First Comes Fashion....

This week will be filled with glamorous formalwear designs and spectacular new color that is sure to amaze! Leading designers, top retailers and fashion editors from Vows, Women's Wear Daily, Americasmart and many more will be on hand to give buyers a unique insight into their designs and work through interviews, panel discussions and one on one talks. 

The only event of its kind, Formal Fashion Week in association with Americasmart's World of Prom show, is a unique opportunity to hear from the people who create formal fashion at it's finest! ALL UNDER ONE ROOF! 

Here is a sneak peek at some styles we've marked as "MUST SEE" this year! 

In the case of Joseph Abboud, whose collection featured fabric superposition and pure lines, we think this look will be a "spot on" trend for 2014.  

The Ike Behar silhouette is absolutely breathtaking! A beautiful yet very classic design! We can't wait to see more from this designer!  

Accessories are a very important detail in men's formalwear and we rely on trusted designer Larr Brio for new looks and colors every year! Shown above is the Romance Collection and only available at My Fabulous Day retailers!   

Allure Men by Jean Yves, who partnered with Allure Bridals last year to create a new men's line for Allure has been very well received this spring. With Allure, we feel they have found the perfect balance between simplicity and complexity when designing their bridal and tuxedo line.

Red Carpet Ready! Prom 2013 is Here!!

Gearing up for prom season? So are My Fabulous Day retailers!! Don't miss their prom events, runway shows and special offers. You can stop in to get advice from the pros, learn which accessories match your style and, of course, find your ultimate prom look!

If it says "Black Tie Optional" -Bottom Line: Wear a Tux!

If the night calls for a black tie tuxedo, you don’t have to be just another penguin and you don’t have to be afraid to rent one. Renting a tuxedo allows you the pleasure of not spending hundreds of dollars for an suit you’ll only wear a few times and you’ll be able to rent the latest style and get a perfect fit tuxedo. Renting is easier than you think, but knowing how to wear a tuxedo will single you out as a man who knows how to dress well when the occasion calls for only the best.

Lately, we’ve noticed the garish trend of men opting out of the tuxedo. They either think it’s unnecessary or they don’t want to go to the effort. Unfortunately, they only look foolish.

Recently a friend attended the annual gala opening of the Atlanta Symphony, which is a formal, black-tie affair with international guests that include ambassadors and philanthropists. On this night, they expected to see fabulous men & women looking dapper all dressed up but it was not to be. Alas, the scourge of fashion -- that casual Friday uniform of golf shirt and khakis -- ruled the night.  Her & her husband felt over dressed and totally disappointed by the lack of respect for the symphony. Would it have been so hard to find an affordable tuxedo at the last minute? I think not. If the invitation states that black-tie is optional, then, by all means, wear a tuxedo! The use of the word “optional” is just a polite way of reminding you what you should wear. Then again, even if it doesn’t state the attire, you should go to the extra effort of showing your young lady friend that you’re a man of taste and wear one for that romantic evening at the theater. You really don’t have to have an invitation as an excuse or a reason. Her affection should be enough of an incentive -- it will be worth it.  

Tuxedo Rental 101

It's a reality you'll be faced with sooner or later in your life: "I need a tuxedo."

Whether it's for a prom, fundraiser, awards ceremony, tribute dinner, the opera, or that special day, the first question you should ask yourself is: rent or buy?

As a rule of thumb, purchasing a classic tuxedo is a wise investment if you foresee yourself wearing it on four or more occasions in the next couple of years. On the flip side, if you're a trend-conscious guy (but can't afford to buy a new tuxedo for every affair), or simply don't plan on wearing a tux more than four times over the next couple of years, then you're better off renting -- and here's how you should go about it.

Know the occasion....The first step is finding out what type of occasion you'll be attending. Is it a black-tie or white-tie affair? Is it at night or during the day? Should you opt for a classic, more conservative tuxedo or go all out and choose something more stylish? Inform yourself; find out the dress code and ask around to see what others will be wearing to the occasion. The last thing you want is to be dressed inappropriately. Also, if you're accompanied by a date, you might want to ask what she plans on wearing, to complement her outfit while defining your own style.

Know your time line.....Better safe than sorry; always reserve your tuxedo as early as possible. In most cases, reserving it a few weeks in advance will do, but in the case of a prom or a more traditional wedding, you should reserve a tux three to six months in advance. Prom season is hectic and the popular styles and sizes will likely be flying off the shelves. Traditional weddings, on the other hand, require a lot planning: whether you're the groom, best man, or an usher, measurements for all those in the wedding party (even those who are out of town) will need to be taken, so plan ahead, especially during wedding season.

Know your budget....In terms of budget, you should expect to pay anywhere between $90 for a conventional tuxedo to $200 for designer formalwear such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Joseph Abboud, Jean Yves and more. Keep in mind that rental prices vary depending on how long you expect to rent the tux for.

Know the basics....

Jacket: A regular tuxedo jacket features satin lapels and a boutonniere hole. Keep in mind that a tuxedo jacket comes in various styles; some are classic while other models are more stylish and therefore come and go according to the current trends.

Trousers: Formal trousers often feature a black satin stripe or braid along the outside seams. Because they don't feature belt loops, your pants should be worn with a vest or cummerbund. Also remember that formal pants should never be cuffed.

Shirts: You can choose from two basic types of shirts with a tuxedo: wing collar, turndown collar. A wing collar is found in the traditional shirt and is typically coupled with a bow tie and cummerbund. My Fabulous Day retailers also offer shirts in a variety of colors including: black, white, diamond white, ivory etc.

Shoes: Formal shoes are made to fit your style. From slip ons to lace ups, you can choose the shoe that best describes your personality.

Vest, Cummerbund, Bow Tie, and Accessories: A traditional tuxedo is worn with a bow tie and a vest or cummerbund. A cummerbund is a pleated sash worn around the waist. Its pleats should always be facing up and should match the bow tie. My Fabulous Day retailers offer every color of accessories on the market. No matter what bridesmaids or prom dress you are hoping to match, we have your color covered! Depending on the occasion, you may also want to purchase a set of studs & cuff links to make your experience more personal.

Jacket Colors: In terms of colors, a traditional tuxedo comes in black or white, but you can also find a variety of grays, tan and navy tuxedos.

See An Expert: Remember that a My Fabulous Day retailer is there to help you. Shop our website for styles you may be interested in or allow a specialist to suggest one for you. Bottom Line: It's up to you to pick out the tuxedo that suits you!!

      Visit www.myfabulousday.com for a retailer near you!