HAPPY EASTER

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Nothing says Happy Easter with more style than a Philip Treacy hat. 

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The Classic Cars of Cuba

These cars are works of art. Someone recently told me that classic cars aren't too common in Cuba anymore, well, I hope the same fool is reading this now because he couldn't be more wrong!

They are everywhere.

Most of them have been converted to diesel engines for economic reasons and while the shell of the vehicle is original, the motors have been rebuilt with Nissan parts, Mercedes Benz and others. They have to be maintained weekly so they keep running and renting a taxi classic is cheap cheap cheap.

For real - check out this engine. To be fair, this engine is extra sexy because this car is used for racing and showing off.

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We heard this car before even laying eyes upon it. The car enthusiasts gathered around began yelling "por ahi viene Cruella!" [here comes Cruella!] They recognized the zoom from a distance. Cruella is the fastest hot rod on the island.

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Pink convertibles were quite popular. This was was cruising down El Malecon with the Hotel Nacional as it's backdrop.

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I love this - a 1950's Ford Victoria, painted in a matte black with Mustang rims and Porsche brakes. Need I say more...

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We arrived at the Hotel Nacional in grand style in a 1950 yellow convertible. We cruised around El Malecon and Central Havana for an hour in this beauty.

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This is a 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air. It's owner, Osmel, replaced the original engine with a Mercedes Benz and you could feel the difference. We rode two hours up the coast to Varadero in this sweet car.

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This is my father's Jeep and there's a great story here. It doesn't look it but this Jeep is from the 1950's! My dad modified and rebuilt it based on photos of a Jeep from the 1980's he found in a brochure. Yeah, I've got a cool dad.

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And finally...

Gil and I thinking we're hot... 

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4 weeks to Doggies 7!

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WE are one month away from the 7th Annual DOGGIES ON THE CATWALK!

Get ready for the most fun you can have on a Friday night with 18 furry friends and fashion. Get ready for cocktails. Get ready for games. Get ready for dancing. Get ready for fashion & puppies!

Love the ad, btw! Woof woof to Modern Luxury for being our exclusive media sponsor once again!!

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We are Back! Havana, Cuba

E Vincent Martinez Havana, Cuba 2014

I'm back from Cuba, in body - my heart is still there with my father. This '51 Chevrolet was our car for most of the time while in Havana. We took the photo on my old street which faced the house my mother grew up in and where I lived until I was five. The trip was phenomenal and very emotional as expected. I have many photos to share with you - from the amazing architecture to the classic cars to the beautiful beaches. We also returned with over eleven hours of video footage, so we have our work cut out for us.

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Questions to Ask When Turning your Passion into the Fashion-forward Business of your Dreams

"The most beautiful makeup of a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy." —Yves Saint-Laurent

If you're considering starting your own clothing line, opening an online fashion business or otherwise taking your entrepreneurial and fashion skills to the streets with flair, chances are you've already got a fantastic dose of passion and motivation. In many ways, that passion can carry you through some of the most rewarding and challenging phases of entrepreneurship. But in order to succeed, you'll need to couple experience and know-how with your already blossoming passion for fashion.

1. Are you as passionate about running a business as you are about fashion and design?

Working in the fashion industry and owning your own business are two very different things. If your passion is design and you want to spend the majority of your time working on your craft, starting a fashion business might not be for you. It's not all glamour and glitz.

Like a skilled writer opening a publishing house, you'll be trading in much of your craft for business ownership, paperwork, employee payroll, marketing and sometimes even trying to break even.

                                                       Photo by Reidaroo via Wikimedia Commons

If you have little to no experience in the business world, it would be in your best interest to gain know-how before you get started, whether that means formally studying business in your spare time and getting a business management associate degree or working under a successful businessperson who's willing to teach you everything they know.

2. Do you have the connections you need to succeed?

You don't necessarily have to be super experienced (although experience is definitely a powerful asset) to open your own fashion business. But you do need connections, and not just with people in the fashion industry. You'll need to find people you trust to join your team, as well as people to work with you in marketing, brand development and Web design. You'll need funding to get your new business off the ground and someone who knows public relations inside and out to generate interest as you get started.

3. What is your demographic?

Once you've determined you've got what it takes to get started—and the perseverance to stick with it even when the going gets tough—you'll need to pinpoint your target demographic. Who will wear your clothes? Are you aiming for high fashion or do you want to design clothes for infants and toddlers? Identify the people who will actually be doing the purchasing. 

Don't start too big; you'll want to focus on an audience and cater to them before widening your scope.

                                                               Photo by Charlie Brewer via Wikimedia Commons

4. What is your brand?

Obviously, your brand needs a name, logo and style that reflects your passion and personality in an appealing way. In an article by Inc.com, fashion experts underscore the importance both of being business savvy as well as having the ability to brand your line. Your brand serves to lure both investors and, later, customers who like your style, so take the time to get it right. Constantly collecting feedback, looking at ways other up and coming fashion designers keep their brand fresh and selling a look rather than a motley collection of individual pieces will work wonders when you're branding your style.

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THE Pocket Square

Pocket squares are [my] must-have accessory. The 12-15 square inch silk or linen swatch of fabric brings so much style to a man's ensemble. It's often overlooked; forgotten. I'm telling you [guys] hook up your personal style with pocket squares. I wear mine with suits, blazers and even with my tuxedo.

How do you go about choosing the "right" pocket square? The choice is based on your likes and it's completely up to you. I prefer to have a variety of patterns and colors from traditional, solids and edgier designs. This way, the only decision I'm faced with is which pocket square to match up with my look du jour. You can find pocket squares everywhere. Designers make beautiful but very expensive ones. I have a secret place where I buy my pocket squares and I'm going to share it with you...

Century 21... pay them a visit next time you're in NYC! Best selection; best value! Now, go have fun polishing up your style with the perfect pocket square.

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I'm in a BOOK: The Earthbound Trilogy

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 "It is the story of another galactic being who walks into the body of Khalilah, an internationally-known super model.

 On a trip to Phoenix, she meets and is completely drawn to Jackson and XAM, with whom she shares the same vision for our planet. She uses her celebrity status to create a major event that brings about a New Earth of peace and love. 

In turn, she finds the love she has always wanted."

This book, written by Maxine Taylor, who is Georgia's first licensed astrologer and a long time friend of mine is a must-read. [Make sure and pick up parts 1&2]

Earthbound will engage and captivate you AND guess what?? I am a character in the book! That's not only engaging, but intriguing! I play (myself - Vincent Martinez) the Editor-in-Chief of a major fashion publication. Am I a good guy? Bad guy? Or... well you'll just have to read and find out! Get your The Earthbound Trilogy and happy reading!

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