Suits & Motorcycles

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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Dream Cars BONUS Video High Museum of Art

Dream Cars

Very soon the "Dream Cars" will be only a dream so better hurry to the High Museum to catch this amazing exhibition. In the meantime, you can enjoy these automotive works of art right here.  This re-edited video, highlights some of our favorite moments of the show! And the High Museum's Curator of Decorative Arts offers us some pretty cool trivia about the concept cars that you won't find anywhere else but here. Watch & enjoy the ride!!!

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You're Invited: William Wren Grand Opening Celebration

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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Cole Haan: Such a Tease!

Cole Haan

Cole Haan had me all hot and bothered with this "electrifying" shoe because [and I'm almost embarrassed to admit it] I thought it really lit up!

Why not?

Some children's sneakers do. Why should they get all the fun. Well, I was crushed, only slightly, to learn that the Cole Haan Zerogrand is trick-less. However, what they lack in special effects they make up in a fabulous variety of colors. And they are very stylish. I'd like a pair, even if they don't light up.

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Penland School Auction 2014

Penland School of Crafts

I snapped this photo leaving Penland. I never get tired of this view!

Happy Monday everyone! After a sensational weekend at the Penland School of Crafts in NC, I am back home in Atlanta and feeling a little tired. The gloomy weather isn't doing anything for my energy level either! Penland School celebrated its 29th Annual Benefit auction this past weekend with well over 400 of its loyal supporter, patrons, artists and volunteers. It is quite an impressive production and task pulling it off as fabulously as they do. [Not to date myself] but I was around for Penland's 3 & 4th Annual auctions - I was just a kid *wink. Congratulations to Penland for raising $600K+ to benefit its programming. That is truly amazing and wonderful. If you are an art lover and /or collector, the Penland School Annual Auction is a MUST! 

The "signature" piece, a collaboration between artists Julia Woodman and Kenny Pieper sold for $35K!!! The sterling martini set and hand-blown glasses was absolutely exquisite. Watch the making of the signature piece in this video:

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This Weekend: Penland School Benefit Auction, NC

Penland School

Look at this view! I borrowed the image from Penland School's IG. I'm heading that way today and I am so excited. It has been well over a decade since I have attended the Penland School of Crafts Annual Benefit Auction. The auction is truly an experience like nothing else. Starts Friday with luncheons, gallery shows, previews, cocktails, dinner followed by more art on Saturday and the auction itself under the big white tent. Best way to describe the next two days: over-the-top!

I'll Instagram throughout the weekend so make sure you're following me @fashionado!

Get to know Penland School through this feature we filmed last Fall.

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Real Men Moisturize

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

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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