You might be a hipster if, like Lola Wakefield, your research into this fascinating culture of indie rock fans, thrift store shoppers, and vegetarians, painted a picture of, well, you. Lola began writing Stuff Hipsters Don’t Like after moving to Williamsburg and hoping to try and document these strange skinny, night owls who never seem to work, only to discover she may actually be one. “’Oh the ridiculous hipsters,’ I would think to myself, smiling on the inside,” Lola explains. “But then something unexpected happened – I began to encounter people who described me – ME!- as a hipster. ‘Nonsense,’ I thought. But I began to worry that what they said was true.” Join Lola on her journey of self discovery and mocking on this biting and “hip” blog.

Tell us about your blog. It all began the second day I was living in New York. The guy I was subletting from introduced me to one of his friends who took me to the free movie screening of A Wet Hot American Summer at McCarren Pool. I was amazed because I had never in my life seen so many hipsters in one contained location before. I decided then and there that, lacking another writing outlet or any sort of employment for that matter, I would devote my literary energy to documenting hipsters in Williamsburg.

There was also the matter of my pseudo identity crisis, which I like to refer to as “My Hipster Dilemma.” Some people will tell me definitively that I am a hipster, citing various compelling reasons, while others assure me I am not. I got the conflicting responses when I was living in Ann Arbor, but it’s 10 times as bad in Williamsburg, leading me to believe I am, and probably always will, be a hipster fence-sitter. So, in making the decision to study the hipsters of Williamsburg, I embarked on a mission to learn about myself and what it really means to be a “hipster.”

What brought you to New York?

Journalism. The better question is, “What brought you to Williamsburg?”
I was talking to my friend who went to the Parson’s New School about what part of Brooklyn was best to live in. “What about Williamsburg?” I asked. “Ew, no. That place is crawling with hipsters,” she replied. Of course I started searching Craigslist the very next day.

What do you love about living in New York?

Everything. Throughout my youth, I’ve always been discontent with how slow things move, how boring people are, and how few options there always seem to be. I don’t have any of those complaints here, and I’ve never been happier.

What do you think makes a New Yorker?

New Yorkers are completely desensitized to the non-stop weirdness that happens around them. I’m pretty sure if you teleported one to a small town in Kansas or something, the displaced New Yorker would appear catatonic to the townspeople, while a small-towner from Kansas teleported to New York would be startled by everything and immediately have a seizure.

New Yorkers are constantly networking and seem to know everyone. At first I would walk around aimlessly, not recognizing a single face, but now when I walk down Bedford avenue, I get greetings both from people I have legitimately befriended and also the odd “Hey, Blogger Girl!” Also, New Yorkers are used to getting dripped on when it is not raining, whereas non-New Yorkers are alarmed by that.

What surprises you about New York or New Yorkers?

For how many people there are in this big city, I still find myself marveling at those “What a small world it is” moments. Before I moved, I figured that living here I would see people once and never again.

When you leave New York, what do you miss the most?

I haven’t left yet, and don’t expect to any time soon.

Best tips, tricks or insider info?

Hipsters are not as mean as they appear to be. In fact, it’s the ones who look the most intimidating (eg: angular haircuts, meaningless tattoos) that are the biggest softies. Though, this only applies if you don’t act like a total douchebag when you approach them.

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?

Does McCarren Park count? Probably only for hipster tourists, but whatev. I actually enjoy going to most of the hipster stomping grounds that I write about. That’s why my job is awesome. I get to go out and have a great time partying with hipsters (who definitely know how to party) and get great material for my blog.

Best place to dine late night?

The Charleston or the Alligator Lounge. Both of those places give you a free personal pizza when you order a beer – which is not overpriced like I expected. I mean, I like beer, I like pizza, everybody likes FREE stuff. It’s a triple-win situation!

Best live music venue?

Well is WAS the McCarren Park Pool Parties, no doubt, but the hipsters kind of messed that one up by letting the anti-gentrification yuppies dominate the City Council meetings. Now, I would have to say the Mercury Lounge, although that’s not in Williamsburg. Hipsters seem to like the grungy basement of The Charleston as well.

