It's not always about Fashion...

El Malecon Cuba

El Malecon. Havana, Cuba

I don't always have fashion on the brain. I know. Shocking. As I enjoy a cup of coffee on my porch on this peaceful and sunny Sunday morning in Atlanta, all I can think about is when I will return to Cuba. My journey had a profound and life changing impact on me, but it's even more complex than that. There is a special feeling about returning to your birthplace, I can't quite explain, but I think about it all the time. Can someone actually be homesick for a place they didn't grow up in? A place they haven't visited in over four decades? That's kind of how I feel... Even in it's dilapidated and unkempt state, Cuba is a beautiful country with exquisite architecture, lush countryside and beautiful beaches. While I've always known Miami as "home" Cuba is quickly changing that mindset.

I hope that everyone is having a lovely Sunday, where ever home is for you! xo

fashionado

Looks of Summer OOTD

E. Vincent Martinez by Tomas Espinoza Photography

Photo by Tomas Espinoza Photography

Summer is hot but you don't have to be. No one loves dressing in layers more than I do but the sweltering southern heat will have you melting faster than MacArthur's Park. Keep it cool this summer. Like this...

A light chambray, short sleeve shirt, with just a hint of Western from H&M, does the trick and shows off the ink. Keeping my wallet cool, the slacks are from H&M too. Try color for a stylish twist. Everyone likes a good POP. The white shoes (with navy stitching) by Cole Haan add a clean, crisp flair to my look. And guys, loafers, while they're always in style, are really on trend this summer. So slip into a pair. NO socks! The bag is Etro and the shades, Dolce & Gabbana. 

All photos by Tomas Espinoza Photography.

fashionado

Cuba Update!

finding Dad Cuba

We have officially begun production on my documentary about finding my father in Cuba. Gil Guillama, pictured with me here, alongside this amazing orange 1954 Chevy, spent eight very enlightening and emotional days in Havana. I reunited with my father and currently I am reliving the overwhelming experience as Gil and I go through our footage as we prepare to tell my story. We took this photo in my old neighborhood. It was my first time back since 1970. My house was in front of us, and the park I used to play at, behind us. It was so beautiful 40 years ago, and now, as you can see, is no longer. 

Look for more updates, teasers and its premiere this October at the Georgia Latino Film Festival.

fashionado

Classic Cars of Cuba

I once read that it looked as if time stood still in Cuba because of all the classic cars on the street. It's true and here's a video clip from my recent trip to prove it! Truly magnificent. Classic car fans, enjoy!

fashionado

How to give your Khakis a Polished-Twist

All Photos by Demi Styles. Location: ESTATE.

How do you wear khakis and still look stylish? It's all in how you pull the ensemble together and where you shop for your khaki pants. Let me show you how I do it.

When I go through my closet looking for "something to wear," I consider the entire outfit from head-to-toe. Everyone does, right? On this particular day, I was interviewing Candy Spelling at the beautiful property in Buckhead, Ga known as Estate, thanks Tony Conway! I knew I wanted to tone down my look. In other words, I didn't want to be flashy. I wanted to appear polished and refined while still maintaining a casual feel. A pair of khakis, the right pair, matched with the right blazer would help me achieve the look. The only thing "conservative" about these khakis are the very fiber of their being, literally! Moving beyond the textile, my trousers are wide-legged, single pleat with a two-inch cuff and hemmed with no break to reveal ankle. Not your everyday khakis!

With a wider pant, a tailored fit for the shirt and blazer are imperative. AND you know how I feel about

pocket squares

!

how-to-wear-khakis-vincent-martinez-fashionado

A crisp white shirt is an essential. Every man should have one or twelve in his closet.

l 

Last and definitely not least, shoes. They should always make a statement. This is the Hawkins Shawl Penny Loafer by Cole Haan in a hunter green suede and leather with wooden soles. They match the blazer, but not too much. To give them that extra fashion-forward oomph, wear them without socks. [Banana Republic carries an excellent line of "no sock" socks.]

Next time you want to dress up your khakis, consider where they came from. Start with that! Designer labels make a difference here. These are Thom Brown for Brooks Brothers. Follow the advice I provided and you'll look sharp and dapper. 

fashionado

RHOA Cynthia Bailey: The Interview

The interview was as "real" as it gets. Cynthia Bailey was very comfortable and in a chatty mood. So what did we talk about? Everything! Cynthia was candid with her feelings about her husband Peter Thomas, her crazy life as a reality tv star, NeNe Leakes, The Bailey Agency and a whole lot more. She addressed rumors and concerns over Real Housewives of Atlanta, health issues and the world of modeling. *WATCH Cynthia Bailey: The Interview on fashionadoTV.

fashionado

The Garden Table Dining Experience at the Four Seasons Atlanta

There's dining. There's fine dining. AND then there's this! The fabulous Four Seasons Atlanta put the WOW factor in fine dining with a Garden Table rooftop dining experience for the senses. Spectacular!

Let's start with the exquisite setting. The fragrance of the peonies, the lush greenery and the glistening flatware was inviting, sophisticated and yet casual. We were mesmerized.

Presentation is EVERYTHING. The attention to detail was superb. Each course was presented with an arrangement of signage.

When Marsha Middleton of M-Squared PR invited me to the Garden Table Dining Experience, I knew it would be fabulous just because I know that's Marsha's modus operandi and by the fact that dinner was at the Four Seasons Atlanta. I didn't know, however, just how beyond fabulous it was going to be. My date for the occasion, Gray Miller West Gallery owner, Nic Miller.

The first course, the "Fresh Market Crudo" set the tone and flavor palate for the deliciousness that awaited.

This was no ordinary mint julep. It was extraordinary! Rather (and better than) sugar, the beverage was sweetened with fresh honey from the bees kept by the Four Seasons Atlanta. Same held true for all the herbs that came from their garden.

garden-table-four-seasons-hotel-fashionado

garden-table-four-seasons-hotel-fashionado

garden-table-four-seasons-hotel-fashionado

The freshest, most delicious snapper ever! This was the third course. Amazing! In the photo above, Chef Robert Gerstenecker shows us how the salt baked snapper was prepared and cooked. 

Porterhouse and Tomahawk steaks for the main course with a the largest prawn of ever seen. Grilled to perfection and served over an artichoke with a dollop of blue cheese.

garden-table-four-seasons-hotel-fashionado

The perfect balance of friends, new and old, contributed to a seamless and flawless evening. You too can enjoy a dining experience like this. Garden Table can accommodate parties of eight - eighteen. I promise you, there is nothing this heavenly or divine or delicious in Atlanta. Bravo Marsha Middleton. Bravo Four Seasons Atlanta!

fashionado