High - Low Fashion OOTD

E. Vincent Martinez
E. Vincent Martinez

William Wren Opening / Photo: Tomas Espinoza

The "high-low" fashion trend is nothing new. Remember when Sharon Stone turned red carpet heads at the 1998 Oscars in a Gap shirt and Vera Wang evening skirt? (Flawless, btw!) And it's perfectly okay for men to follow the trend as well. For some us, it's a more realistic (affordable) approach to fashion and personal style. I've always said, it's not what/who you wear but how you wear it. In this photo, I am wearing a denim shirt by one of my fave retailers, Banana Republic, the slim cut cargos are Gap, purple suede shoes by Cole Haan and the blazer... drum roll... Salvatore Ferragamo. Bam... and that's how you hit the high note!

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Fit for a Diva

I know as much about fitting for bras as I do about birthing babies. BUT luckily, these Double Divas, Molly Hopkins and Cynthia Decker, are experts and will take great care of you. [I do know] a well-fitted bra is everything and since many women have never been professionally fit and measured a visit to the Livi Rae Lingerie boutique is a must.

But wait!!

You can't make it up to Livi Rae on Barrett Parkway OR you don't live in Atlanta... hey, NO problem! Molly and Cynthia have designed a genius way to offer their customers the Livi Rae experience from the comfort (and privacy) of their own home. Via SKYPE, you'll get a bra fitting session with Molly, Cynthia or one of the experts at LiviRae. Watch the video above for details.

AND just to say "thank you," use promo code LRBLOGGEROFF and get $10 off any online purchase at Livi Rae! *Good through September 30th.*

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William Wren Grand Opening Recap

William Wren
William Wren

Sexy waved shoes & accessories wall at William Wren. Photos by Tomas Espinoza.

Luxury has a new zip code in Atlanta. If it's been a while since you've been to Virginia Highland, then you are overdue a visit. Veteran retailer, Winter Hodges, offers you a shopping experience with the opening of his third location in VaHi. First came the sophisticated 310 Rosemont, followed by it's younger sister Winter Wren and now, the swanky William Wren, shoes and accessories boutique has arrived. Upon entering William Wren, the most enticing scent of rich leather says "welcome, come in." It's a fabulous sensory overload like no other, because while the smell of leather is seducing you, your eyes are feasting on the super-sexy store layout and your fingers want nothing more than to feel the merchandise.

e vincent martinez chris watkins & lynn lilly

e vincent martinez chris watkins & lynn lilly

Christopher Watkin, Lynn Lilly and I hosted the William Wren Grand Opening. AND grand it was!

William Wren
William Wren

A waved wall which runs the length of the store is not only dramatic but alluring with an impressive collection of high end designer shoes and accessories by labels like Frye, Sperry, Jack Roger, Kate Spade, Hunter, Polo, Vince, Marc Jacobs, Alice & Olivia, Nike, Peter Millar, Cole Haan and more.

William Wren
William Wren
William Wren
William Wren
William Wren
William Wren
William Wren
William Wren

Mr. Winter Hodges. [Not only does he have a great name] but he is one of the nicest, most charismatic people you will ever meet. 

Helloooo signature cocktails! Peach Bourbon sweet tea and watermelon margaritas ... 

The crowd never let up! I looked at my watch at 7:20PM and William Wren was filling up quickly. It was after 9PM and everyone was still there! A stylish boutique attracted a stylish crowd.

Caption this...

DJ Pat O'Brien.

Winter Hodges and I. Cheers!

Winter and publicist Caren West. I'd bet money they're talking shoes and bags, not "business." 

I can't resist a doggie. This four-legged guest was almost a year old.

william-wren-shoes-accessories-fashionado
william-wren-shoes-accessories-fashionado

Photographer Tomas Espinoza captured Chris, Lilly and I enjoying a co-hosting moment with our signature drinks!

William Wren
William Wren

Giving into temptation can be a sweet thing! Establish a relationship with William Wren is good for the soul and your soles.

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What Your Clothing Says About You (Whether You Like it Or Not)

by guest author: Alison Stanton

You might not realize it, but every time you go out into public, you are telling total strangers about the type of person you are based on what you are wearing. Granted, these  snap judgments might not always be fair, but as Psychology Today notes, our clothing says a lot more about us than we might realize.

The following examples give some insight as to what types of threads are most likely to be seen on which types of people:

The happy go lucky slob

If you love nothing more than throwing on a comfy old and t-shirt and a pair of shorts that may contain a hole or two, your outfit, notes Lifescape Image pretty much announces to the world “I’m pleased as punch with my sloppy self.” While you might think of yourself as more carefree and unhindered by fashion rules, others might see you as not caring about the way you look — and possibly other important things in life like your job or your home. But in general, these super-relaxed outfits indicate a laid back and mellow person.

The monochromatic beige person

If you leave the house most mornings wearing a tan jacket, beige khakis and sand-colored shoes, chances are good you are an introvert. As Marie Claire notes, people who like to wear a lot of drab colors often use their clothing as a way to avoid being noticed. Even if you genuinely love neutral colors, you will probably be perceived as someone who does not want to stand out in a crowd.

The motocross clothing aficionado

Does your closet contain a variety of bright and colorful t-shirts emblazoned with Fox or Troy Lee Designs logos, or other motocross clothing from online companies like MotoSport? If so, chances are good you are outgoing, bold and brave, just like motocross itself. In general, people who wear brands like this are athletic and ready to tackle anything that life hands them — preferably on two wheels. You might not have ever ridden a dirt bike in your life, but if you wear these types of outfits, people will assume you do, and that’s just fine.

