Spring is on its way!

/
spring e vincent martinez fashionado

Hello SPRING! I know you're not here yet though it sure looks and feels like it. The pleasures of living in Atlanta.

Days like today (and just like last week when this photo was taken) are heavenly reminders that this is Winter in the South. I love it.

This is not a "fashion" post where talk about Spring fashion and tell you what to wear and how to wear it... So what about the photo? Well, that's where it gets very exciting. VERY! I was asked by Atlanta Pet Life Magazine to be featured on the cover of their Spring issue along with my dog Simone, aka, Miss Fashionado. I am thrilled! O- Em- Gee!

The Cover!! (Wow... not this photo because Simone isn't in it.) There is another one with her, that I will share when the issue comes out. It's amazing!

While my favorite photographer, Tomas Espinoza, who is also my dear friend (and one of the best photogs in the city, btw) and I were hopping around my favorite property, The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, we came across this floral billboard. Tomas and his creative eagle-eye spotted it across the street from the newly opened Tom Ford. This was the perfect backdrop for my lime green Mr. Turk blazer. End of story.

Not entirely... The Shops Buckhead Atlanta is the hosting location for Doggies on the Catwalk, so when I conceptualized the cover shot for Atlanta Pet Life I knew immediately that this had to be our "set." With that said, save the date for Saturday June 4, 2016 for the 9th annual Doggies on the Catwalk. Our benefiting sponsor is Canine Assistants - a truly inspiring non-profit that is changing lives, big and small. Service dogs and high-end labels will make quite the fashion statement. There's much more Doggies on the Catwalk info coming your way, including tickets and VIP. Stay tuned!

fashionado

Happy New Year 2016!

/
e vincent martinez fashionado

I have a pretty optimistic approach to life. Always have. That feeling is always magnified this time of year. "Letting Go" will be my mantra in 2016. I've been embracing the concept for a long while but after turning fifty last November, I decided it's time to put into practice the act of letting go. It's a mindset, that's all.

 This is not a New Year's resolution nor is it meant to foster negativity. Instead, it's all about personal happiness, fulfillment and quality of life. Sure, there will always be some level of stress surrounding us, i.e. work, traffic... but we are the architects of our lives and we're in control of how much influence others have on it. We often try to make others "happy" at the expense of our's. It's OKAY to say "NO."

So I've just shared something personal. But it is something that is within my reach and will make me a happier, better person. What will make you happy? How will you attain it? Make. It. Happen.

[Professionally] I've been laying the groundwork for exciting projects and events in 2016. Expect more content on fashionado this year in fashion, music, art and personal opinion. I'm loving my job as an adjunct professor in fashion at the Art Institute of Atlanta and I'm eager to see where this takes me - for sure NYFW and Charleston Fashion Week! And finally, but certainly not least, Doggies on the Catwalk 2016! Last year's event set the tone with our upscale move to The Shops Buckhead and this year's event, slated for early June, promises to be even more fabulous!

I wish everyone a very happy, healthy and loving new year!

fashionado


BEARDOLOGY

/

by Brian A. Hampton / DressLikeAgent.co

beardology chart

Along with the endless list of fall trends arising among men, there is one in particular that continues to resurface throughout history, proving to be more than a trend, but rather a true statement of one’s personal style, self-expression and character – The Beard. In the ancient world, the beard played a cultural role as a symbol of one’s wisdom, status, maturity, dignity or societal positioning. On the other hand, the beard has been thought of as symbolic of one’s insubordination to the law and would get you taxed. According to Alexander the Great, it should be removed to eliminate an easy and painful target for the enemy during battle.

Fast forward to modern culture, men all over the world are proudly sporting the beard simply to add a certain pizzazz to their overall look and style. Celebrities such as Bradley Cooper, Idris Elba, Hugh Jackman, Antonio Banderas, Taye Diggs, along with a bunch of NBA/NFL personalities, have all been seen bearded and dapper in major fashion shoots and red carpeted events. The point is, if you want to grow a beard or at least attempt it, go for it! Here are 5 things to keep in mind before taking the plunge that will prove useful:

1.     First of all, it’s important to mention that not everyone can grow a beard. The decision to join “the beardgang” must also be weighed based on genetics. The question as to whether your facial hair can grown in the direction of a beard is one that can only be determined through the course of time and patience. If it grows spotty and refuses to connect, then just be honest with yourself and in the words of Frozen’s Elsa, “Let it Go!”