Last cultural thing that you did (movie, museum, theatre, etc…)

I participated in the Mr. and Miss Williamsburg Pageant. What’s more American that good ol’ fashioned pageantry, right? That was pretty much a circus, but fun nonetheless.

Best kept secret (shop / restaurant / attraction) in your neighborhood?

I am fearful of disclosing this information, as it’s usually pretty relaxed when I go there late at night and I don’t want it to become overrun by hipsters in search of “cool.” But Maracuja on Grand Street is the best place ever. Everything aesthetic about the place is perfect and it’s run by this adorable couple who seem to still be completely infatuated with each other. They bartend, cook, play good music and are awesome to talk to. There’s also really good group seating and a magical garden in back.

Best cheap fashion steals?

BEACON’S CLOSET. You can find really hot designer dresses that still have their $300 price tags on being sold for $30. The catch is, that stuff is mixed in with the Forever21 and Urban stuff too, so you have to really dig. Also, I would say the Salvation Armies all over Brooklyn and Manhattan. Screw elitist assholes who say they’re dirty and stuff; those places are treasure troves!

Strangest New York moment?

When my blog stalker showed up to my work with gin and a bag of candy.

Favorite NY irony?

*That nobody from Williamsburg is actually from Williamsburg. It’s like a big University where the curriculum is sleeping until 4, drinking Bloody Marys and being unemployed!

*That you can’t buy liquor and chasers in the same store! I don’t know why but this one really confuses me.

stuffhipstersdontlike.com

What Do You Like About Williamsburg? Post A Comment And Let Us Know!

When you’re looking for a party, just head to The Bunker. For the past five years, these merry makers have been driving the dance floor for folks from all over the city. Their regular Friday night gig at 11211 cultural hub Galapagos has become the city’s “it” party with world-renowned international artists taking the tables. This group knows how to bring the heat. The Bunker host, Bryan Kasenic – aka DJ Spinoza – says, “On New Year’s Eve we had a 19 hour party with 600 people.” Along with DJ Derek Plaslaiko, DJ and soundman Naudio, and hostess Seze Devres, Kasenic appreciates the NYC scene. “We are blessed to be in New York City where many popular DJs from around the world come to visit and then stop by to play for the The Bunker.” Next time you feel like dancing, pop over to Galapagos to get your groove on.

www.beyondbooking.com/thebunker

Cater to your inner creative at Pete’s Candy Store. This sweets-shop-turned-nightspot features a rainbow of events from stand-up comedy to adult spelling bees and quiz-offs. But, Pete’s real treat is the carefully selected live music that entertains every night of the week. The club’s discerning taste is a source of pride, and it shows through the pretentious staff. Grammy winner Norah Jones and indie crooner Devendra Banhart graced this stage when they were still unknowns. “People come from all over NY to this tiny little place in the middle of nowhere,” says a manager. The trip to Candy Land may be out of the way, but it’s worth the trek.

709 Lorimer Street between Richardson and Frost Streets, Brooklyn
www.petescandystore.com

Punk out your wardrobe with the help of Cassie Kogler, the 23-year-old design whiz behind New York Couture. “The spring collection is a mix between Victorian elegance and crazy 80s boombox. That’s A.D.D. right there!” laughs Kogler. Sick of mainstream clothing, the alternative fashionista taught herself to sew in between study sessions at Pace University. When friends and stores started requesting the hand-made creations she boldly wore around the city, New York Couture was born. The downtown scene, drag queens and club kids serve as her inspiration, in addition to the experimental singer Bjork. “She always takes chances and is very adventurous,” says Kogler. One thing’s for sure: on the stage or on the street, it’s clear that these in-your-face designs will turn heads.

www.newyorkcouture.net

Shop New York Couture at:
Femme Fatale Clothing
578 Driggs Avenue, 11211
(718) 497-6055

Young Designers Market
268 Mulberry Street, 10012
Saturdays and Sundays only

Rusty Jacobs and Scott Tiler played young James Woods and Robert De Niro in the “new classic” Once Upon a Time in America. The film, directed by Italian film legend Sergio Leone, paints a picture of Jewish gangsters in Prohibition-era Brooklyn. Go On This Spot with them as they return to several film locations, including the Manhattan Bridge, the site of a pivotal scene in the movie.