I've grown accustomed to her face

[chrissigrl]

I know I'm supposed to be distressed about how the weather is so hot and it's only the beginning of April because that indicates we're all going to burn to death by 2019 (If we don't burn to death in 2012 first), but it's really hard to do that when every time I walk outdoors, the sense memory of "IT'S SUMMER!!!!!" hits me. Since I don't even leave the house if the temperature is under 60, it's a pleasant change to be out of doors.

Oh well. According to the weather report, this ridiculously warm stint was a one off; it'll be back to 52 degrees the day after tomorrow.

I did a shoot with These guys yesterday, making a parody of this. Their wardrobe coordinator requested we dress as closely to the people in the original vid as possible, so I wore my rippy jeans*, an American Apparel v neck, and put on enough costume jewelry to re-stock a Claire's. 8 layers of eye makeup (with body glitter courtesy of the hair and makeup department) and two handfuls of hair paste, and I looked like a greasy, glittery, walking STD. billyfleetwood was working near the CH studios in Williamsburg, so when I wrapped I walked over to say hi. Initially, I was sort of embarrassed to be walking around looking likea herpes-chlamydia combo platter, but it turns out the closer you walk towards Bedford, everyone looks like a dirty sweaty mix of disease and ironic haircuts.

I almost never hang out in Williamsburg, and now I am reminded why: I am equal parts grossed out and intimated because I am definitely NOT cool enough to walk around over there. My hair isn't asymmetrical enough, my jeans aren't skinny enough (and neither are my thighs). EVERYone is riding around on skateboards and walking around in the sunshine and I'm pretty sure nobody there actually has a job. Part of me wants to move there so that I might one day feel like I fit in with Manhattan's cooler baby sister Brooklyn, but I'm pretty sure living in Queens for nigh on a decade has made me a bit too cynical; I'm accustomed to being the only blonde getting off at my subway stop. I find it comforting that I can still walk to the grocery store in my sweatpants without having to be "ironic" about it (oh, and I also like, you know, being able to afford my rent.)


*ironically, these jeans are probably the most expensive thing I own, as they are of the $350 True Religion variety- a gift, not a purchase.

Comments

[bart-calendar.livejournal.com]

You are better than Brooklyn.

[chrissigrl.livejournal.com]

In queens I win the Young and Hip award mostly because I'm one of the few people under 30 who is white and born in this country. If I walked any farther south on Greenpoint ave, My knowledge of messy hair and summer scarves would never hold up.

Check it- How many celeb kids do you know named Brooklyn? I can think of 3 right off the top of my head.

How many famous kids named Queens?

[charlotte-webb.livejournal.com]

I don't know ... once you get off the worst stretch of Bedford, Billyburg isn't so bad. Great restaurants, non-hipster bars, and easy walk to Manhattan Bridge or park or other places ... I kinda like it. But yeah, that one stretch is deadly. When I walk to the subway from BEB's place, I take Driggs just to avoid those people.

[chrissigrl.livejournal.com]

I think left on my own I feel kind of out in the open. Like, at any moment, a real hipster is going to out me for not belonging there. Sometimes I'll hang out with friends who live there and it's not as bad. Being better at the geography so I don't have to check my phone for directions and having a good hair day would probably help matters.

[charlotte-webb.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the cool mom demographic isn't as competitive, although there are some serious rock star type families out there.

[007donuts.livejournal.com]

yeah, I'm ok with Williamsburg now. like with anything, you have to make it work for you.

[billyfleetwood.livejournal.com]

a) you were with me, so that's all the cool points you need.

b) life isn't a fashion show. You realize that, they dont. You win.

c) Remember the Jersey guy in his truck cursing loudly into his cell phone? Williamsburg is 60% that guy, but nobody ever notices because they're too busy paying attention to the one chick who "forgot" to wear pants.

[sui-generis.livejournal.com]

b) Yeah, that's what I was thinking -- it's worrying about what the hipsters think that MAKES one a hipster, I believe. Spreads faster than zombie bites that way. And is in just as much desperate need of brains.

c) Forgot to wear pants? Maybe Brooklyn is worth visiting, hmmmm.

[charlotte-webb.livejournal.com]

When I would walk to the train before my 8 am class, it would be all Hasidim and old Polish people. Hipsters sleep late.

[auralee.livejournal.com]

i lived on north 9th for about six months, i know all too well how you feel. i never felt comfortable there after so many years in astoria. i was too old (27), too normal, too poor. it was not my favorite. great bars and restaurants, sure. but it wasn't enough for me.

[jupiterjuniper.livejournal.com]

i need to see this video when you finish it.

i also miss you.