Thursday, February 25, 2010

Must Hear, Must Have

New Brit "it" girl V.V. Brown is making a name for herself state-side. With her recent show at Brooklyn Bowl, Ms. Brown knocked the bowling socks off of attendees with her crowd-pleasers, 'Shark in the Water' and 'Crying Blood.'
Mark this tranny's words, this is one to watch. Reminiscent of a playful Amy Winehouse, mixed with modern doo-wop, Ms. Brown is ruffling feathers. It's just pure, whimsical fun. The perfect tunes to put you in the mood for Spring.
Want context? V.V. co-wrote the Pussycat Dolls' 'PCD'. She also wrote a few songs for the Sugababes, the U.K.'s latest girl-band craze. Not bad for a 26-year old, huh?
Check out Ms. Brown in an acoustic piece filmed for Paper magazine.


Best for Day 33


A still from the much anticipated Telephone video (due to launch next week) - Ga brings everything mid-century modern gay together. Judging from the stills, it appears to be very A Single Man meets Edward Scissorhands and it looks fabulous. Stayed tuned for full footage kiddies. RA-Gas unite!

Worst for Day

Getting straight guys into bed is a talent not all gays posses. Some have it, Anthony Stancl did not, which is why he resorted to posing as a girl on Facebook and collecting nude photos of 30 of his male high school classmates then using those to blackmail the guys into sex with him. On Wednesday, Stancl was sentenced to 15 years for his sloppy seduction. But is this punishment? The 19 year-old will surely find plenty of horny "straight guys" waiting for him in prison.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Spotted @ 2 Downtown Parties

The editors and directors of Paper Magazine hosted a small party last night at Macoa, ostensibly introducing the snug restaurant/nightclub on Church St. to the magazine's friends. Svedka provided signature cocktails to a mixed crowd ranging from dads in suits to mohawks from the LES. SPOTTED at Macao . . . Paper mag's editorial director and front row regular at every Fashion Week show, Mickey Boardman, holding court . . . Michelle Lindsay, also of Paper, meeting, greeting and showering guests with compliments. . . Efrain Oliva making introductions as usual.
Switching gears (and crowds), A Private Club and Lalique hosted a kick-off party for "Decodence: Legendary Interiors and Illustrious Travelers Aboard the SS Normandie" at the South Street Seaport Museum. The exhibit celebrates the elaborate deco interiors of the fabulous SS Normandie. The opening celebration was a preppy party à la "Gossip Girl" featuring the usual cast of characters: post-grads in blue blazers and slicked-back hair alongside Chanel 2.55-swinging girls enjoying a little too much white wine for a Tuesday night. The wait staff, provided by the charming Marc Levine, were most attractive, as usual. Gift bags included the limited edition SS Normandie tee shirts designed by Jeremy Scott. (Perfect for P-town!) The biggest sighting in the usual crowd of party queers (*cough* Kristian Laliberte *cough*) was Seth Weissman, the boy who allegedly bought half of Fire Island Pines!


Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Binge 4: The Waterbobble


While not all of us spend countless hours in the gym, TTT does understand the perks: lurking in the steam room at a mid-town Equinox, spotting your squats partner or bulking up for your summer share - to name a few. This is the time of year we all get a little more body conscious, especially with spring holidays in the tropics around the corner and FIP weekends commencing soon thereafter. Whether the means to your method is vinyasa at Greenhouse or a brisk jog around the McCarren track, start out your spring regiment in style - Waterbobble is an inexpensive way to quench your thirst and show a little green flair while mincing to the locker room. Just think of how much cash you’ll save by nixing the Evian for a fashion forward pocket Brita, at $10 a pop, you'll be able to afford to stock up on your UnderArmor.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Best for Monday

I mean... what more could you want from a Dolce & Gabbana ad? Glitterazzi, man-on-man action, subtle butt glancing, bow-ties and hot Italian men. All that is missing from this BFD is Madonna eating pasta with her bare hands in the back corner.

