Jennifer’s answer to “can anyone grasp the years it took place between?” > Likes and Comments

This in interesting piece by the author about some of the inspirations behind the book. She refers to time and place as "undated New York." It's a good read. It does contain spoilers.
http://www.vulture.com/2015/04/how-ha...

Jennifer, first thing I thought of was "all four left their phones in their coats"? How is that possible? Why even mention it? And they had nothing to throw at the neighbors windows? So I suppose they left their shoes with their coats?