposes, and for that we were all in awe. Pioneers! They still exist.

Many of us New York City old timers hadn't seen space like it since, easily, 2000. I remember, in 2001, seeing something similar on Canal and Broadway, but it's likely since been converted into a condo. Or an HSBC.

Photos are below.

Absinthe, anyone?


Jen = Susannah Hoff's doppleganger. Have I mentioned that she's written a book?


Jen's drummer is an adorable, sweet pea. And yes, that is a toy drum set that she rocked all night.


Jen's male fans are straight out of the Clinton era.


I don't know why these two just don't get together already.


Erin C. et moi! It was tough dressing for the evening, given that it was 10 degrees outside and I was going to a party in a warehouse on the riverfront.


Arty shot in the candle lit bathroom


Inside the loft. Look at those windows!


I can't even imagine what this must look like in the daytime.


How many people do you know that have a full stage in their living room? And a trapeze hanging from the ceiling?


It was an artist's loft, indeed.


OK. Now the good stuff. The freezing cold halls! This where things get raw.


Actual debris in the halls.


There were a few bikes in the hall. None were locked up. Honor code, kids.


Despite their tough exterior, these doors did nothing to keep the cold out.


In case we got bored of Jen's vocal stylings.


Sadly, I left my gat at home.


None at all? Then why are we in Brooklyn?

The Junior League Pre-Winter Ball Party!

Last night was the first Junior League party of 2009, and it was good times all around. It was very well attended and when I left at 11:15 the dance floor was packed. The ladies and I started the evening with drinks at The Carlyle Hotel, and then we moseyed over to the The League. I like the Carlyle. It's very olde New York, complete with piano player. I had one Coke and my way with the peanuts.

Katie, Julie and Anne. All attractive people.


Louisa and I. Her dress was awesome and had pockets! 90% of the fun of going to any Junior League party is checking out what everyone's wearing.


Almost five months pregnant and still lookin' sharp. The key to not looking like the pregnant lady at the party is picking clothes that are structured. It took a lot to find this outfit, but it's a winner If you take my clothes off I do, in fact, have quite the bump, but it's not the look I was going for last night.


Full length of the outfit, at the end of the night.


One of my awesome provisional leaders, Cassie.


Jenny!


One of my fave photos of the night. I didn't do much dancing, but definitely had my way with a tray of mini cupcakes.

It's The Junior League Homecoming Party!

Friday night was the New York Junior League's Homecoming party. It was 80s themed, and my crew and I did it up right.

I searched high and low for this dress. I'm channeling Ivana Trump, circa 1986.


Sam et moi, lookin' sharp. Sam left shortly after this photo was taken, something about meeting up with a chick. True story.


Kim and I, pre-party with booze in teacups. Klassy!


Spotlight On Performance committee members


Everyone in my lobby.


This may very well be my Christmas card.


Best shot of the evening.


These guys took the 80s theme to the next level.


Katie always rocks my Casbah


Louisa et moi.


Jane!


Awesome turnout


Shiny, happy 80s


Kim fights off the paparazzi


This dress is awesome for so many reasons.


Magenta and gold heels -- FOR THE WIN!


If this is vintage, then it's awesome.


Jane and I, end of the evening.


End of the night, still lookin' sharp.

Welcome to The Holly-Daze!

November 30th marked the start of my favorite time of year, the holiday party season. On Friday night my band of merry pranksters and I set off to two parties, where I pretty much saw every person in media that I know.

The full set can be found here.

First, some pre-game shots. I really need to clean out those bookcases.


How much for the bodega cat?


At the package store, because you can't come to a party empty handed.


I don't even know.


One for the road. I kind of look like a berry.


I waited for months to be able to wear these shoes.


Hey look! It's Nichelle!


This photo cracks me up.


Tom is so tall he doesn't fit in the frame.


Who brought the top hat?


To hell with this party. She's going to sleep.