Spotted @ Sugarland

Only if you were at Sugarland on Saturday can you understand how ridiculously packed it was. Everyone and his gay brother was there to celebrate the official end of New York Fashion Week, including fashion's Gaysian mafia. SPOTTED at Sugarland . . . kicking off the sophomore year of his celebrated design career, Prabal Gurung . . . the man behind the must-have tees for S/S10, Alexander Wang . . . international sensation and sweet-as-pie style blogger who might as well just move to the Bedford stop, Bryan Boy . . .

Friday, February 19, 2010

Best for Evening : A Birthday Party to Support Haiti Relief


A birthday party and a Haiti benefit in one. What could be more best for Friday evening? The crowd will be cute, there's an open vodka bar 9:00-10:30 and 100% of proceeds go to helping those affected by the earthquake. Sounds like a sure bet!

Spotted @ 3RDWard 2009 Winter Group Show

Last Friday, Williamsburg's artarazzi hiked to the Morgan stop for 3RDWard's 2009 Winter Group Show. The show included the work of 25 artists, narrowed down from hundreds of submissions worldwide. The event drew a pretty, pretty crowd. SPOTTED at 3RDWard . . . HBO's Jenita Ulloa supporting her friend and colleague Nikolay Lyutskanov . . . modern master Emily St. John (above with her portrait of musician boyfriend Jermiah Furr) . . . the Atlanta brigade Will Sansom, Kari Green, Lauren Baker, Skye Whitley, Anna Burns . . . yoginis fresh from a retreat in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Julie Tomaino, Tiziana Angello, Leigh Evans . . . DJ Spreadin' It creating the soundtrack

Tranny Vocab Lesson 14 : The Careerist

Attention, kiddies - it's time to put on your thinking caps because Tranny Vocab is about to resume. In this series, The Tranny Times explores the varied and wonderful lexicon of Williamsburg trannies. Today's lesson is The Careerist.


The Careerist [th ee kuh-reer-ist] noun. The pursuit of professional advancement is his top priority; this gay is all business, even when at play.

What to look out for: The Careerist is the Venus Flytrap of gay men. His underwear model looks will distract you, his well-rehearsed cocktail party banter will maintain your interest and his tony co-op with its closet full of impeccably cut suits and pictures of friends at his house on Water Island will have you thinking husband. Not so fast, girl. The Careerist prefers his men like his salad dressing: on the side. The Careerist is the perennial bachelor that everyone would like to catch, the missing half of everyone's GPC. The Careerist would make a fantastic mate if he wasn't already married . . . to his job. Don't get it twisted, sister, you'll always be the other woman.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Best for Evening : GUMBO @ Galapagos

The monthly GUMBO party at Galapagos in downtown Brooklyn is THE party for good times with cute boys. This month's party takes on a cinematic theme with the Independent Film Project in the role of co-host. Have a GUMBO-jito, get a haircut, be photographed, make an Instant Flipbook, meet a boy, get married and move to Connecticut, all in one night! Ok, maybe not the last part but you never know. GUMBO is best for evening. See you there!

Best for Fashion Week

A perfect closing photo to New York's Fashion week. Our fave style blogger Bryanboy and Zoe's right hand top-fop, Brad Goreski, seated together at Philip Lim.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Thom Browne Fall '10

Thom has "ivy" boy down to a tee -- and does so at any ivy price point. But what other American designer to we look to for forward thinking sportswear that is appropo for Friday's at the office that is also whispered about on the ferry to the pines? The S/S '10 collection boasts a plethora of standards; red and blue stripes, undercut trousers and trim cut shorts - all with a hint of irony and pizzaz. Anyone shelling out 5K for their share can certainly shell another 4K for the fab new tweed suit that he has restructured. Pair it with you alma mater vintage sweater and you are good to go- whether it be mincing down 8th ave or through the meat rack. Girls best be thinking ahead... Our summer homes are not so far off.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Gawker.com : Further Down the Spiral

