How to Wear a Tuxedo

Images courtesy of The Black Tux

E. Vincent Martinez

Burberry

The Black Tux

How to wear a tuxedo? Classic with a modern fit. That's how I do black tie.

October 10th was National Tuxedo Day and that got me thinking about how much I love wearing tuxedos so when my friends at The Black Tux, a tuxedo rental company, asked about my tuxedo style, I figured I'll share it with you too.

Fit is everything. Whether you're renting or purchasing, a good fit separates the men from the boys. A good fit doesn't mean tight and uncomfortable - you're not wearing skinny jeans! A good fit simply means that you're wearing your appropriate size. Stay away from a "regular" fit and shop for a "tailored" fit. Of course, when you're buying a tuxedo you have more flexibility when it comes to custom tailoring.

Now that we've determined that a tailored fit is the way to go, lets move on to accessorizing your tuxedo. Cufflinks and studs: rock your own. There are many styles available from flashy to conservative so choose a style that best represents your personality. Pocket squares: I prefer solid black or white OR I sometimes sport a pattern in black and white. Colors are okay but when the pocket square color matches the bow tie and cumberbund, that's just tacky! Bow ties: always should be self-tie. If you don't know how to tie a bow tie, learn!

When I wear a tuxedo, I always keep my color palette black and white and the fit is tailored. Simple. Classic. Modern. Timeless. 

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The Coolest James Bond Gadgets Ever

He's dressed to the nines, takes his martinis shaken, not stirred and James Bond has the coolest, covet-worthy gadgets on the planet. The iconographic below lists the super cool gadgets and the Bond movies they came from. Which is your favorite?

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Skyfall

Director: Sam Mendes

Starring: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, and Ben Whishaw

007 is celebrating his 50th anniversary this year, and I can not think of a better way to mark the occasion than by releasing one of the best Bond films ever.  This is Daniel Craig's third time out as the blonde Bond.  

Casino Royale

was a reboot of the entire franchise moving away from the campy nature of the previous films and scoring high marks from critics and fans.  

Quantum of Solace

was the not so spectacular follow up.

Oscar winning director

Sam Mendes (American Beauty)

brings his amazing talent to this franchise.  The result is the most intimate look at the character of James Bond since

On Her Majesty's Secret Service

.  Mendes shines light on Bond's past,  humanizing him in a way audiences have never seen.  Mendes has also assembled the strongest and most talented cast of any Bond film.

A highlight of Skyfall is the return of a Bond favorite who was noticeably absent from the previous two films.  

Ben Whishaw (Cloud Atlas)

brings nerdy chic  and a smashing head of hair to MI6 as the new quartermaster, providing 007 with quips and gadgets.  Oscar winner

Judi Dench (Shakespeare in Love)

reprises her role as the head of  MI6.  Dench has played M since 1995's

Goldeneye,

and Skyfall is by far her best story arc.  Oscar winner

Javier Bardhem (No Country for Old Men)

is the wonderfully twisted villan, Silva, who has a personal score to settle with M.  

Naomi Harris (Pirates of the Caribbean)

is stunningly beautiful, and this Bond girl is in the middle of the action.  There is a wonderful twist regarding Harris' character that I will not spoil but all Bond fans will love it.  Oscar nominee

Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient and Harry Potter)

plays a small role with a set up that should see him featured prominently in any future Bond movies.  Bond films are most often known for exotic locations, action, and beautiful women.  It is a testament to this cast that Skyfall will be remembered as a character driven story and not the typical Bond fare

I could not write about this film without mentioning

Adele's

fabulous and Oscar deserving song Skyfall.  The best Bond theme since 

Diamonds are Forever

sets the tone for the entire film.  Daniel Craig even said that it made him cry the first time he heard it.  The film will not make you cry and by the time the credits role you will be eagerly waiting for Britain's top spy to return.

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film

score 8 out of 10

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film

Jamie Clemons

fashion SHOOT at the Range

e-vincent-martinez-shooting-range-fashionado

Last week was a bang! Literally! I had my first training session at the Sandy Springs Gun Club and Range. When I was asked what type of guns I'd like to fire, I answered, "whatever looks best with my outfits."

Accompanying me was photographer and stylist, Richie Arpino. I was shooting guns and Richie was shooting me (with his camera!)

As we walked towards the service desk, we were greeted with a friendly smile from "Ranger Mama." I introduced myself and she immediately noticed a Gucci shoe box in one hand, a Ralph Lauren wardrobe bag in the other, and a fabulous suede Etro duffle bag on my shoulder. Ranger Mama's first question to me was, "You going to shoot in Gucci?" and I proudly replied, "Yes." What can I say... I've never been like other boys.

Soon after, Richie and I met the two owners of the Sandy Springs Gun Club and Range who gave us a grand tour of the facility. Now, the owners are not what you might expect. Perhaps Rambo types or good ol' boys come to mind?

Not!

The owners are sisters 

Cara Workman

and

Robyn Workman Marzullo

- young, pretty and mothers. I loved the fact that the gun club is owned by women. They loved that this was going to be a "fashion shoot."

Annual membership to the gun club has its perks. It includes unlimited access to a swanky lounge. Yep, a swanky lounge in a gun club and shooting range - modern furniture, comfy sofas, widescreen TV's and free WI-FI. The lounge is fully stocked with coffee, sodas and treats. Private lockers are available as well.

The 15,000 square ft. facility, a former flooring company, underwent a $3 million+ transformation which now houses 16 lanes including one for tactical shooting and another for moving targets.

Protective eyewear, ear muffs and safety procedures were a MUST.

Arlene Mison

, my super trainer, along with Cara and Robyn, are all about

safety first!

In fact, in all of my conversations with the owners, the importance of safety and education always seemed to be a topic of discussion. I don't own a gun, but I can honestly tell you that after this training I respect guns more than ever and I feel comfortable handling one. Robyn pointed out that many people buy a gun for protection but don't know how to use it. After going through training as I did, I can attest to the significance of proper firearm education.

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MY LOOKS

: 

 Ralph Lauren jacket and Michael Kors slacks, accessorized with a vintage silk paisely ascot and a Springfield XD-9 Tactical - 9mm semi automatic handgun.

Puma M92 45 Long Colt Lever Action Rifle

Can we say

"

shaken, not stirred

"

in a vintage tuxedo and 1970's blue crystal cufflinks? Shirt and bow tie, John. W. Nordstrom, firearm: Walther PPK 380 ACP.

I gave the Walther PPK additional flair with a bang of bright pink and patent leather Gucci loafers.

Meet my little friend, Saiga 12Ga Shotgun with 20 round drum.

It was time to rough it up a bit, so I traded in the tux for leather, the Gucci loafers for Miu Miu cap toe  boots and the Walther PPK for a Rock River AR-15 .223 semi-automatic Rifle.

Cara, Robyn, Arlene & Ranger Mama, I'm ready for another visit... Thank you!

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