2.     Be committed. It is recommended to allow a good 3 to 4 weeks to go without shaving when initially growing out your beard. This process can be grueling at first and you may even feel like giving up after the first week or two. The idea is to persevere in order to allow your follicles the appropriate time to come out. Resist the temptation to shape or trim your beard until you’ve allowed sufficient time for it to grow first.

3.     Invest in a quality beard clipper or razor. Since this is a major step in your facial hair journey, you want to be sure not to use a cheap product when trimming or shaping up your beard. Be sure to get one that offers various length controls and trim guards. Or, for the most precise beard shaping, just liberate yourself by letting your barber do it when you get your next cut. For me personally, it’s just less stressful. After all, the science behind shaping, trimming and lining your beard can end in disaster if not done right.  

4.     To maintain a healthy beard, its important to treat your beard like the rest of your hair. On occasion, be sure to exfoliate when washing your face as well as utilizing a shampoo or conditioning soap on the face, which will also condition the beard. The worse feeling is having an itchy beard due to dry, scaly skin. It is also recommended to invest in a bottle of beard oil to keep the beard looking shiny and to moisturize the skin underneath the beard. Additionally, it is ideal to comb or brush your beard frequently to train it to grow in the right direction and to adequately disperse the conditioning agent you use throughout the entire beard.

5.     Wear your beard boldly! After going through all of these steps, why not wear it with pride and honor? Dress up your new face with the right outfit and stun the crowd. If you feel good about it, make sure that you dress the part.

#MRTURKxFashionado TRUNK SHOW RECAP

/

No one does color and pattern like Mr Turk. No one does menswear like Mr Turk. And in Atlanta, the only place to find this amazing brand is at Trina Turk at Phipps Plaza. Mr Turk is one of the most refreshing menswear labels out there. Jonathan Skow a.k.a. Mr Turk, embraces impeccable tailoring, great design, bold prints, pattern and vibrant colors to create unique collections for confident men. This is fashion! As a fan of Mr Turk, I was thrilled and honored to host his first ever trunk show in Atlanta and introduce this exciting fashion line to a new audience. It was a true fashion party at Trina Turk with a fun group of fashionados and fashionistas enjoying Bulleit Bourbon cocktails, beef tenderloin and lobster bites from Davio's Restaurant while they played "dress up" and shopped. The evening had a socially-conscious purpose as well, bringing awareness to Pride School Atlanta. A portion of Turk sales benefited the school committed to providing a safe, fun and rigorous learning environment to LGBTQQIA students, families and educators.

PHOTOS: Doggies on the Catwalk 2015

/

Whether you missed it and / or just wanted to relive the best fashion moments from the 8th Annual Doggies on the Catwalk, our photographer Scott Reeves did a great job of capturing the evening at Buckhead Atlanta. Enjoy! 

fashionado

MR TURK Trunk Show #MRTURKxFashionado

/
mr turk trina turk

Let's gear up for a stylishly vibrant summer with MR TURK! I am super excited to be hosting an exclusive trunk show from the latest collection by the brilliant MR TURK. Bold prints and patterns are balanced by perfectly tailored solids that will guarantee heads will turn when you enter the room. Check out a collection of swimsuits that will make a designer splash and bowties to please the most discriminatingly dapper tastes. If you know & love  MR TURK then you'll be very excited and if you don't know the brand, allow me to introduce you to one my favorite menswear labels. JOIN me next Thursday at MR TURK located at Trina Turk at Phipps Plaza. Enjoy Bulleit Bourbon cocktails and tasty bites from Davio's while you shop! A potion of sales will benefit Pride School Atlanta. #MRTURKxFashionado

fashionado

CONNected with Conn Jackson & Doggies on the Catwalk!

/
Conn Jackson Doggies on the Catwalk Theory

Earlier this week, Conn Jackson, pictured above with Theory Bulkhead GM Kelly Miller, came into the showroom for his fitting for the 8th Annual Doggies on the Catwalk. If you know Conn, then you won;t be surprised that we had a blast! He wore two hats that day, one of a model and the other as the host and producer of his on TV show Get Connected with Conn Jackson; CONN TV. Lucky for us, my last fitting of the day was the one and only Monica Pearson and the super clever Conn Jackson jumped on the opportunity for a quick promo video for Doggies on the Catwalk. I love it!!! Conn will be producing a segment about the show but sooner than that, you can see him strut a pup on the 'Catwalk' Saturday night at Buckhead Atlanta. *Secure your tickets because this event is almost sold out.

fashionado