The quality of writing at Gawker has been on the decline for a solid four years. With editors picked off one-by-one to head-up "legit" media outlets' online platforms (Time.com, RadarOnline.com) the talent pool at the New York media centric blog is as scummy as your Fire Island house's hot tub after Ascension weekend. The draw of the blog has devolved from breaking "insider" news to snark for snarkiness' sake and finally to stale rumors and reposts from partner blogs. The 2007 debut and explosive popularity of Jezebel was an alarm that something is broken at Gawker Media. Simply put, how did the franchise "girls' blog" so quickly outshine the flagship site?
When Brian Moylan joined Gawker a few months, his gay humor posts initially seemed like a bright spot on the blog: funny, New York-y subject matter the likes of which Gawker readers hadn't seen since "Phonecalls from the Past" and "Altercations". As with all things "Gawker", nothing good lasts. It's totes unforch that Moylan's pieces get worse with every gay listicle he bangs out. (Remember when Gawker railed against the proliferation of listicles online and in print?!). His newest, "A Handy Guide to All Gay Men", trips its way through tired clichés, out-of-touch omissions and one major error. It's as if someone in Kansas (or Guam) wrote the post based on what their gay cousin once told him about life in New York.
For starters, this list in not New York specific, as his post implies. Two-thirds of the TTT editorial board hail from opposite ends of the nation and we all knew what each of these "types of gay" were before owning our first foreign-made automobiles. The piece glosses over the major subgroups of gay culture specific to New York. Where are the Ivy-gays, the Otters, the WAMRs, the society walkers and industry big-wig closet cases? Where are the NY-relevant gays? As for hangouts, this list may as well have been written in 1999. Who is packing it in at The Phoenix, Eastern Bloc, The Boiler Room, Metropolitan, The Boom Boom Room, Club 57 and Sugarland every night? Finally, what the hell is a drag queen doing on a list of types of gay men? A unicorn is a unicorn not a horse with a horn; a drag queen is a drag queen not a gay guy with duct tape on his johnson. By Moylan's definition of "type of gay man", he should add "TV weatherman" to the list. (Think about it.)

One thing about Gawker, it is consistent. It consistently sucks more each year.

Best for Day 34

Aesthetically speaking, there is no better time of year in New York than Fashion Week. Even from the periphery it's a feast for the eyes: the boys are dressed up, the girls bring out the big guns, BryanBoy is in town, and the parties never cease. With just three more days or shows and events, we're calling NY Fashion Week best for day . . .

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Must Have : Chatroulette.com









It's been banging around the Internet for about 2 weeks now but Chatroulette is just now blowing up as the new big meme. It's simple: log on to www.chatroulette.com, enable your webcam and you're randomly connected to someone else anywhere in the world. Users are about 80% male so expect a lot of college boys, European dudes, and cock-shots! Who doesn't love a random web wank, especially by a college boy or European dude? Seriously, Chatroulette: must have . . . or at least try.

Worst for Day

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Fop Checklist:

A little Tuesday afternoon reading for those who are not busy pushing papers, or rather, need a break from doing so. While most points on this list remain relevant, TTT has taken the liberty of highlighting a few forgotten rules of the modern fop.

“For those not born with a natural dandy effect, this dissection of the dandy temperament will serve as a guide to the proper pose. Individual dandies throughout the ages have emphasized certain qualities over others, but all qualities must be present in some degree for the effect to reach full fruition.”

Here are the qualities that comprise the anatomy of the dandy, ranked in order of importance (TTT editorial remarks in red):

1. Physical distinction

Dandyism can only be painted on a suitable canvas. It is impossible to cut a dandy figure without being tall, slender and handsome, or having at least one of those characteristics to a high degree while remaining at least average in the other two.

“To appear well dressed, be skinny and tall.” — Mason Cooley

2. Elegance

Elegance, of course, as defined by the standards of a dandy’s particular era.