The one trick pony

Remember the Seinfeld episode when Jerry’s date wore the identical black and white dress over and over? If your closet is filled with the same or similar outfits — like maybe six pair of blue jeans, five black t-shirts and three pairs of white running shoes, your desire to wear pretty much the same thing every day may indicate you are not into change. While you might insist this is not the case and you just like these outfits, if you take an honest look at yourself you might agree that taking risks or trying new things isn’t really your cup of tea.

The designer logo fan

If your closet is filled with designer clothes, chances are good you are self-confident and stylish. While it’s great to have fancy duds from high-end manufacturers, you want to be sure you don’t overdo it. Wearing designer labels and logos from head to toe might give off the wrong impression that you are part of a fashion show and you are using your clothes as a way to announce how cool you are.

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Suits & Motorcycles

E. Vincent Martinez
E. Vincent Martinez

Suit by Banana Republic / Photos by Tomas Espinoza Photography

Nothing compares to a well-fitted suit. It's the difference between good and bad style. Regardless of whatever your career may be, a sharp dressed man is unstoppable.

Because I like an edgier look, the pants are hemmed higher than "normal." You don't have to do that. The suit, as you can see, is a good fit - you can't go wrong with Banana Republic! I wanted a clean, crisp feel, so I chose a tailored-fit white dress shirt from Brooks Brothers. The shoes are  Italian leather wingtips by Roberto Guerrini, the silk pocket square from Century 21 in NYC and the bowtie, vintage.

*All photos by Tomas Espinoza Photography

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You're Invited: William Wren Grand Opening Celebration

William Wren
William Wren

The best way to elevate any outfit is through your shoes and accessories. With that said, I am thrilled to be hosting the Grand Opening to the hottest shoe and accessory boutique [for men & women] in the city, William Wren in Virginia Highland. Marc Jacobs, Vince, Michael Kors, Alice + Olivia and Sperry are just some of the amazing brands waiting to embrace your feet and lift your style. Like these lovelies by Vince:

I hope you will join me on Thursday at William Wren. Enjoy complimentary signature cocktails, lite bites and music by DJ Pat O'Brien and of course, loads of fabulous, high end footwear & accessories! William Wren is the third Atlanta offering from Winter Hodges - a veteran retailer who also owns Winter Wren and 310 Rosemont in Virginia Highland (Winter Wren is across from Murphy’s. 310 is right by Genki and William Wren is located further down the street, but on the same block). 

*Make sure and also pop in at Winter Wren and 310 Rosemont who are both joining in the celebration and let's make it a Fashion Party Thursday in the Highlands!

But first,let's take a selfie ... NO, just kidding! You do however need to RSVP. Let us know you're coming... rsvp@carentwestpr.com

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Real Men Moisturize

E. Vincent Martinez
E. Vincent Martinez

Alright guys. I know "we" don't like to talk about it. And many of you don't even do it!! But skin care is for everybody so listen up. I've been moisturizing for more than half my life. Look at me! Not bad for 100.... [sans 52 years!] Seriously, skin care is your fountain of youth. Let me help you discover it. I've got secrets to share. As a guy and a fashion blogger, I turn to David Beckham and Nick Wooster for inspiration... Style and tattoos, they've got you covered. No pun intended. But what about skin care? Who inspires you? What is your skinspiration?

I watch those TV commercials, geared to women, selling younger, fresher and healthier looking skin and think, that's not for me. BUT it kind of is. Really. For all of us. My skinspiration is youth. C'mon, it's a no brainer. Male or female, who doesn't want their skin looking and feeling its best? While aging is inevitable, I'm not going to assist the process either. Here's what I do daily to keep my skin as young and healthy as possible.

First thing, wash your face. That should be obvious, but... don't just splash water on it or use a bar of body soap on your face. The skin on your face is softer, even on rugged men, than the skin on your body, so you need a gentler cleanser. I love Aveeno Positively Radiant brightening cleanser. Keep a bottle in the shower if it's easier to remember to use it... I have been washing my face with Aveeno for years and it cleans, tones and softens skin all at the same time. You don't have to tell your buddies you use it. You'll just look better than they do.

Now that your face is clean, it's ready to absorb moisturizer. I've tried many brands from Kiehl's to Chanel to less "fussy" labels. I always go back to Aveeno Positively Radiant with 15 SPF. *Here's a secret I learned in 1986 from a college friend and now I am sharing it with you. I have done this everyday since learning about it and I am reaping the benefits 28 years later. Pay close attention guys. Dab a little bit of moisturizer on your finger and gently rub it on the skin near the ears. Keeping that small patch of skin hydrated will prevent premature wrinkling! That tiny area is almost always neglected and is the first to show wrinkles, thus revealing your age. Look at the dude next to you. You see. Most guys don't know this trick and it really really works. I'm 48 and don't have a single wrinkle on that area. It's never too soon or too late to start, btw.

A product I recently discovered and I am obsessing over is JetGlow Cream by Bluemercury. This stuff really works. Use it at night, forget about it and go to bed. Wash your face in the morning (as you should be doing anyway.) JetGlow is a specialized anti-wrinkle retexturing cream leaving your skin feeling new the next day.  

On my body, I stick with Aveeno Daily Lotion. It works so why look elsewhere.

Lastly.

DRINK PLENTY of WATER! If you don't, you'll dry up and your skin will look like a desert. Drink plenty of water. Hydration is the best moisturizer out there.

Skin Care
Skin Care

Well there you have it. My regiment is easy. And dude friendly. Try it. Also, you must check out this amazing skin care site/guide by HSN. Everything you ever wanted to know about having younger, healthier skin, from care to products is right here! Check it out.

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