“The dandy's independence, assurance, originality, self-control and refinement should all be visible in the cut of his clothes.” — Ellen Moers

Dandies must love contemporary costume, says Beerbohm, and their dress should be “free from folly or affectation.” love a good costume!

3. Self-mastery

Barbey speaks of the dandy’s staunch determination to remain unmoved, while Baudelaire says that should a dandy suffer pain, he will “keep smiling.” –say it with a smile gurl.

“Immense calm with your heart pounding.” — Noel Coward

4. Aplomb

While self-mastery is the internal practice of keeping emotions in check, aplomb is how it is expressed to the dandy’s audience.

“Dandyism introduces antique calm among our modern agitations.” — Barbey d’Aurevilly

5. Independence

Ideally financial independence, but if the dandy is forced to work, a spirit of independence will be expressed through his work. “forced” to work, that's why we spend our happy hours at the Townhouse.

Independence — often to the point of aloofness — will also characterize the dandy’s dealings with the world.

“The epitome of selfish irresponsibility, he was ideally free of all human commitments that conflict with taste: passions, moralities, ambitions, politics or occupations.” — Moers - this.is.fabulous.

6. Wit

Especially a paradoxical way of talking lightly of the serious and seriously of the light that carries philosophical implications.

7. A skeptical, world-weary, sophisticated, bored or blasé demeanor

“The dandy is blasé, or feigns to be.” — Baudelaire

“A spirit of gay misanthropy, a cynical, depreciating view of society.” — Lister – aaaaaaawhat… sound like someone you know?...

“Other people are quite dreadful. The only possible society is oneself.” — Wilde

8. Dignity/Reserve

“the darker and stormier emotions should be kept to ones self” — Bulwer-Lytton

“A flawless dandy, he would be annoyed if he were considered romantic.” — Oscar Wilde, “An Ideal Husband”

9. Discriminating taste

10. A renaissance man

“A complete gentleman, who, according to Sir Fopling, ought to dress well, dance well, fence well, have a genius for love letters, and an agreeable voice for a chamber.” — Etherege, quoted by Bulwer-Lytton in “Pelham”

and finally:

For in the end there is not a code of dandyism, as Barbey writes. “If there were, anybody could be a dandy.”


for more info check out anatomyofadandy

Spotted @ Metropolitan, Bryanboy : Le Superstar Fabuleux

He's lauded in L.A., mobbed in Manhattan, front row in Paris and adored the world over via his blog: he's BryanBoy and last night he was SPOTTED in Williamsburg having dollar PBRs at Metropolitan. The petite blogger began chronicling his style and lifestyle along with the international collections from his home in Manila, Philippines five years ago. Flash forward a few seasons and Bryanboy has a Marc Jacobs bag named after him and held the place of honor at last season's Dolce & Gabbana show in Milan, sitting front row along side IHT/NY Times' Suzy Menkes, Vogue's Sally Singer, Hamish Bowles and Anna (f-ing) Wintour. According to BB, Williamsburg is super cute and he loves Metro's cheap drinks!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Worst For Day

Nothing says trash louder than Louis Vuitton's newest family edition. The "trash bags" are part of the S/S '10 collection and a blaring mistake, especially at $2,000 a pop. We hope Rachel is not "dying" over these, at least not in a good way. Back to the drawing board Marc.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Must Read : If You Have to Cry Go Outside

Like every news outlet with taste, TTT is obsessed with Bravo's "Kell on Earth". Kelly Cutrone is no doubt a bitch, but never for "bitchiness"'s sake. The New York fashion mover and shaker runs a tight ship with no room for empty-headed, over-eager blondes. In true bitch form, she seemingly ignores the fact that it was two blondes, Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port, who made her part of the national conversation. (Or was it Cutrone who made them?) It's with this love of Cutrone's no nonsense operating style that we are at the ready to read If You Have to Cry, Go Outside, Cutone's guide to life aimed at "young women at gay boys". Sound the alarm to book clubs in all 5 boroughs and await the barrage of Cutrone's bon mots ringing out in gay bars from Hells Kitchen to dinner parties in Park Slope.

Missed Connections 14

The Tranny Times believes in love. Whether it takes you to a Wainscot colonial with a white picket fence or to White Castle after the lights come up at The Mothership, we support men meeting men! As a public service, The Tranny Times trolls Craigslist Missed Connections looking for ads from the love lorn. Each week we collect the best.

There is no "try" in smiling.
The scene: You and a pal on the L train, maybe saw me seeing you in the reflection of the train window. You had amazing black and creme houndstooth gloves, and great ears. When I left the train, you and your pal watched me leave... I tried to smile. I Thought you were cute. What was I wearing or what stop did I get off the train?
Maybe he'll "try" to respond : pers-jqep7-1586584387@craigslist.org

Control Queen seeks nearsighted Romeo
Sooooo, it was around 5:30 or so. I noticed you when I you got on, I was already sitting. But alas, I'd been working nonstop for days, and was a zombie with my coffee and phone solitaire being the only things keeping me awake on my ride home. You brought me out of my stupor when you asked me where I got my glasses. If you would like my assistance when picking out your new frames, I would love nothing more than to do that.
Sooooo, respond to this add and if he's not swamped he'll call ya back : pers-jtzfe-1578800504@craigslist.org

This has to do with 'Lost' right?
You are about 40. I was 21 (white guy with light hair)
You're a really sweet, quiet, chinese gentleman. you had short black hair and we were headed to new york city from beijing on china air. it was march 2009.
i helped you write the customs paper. you told me you had a wife and a son about 18.
you were so kind and so charming, i got chills watching you when u fell asleep. i would have loved to be in your arms hugging you. i wish i asked you for your phone number but i guess you werent gay... oh i had such a good feeling though sitting next to you!
chills, you gave him CHILLS! (bird flu?) : pers-rwxmw-1578904149@craigslist.org

"More time at the gym"
Had a hot time with the 3 hot guys in the steam and sauna yesterday at the Prospect Park YMCA. Around 530. Would be hot to get together again. Made out with guy in the steam room and came and he tasted it. Would love to hang out again. Get in touch with me with a face pic and ill send mine back so i know it was you.
Glad to see everyone is keeping his new year's resolution : pers-amdfj-1580383491@craigslist.org

More Gym Drama
This isn't really a missed connection, as you introduced yourself when we were both leaving the Brooklyn Heights Equinox at around 10 on Thursday evening and we walked to Clinton together. I just wish now that I had asked for your number or given you mine. I don't know what the odds are that you will read this, but I hope you do or that I will run into you again soon--it seems likely as I've definitely noticed you at the Equinox many times in the past (as I think you are probably aware). Perhaps we can work out together some time, get a coffee, something? John
No need for a Missed Connection, patience John, patience.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Tranny Vocab Lesson 13 : Control Queen

Attention, kiddies - it's time to put on your thinking caps because Tranny Vocab is about to resume. In this series, The Tranny Times explores the varied and wonderful lexicon of Williamsburg trannies. Today's lesson is Control Queen.







Control Queen [kuhn-trohl kween] noun. The kind of gay guy who's wound a little too tightly. This girl can't put down her Blackberry long enough to answer her iPhone even on Sunday, even at brunch. This one is obsessed with maintaining order, position, image, and self-image. No matter how small her empire, a control queen is the regent. She's got advanced stages of F.O.M.O. and "grass is always greener" disease. The poor thing can't bottom to save her life for her anal retentive compulsion.

In Context : The Control Queen abounds in New York. This city filled with entitled, over-achieving, up-and-coming power gays is a hub of control freaks all trying to climb the ladder. In an attempt to maintain power, the Control Queen displays characteristics that betray her inner insecurities : negativity, snobbery, and boastfulness. While every tranny in this city is trying to carve out her niche, transparent personality flaws are never cute. The cure for the common Control Queen : a psychiatrist, a power top and Blackberry deprivation therapy.